Internal Vs External Acne Treatment

A keen observation of acne treatment information will show that acne cure takes two broad approaches - external and internal. The former relates to topical application of creams, lotions, facemasks, etc., while the latter is about treating the root internal cause of acne. Which category do you fall into? And what is the best approach? Read on to discern the difference and get the answer!

Well, either approach is right, yet neither is complete. Considering external or topical treatment methods, they are thought to deliver active ingredients directly to the afflicted spot, setting to work immediately. Topical treatments are essential to maintain a skin care routine. Proper cleansers, exfoliators and moisturizers play a vital role in keeping your pores unclogged. In fact, conditions like hyperkeratinization need to be managed externally by delivering ingredients like salicylic acid to break the unnecessary cell bonds and keep your pores open. Another important advantage of topical remedies pertains to treating acne inflammation. Inflammation, a result of overreaction to the P. Acnes bacteria, needs some extent of external management through the application of anti-inflammatory preparations.

Coming to the internal approach, you are probably aware that it is considered to be a holistic approach. In other words, you address the systemic factors that contribute to hormonal imbalance, excessive sebum secretion and inflammation that are among the root causes of acne. Sometimes, acne happens to be one of the symptoms of underlying health problems. In such instances, you need to treat the internal issues by decreasing inflammation, controlling sebum production, balancing hormones or treating medical problems, if any.

That seems enough information to help you deduce the answer. Yes, a complete acne treatment regimen incorporates both external and internal methods. By far, your topical treatment products should be free from harsh chemical or synthetic ingredients that can potentially harm your skin. There is no dearth for home-made or herbal formulas to make your own facemasks, moisturizers, astringents, cleansers, or any skin-nourishing formulations for that matter.

Your internal treatment methods should aim to boost your bodily functions and immunity to combat hormonal imbalances and inflammations. For example, the right acne diet will deliver minerals, vitamins and other nutrients in the right proportion to keep skin problems at bay. Proteins and vitamins, especially antioxidant vitamins, help build immunity. On the other hand, excessive fat causes inflammation. Similarly, excessive carbohydrates disturb your blood sugar levels, which in turn affect the immune system and aggravate acne.

True, all nutrients are essential, but your objective is to take them in the right quantities. Avoid saturated fats that can aggravate breakouts, but make sure that you include good fats and oils, like olive oil, avocado, nuts and fish. You can include specific natural ingredients in your diet to address acne problem; for example, green tea is said to prevent excessive production of androgen, which can disturb the hormonal balance. To address deficiencies, you can take acne supplements that contain oil-balancing vitamins, essential fatty acids or detox properties.

The bottom line is that topical acne remedies address your skin's reactions to hormonal imbalance, while internal remedies work to balance the hormones.