New Study Could Ease Acne Burden in Our Community

Despite the widespread of acne treatments, there are still millions of acne sufferers in different countries. Why is that so? Maybe some of the cures are not that effective, the products are not suitable for a skin type or the users are not following the instruction. A study of University of South Australia could benefit them as it is investigating essential oils and aromatherapy to be effective means to treat acne. The said university is also examining the psychological impact and cost comparisons with the conventional treatments.

“The majority of teenagers will experience the physical symptoms of acne at some point during adolescence. In Australia, more than 80% of all teenagers have acne,” Ms Agnew says.

“Current acne treatments include over-the-counter remedies and prescribed topical and oral medication. As acne is a multi-factorial disease, a combination of treatments is often recommended. But these multiple drug regimens are complex, can have side-effects, and poor adherence to treatment is common.”

While the physical symptoms of acne typically last ‘on and off’ for between two and five years, Ms Agnew says the psychological effects from the disease can continue well into adulthood. An important component of the study will be evaluating whether any observed reduction in physical presentation through treatment with essential oils leads to a better quality of life for sufferers.

“Acne can have lasting psychosocial effects, which are not often addressed,” Ms Agnew says.

“These symptoms can include anxiety, depression, impairment of emotional functioning, and low self-esteem and body image issues.”

The study will enlist aromatherapy clinicians to treat two groups with essential oils, supplied by Sydney Essential Oil Company. A third group will continue their regular treatment routine and receive the essential oils product at the end of the trial period.

“This will be the first known randomised controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of aromatherapy as it is practiced by clinicians,” Ms Agnew says.

“Essential oils have the potential to act via dermal absorption and their therapeutic properties make them potentially effective in treating bacterial infection, inflammation, pain and nausea.

“In vitro studies have found essential oils to be effective against the bacteria involved in acne Propionibacterium acnes - but there is a lack of clinical evidence to support the claims that essential oils will help reduce physical symptoms of acne, which is why this study is so important.

“We will also be evaluating the cost-effectiveness of aromatherapy, as there is currently a lack of literature to see if there are any benefits in this area.”

Source: http://www.healthcanal.com/skin-hair-nails/37828-new-study-could-ease-acne-burden-in-our-community.html

Essential Oils Can Play a Role In Treating Acne

Have you tried using essential oils to treat your acne? Me? I have. We know that these oils are part of the medical therapy for many years. The medical field recognizes its components and power of healing although it has been replaced with prescription medications. Several studies have been explored to discover the use of essential oils (tea tree oil) on skin condition, particularly acne. I think those over the counter, with preservatives and other synthetic compound, are effective but have some side effects which might not be safe for long-term use. Based on studies, the effect is just minimal and no toxicity is reported. Still, beware.

Essential oils are derived from plants. They are made up of a number of different compounds; many of them are aromatic oils and have well-documented medicinal properties. These oils are extracted from different parts of the plant through steam distillation or, in some cases, extracted with alcohol. Essential oils are commonly found in perfumes, many cosmetics, cleaning products and food flavorings.  

Acne is probably the most common skin condition. Approximately 50 million Americans are affected by acne every year. Almost everyone remembering back to the teen years can recall experiencing the acne scourge. Essential oils may provide some needed relief.  

One 2012 study, published in the medical journal Alternative Medicine Review, demonstrated in a double-blind placebo-controlled manner that the essential oil copaiba (South American tree) was significantly better than a placebo in reducing acne. Another 2012 medical study demonstrated that essential oils from orange and sweet basil were also very effective in the treatment of acne (45 percent to 78 percent resolution). 

In this study, they demonstrated that one mechanism of action for these two essential oils was the inhibition of bacterial growth. Tea tree oil has been used in a number of studies specifically for acne. It seems to have significant antibacterial activity especially for the acne-causing bacteria Propionibacterium acnes. 

Throughout history, the application of essential oils was done by those who had expertise in their use. Today is no different. The indiscriminate use of essential oil for the treatment of acne by those who are unqualified can result in skin damage as well as allergic reactions. In addition, some essential oils are potentially carcinogenic. A certificate of certification in the use of essential oils is highly recommended.

Source: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130415/entlife/704159983/?interstitial=1

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