A keen observation of acne treatment information will show that acne cure has two broad approaches: external and internal. The former is related to the topical application of creams, lotions, masks, etc. while the latter deals with the treatment of the inner root of acne. What 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 correct, but neither is complete. Considering external or topical treatment methods, they are believed to deliver the active ingredients directly to the affected spot and go to work immediately. Topical treatments are essential to maintaining a skin care routine. The right cleansers, exfoliators, and moisturizers play a vital role in keeping your pores unclogged. In fact, conditions like hyperkeratinization must be managed externally by administering ingredients like salicylic acid to break unnecessary cell bonds and keep pores open. Another important advantage of topical remedies is relevant to treating acne inflammation. Inflammation, as a result of an overreaction to the P. Acnes bacterium, needs some degree of external treatment through the application of anti-inflammatory preparations.
As for the internal approach, you probably know that it is considered a holistic approach. In other words, it addresses systemic factors that contribute to hormonal imbalance, excessive sebum secretion, and inflammation that are among the root causes of acne. Sometimes acne becomes one of the symptoms of underlying health problems. In such cases, you should treat internal problems by decreasing inflammation, controlling sebum production, balancing hormones, or treating medical problems, if any.
That seems like enough information to help you figure out the answer. Yes, a complete acne treatment regimen incorporates external and internal methods. By far, your topical treatment products should be free of harsh chemical or synthetic ingredients that can harm your skin. There is no shortage of homemade or herbal formulas for making your own face masks, moisturizers, astringents, cleansers, or any skin nourishing formula.
Your internal treatment methods should aim to improve your bodily functions and immunity to combat hormonal imbalances and inflammations. For example, the right acne diet will provide minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients in the right ratio to keep skin problems at bay. Proteins and vitamins, especially antioxidant vitamins, help build immunity. On the other hand, excess fat causes inflammation. Similarly, excess carbohydrates upset blood sugar levels, which in turn affects the immune system and aggravates acne.
Sure, all the nutrients are essential, but your goal is to take them in the right amounts. Avoid saturated fats that can aggravate breakouts, but be sure to include good fats and oils, such as olive oil, avocado, nuts, and fish. You can include specific natural ingredients in your diet to address your acne problem; for example, green tea is said to prevent excessive androgen production, which can upset hormonal balance. To address deficiencies, you can take acne supplements that contain oil-balancing vitamins, essential fatty acids, or detoxifying properties.
The bottom line is that topical acne remedies address skin reactions to hormonal imbalance, while internal remedies work to balance hormones.