Acne

Why it works: Antimicrobial activity (lab data): Multiple in-vitro studies show H. italicum essential oil can inhibit several skin-relevant microbes (notably Staphylococcus aureus) and disrupt b...

Instructions: If you choose to try it as a supportive step alongside guideline-backed acne care:. Dilution (face-safe):. • Start at 0.5%–1% helichrysum EO in a non-comedogenic carrier (e.g., squ...

Warnings: Irritation & allergy: Essential oils can trigger irritant or allergic contact dermatitis; patch test...

Studies: Human clinical trials for helichrysum essential oil in acne:...

Why it works: Antimicrobial action vs. acne-related bacteria. Thyme’s main phenols—thymol and carvacrol—disrupt bacterial membranes and show in-vitro activity against Cutibacterium acnes (former...

Instructions: There is no standardized medical dosing for thyme in acne. If you choose to try it, stick to conservative, derm-safe practices used for essential oils on facial skin:. Prefer finis...

Warnings: Skin irritation/sensitization: Thyme oil—especially thymol chemotype—is a known irritant if over-con...

Studies: Supportive, but mostly non-clinical:In-vitro & formulati...

Why it works: Antimicrobial vs. Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes): In vitro studies show TTO and key components (especially terpinen-4-ol) inhibit C. acnes at low concentrat...

Instructions: These directions mirror how it was studied and standard safety advice from reputable sources:. Choose an appropriate product. • Look for a 5% tea tree oil gel or a leave-on product...

Warnings: Do NOT ingest. Tea tree oil is toxic if swallowed (confusion, ataxia, coma reported). National/US po...

Studies: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled (60 participant...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory effects. Zinc modulates innate immunity and reduces neutrophil activity and inflammatory signaling—key in acne’s inflammatory cascade. Reviews of zinc’s immune ef...

Instructions: Oral zinc (most studied):. • Who to consider: inflammatory acne (papules/pustules), especially if you prefer to avoid/limit antibiotics or you have a documented low zinc level.. •...

Warnings: Do not exceed the adult UL (40 mg/day elemental zinc) unless a clinician is monitoring you. Chronic...

Studies: Systematic reviews/meta-analysesDermatologic Therapy (2020):...

Why it works: Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory: Acne biology involves excess sebum, follicular plugging, Cutibacterium acnes and oxidative stress–driven inflammation. Vitamin C scavenges reactive...

Instructions: For active breakouts (based on the SAP trials):. • Choose a product labeled 5% sodium ascorbyl phosphate.. • Apply twice daily to clean, dry skin for 12 weeks; moisturize and (AM)...

Warnings: Evidence limits: Only SAP 5% has RCT-level evidence for acne; data for pure L-ascorbic acid clearing...

Studies: SAP 5% improves acne • Randomized, double-blind, controlled...

Why it works: Antimicrobial (lab) activity. Geranium oil is rich in citronellol and geraniol. Multiple lab studies show Pelargonium graveolens essential oil inhibits a range of skin-relevant mic...

Instructions: Dilution. • For facial leave-on products, stay around 0.5–1% essential oil in a non-comedogenic carrier (e.g., squalane or jojoba). General expert guidance on safe topical dilution...

Warnings: Skin irritation & allergy are real risks.. Fragrance ingredients common in geranium oil—geraniol and...

Studies: In-vitro antibacterial & antibiofilm data for Pelargoniu...

Why it works: Tame inflammation & rebalance microbes (gut–skin axis). Oral probiotics can reduce inflammatory signaling and shift microbial patterns associated with acne—both systemically and at...

Instructions: Oral (as an adjunct to standard care). • Lactobacillus plantarum CJLP55: 1×10¹⁰ CFU once daily for 12 weeks (capsule/sachet). Outcomes: fewer lesions, lower sebum TGs, better hydra...

Warnings: Not a replacement for evidence-based acne care. The AAD guideline update emphasizes proven therapies...

Studies: Meta-analyses / systematic reviews2025 Clinical & Experi...

Why it works: Antimicrobial activity (in vitro): Myrrh resin extracts and essential oil show activity against several microbes relevant to skin, particularly Gram-positives like Staphylococcus a...

Instructions: Because robust clinical dosing data don’t exist, lean on general essential-oil safety principles and patch-testing:. Form & dilution. • Use myrrh essential oil diluted to ~0.5–1% i...

Warnings: Allergic contact dermatitis / sensitization: Myrrh is a known contact allergen; case reports and rev...

Studies: Direct acne evidence (lab):Herbal tinctures vs C. acnes (lab...

Why it works: Sebum control & anti-inflammatory effects. EGCG (the main catechin in green tea) reduces sebum production in human sebocytes via AMPK → SREBP-1 signaling, and down-regulates NF-κB/...

Instructions: Topical (best-supported):. • Concentration & regimen: A peer-reviewed clinical study used 2% green tea lotion applied twice daily for 6 weeks, reducing mean lesion counts by ~58%....

Warnings: Topical:. • Generally well tolerated in studies; occasional transient stinging or mild pruritus repo...

Studies: Topical 2% green tea lotion (open-label clinical study): Twi...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory action: Aloe gel down-regulates pro-inflammatory pathways and cytokines in skin/immune cells, which can calm red, sore lesions. Contemporary reviews attribute muc...

Instructions: Choose the right product. 1) Prefer inner-leaf gel (not whole-leaf/latex) in a jar or pump, with a short ingredient list; fragrance-free and alcohol-free. DermNet and NIH/NCCIH bot...

Warnings: Allergic contact dermatitis / urticaria (rare): Case reports and dermatology references describe all...

Studies: Randomized, double-blind clinical trial (n=60, 8 weeks):Tret...

Why it works: TCM pattern: JWXYS is a modification of Xiao Yao San that adds Mu Dan Pi (moutan bark) and Zhi Zi (gardenia) to “clear heat.” It’s traditionally chosen when acne presents with redn...

Instructions: Important: Specific dose/format should be set by a qualified TCM practitioner after confirming your pattern. Commercial products vary.. • Forms & composition: Granules or pills fol...

Warnings: Because JWXYS is a combination formula, safety reflects both the blend and the person taking it. Key...

Studies: Usage data (not efficacy): A nationwide claims-database anal...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory actions (multi-target): HLJDT’s four herbs—Coptis (berberine-rich), Scutellaria (baicalin/baicalein), Phellodendron (berberine), and Gardenia (geniposide)—have do...

Instructions: 1) Granule/extract (Kampo) form. • A widely used ethical-use product label (Tsumura TJ-15) recommends 7.5 g/day of extract granules, taken in 2–3 divided doses before or between me...

Warnings: Gardenia fruit (Zhi Zi) and long-term risk: Long-term use of Gardenia-containing Kampo medicines (in...

Studies: Direct acne evidence is limited.In vitro: Oren-gedoku-to inh...