Super Prescription #1  Vitex (chasteberry)

Take 160 mg of a standardized Vitex extract (0.6 percent aucubin or 0.5 percent agnuside) or 40 drops of the tincture form daily.

Vitex (chasteberry) is an excellent hormone balancer to reduce acne formation and is effective for men and women. Use this super supplement or a hormone-balancing herbal formula for at least six weeks. If you see improvement, continue with the same dose as long as it remains effective.

Super Prescription #2  Essential fatty acids

Take 1 to 2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil or 3 to 5 grams of fish oil daily.

Essential fatty acids, formulations that contain flaxseeds, fish, or a mixture of omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, are helpful for acne and reduce skin inflammation. Take as directed on container. It may take four to eight weeks for improvements to be noticed.

Super Prescription #3  Zinc

Take 50 mg of zinc twice daily with meals for three months, and then reduce the dosage to 50 mg daily for long-term supplementation. It should be taken in conjunction with copper (3 to 5 mg).

Zinc is one of the best minerals to use for the treatment of acne. It works to reduce the build-up of DHT and promotes skin healing. It may take up to three months for benefits to occur. Do not use zinc sulfate, which is not readily absorbed.

Super Prescription #4  Burdock root (Arctiumlappa)

Take 300 to 500 mg of the capsule form, 30 drops of tincture, or 1 cup of tea three times daily.

Burdock root works as a blood purifier and a detoxifier, and it improves elimination. It also has hormone-balancing properties. Take it for a minimum of eight weeks.

Super Prescription #5  Tea tree oil (Melaleucaalternifolia)

Apply a solution by dabbing it onto blemishes twice daily. It's available in many over-the-counter acne preparations.

A 5 percent solution of tea tree oil in diluted water acts similarly to benzoyl peroxide but without the drying side effects. Since tea tree oil is quite potent, test the solution on a small area of your skin first.

Super Prescription #6  Homeopathy

Use a combination acne formula or one of the following if it matches your symptoms. Use a 6x, 12x, 6C, or a 30C potency for two weeks. If there is improvement, discontinue using it.

Calcarea Sulphurica is for cystic acne or chronic acne where there is a yellow discharge.

Hepar Sulphuris (Heparsulphuriscalcareum) may provide relief if you have several pus-filled spots that are painful when touched, and if your skin lesions feel better with a warm compress.

Ledumpalustre is helpful for pustular acne on the nose and the cheeks that feels better with cold applications.  ....read more