Natural acne treatment: What's most effective?

I'm wondering about natural acne treatment. Are there any effective options?

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Mayo Clinic dermatologist Lawrence Gibson, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

You may have various options for natural acne treatment. Lotions or creams that contain alpha hydroxy acids, salicylic acid or bovine cartilage seem to reduce acne for some people. Or you might try a gel that contains tea tree oil. Some studies suggest that gels containing 5 percent tea tree oil are as effective as are lotions containing 5 percent benzoyl peroxide, although tea tree oil might work more slowly. (Note: For some people, tea tree oil may cause a skin reaction known as contact dermatitis. There's also some concern that topical products containing tea tree oil might cause breast development in young boys.) Other studies suggest that taking zinc or guggul supplements may help treat acne. Check with your doctor before taking any dietary supplements, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. If natural acne treatment isn't effective, ask your doctor or dermatologist for other suggestions.