[2010-10-31 22:05:36 - Natasha from Delaware]: Are there more natural approaches to treating acne? I would prefer to stay away from pills and creams that are harsh on my skin.

[2010-11-04 08:33:44 - Dr. Ringpfeil]: You may consider a well balanced diet rich in antioxidants, such as flax seed oil, green salad and avocado, to name just a few. The extract of the sugar cane (glycolic acid in daily topical lotions or applied during in-office peels) helps exfoliate the skin naturally and drives moisture into the skin. Acne facials serve as a means to mechanically extract acne lesions and are not harsh on skin. There are a number of botanicals marketed for the treatment of a number of skin conditions and many have never undergone any rigorous testing, including safety testing. You may appreciate that nature does not hold only harmless substances in store for us - just think about poison ivy, or other poisonous plants. Current prescription medications have undergone rigorous testing for efficacy and safety. And not all acne medications are harsh on skin. An evaluation of your type of skin and your acne should yield a treatment plan that is tailored to your treatment preferences. Franziska Ringpfeil, MD