From a naturopathic viewpoint, acne is an external manifestation of an internal imbalance. As with many naturopathic treatments, nutrition is key to treating acne. The body makes the oil (sebum) secreted by the sebaceous glands from the fats that are eaten. If poor quality fats (saturated fats, trans fatty acids) are eaten, the body produces poor quality oil. If good quality fats (olive oil, fish oil, flaxseed oil) are eaten, the body produces good quality oil. Poor quality oil does not flow adequately, so it clogs pores and attracts bacteria. Good quality oil flows well and nourishes the skin.

Nutrition

• Eat a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. Include vegetables, seaweeds, fish (cold-water fish like salmon, sardines, trout, and haddock), whole grains, sprouts, and fruits in the diet.
• Avoid fried foods, dairy products, processed foods, junk food, sugar, margarine, nut butters, citrus (except lemon juice), caffeine, food that aggravates the acne, and food sensitivities. Determine food sensitivities through the elimination and challenge diet.
• Fasting can be an effective method of treating acne but should not be undertaken for more than 2–3 days without a physician's supervision.
• Drink 50% of body weight in ounces of water daily (e.g., a 150 lb person would drink 75 oz of water).

Supplements

• Brewer's yeast—Take 1 tbsp 3 times daily.
• Chromium—Take 400 mcg daily.
• Flaxseed oil—Take 1�2 tbsp daily.
• Selenium—Take 200 mcg daily.
• Vitamin A—Take 100,000 IUs daily. Toxicity to Vitamin A can occur at doses of 20,000 IU daily; therefore, use vitamin A only with a physician's supervision. It is possible that the acne may return several months after discontinuing vitamin A.
• Vitamin B-6—Take 50 mg 3 times daily.
• Vitamin C—Take 1000 mg daily.
• Vitamin E—Take 400 IUs daily.
• Zinc—Take 50 mg daily (particularly for males).

 Herbal Medicine 

Herbs are used to treat acne by cleansing the blood. When toxins accumulate in the blood, the liver works less efficiently and cannot metabolize hormones effectively, which leads to skin eruptions (i.e., an external manifestation of an internal imbalance).

• Burdock (Arctium lappa)—Used as a blood purifier when taken internally and as an antibacterial when applied topically.
• Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)—Used as a liver purifier. The leaves may be applied topically in a poultice.
• Chaste tree berry (Vitex agnus)—Indicated for acne associated with the menstrual period.
• Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)—Used as a liver cleanser.
• Red clover (Trifolium pratense)—Used as a blood purifier.
• Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)—Used as a skin disinfectant; it kills many organisms and penetrates the skin layer. Tea tree oil may be applied directly (sparingly) to the pimple. If irritation occurs, which is uncommon, use diluted tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has a very strong, medicinal odor.

Hydrotherapy

• Alternate hot and cold compresses with to the affected area.
• Apply a hot washcloth to the affected area for 45 seconds then apply a cold washcloth for 15 seconds. Do this three times in succession always ending with the cold. Repeat several times during the day.
• Apply a poultice to the affected area.

 Prevention Tips

• Use a honey mask on a weekly basis. Honey is considered as a disinfectant and a great way for healing pimples. It can also kill bacteria found in your skin.
• Cut your hair short if it’s long. Hair has oil. When you are moving, dust particles often culminate in your hair, and as your hair touches your face, neck, or forehead, it can provoke acne or worsen an affected area.
• Take a powerful multi-vitamin twice every day; the biggest organ—your skin—requires proper nutrients to stay healthy.
• Take vitamin A daily. It both protects your skin and prevents acne. Plus, vitamin A reduces sebum production.
• Avoid over washing and rubbing or scrubbing your skin excessively. Acne is not caused by not washing or by having dirty skin.
• Some people, especially students, have claimed that their acne grows worse when experiencing stressful situations. Advise: if it’s in your power, cut down on stress.
• Drink 8 glasses of water everyday. Water helps to clean and hydrate the skin.
• Avoid alcohol-based creams and lotions.
• Either change or wash your pillowcase everyday.
• Eat food rich in zinc. A deficiency in zinc may cause acne breakouts.
• Add a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables to your daily diet.
• When you are undergoing much stress, breathe deeply. Because there is a direct connection between acne and stress.

 Other Recommendations

• Avoid exposure to oils and greases.
• Avoid medications that contain bromides or iodides.
• Avoid touching the face. Hands can transmit oil and bacteria. Do not pick or pop pimples.
• Avoid the use of greasy face creams or cosmetics.
• Do not smoke.
• Do not wash the affected area with soap. Use warm water to rinse off. If a cleansing agent is needed, use only a gentle non-soap product