Thyme for a New Look at Acne Treatments? By Suzanne Laurie

April 2, 2012 | In Health, News

New research suggests that the humble culinary herb thyme may be a better at dealing with troublesome spots than expensive lotions and potions and even prescription medications. It is also far gentler on the skin and has none of the side effects associated with commonly used medications.

Researchers from Leeds Metropolitan University tested the effect of 3 herbal tinctures, thyme, marigold and myrrh, on Propionibacterium – the bacterium that causes acne by infecting skin pores leading to spots, ranging from white heads to puss-filled cysts. Their findings found that all three treatments were effective at killing the bacterium after just five minutes exposure, but that thyme was the most effective of the three. And the better news? Not only did thyme beat the other herbal tinctures it also had a greater antibacterial effect than standard concentrations of benzoyl peroxide – the active ingredient in most anti-acne creams or washes.

While many medical herbalists and integrative practitioners have been using thyme, marigold and myrrh as herbal alternatives to standard antibacterial skin washes for many years, this is the first study to clearly demonstrate the impact they have on the bacterium that causes the infection leading to acne. The researchers used a standard in vitro (done in a glass or plastic vessel under laboratory conditions) model that is used to test the effect of different substances applied to the skin. The effects of the tinctures were measured against an alcohol control – proving their antibacterial action was not simply due to the sterilising effect of the alcohol in which they were prepared.

These initial findings pave the way for more research into the use of tinctures as a treatment for acne. Such a treatment would be very welcome news, particularly for acne sufferers who experience skin sensitivity. Common issues include a burning sensation and skin irritation. Herbal preparations are less harsh on the skin as they also exert anti-inflammatory effects, which can calm and help heal skin irritation.

So what other natural alternatives are there to help manage acne?

  • Many dermatologists have reported that insulin is effective in the treatment of acne, suggesting that a diet high in sugar, leading to poor glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, may be implicated as a causative factor in acne. In short? Ditch the refined carbs and sugar.
  • Chromium is a micronutrient found in whole grains, liver, brewer’s yeast and potatoes. This mineral helps the body to manage sugar better. Chromium has been reported to induce rapid improvement in patients with acne.
  • Zinc is vitally important in the treatment of acne. It is involved in local hormone activation, wound healing, immune system activity, and tissue regeneration. Good sources include good quality red meat, oysters, nuts and seeds and whole grains.
  • Many studies have demonstrated that vitamin A reduces sebum production and thickening and overfunction of the skin follicles. Vitamin A and its precursor beta carotene are found in animal products and red/orange/yellow fruits and vegetables.
  • The acne of both men and women has been shown to improve with the supplementation of selenium with vitamin E. Both these nutrients are antioxidants and may help reduce damage to the skin.




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