Today,  many people are choosing not to go to the Dermatologist for acne treatment. We often hear from parents with pre-teens that they do not want their children exposed to harmful antibiotics and harsh topicals that Dermatologists are known for prescribing. Our client’s in their 20s and 30s with adult acne are health conscious and want a more natural alternative to clearing their skin. A lot of them have tried the antibiotics, Accutane and prescription topicals to no avail. In sum, people of all ages and genders are seeking a more natural, comprehensive approach to clearing acne.

Antibiotics, also called antibacterials, are a type of (pharmaceutical) antimicrobial drug used in the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections. They may either kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics are used for acute infections such as strep throat, sinus infections, UTI, some types of ear infections and food poisoning. They are also used to treat acne by doctors. Dermatologists assume that acne is caused by a bacteria, fungi or parasite when they prescribe antibiotics. Most doctors will start by trying to get rid of the acne with topical creams such as Retin-A, topical antibiotics, etc. When this does not work, they will prescribe antibiotics such as Tetracycline, Docycycline, Menacycline, etc.

If a client has been on antibiotics for acne or is currently on antibiotics, this can be very informative. The first thing to find out is if the antibiotics have worked to some degree. They do not work for everyone so it is important to ask, “Have you noticed an improvement in your acne with taking the antibiotics?”. If yes, then we know that imbalanced gut bacteria may be a trigger. If they have not helped, then we can assume that the gut is not a primary trigger.

Antibiotics are an acne suppressant. If your client is currently taking antibiotics, we would want them to come off or wean off when starting our program. Because the acne is being suppressed, as they come off the medication, the acne will get worse before it gets better. The skin will still respond to the program, however, the “baseline” typically increases a few weeks into the program but then responds as normal shortly thereafter.

If the client is on antibiotics only for clearing acne, we require they come to off of them in order to begin our program. Most clients are willing to do so since they are seeking a natural solution and the antibiotics are obviously not working. Should a client be taking antibiotics for medical reasons we cannot advise they come off of them. Most likely it is only temporary. It is safe to start the program if the round of medication will be ending soon.

There are several natural anti-bacterial options that can be recommended if the antibiotics were working or if you observe bacterial acne during the virtual skin analysis. We recommend Oil of Oregano, one of nature’s most powerful antibiotics. It is rich in essential oils so it can be taken orally or used topically. Taken orally, oil of oregano can be used to kill off “bad” or dangerous bacteria that invades the gut and contributes to bacterial acne breakouts.

Antibiotics kills the the good and bad bacteria in the gut, so it is important that a therapeutic-grade regimen of Probiotics is started after taking antibiotics and while taking natural antibiotics. 

Clients should always speak with their doctor about coming off antibiotics.