00:03Welcome to In Good Shape, and here's your host, Camo Miller.
00:08Why, hello there. I'm just a little medicinal plant, but I'm not alone.
00:14There are some 50,000 species of us in the world. We want to show you a little of what
00:20we can do.
00:21Our patient today.
00:26These little nasties can be embarrassing and persistent. Often they just won't budge.
00:32That's why they're a problem for so many people.
00:36A problem all over the world.
00:39We need some medical advice.
00:42And we've got some.
00:44Welcome, Dr. Ludwig Peitsch.
00:46Acne has nothing to do with poor hygiene. It's a medical condition with a genetic component
00:54and is caused by overproduction of male hormones called androgens.
00:59Our herbal acne bashers come from different parts of the world. Here they are.
01:04Enter neem, turmeric and aloe vera.
01:10My editorial team has pored over the evidence.
01:15Are there scientific studies that prove it's effective?
01:18So, let's look at the first medicinal plant, neem.
01:24Key components in neem include nimbin, azadiractin and quercetin.
01:29These compounds have antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
01:35Studies show neem is effective against acne.
01:40It fights acne-causing bacteria, soothes redness and reduces swelling.
01:50But these studies involved only a small number of participants, so more research is needed.
01:56And this is how you use it.
02:10It's certainly something you can try, provided you're not allergic.
02:15It can be a useful complement to other treatments.
02:18On to our next herbal hero for acne.
02:22Turmeric.
02:26Turmeric can inhibit the growth and reproduction of acne-causing bacteria, especially cutibacterium acnes.
02:33Several scientific studies back that up.
02:37Curcumin is the active ingredient behind it.
02:41Curcumin can also help reduce inflammation of the sebaceous glands in the skin.
02:46One study found that turmeric helped acne heal quickly.
02:50Another found it's especially effective for mild to moderate cases.
03:12Turmeric is often used together with products derived from the neem plant.
03:17It's now seen in facial cleansers, for example.
03:20Some of these have been tested in open-label trials,
03:23where a beneficial effect has been observed in over a hundred participants.
03:28Although these studies weren't compared against a placebo or other medication.
03:33But if you have a severe case, it's best to see a doctor.
03:39Otherwise, it can lead to continuing inflammation.
03:42And that can be very stigmatizing for those affected.
03:46It can also lead to scarring of the skin.
03:52Now to our third medicinal plant.
03:55Aloe vera is said to contain over 200 active ingredients.
04:01They include ace manan and salicylic acid that are especially important for the skin.
04:07Studies have shown that these substances are effective.
04:17Aloe vera has a soothing effect on the skin.
04:22It combines well with treatments like exfoliation.
04:25After a peel, when the skin might be a bit irritated or dried out,
04:30it can help calm it down.
04:31It's a good complementary treatment.
04:36This is what you do.
04:47All I can say is, give it a try.
04:50There are no scientific studies on how effective the masks are.
04:55There are also tips on social media about applying baking soda or toothpaste to acne lesions.
05:01I strongly advise against that.
05:04Baking soda can damage the skin barrier.
05:07And toothpaste is irritating to the skin and can also trigger contact allergies.
05:13Home remedies are usually only good for mild to moderate acne.
05:17If you don't see results, switch to plan B.
05:20One medication that's very effective for severe cases of acne is oral isotretinoin, a vitamin A acid derivative in tablet
05:31form.
05:32But strict contraception is vital while taking it, otherwise it can harm a fetus.
05:38In around 80% of severe cases of acne, it can lead to significant improvement.
05:43Time to say goodbye to today's patients, hopefully for good.
05:50That's all folks. See you next time.
05:53Bye.
05:54Bye.
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