Happy Me Skincare

TeachMe: The Allopathic vs. Homeopathic Approach to Breakouts

When it comes to treating acne, there are two main schools of thought: allopathic (traditional medicine) and homeopathic (natural medicine). Deciding on which approach to take can be confusing, especially if you are not well educated on the subject.

The major difference between allopathic and homeopathic medicine lies in the end goal. While homeopathic medicine focuses on the entire body and treating the root cause of acne, allopathic medicine focuses on treating the symptoms (i.e. inflammation and redness) associated with blemishes. Of course, depending on which side of the fence you fall, there are pros and cons to both. For instance, an allopathic approach usually means topical and/or oral medications that contain chemical ingredients and/or antibiotics. While these medications may be highly effective at treating acne symptoms by reducing inflammation and stopping the formation of new pimples, they can also be extremely irritating for many individuals. Plus, many homeopathic enthusiasts might argue that these chemical treatments are ignoring the underlying cause responsible for the blemishes.

As for the homeopathic approach, it can be extreme and sometimes difficult to stick to, especially in these modern times. Nowadays, people demand rapid, if not instant, relief; this is something that cannot be expected from a homeopathic approach to acne. This method involves the purging of toxins from the body, which can mean a complete diet and lifestyle change. Plus, it takes time for the body and skin to detox and so lacks the quick satisfaction that comes with a more traditional approach.

The truth of the matter is everyone’s skin is different and so what works for one, may not work for another. Do what feels best for you! Perhaps a happy compromise between the two schools can be adopting a primarily natural skincare regimen that treats the symptoms of acne (like an allopathic regimen), without the chemical side effects. Also, both allopathic and homeopathic practitioners agree that a little clean eating and a healthy lifestyle will only improve skin and overall health, so why not start there? You can always tweak your regimen little by little until you find the method that works wonders for your particular skin.