Getty Images/STYLECASTERI’ve been bitching about a recent outbreak of adult acne for months now (remember"), and while the situation is almost under control, it’s mostly due to a combination of harsh topical creams, spironolactone, and antibiotics. Now, after googling the impact of long-term antibiotic use?terrifying?I’ve ditched the pills to try some more natural treatments to keep my very angry 25-year-old skin breakout-free. In addition to seeing a herbalist (more on that here) and changing my diet, I tried, and promptly became obsessed with, acupuncture.
My herbalist actually suggested I try the treatment for a more holistic path to clear skin and pointed me in the direction of Manhattan-based acupuncturist and skin-care guru Shellie Goldstein, who explained that those teeny-tiny needles are actually really commonly used to treat acne: “It’s most commonly used for pain, as well as stress and anxiety, digestive disorders, allergies?it’s really great for allergies, and it’s really great for skin conditions.” Goldstein reiterated what many holistic health experts have told me in the past: The condition of your skin closely reflects what’s going on in your digestive system. “Usually when we treat your skin, we’re actually treating your digestive system, treating the inside to get the visible results on the outside,” she said. “Acne is often caused by the digestive system, so it may be tha...