Skin

Conditions in this group

24 of 46 shown. Browse the full condition index →

Best-supported options

Ranked by the strength of human research, strongest first. A grade describes the evidence, not how well something will work for you.

• Retinol (Vitamin A Topical)A·Strong evidenceReduces fine lines and wrinkles, fades dark spots, smooths texture, and clears acne-prone skin.Safety: caution — read the full safety section before use
• CurcuminA·Strong evidenceBest known for calming inflammation, easing joint pain, supporting brain health, and helping the body manage oxidative stress.Safety: caution — read the full safety section before use
• Vitamin DA·Strong evidenceSupports bone strength, immune defense, mood, muscle function, and may reduce the risk of several chronic diseases.Safety: caution — read the full safety section before use
• Azelaic acidA·Strong evidenceClears acne, calms rosacea redness, and fades dark spots and post-inflammatory pigmentation.Safety: caution — read the full safety section before use
• MelatoninA·Strong evidenceBest known for resetting your sleep-wake cycle, easing jet lag, and helping shift workers or people with insomnia fall asleep more naturally.Safety: caution — read the full safety section before use
• Omega-3 fatty acidsA·Strong evidenceBest known for protecting the heart, calming inflammation, supporting brain health, and improving mood.Safety: caution — read the full safety section before use
• ZincA·Strong evidenceSupports immune defense, wound healing, testosterone production, skin health, and sharp senses of taste and smell.Safety: caution — read the full safety section before use
• AshwagandhaA·Strong evidenceBest known for lowering stress and anxiety, supporting testosterone and energy levels, improving sleep quality, and building physical endurance.Safety: caution — read the full safety section before use

Traditional use in this group

Used in a healing tradition for this group of conditions. These carry no evidence grade — they have not been shown to work in human trials, and are listed because people look for them, not as a recommendation.

• Acupuncture
• Coconut Oil
• Compression Therapy
• Green tea extract (Camellia sinensis)
• Olive Leaf Extract
• Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Pressure points used for these conditions

Acupressure points traditionally used for the conditions in this group. Each point page sets out what the evidence for it does and does not show.

• LI11 (Quchi) - Large Intestine 11It is located at the outer end of the elbow crease when the arm is bent.
• SP6 (Sanyinjiao) - Spleen 6Located on the inner side of the lower leg, approximately three finger-widths above the inner ankle bone, SP6 is where the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney meridians intersect.
• LI4 (Hegu) - Large Intestine 4Located on the back of the hand between the thumb and index finger, this point is part of the Large Intestine meridian, which is associated with releasing tension and balancing bodily functions.
• ST36 (Zusanli)Located just below the knee, ST36 is frequently used to support digestive health, boost energy, and strengthen immunity.
• DU20 (Baihui) - Governing Vessel 20DU20, also known as "Baihui" or the "Hundred Meetings," is a prominent acupuncture point located on the crown of the head.
• GB20 (Fengchi) - Gallbladder 20GB20, also known as "Fengchi" or “Wind Pool,” is an important acupressure and acupuncture point located at the base of the skull, in the hollows on either side of the neck.

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