A major difference between Herbal Based Medicines used for the treatment of Acne Vulgaris and their Western counterparts is the stage in the development of the disease where pharmacologic intervention occurs. Herbal Based Medicines address the etiologic factors that contribute to skin disease. By correcting the physiological imbalance responsible for acne, natural based medicines therefore attempt to prevent acne from forming. The goal is to correct the condition that is causing over-secretion of the sebaceous glands, thereby preventing the occurrence of acne. Standard Western Medicines routinely focus on treating existing acne and intercede at the last stage of acne development (i.e. “the pimple”). For instance, most OTC products are topical in nature and treat existing comedones. Among this category are many products that contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. These topical agents do little to reduce excess sebaceous gland secretion which is the hallmark of acne. Retinoid- based topical medication and topical antibiotics are often combined with benzoyl peroxide in order to more effectively treat the clinical manifestation of acne. A drawback to this approach is that all of these products can cause skin irritation and dryness; contraindications for acne (Table 1). Orally administered systemic antibiotics (tetracycline, minocycline, etc.) address the secondary stage in the development of acne; the growth of Propionibacterium Acnes in clogged pores. The widespread use of systemic antibiotics for treating acne as well as Rosacea is being increasingly questioned by the medical community. Currently the only category of drugs that target the primary factor responsible for acne (the over-secretion of the sebaceous glands), are retinoic acid based products with isotretinoin (Roaccutane) being an example. The adverse event profile, however, for Roaccutane (Accutane is the trademark in the US) is quite severe and therefore this drug is reserved as a last resort for treating the most difficult cases of acne. In most instances, Roaccutane is prescribed only for those patients that have not responded to the more traditional treatments. Retinoic acid based products are known to induce severe teratogenesis, therefore, women of child bearing potential must be using an accepted method of birth control in order to use isotretinoin based products. In males depression and psychosis have been associated with the use of Roaccutane and caution is advised prior to initiating therapy. The focus of Herbal Based Medicines is to modulate factors that are known to affect sebaceous gland secretions. Fluctuations in hormone levels and in particular androgens such as dihydrotestosterone are known to stimulate sebaceous glands. AcnEase® is an all herbal medicinal product based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) specifically developed to treat and prevent acne. By restoring balance in the body, AcnEase® stabilizes sebaceous gland secretions and provides mild antiinflammatory activity. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine acne and Rosacea are viewed as external manifestations of an internal disorder. By “restoring balance” within the body herbal remedies target one of the primary etiologic factors responsible for pimple