Natural Acne Treatments

By: Helen Polaski

Acne, long known as the teenager's curse, can often be cured or prevented naturally. And the good news is that there are many natural acne treatments already in your home, and these remedies are far less expensive than prescription medications.

The top acne home remedy is as simple as water. Before you ever touch your face, you need to wash your hands with soap and water for a few minutes, as our hands hold more bacteria than we could possibly imagine.

While no one necessarily knows what causes acne, scientists have discovered that an overproduction of sebum from the sebaceous gland can result in clogged pores. Washing your face regularly is definitely in order. But-here comes the kicker-it is important that you don't over wash. The more you wash, the more sebum is produced, which can lead to even more clogged pores. Wash twice a day, morning and night, or after any exertion that causes you to sweat. Definitely shower after a workout.

You also need to drink plenty of water to encourage clear skin. The average person doesn't drink enough water to keep his or her body running on optimum to begin with, so it's easy to believe the majority of us aren't drinking enough water to additionally cleanse our bodies of infection and bacteria. Water is a powerful aid in digestion and flushing out toxins, including the ones that can affect our skin.

Another highly touted natural remedy for acne that can be obtained for just pennies on the gallon is vinegar. Simply wash the affected area twice a day, and then apply vinegar. It may sting for a moment, so you don't want to overdo it.

Other remedies include hydrogen peroxide or fluoride toothpaste. Hydrogen peroxide can dry out the skin, which can be good if your skin is oily, but you may want to steer clear if your skin tends to be dry. As for fluoride toothpaste, keep in mind that anything that clogs the pores will end up causing more trouble, and not all natural remedies or tried and true "cures" will work on everyone.

Some commonly used natural remedies that can be used as a "wash" or dabbed on include:

  • Coconut oil and aloe vera
  • Witch hazel
  • Vinegar-apple cider or white (this may sting for those with sensitive skin)
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Orange or lemon peel wash (boil fresh peels for a few minutes, and then wash face with the cooled water)

You may also want to try ingesting the following items:

  • Garlic pills (garlic applied to the skin can burn)
  • Fresh carrot juice

Some common-sense practices include:

  • Wash hands often
  • Keep hands away from face
  • Don't pick
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Avoid dairy, as that may be a source of allergies
  • Avoid caffeine, which is a stimulant and may cause more sebum to be produced

Use caution, however, with all at-home acne solutions. In general, acne that is red and inflamed or which does not respond to natural remedies in a day or two, may require a doctor's intervention. Sensitive skin types may end up with red and blotchy skin. Test a small spot first for allergies or sensitivity, and never leave a "mash" or "paste" of herbs or natural remedies on your skin for any length of time.

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Over-the-counter and homeopathic treatments can help fight outbreaks of acne, as long as you keep in mind that too many treatments can dry out your skin. In the long run, a good skin-care routine will do the most to improve your complexion.

Acne cannot be cured, but it can be treated. Acne treatments range from treating your skin more kindly to prescription drugs and procedures.

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