Natural remedies for acne take several forms, and can be quite effective at helping control this uncomfortable condition.
Acne is a skin disorder characterized by blackheads, pimples and whiteheads. It affects approximately 80% of Americans between the ages of 12 and 44.
For those suffering from acne, it is more than just a problem with appearance, as it can create emotional stress which can adversely affect one's self esteem.
Acne often begins to show up at puberty, when the body greatly increases production of certain hormones. However, more and more adults are being affected by this disorder each year.
Factors that can contribute to acne include heredity, oily skin, hormonal imbalances, or the monthly menstrual cycle.
Other possible factors include certain drugs, such as steroids, oral contraceptives and certain anti-epileptic drugs.
There are numerous natural remedies for acne available on the market, as well as some basic nutritional supplements and herbs which can be effective at overcoming this problem.
The dosages recommended here are for adults. For those between 12 & 17 years of age - reduce dosage to 3/4, and for kids 6 to 12 years of age reduce dosage to half.
Lavendar essential oil acts as a good antibiotic and antiseptic which can be applied directly to individual blemishes.
Tea tree oil is a natural antibiotic and antiseptic. Apply full strength sparingly to individual blemishes 3 times a day or add 1 dropper full of tea tree oil to 1/4 cup warm water and pat on affected area with cotton ball. Tea tree oil soap also works well, but discontinue it if a rash appears.
n acne treatment product called Derma-Klear from Enzymatic Therapy may be helpful.
Many of the natural remedies for acne that we will list here will involve dietary changes. Diet has been shown to be a major contributor to acne problems.
Eat a high fiber diet. This is important for cleansing the body of toxins and cleaning the colon.
Increase the amount of raw foods in your diet. Studies show the more natural raw foods you eat, the faster your skin will clear and heal. Most importantly, include raw foods which contain oxalic acid. These would include almonds, beets, cashews and swiss chard.
Eat a lot of fruit. These are always good for the skin due to their excellent nutritional value and high water content. Grapes, strawberries and pineapple are especially effective, as they are rich in alphahydroxy acids which help by removing dead skin cells which can block the oil glands in the skin.
Eat foods containing zinc. These include shellfish, soybeans, whole grains, sunflower seeds and small amounts of raw nuts. A diet low in zinc has been shown to promote acne flare-ups.
Be sure to take vitamins A,C,E and essential fatty acids. Supplements of these vitamins can prove very beneficial to those suffering with acne.
Drink at least 8 glasses of good quality water daily.
Foods to avoid include alcohol, butter, cheese, caffeine, chocolate, cocoa, cream, eggs, fat, fish, fried foods, hot and spicy foods, hydrogenated oils and shortenings, margarine, meat, poultry, wheat, soft drinks and foods containing brominated vegetable oils.
Try eliminating all dairy products from your diet for 1 month, as acne can result from an allergic reaction to dairy products.
If you are not allergic to dairy products, eat plenty of soured products such as low fat yogurt to maintain healthy levels of "friendly" bacteria in your intestines.
Avoid all forms of sugar. Studies have shown people suffering with acne to have serious flaws in their tissues glucose tolerance. Acne is sometimes even referred to as "skin diabetes" because of this.
Keep the affected areas free from oil. Shampooing your hair frequently is one good way to insure this.
Wash your skin gently but thoroughly no more than twice daily, but never rub too hard. Vigorous rubbing or overwashing can sometimes make acne worse by overstimulating the skin.
As much as possible, avoid stress. Stress can cause hormonal changes which can lead to additional flare-ups.
Don't squeeze the spots. This will increase the inflammation and give the bacteria additional areas to lodge in.
Acne is a message the body is sending that something is wrong with either your diet, body chemistry or skin care routine. Following some of these natural remedies for acne we've listed here may be all that is necessary to correct the problem.
This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any specific condition, nor is it intended to replace the advice of your healthcare professional.
Sources
Balch, Phyllis A., CNC. "Prescription for Nutritional Healing". Garden City, NY.: Avery Publishing Group, 2006
Ritchason, Jack, ND. "The Little Herb Encyclopedia". Pleasant Grove, UT.: Woodland Health Books, 1995
Encyclopedia.com
Return from Natural Remedies for Acne to Specific Conditions