Acne Home Remedies

Acne can be naturally cured using herbal ingredients like turmeric, tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, aloe vera and neem. Acne lesions are also called as pimples, blemishes, spots or zits. Fluctuating hormones are one of the biggest reasons for acne and this may not happen only during adolescence. It may happen during pregnancy or other stressful periods. The surge of androgens (male sex hormones) that occurs during puberty causes the skin's oil or sebaceous glands to enlarge and increase the production of sebum, the oily substance that lubricates the skin. Androgens also stimulate the growth of body hair, resulting in increased shedding of keratin, a protein in hair, which in turn clogs the pores and blocks the flow of sebum; this results in a whitehead or a closed comedo. If part of the pore remains open, the sebum exposed to oxygen darkens and becomes a blackhead; any inflammation will lead to a pus-filled pimple. Cystic acne, the most severe case of acne happens when the blocked glands become infected by bacteria that normally inhabit the skin.

Poor nutrition can contributes to this condition. Fat, sugar and processed foods accelerate skin inflammation and acne. They also contribute to constipation, and thus the body responds by trying to expel the poisons through a different avenue - via the skin. A number of medications can also cause acne; major culprits include steroids and other hormonal agents, iodine preparations, lithium, anticonvulsants and drugs used to treat tuberculosis. Heredity could play a role as severe acne run in families. Exposure to industrial oils and chemicals, such as naphthalenes and biphenyls, can provoke acne. Stress is another huge contributor as it triggers hormonal changes which in turn causes acne.

Acne Lifestyle Choices

Some hygienic measures are good preventive tactics in combating this illness:

• Avoid touching your face as contaminants from your palm transfer to the face. Also, keep hair out of you face.
• Avoid oily makeup which can clog pores and worsen acne. Toners tend to dry out the skin and increase oil production, use them sparingly.
• Epson salt baths are beneficial for acne sufferers, it helps to eliminate toxins from the system.

Acne Diet

• Avoid processed food like chips, nachos, cola and candy. Sugar encourages oil production and provides a thriving environment for bacteria and yeast. Many times, acne occurs as an allergic reaction to certain foods like dairy, wheat, sugar, chocolate and corn. Saturated and hydrogenated oils like margarine, lard and fried food are difficult to digest and worsen acne. An acidic internal environment, another precursor for acne, will occur from excessive consumption of alcohol, sugar, chocolate, fried foods and soda. Caffeinated drinks may also aggravate skin conditions.
• Women suffering from cyclical acne may benefit from essential fatty acids like borage, fish or flaxseed oil. They provide fiber and trigger proper elimination. Dark green or orange vegetables are good sources of beta carotene which helps them maintain and repair the skin. Nuts and seeds are a good source of Vitamin E and yogurt increases the growth of "friendly" bacteria in our digestive tract. Drink plenty of water to flush out the toxins and maintain good health.

Acne Herbal Remedies

• Neem Treatment For Acne

  Neem is an effective home remedy for acne as it has strong antibacterial properties and contain aspirin like substances that reduce redness and inflammation. Grind fresh neem leaves or mix dried neem leaves with some water or aloe vera gel and apply on the acne. Alternatively, use a mild neem soap to wash your face. Read other Neem Home Remedies.

• Turmeric Home Remedy

  Turmeric prevents the excessive production of sebum, the chemical that causes oily skin. As a home remedy, it can be taken internally or externally, its anti-septic and anti-bacterial properties are beneficial for acne. Mix a pinch of turmeric with coconut oil or milk and apply on the acne and black heads. Turmeric not only works on drying out the acne, but also erases any marks left behind. Indians routinely apply a turmeric mask home remedy to lighten their skin and remove unwanted facial hair. Read other Turmeric Home Remedies

• Aloe Vera Natural Cure

  The redness, the flaky skin and the swelling associated with acne, they can all be naturally remedied with regular use of aloe vera juice or gel. Apply aloe vera gel to moisturize the face and avoid the use of oil based lotions. Spread the gel on the acne and allow it to settle on the skin. At night, try to use an aloe mask and leave it for a couple of minutes. Read other Aloe Vera Home Remedies.

• Liver Cleansing For Acne

  Try this tonic for clear skin, an easy to implement home remedy. Simmer about 2 teaspoons each of burdock root and dandelion root blossoms in about 3 cups of water. Remove from heat and add 2 teaspoons of red clover blossoms. Steep the mixture for an additional 10 minutes, strain and drink thrice a day. Burdock, dandelion root and red clover blossoms improve liver, kidney and intestine function and so may help clear the skin.

• Orange Peel Acne Remedy

  Orange peel can be dried, ground and stored for regular home application. Mix a little bit of this powder with water and apply it to the acne spots for a gradual cessation in acne.

• Raw Potatoes Soothe Acne

  Raw potato juice is a natural cure and highly effective against blemishes. Raw potato juice is rich in potassium, sulphur, phosphorus and chlorine and has a healing effect when applied locally on acne spots.

• Ripe Tomato Acne Treatment

  Tomatoes provide a natural cure for acne as the the acid in tomatoes have a beneficial effect on acne. Apply ripe tomato paste on the acne and leave it on for a few minutes and wash it off.

• Mint Juice Lightens Scars

  Mint juice is very soothing on acne and can help to reduce the acne scars naturally. You can apply mint juice mixed with coriander juice or sandalwood powder or turmeric powder. Leave it on for about 20 minutes and wash it off with water.

• Tea Tree Oil Remedy For Acne

  Tea tree oil is renowned for its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. You can mix a drop of tea tree oil in about nine drops of water or aloe vera gel and apply it on the acne. Alternatively, make a mask of a few drops of tea tree oil mixed with green or white clay or gram flour and apply all over the face. Wash it off with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Repeat this home remedy everytime there is an acne flare-up.

• Apple Cider Vinegar Dries Acne

  The acetic acid in vinegar can help remove excess oil from the skin, which is one of the leading causes of acne. Apple cider vinegar has strong anti-bacterial properties and also restores the pH level of the skin. Make a mixture of one-part vinegar and three-parts water and apply it with a cotton swab. Leave it on the acne for 10 to 15 minutes and wash it off.

Acne, Healing With Supplements

• Beta Carotene

  Vitamin A is one of the first vitamins prescribed for Acne. Beta carotene may protect the skin from bacteria, take 15 mg daily. More on Beta Carotene.

• Vitamin C

  Vitamin C helps with the production of collagen, a component of the skin. More on Vitamin C.

• Vitamin E

  Vitamin E helps the body assimilate Vitamin A. It also helps in removing old scars and preventing from further scarring. More on Vitamin E.

• Zinc

  Zinc is an important mineral in maintaining the health of the skin. More on Zinc

• Vitamin B Complex

  B-complex vitamins help cope with stress, but an excessive intake of these vitamins can actually trigger more acne. More on Vitamin B Complex.