Natural Acne Remedies

Natural Acne Remedies

The subject of natural or homegrown acne remedies is a

broad one to cover as one must be able to separate the

effective options from those that really amount to little more

than old wives’ tales. Yet, with this said, someone searching

for successful remedies for acne would be foolish to overlook

the benefits of those natural remedies that have been passed

on in families. These sorts of remedies based upon common

sense practices or herbs are typically successful for most

mild cases of acne. It is when these cases grow more severe

that one should consult a physician or dermatologist.

For centuries, civilizations relied exclusively upon herbal and

natural remedies for the treatment of every ailment. No, there

were no convenient drive-up pharmacies to get a prescription

for manufactured medications. In order to find ways to help

treat sickness one had to venture into the woods and search

for cures there. And for the most part, nature provided for

these needs through the various herbs that were found to

have medicinal value.

The earliest physicians were nothing more than what we

today call herbalists or at a certain point in time,

apothecaries. Either way, the natural remedies they

discovered were the basis for scientists who later found ways

to create synthetic substitutes for these herbs and distill the

innate properties down into a form that can be amplified or

augmented by other elements.

  A List of Common Natural Remedies 

Hot/Cold Compresses - 

A chief natural remedy that is

recommended more often than not is the usage of hot and

cold wet towel compresses to reduce swelling and eliminate

clogged pores--the major culprit in the production of acne.

Drinking Water -

 This natural remedy for acne is simple

enough. The premise behind it the idea that if you drink a

sufficient amount of water per day, typically 7-8 glasses of

water a day, your body is cleansed of elements of toxicity that

can actually contribute to the development and spread of

acne. It also should be noted, that many natural remedies not

only recommend to merely drink plain old ordinary water, but

actually adding herbal ingredients by boiling fenugreek seeds

and corn into the water.

Oils and Juices - 

Though it can seem odd, the benefits of

using natural substances like almond oil - which can actually

help with the removal of acne scars - cannot be ignored.

Apricot juice helps to alleviate the presence of cysts by

cutting through them.

 Cucumber juice -

 Used as a topical application, either

alone or combined with carrot juice, alfalfa or lettuce.

 Citric fruit juices - 

These types of juices, such as lemon

juice, serve as a natural exfoliate, removing dead skin

cells which might cause clogging of the pores. You

should allow it to dry on the face for approximately 10

minutes before rinsing it away with cool water.

Fenugreek leaves - 

This remedy provides great prevention of

breakouts and involves taking the fenugreek leaves, crushing

them, and making a paste out of them.  You should then

apply it to infected areas every night, then wash it away the

following morning with warm water.

Honey Mask -

 Because honey has naturally occurring anti-

bacterial qualities it is often applied to the face as a mask,

killing surface bacteria. Typically, the mask should be applied

once or twice weekly depending upon the results of usage.

Distilled white vinegar - 

Apply the vinegar as a topical

solution, letting it sit on the infected area for at least 5-10

minutes. Then rinse it thoroughly with cool water. Often the

vinegar can be a little too strong so it is recommended that

you dilute it, though not too much.

Make-up or Cosmetic Usage -

 Simply put, this is a common

sense remedy for acne. Just avoid using these products

because more than likely the chemicals and oils used to

manufacture them will clog the pores, which, in turn, leads to

more breakouts.

  Further Remedies 

Beyond the common natural remedies for acne, there are a

few other interesting options available and worth mentioning

at this time.

Diet and vitamin supplements -

 Unlike former days, when the

diets of civilizations included only naturally occurring food

from the ground, the usage of fertilizers and pesticides has

taken a toll on the nutrient content of much of the food that

we eat. Add to this the fact that our food is further

manipulated by chemical preservatives and you have some further explanations for the occurrences of some acne

breakout. To combat this, observing a proper and balanced

diet and taking a hearty multi-vitamin can actually go a long

way towards preventing certain bio-chemical conditions

which provide fertile ground for acne.

Echinacea and Oregon grape - 

These herbs are both useful

for boosting the body’s immune system and also combating

many forms of acne-causing bacteria.

Vitamin A -

 Used in large quantities, vitamin A has actually

been used to successfully treat some severe forms of acne.

But it must be clear that if you plan to use vitamin A as a

possible remedy you should consult a physician because, if

used in large enough doses, it can be toxic.

Zinc -

 This vitamin, if added to one’s diet, can actually aid in

the healing of acne lesions and help in the prevention of

scarring.