If you have trouble with breakouts and other skin blemishes, you may find that home remedies can help you control the problem without seeing a dermatologist or using harsher products. Home remedies usually work best for mild to moderate skin problems. Severe or cystic acne is typically best treated by a medical professional.
Cleansing
One of the most important steps to keeping your skin blemish-free is to cleanse regularly and correctly. Though you may think washing your face often is the key to keeping blemishes at bay, over-cleansing can actually irritate your skin and make you more prone to breakouts. Washing in the morning and at night is usually sufficient. Gentle, fragrance-free soaps made specifically for the face are usually the best choice for acne-prone skin. Wash your face with warm water and massage your skin with your fingertips or a soft washcloth. Rough facial scrubs and masks can abrade the skin and make skin problems worse.
Irritants
Skin products that contain oil and other irritants can clog your pores, causing pimples and blemishes. Avoid using multiple products on your face and other areas where you break out. Makeup, concealers, sunscreen and even hair products are often greasy and oily. If you must use skin products, look for ones that are water-based or labeled as noncomedogenic, meaning that they do not clog pores.
Nutrition
It is a common myth that certain foods, such as nuts or chocolate, cause acne or make breakouts worse. While there is no evidence that specific foods lead to blemishes, certain vitamins and minerals may help yo prevent blemishes and keep skin problems to a minimum, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Zinc can reduce the severity of acne in some people when taken in 30 mg doses twice a day for a month and then one 30 mg dose per day during subsequent months. Too much zinc can lead to health problems, including anemia and immune system suppression. It can also interact with certain acne medications, so it is important to check with your doctor before taking zinc for blemishes.
Vitamin A and retinoid drugs prescribed for acne have similar properties. Though there are not many medical studies regarding the efficacy of vitamin A in treating acne, some people may find that they have fewer breakouts when taking vitamin A supplements. Vitamin A can be dangerous for pregnant women and those with liver problems.
Herbs
Certain herbs consumed as supplements, teas or used topically may help to reduce the severity of blemishes and other skin problems. Check with your doctor before beginning any herbal regimen to treat acne, as some herbs can have serious side effects and interactions with other supplements and medications. Tea tree oil applied topically can help to reduce inflammation and reduce bacteria on the skin in some people, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Lavender oil, soaps and other topical products can help to clear mild breakouts due to the herb's antibacterial properties. Lavender also is heavily used in aromatherapy to help patients to relax, making the oil a good choice for patients who suffer from stress-related breakouts.
Guggul taken orally can be very effective in treating breakouts and preventing blemishes. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports one study showed guggul to have the same effect as the popular acne medication tetracycline. Pregnant or nursing women should not take the herb and it can interact with any medication and herbs that contain estrogen or have estrogen-like effects.
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