Acne can present itself in a variety of ways, such as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, pustules, cysts, and can be found on the face, or anywhere on the body. Many acne sufferers have tried what seems like everything in terms of a treatment, solution and prevention to their skin problems. Natural skin care products may be the most beneficial solution for your acne, your skin and your health. The uniqueness of every individual's skin and lifestyle makes it a tough task to conquer. However, with some new ideas, and a trip to the health store, there may be some natural ways to improve your skin.
Basic Skin Care
Your personal hygiene and basic skin care routine are important, as acne can worsen from irritants, bacteria, or improperly suited skin care products. Natural and organic skin care products that contain acne-improving ingredients are helpful, as they will help to eliminate and control acne on a daily basis. Clean and soft, non-abrasive skin care tools and brushes lessen irritation that may worsen acne. Natural cosmetics that are worthy of being valuable skin care items, and not exacerbating the problem, are essential. Clean pillowcases, sheets, and clothes, washed with a natural laundry soap are crucial to limit bacteria that touches the skin and minimize irritation.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract kills bacteria associated with acne, is an astringent and cleansing to the skin. Use grapefruit seed extract as a spot treatment and dilute the extract according to your skin's tolerance level. Take care, as it may cause dryness or irritation on sensitive skin when undiluted. Grapefruit seed extract can be found at a natural health store as an extract, and in many natural and organic products.
White Willow Bark
White willow bark is a natural form of salicylic acid, which is useful for acne as it is has astringent, and anti-inflammatory capabilities. White willow bark also has the ability to control the skin's oil production, and assist in the exfoliation of dead skin cells, along with the development of new skin cells. These characteristics may be effective in the treatment of different types of acne, such as blackheads, pimples and whiteheads. You can find white willow bark in many natural skin care products that are targeted towards acne.
Green clay
Clay has the ability to absorb toxins, dirt and oil from pores, and along with the clay, you can wash them away. A green clay mask is an effective way to exfoliate and treat different types of blemishes, as well as stubborn blackheads. Rinse off the mask if your skin begins to feel itchy or irritated, as this may happen from prolonged dryness when the mask is left on the skin for too long. Green clay can also be applied as a spot treatment to dry out pimples. You can find clay at health stores as a powder that can be mixed with water, or combined with other ingredients that are helpful in the treatment of acne.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Ph level has a large impact on the development of acne. Apple cider vinegar may regulate your skin's pH level, which is the way by which acidity and alkalinity are measured. When applied to the skin, apple cider vinegar also eradicates acne bacteria, and rids the skin of superfluous oils. Apple cider vinegar can be diluted in water, with the ratio of one part vinegar, four parts water. Other ratios may be performed, however, practice caution, as vinegar is highly acidic.
Tea Tree Oil
Though it may not be as effective as a conventional treatment of benzoyl peroxide, Tea tree oil is a powerful acne treatment, and may also be gentler, and carry fewer side effects. Tea tree oil has the ability to kill the bacteria that causes acne, and for this reason has shown to be useful as an acne treatment. You can use tea tree oil undiluted as a spot treatment on pimples, or add to natural skin care products. Practice caution with sensitive skin, as undiluted tea tree oil may cause redness or a slight burning sensation if used too liberally. Tea tree essential oil can be found in health stores, though conventional drug and grocery stores may also carry tea tree oil.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is well-known for many healing benefits, and is found in many natural skin care products. The topical application of aloe vera to the skin may diminish inflammation, and encourage the skin to heal. Aloe vera is anti-bacterial, which will help you combat active acne, and prevent the formation of further acne. Aloe has a fluid consistency that is well-absorbed, provides a protective moisture barrier, and may also help to lighten acne scars.
References
- Herbal Musings: Natural Treatments For Adult Acne – Better Nutrition Magazine by Karyn Siegel-Maier
- Integrated Medicine Centre: Acne: Foods/Herbs That Can Alleviate or Prevent Acne
- Inside Cosmeceuticals: Herbal Acne Regimes with White Willow Bark by Jeanette Jacknin
- Inside Cosmeceuticals: Fight Off Acne with Tea Tree Oil by Jeanette Jacknin
- Carefair.com: Beauty: What you Need to Know About PH Levels in Your Beauty Products
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