Skin disorders are a common occurrence due to pollution in the environment, chemicals in skin and hair products, inside heating and air units, medications and genetics. Dermatologists have a variety of treatments for skin disorders, but natural treatments help ease symptoms as well. Alternative therapies for skin disorders are often less expensive, have fewer side effects and are environmentally friendly.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic, noncontagious skin disorder that stems from genetics and a poor immune system. The severity of the plaque-like skin patches varies from person to person, but mild to moderate psoriasis symptoms may be helped with Dead Sea salt. People who have used Dead Sea salt on psoriasis report that symptoms improve due to the suppression of cellular turnover. This in conjunction with natural sunlight and a relaxed disposition may suppress outbreaks and reduce inflammation, writes Audrey Kunin, M.D., of dermadoctor.com.
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Dandruff
Dandruff is characterized by white, oily flakes that accumulate on the scalp. This skin condition can be chronic, but it can also be controlled. A natural way to control dandruff is to use an apple cider vinegar hair rinse several times a week until dandruff subsides. This will balance the pH levels on the scalp, and the acidic nature of the vinegar will help remove dead skin flakes and unclog hair follicles, states Julie Gabrie, a holistic nutritionist and author of "The Green Beauty Guide." Dilute the apple cider vinegar with 1 part water and saturate the hair with the rinse for 5 minutes before shampooing as usual.
Acne
Acne is a skin disorder that occurs when pores become clogged with oil, dirt and dead skin cells. BestAcneTreatments.org suggests a natural approach by making a honey and cinnamon acne mask. Cinnamon is a natural antifungal and antibacterial agent. Honey produces small amounts of hydrogen peroxide when it is applied topically to skin. Combine a spoonful of cinnamon with enough honey to make a thick paste. Smooth over the skin, and use every day until acne is gone.
Dry Skin
Dry skin, or xerosis, can happen to anyone and can be relieved by applying moisturizers, says the American Academy of Dermatology. They suggest some simple solutions to help prevent and treat dry skin: use a humidifier, apply cold cloths to dry skin that is irritated, avoid very hot showers, and apply moisturizer immediately after bathing. A natural moisturizer that is helpful to dry skin is grapeseed oil. Grapeseed oil is a light oil that will not clog pores but contains vitamin E and antioxidants, which foster healthy skin.
