There are multiple natural home remedies for acne. Most treatments do not have a lot of supporting clinical trials or evidence to prove their effectiveness. Some treatments are more beneficial to certain types of acne, such as zinc being used in the treatment of inflammatory acne.
Tea Tree Oil
Experts at the Mayo Clinic suggest that a gel that contains 5 percent tea tree oil can be as effective as lotions containing 5 percent benzoyl peroxide, though the tea tree oil may work more slowly. Tea tree oil is used as a topical antiseptic in Australia. Acne for Dummies states that a study showed the active components of tea tree oil effectively slow the growth of P. acnes.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that can help wound healing and inflammation. Care should be taken when using oral or topical zinc, as it can cause upset stomach or decrease the absorption of various antibiotics, such as tetracyclines.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is a natural acid that can be found in sugar cane. Glycolic acid can be applied to the skin and helps unclog pores and remove dead skin cells. There may be improvement in acne scars as well.
Green Tea Cream
Green tea cream is made for the medicinal portion of the green tea leaf. Acne for Dummies states that the advocates of green tea cream believe this treatment is as effective as benzoyl peroxide--an over-the-counter acne treatment--in treating acne.
Calendula
Calendula--also known as pot marigold--is an ornamental plant that has orange flowers which can be made into tinctures, lotions and creams. You can also wash your skin in a tea made from the orange flowers.
Belladonna
Belladonna is an herb that can help inflammatory pustular acne as well as heat flushes. Apply belladonna preparations in cold applications.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E should be taken to prevent possible acne scarring, as well as lessening old scars.
Raw Potato
The juice of a raw potato is helpful in clearing skin blemishes. The juices contain a high content of potassium sulphur, phosphorus and chlorine. The potato must be raw, as that is when it is composed of live organic atoms.
Cleansing Diet
A "Complete Handbook of Nature Cures" recommends starting a fruit diet for about a week to include apples, pears, grapes, grapefruit, pineapple and peaches. After the first week, you can then adopt a well-balanced diet focused on raw foods, with emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables, sprouted seeds, raw nuts and whole grain cereals. Consult your naturopath or a licensed medical professional before attempting a cleansing diet.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Ayurveda is an Indian medicine that focuses on the balance of three doshas--vata, pitta and kapha. Ayurveda indicates that acne is caused by aggravation of all three doshas. Acne for dummies lists remedies for acne include drinking 1/2 cup of aloe vera juice twice daily, applying a paste of nutmeg and a little water to affected areas, using orange peel face packs and drinking a Sunder Vati herbal preparation that includes ginger, Holarrhena antidysenterica, Embelia ribes and Kampo.
References
- A Complete Handbook of Nature Cures; P. K. Bolar, N.D.
- Acne for Dummies: Herbert P. Goodheart, MD, Dermatologist: 2006
- Mayo Clinic: Natural acne treatment
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