Acne is one of those annoying skin complaints that can be a problem for both men and women from teens through to middle age.
What is acne?
Acne can be triggered by many things from hormonal imbalances causing an increase in serum production to environmental factors. Whatever the initial trigger, the actual formation of acne happens from within pores known as comedones which have become blocked. Bacteria build within these pores and infection follows resulting in an inflamed swollen area that we recognize as a pimple.
Standard store-bought treatments for acne:
Commercial treatments for acne usually include chemical or synthetic based active ingredients such as salicylic acid or triclosan. These ingredients are usually found in washes and scrubs that are formulated for oily or teenage skin.
Not all of us have oily skin or suffer from other common symptoms like blackheads that are often associated with acne. Sometimes simple things like shaving, pregnancy or hormonal issues can trigger acne - and sometimes this is on a temporary or sporadic basis.
It can be hard to find acne products you can use every day to prevent acne generally and avoid blackhead buildup.
Most people are delighted to discover there is a natural solution that can be incorporated into a daily skincare routine to eliminate acne long term.
Side effects of commercial acne products and their alternatives:
The vast majority of acne products contain potentially irritating ingredients like sulfates that can dry out the skin. This is compounded by the effects of active ingredients added to target bacteria. Many natural ingredients also contain the same active ingredients without the same side effects including:
Strawberries - contain salicylic acid, the same active ingredient in many acne washes
Willow bark - also rich in salicylic acid, a natural powder available from a health store that is perfect for acne masks
Fruit acids - also rich in bacteria retarding compounds
Banana - the potassium in bananas retard acne bacteria
Tea Tree oil - most essential oils have antibacterial properties but tea tree is also antiseptic and antimicrobial and is one to the most potent acne-fighting oils
Sandalwood oil - another potent antibacterial oil
Lavender oil - naturally antibacterial and soothing for the skin. Also helps to soften skin and prevent scarring
Honey (especially active UMF honey) - honey has been used for thousands of years to treat wounds. It's also healing and moisturizing and helps to prevent scars
Turmeric powder - a natural spice used in ayurvedic medicine known for its medicinal properties
Yogurt - a great base for acne masks with "good" bacteria to help combat acne
These are just a few ingredients with very potent anti-bacterial properties. They can also help to guard against acne scars leaving skin soft and conditioned.
You can make masks out of these ingredients, plus with the addition of a few other oils and other beneficial ingredients at home, you can make cleansers or serums that treat acne but don't leave your skin dry and are now irritating.
Many people think or assume that natural acne recipes won't be as effective or powerful as commercial products. This is not the case and a popular myth that acne product brands are understandably not in a hurry to quash.
Studies show that natural ingredients can, in fact, help you eliminate acne quickly and permanently, especially when combined the right way in masks and other acne treatments with ingredients like the ones listed above. You can even add some of the essential oils to your existing face cleansers to "convert" them into acne washes without having to buy more products.
There are many more homemade acne treatments you can make using various combinations of ingredients you probably have in your home right now. Essential oils like lavender and tea tree can be bought online or at your local health store, they are handy to use on cuts and grazes and even as cleaners around the home. They last a long long time.
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