Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder that affects nearly 80 percent of Americans between the ages of twelve and twenty-four. Many people find over-the-counter and prescription acne treatments to be too harsh; or they may experience unwanted side effects. There are several home treatments for acne including dietary and herbal supplements, essential oils and homemade remedies.
Certain essential oils have shown to be beneficial in the treatment of acne. Many people believe that essential oils should be avoided because they add additional oil to the skin. This is false. When treating acne with essential oils, you will want to use therapeutic grade oils. Instead of leaving an oily residue, therapeutic oils will dissipate when exposed to air and leave the skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated. The best essential oils for acne treatment include: Tea Tree, Lavender, Rosewood, Bergamot and Rosewood. Essential oils need to be mixed with a carrier oil such as Jojoba, Sesame or Grapeseed.
Tea tree oil is a natural antibiotic and antiseptic. Dab full-strength tea tree oil on blemishes three times a day. If the full strength oil is too strong for your liking, combine 10 to 15 drops of oil with 1/4-cup warm water and pat on infected area with a cotton ball. Tea tree oil soap is another option.
The leaves of lavender, red clover, and strawberry plants can be used as a steam sauna for the face. Lavender is a natural germicide and stimulates cell growth. Simply add 2 to 4 tablespoons of dried or fresh herbs in two quarts of water and heat until water is steaming. Remove the pot from the burner, place on a potholder on a table, and sit with your face at a comfortable distance from the steam for fifteen minutes. If acne is severe or badly inflamed, do not use steam treatments, as this may worsen the condition.
Another popular acne treatment is to apply an oatmeal mask once or twice a week. Cook oatmeal as you normally would, allow it to cool a bit and while it is still warm, apply it to your entire face. Allow the oatmeal to dry, than rinse with warm water. Additionally, uncooked oatmeal can be used to exfoliate skin. Add a small amount of warm water to dampen the oatmeal and use as a facial scrub.
One home treatment for acne involves making dietary changes. People with acne usually benefit by eating a diet that is high in fiber and includes foods that are rich in zinc. Zinc-rich foods include shellfish, soybeans, whole grains, sunflower seeds and nuts. Foods that seem to worsen symptoms include anything processed, most meat (especially red meat), sugar, flour, wheat, caffeine, and alcohol.
Adding dietary and herbal supplements can be an effective acne treatment. Recommended dietary supplements include essential fatty acids, B vitamins, vitamins A, E, C, and D, acidophilus, chlorophyll, selenium, digestive enzymes, and lecithin.
Beneficial herbs used for home treatment of acne include burdock root and red clover, which are powerful blood cleansers; and milk thistle which aids the liver in cleansing blood. A poultice using chaparral, dandelion, and yellow dock root can be applied directly to the areas of skin with acne. Chaparral should never be taken internally and is intended for external use only. Other useful herbs include alfalfa, cayenne and Echinacea.
Many people find that aloe vera is an effective home treatment for acne. Aloe vera juice can be consumed internally and helps heal the digestive tract. Generally, 1 to 2 ounces per day is effective. Aloe vera gel can be applied directly to acne lesions and may alleviate inflammation and pain.
Witch hazel has been used for many years as a home treatment for acne. Some find cleaning the face with egg whites helps to soothe acne pain and inflammation. Others find apple cider vinegar soothing to acne lesions and some claim it helps to reduce scarring.
Last, but not least, a little known home treatment for acne involves the use of a cucumber. Just peel the cucumber and blend in a blender or food processor until liquefied; then apply to the area affected with acne.
