Clear Up Acne Naturally

Acne, pimples, and clogged pores can be troublesome at any age. From regular pimples to blackheads acne can be a daily persistence and can occur on several parts of the body. Most people know that acne is caused by clogged pores, but many people do not know that it has nothing to do with cleanliness. You could wash your face five times a day, but you may still have pimples anyway. Many Americans suffer with acne and ages vary widely. Learn some of the factors that result in acne so you can prevent it. Here are some natural solutions you can try at home to ease your acne, blackheads, and pimples.

Acne can appear just about anywhere on the skin, but certain areas like the face are more prone to it. Tight clothing, sweat, and minor skin infections (like ingrown hairs) can aggravate acne and it’s symptoms. Pimples are red, sometimes with a bump that can be sore to the touch and typically appear because a hair is ingrown or something is blocking the growth like oil. Whiteheads look white or yellowish, and usually affect your pores by blocking them with oil or stupid skin.

Blackheads are similar to whiteheads except they are deeper under the surface and trapped dead skin turns brown or dusky in color. The worst acne problem is a cyst which can be very painful and become swollen. Cysts are hard, raised bumps that appear on the skin and last for 2-3 weeks. Cysts may also swell and recede, only to return in a few weeks. If you have cysts you should see a dermatologist immediately because they can be considered a serious medical condition.

For most Americans, acne is the result of over productive oil glands, and may be a combination of too much oil and dead skin accumulating on the skin. Acne can also be caused by bacteria, exposure to environmental toxins, drug abuse, or infection. Makeup that clogs the pores can also create acne, as well as scrubbing the skin too hard, using harsh cleansers, and family history can contribute too. According to the American Academy of Dermatology acne is the most commonly treated skin problem and nearly 80% of Americans between the ages of 12 and 44 suffer with it.

In teens, hormonal changes are often to blame for acne related problems but may also be linked to nutritional deficiencies. Women may be affected by acne before, during, or after menstruation, during pregnancy, and may suffer with acne during menopause as well. Men can also experience acne during middle age but steroid and other drug abuses have been linked to acne in older men. Adult acne generally appears on the face but can appear anywhere on the skin where sweat gathers or irritation occurs. Because of hormonal imbalances, teens can get acne just about anywhere including on the back, between the legs, under the arms, on the neck, etc.

Broken-down treatments generally consist of oral medications, topical solutions, or both. Oral antibiotics can help, but they do not fully address the concern of acne. Topical solutions contain many ingredients that may be toxic and harmful to the skin causing drying or itching. Both topical and oral treatments can have serious side effects including birth defects, liver failure, and weight secure.

Resurfacing the skin by microdermabrasion, and laser or chemical peel can befriend slice scarring, but they are all relatively hazardous procedures that may leave you scarred or burned. If you suffer with acne you should view your doctor or dermatologist to create the best treatment understanding. But, if you are not ready to risk your health or your beauty here are some natural remedies you can try.

The first step to clearing up acne and it’s symptoms is to change your diet. If you suffer from acne or its related symptoms it is likely that you do not obtain the recommended nutrients in your daily diet. Some people think eating greasy foods and chocolate is the reason for pimples and breakouts, but it’s more likely what you’re not eating.

Add yogurt to your daily diet to help replenish superior bacteria. Potassium, Selenium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, and B complex vitamins should all be a part of your daily multivitamin. These vitamins and minerals will promote healing of the skin, strengthen your immune system, and provide you with distinguished needed antioxidants.

Try to add more dark, leafy greens, garlic, and fruit to your daily menu. Dark leafy greens clean the blood and liver, and garlic acts as a natural anti fungal/antibiotic. Adding more fruit and vegetables to your diet will increase your absorption of vital nutrients and help improve the look of your skin. We’ve all heard the saying “you are what you eat” and it’s fair. If you eat burgers and pizza all the time ask your skin to start resembling your food. It will be oily, bumpy, and have uneven color. Eat more fruits and vegetables and your skin will begin to take on a smoother, more even colored, and fresh looking tone.

For breakouts try using a couple of dabs of lavender or tea tree oil for spot treatments. Both are natural antiseptics and will help the infection subside. Do not use harsh astringents or cleansers on the skin. Instead use antibacterial soap, do not scrub hard, and pat your skin dry. Rubbing the skin too hard with a cloth or towel will aggravate your oil glands causing acne to spread, especially if you already have pimples or start sores on the skin.

Wash your hair often because oils can easily spread to the face and neck residence. If you have breakouts avoid squeezing them or touching the skin. Anytime you get sweaty or your skin feels oily you should wash it. For some people once a day is plenty, but you may have to wash your face a few times daily depending on the severity of your condition.

With drawing salve you can force whiteheads and blackheads to the surface. Let the sores burst on their own and immediately clean afterward with antibacterial soap. Not wearing makeup can help greatly but if you can’t give it up use water based products only. If your skin is particularly oily you may want to use vinegar/water solution on your skin once or twice a week. Use 1 part apple cider vinegar mixed with 9 parts clean water and apply to the face with a cloth or cotton ball. The vinegar will help get break down excess oil so it can be washed away.

Steam treatments are also great for clearing up the skin and helping pimples approach to the surface. Steaming opens up the pores allowing dead skin and oil to come out. Steaming can be done with or without a towel, but you will have better results if you use one to trap the steam. In a 2 quart saucepan bring several cups of water to a boil. Catch from heat and pour into a glass or stainless steel bowl and add 10-20 drops of tea tree oil. Steam your skin for 10-15 minutes. After steaming your skin use two Q-tips to help squeeze grime from your pores. Do not apply considerable pressure. Anything that is going to come out of your pores should come out easily, do not force it. Follow with a cold water rinse to close the pores and then wash the skin with antibacterial soap and pat dry.

For more serious breakouts try a green clay powder cover. Green clay powder can be purchased at some grocery stores and at most health food stores. Follow the instructions on the package, or mix 1 teaspoon of powder with 1 teaspoon of honey for spot treatments. For cysts and other red bumps you can also make a poultice using steamed herbs. Strawberry leaves, dandelion, red clover, and lavender all make good poultices for acne. If you have serious acne you should stare your doctor or dermatologist.