Natural and effective treatment of acne

Acne is the most common skin condition and results in more than just discomfort. Its effects run a little deeper than just skin-deep. It is a skin condition often associated with embarrassment and other psychological problems. Acne strikes during the most important years of a young person’s life –a time when appearance is important and when one is just learning how to build relationships.

There are ways to neutralize the limitations surrounding this condition and this article will focus mostly on the natural remedies for acne.  

I will discuss:

1. Definition of Acne
2. Causes and Aggravating Factors of Acne
3. Psychological effects of Acne
4. Goals of Acne Treatment
5. Common treatments of Acne
6. Skin Care and Preventative Measures for Acne Sufferers
7. Natural Treatments for Acne

Normal Skin (From: www.acne.org)

Definition of Acne:

Acne has been simplistically defined as the occurrence of inflamed or infected oil glands in the skin and is characterized by red pimples mainly on the face. It is a skin disease that affects the skin’s oil glands.

Causes and Aggravating Factors of Acne:

The pores in our skin connect to oil (sebaceous) glands located under the skin. These glands produce an oily substance called sebum (see figure above). The pores are connected to the oil glands via canals called follicles. Thin hairs also grow out of these follicles. The purpose of the oily substance (or sebum) is to carry dead skin cells to the surface towards the pores. However, in the case of acne these oils block the pores as there is an overproduction of cells and this blockage provides and opportunity for bacteria to grow. The result is a pimple.

The causes of acne are unknown but it has been linked to an increase in hormones in the teen years which may increase the chances of the oil glands becoming clogged more often. For the same reason acne is also more prevalent during pregnancy. It can also be hereditary and has been linked to certain medications and the use of oil-based make-up.

Aggravating factors of acne include pressure from bike helmets, backpacks and tight collars, pollution, high humidity and scrubbing the skin. The good news is that chocolate doesn’t cause acne in most people.

Psychological Effects of Acne:

Unfortunately acne affects adolescents at a time when they are most affected by their looks and the response of their peers. This is the time when their personalities are forming and acceptance is important to them. Physical appearance matters greatly. Suffering from acne at this sensitive stage may lead to embarrassment and lowered self-esteem. Since their self-confidence is often affected they can become withdrawn and reclusive at precisely the time when other teenagers are learning to form relationships. It may even affect career choices and lead to depression.

Goals of Acne Treatment:

• Early intervention

• Heal all existing pimples

• Stop new pimples from forming

• Prevent and treat scarring

• Address the psychological effects of acne

Common treatments for acne:

Usually acne is treated with medication prescribed by dermatologists. Generally it is believed that acne is cured from the inside out and therefore even the best remedies can only be effective if certain lifestyle changes are put in place. We will discuss more of these later under natural remedies for acne.

Skin Care and Preventative Measures for Acne Sufferers:

• If a healthy lifestyle has already been instilled in a child, it will contribute greatly to curbing the outbreak of acne in the teenage years. Acne affects almost all teens.

• A regular skin care routine will help to limit the growth of latent acne-causing bacteria which lurks, waiting for just the right conditions to break out.  

• Use a mild cleanser in the morning and evening and also after exercise. Gently wash with warm water.

• Never scrub your skin. It doesn’t stop acne and may in fact worsen the condition.

• Never squeeze, pinch or pick pimples as this may cause scarring or dark spots.

• Take care when shaving. Soften your beard with soap or water before applying shaving cream.

• Avoid the sun especially if you are acne medication. Some medications make you more prone to sunburn.

• Use only oil-free make up. Look for the word “noncomedogenic” on labels. This indicates that it is safe to use for acne and won’t clog your pores.

Natural Remedies for Acne:

There are no short-cuts when it comes to acne treatment. Some lifestyle changes need to be put in place and changing bad habits will certainly pay off in the long run. Even the very best remedies out there will only be of benefit if it is accompanied by replacing bad habits with good ones. 

These good habits include:

• Eating healthy and balanced diet which includes Vitamins A, C, E and Zinc. Include leafy veggies and fresh fruit in your diet and cut down or cut out processed foods, sodas, and artificial sweeteners.

• Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day.

• Regular exercise may be one of the best remedies for acne.

• Get enough sleep and don’t sleep on your face.

• Wash your hands and your hair regularly especially if you have oily hair.

• Be committed

• Be patient

Natural Remedies for Acne include:

Tea Tree Oil:

Tea tree oil is effective at fighting acne because of its powerful anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. It cannot cure acne but it can control the condition. It also lessens the redness and kills the acne-forming bacteria.

Honey:

Honey is great for the scars left by acne. It cannot cure the condition but helps the scars to fade away. It may take a few days and even a few weeks before you see any results but it is worth the wait. Take a spatula of honey and evenly spread it onto a cleansed face. Let it dry and leave on the skin for 20 minutes. Gently rinse off with warm water, ensuring you rinse off all of it. Your skin will instantly feel softer. 

Aloe Vera:

Aloe Vera contains polysaccharides which is ideal for skin repair. It cures acne wounds by decreasing the inflammation and helps to lessen and even eliminate the scars associated with acne.

Baking Soda:

Baking soda can be used as a facial cleanser by mixing it with a small amount of water until it reaches the consistency of toothpaste. Gently rub the paste onto the skin in circular movements. Rinse the skin and pat dry.

Garlic:

Garlic is known for its antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic kills off the bacteria which cause acne and bacteria cannot develop resistance to garlic so that stronger doses are not necessary. The anti-inflammatory properties in garlic helps to reduce the redness associated with acne. Never apply garlic directly onto acne skin. Eating it raw is the way to go as cooking the garlic lowers the therapeutic properties. Obviously, you’ll need to take extra measures to save your breath from the garlic smell.

Apple Cider Vinegar:

Apple Cider Vinegar is an excellent detoxing agent and it helps to dissolve fat deposits on your skin. Some people are sensitive to the use of vinegar and it may worsen their condition. Never use pure vinegar on your face. Dissolve the vinegar in water: one part vinegar and eight parts water. Store it in a sealed jar with one ground aspirin tablet. Use it like you would use a toner. It is best to use it before bed time since it is smelly.