Acne is a skin disorder most common among adolescents. It is caused by the hormonal changes at puberty, which lead to an increase in the activity of the sebaceous oil-producing glands. Sebaceous glands secrete through pores and hair follicles , which are most abundant on the face and scalp, a fatty lubricant known as sebum. Acne occurs when the pores become clogged with sebum. Blackheads, external plugs formed of sebum and dead cells, may be invaded by bacteria, which cause pus-filled inflammations, or pimples. The overlying skin may become stretched to the point of rupture, resulting in lesions and, in prolonged severe cases, eventual scarring. Sweating can aggravate acne, as do some oral contraceptives, lack of sunlight, poor skin hygiene, face creams, cosmetics, and exercise.
Acne Natural Home Treatment
- Cleansing Lotion for Acne: Take 5 drops each of tea tree, eucalyptus, and lavender oils and 2 tablespoons each of distilled witch hazel and water. Mix together and store in a clean glass bottle. Shake the bottle well before applying to affected areas night and morning with a cotton swab.
- Horsetail contains astringent properties which clean and tighten pores. Make a skin wash by adding 1 handful of dried horsetail to 1 liter of boiling water, cover and steep for 15 minutes. Once cooled, use unstrained once a week.
- Yoga for Healthy Skin: Recommended yoga asanas for acne are the Lion Pose and the sequence of postures called the Moon Salutation.
- Orange Peel Face Mask: The orange peel is valuable in the treatment of acne. The peel, pounded well with water on a piece of stone, should be applied to the affected areas. The lemon has also proved beneficial in removing pimples and acne. It should be applied regularly.
- Honey as Folk Remedy: An old folk remedy for healing pimples is to use a mixture of spice and honey on them. Combine 1 teaspoon powdered nutmeg and 1 teaspoon honey, and apply it to the pimple. Leave on for 20 minutes, then wash off. There’s no proof that this helps, but honey does have antiseptic properties.
- Home Cure with Aloe: Apply aloe vera. One study found that 90% of skin sores were completely healed with aloe vera within five days, nearly twice the success rate of those using standard medical creams.
- Nutrients for Acne: Dark-green or orange vegetables are especially helpful for their beta-carotene, which helps maintain and repair the skin. Eat them raw or lightly cooked to retain their nutrients and fiber.
- Pineapple Refresh: Slice away the sides of the pineapple, separating the fruit from the rind. Set the fruit aside in a bowl. Rub the inside of the rind on your face. Mash a single slice of pineapple and rub it onto your face. Let the pineapple juices work for about 15 minutes – while you enjoy eating the fruit. Wash your face and pat it dry with a clean towel. Repeat weekly as needed. Pineapple contains an anti-inflammatory enzyme called bromelain and fruit acids (mainly citric acid), which gently exfoliate the skin, unblock pores, and dry excess skin oil. (A number of over-the-counter anti-acne products contain a type of fruit acid called alpha-hydroxy acid.) One study found that a commercially prepared fruit acid product, applied to the face every two weeks for six months, decreased the number of pimples. Do not apply pineapple to your skin if you’re allergic to it. If you develop any redness or irritation, stop.
- Unsurpassed Blood Purifier: Burdock root is perhaps the most widely used of all blood purifiers, among the best the herbal kingdom has to offer for this, and the most important herb for treating chronic skin problems. To make an effective tea, bring 1 quart of water to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, adding 4 tsp. cut, dried root. Cover and let simmer for 7 minutes, then remove from heat and let steep for 2 hours longer. Drink a minimum of 2 cups per day on an empty stomach, more if chronic skin problems persist. A larger quantity can be made and used to wash the skin with often.