It is a nightmare at any age: waking up the day before a big event (such as a date of business meeting) with a brand new, giant pimple on your face. Uhg! Now that school is back in full swing all over the US, teens are stockpiling on acne treatment products and crossing their fingers the day before a dance or ball game.

But it doesn't really matter you are a teen, pre-teen, or adult, acne is just no fun. It is actually is the number one skin disorder in America, so I can promise you are not alone. This makes the acne treating business an incredibly lucrative one, but if these products are so successful, why is acne still such a huge problem?

Truthfully it is because surface skincare, while a costly battlefield, is only one element in the equation of having and maintaining clear skin. It is also the least important element. You can have the most efficient and expensive skincare regimen possible, but if your diet is poor, you don't get enough sleep and water, or you have inherited genetic dispositions, it's not going to create a miracle.

Acne Fighting Cleanser

Luckily, natural treatments for acne do offer more assistance for getting below the skin's surface and can actually be cheaper in the long run. Of course, all natural acne treatments still require you to identify your skin type and care for it properly, and you still need to drink more water. Those with combination skin like myself have to be particularly careful. It has been a huge pain in my life! Here is a list of my skin care "inventory"

Daily cleansing is essential, and I do it twice a day. Even if you do not wear make-up, dirt and oils will clog your pores, which causes blackheads, pimples, and whiteheads. You know you have the right cleanser if it leaves your skin feeling clean and fresh. Tight, dry, or raw skin after cleansing indicates it is drying your skin out which makes acne oil production worse. For a good natural cleanser that works on all skin types, try mixing plain yogurt and slightly cooked oatmeal together. Use like a normal cleanser and dry. Mixing in a little cornmeal adds exfoliation for smooth skin.

Natural Skin Toner

If you use toner for your skin (and you should), heat about a cup of water to a low boil, add a little rose water(1/4 a cup if using real rose water, a few drops is using rose oil concentrate), then add a couple of drops mint extract. This is a pleasant smelling natural acne skin care treatment and a little goes a long way. When done, store this mixture in the fridge.

Moisturizer
Every skin type needs moisturizing. Don't think that because your skin is oily it doesn't need anything. One of the best natural acne treatments I've ever used is coconut oil. Use this oil after washing and showering and you'll not only see your blemishes diminish, but you'll notice softer, more radiant skin in as little as a week.

Finally, my absolute favorite natural treatment for acne that is already present is mix a small pinch of baking soda with tea tree oil into a thin paste. After washing, dab this mixture on to the effected area and leave over night. Wash off in the morning. You will see a decrease in size the next day, and it should be completely gone within 4 days. I love the smell of tea tree oil, but if it is too strong for you, you may substitute it with STRONG fresh brewed green tea, but it is slightly less effective.

Considering the amount of money and time millions of teens and adults are willing to devote to acne treatments, doesn't it make sense to be using products that not only work, but are actually good for you, too? For less than most currently spend on this ideal, you could be doing it the smart way and using a natural acne treatment!