Natural Remedies for Acne

If you suffer from acne you should see a dermatologist who will prescribe the most suitable treatment. However there are some natural remedies for  acne which will improve the chances of the medication working effectively. The following tips aren't miracle cures and your acne won't disappear overnight but they will help to improve your skin and decrease the number of flareups. Also see more remedies to heal acne.

1. Wash your face twice a day with a sulfur-based soap. Do not use a harsh washcloth as it will irritate the skin. Do not scrub hard or rub too vigorously as this can stimulate the production of sebum and make the problem worse. Use a clean washcloth every day and boil before use to kill the bacteria.
2. Make sure your diet provides you with an adequate supply of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Take a multivitamin daily.
3. Once the week use a honey mask. Honey is a powerful bactericide and is gentle on the skin.
4. A chromium supplement will help to prevent flareups and heal pimples.
5. Always use a water based makeup as an oil based makeup will clog up the pores.
6. Eat foods that are rich in vitamin A or take a vitamin A supplement. Vitamin A can help to reduce the production of sebum and is a powerful anti-oxidant and essential for a healthy skin.
7. Drink at least eight glasses of water daily.
8. Do not squeeze the pimples as this will cause bacteria to spread out under the skin and cause further problems.
9. Keep the hair clean and do not let it touch the face.

Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia and has been used for many years in cosmetics, shampoos and other products. It is thought that it's anti-microbial properties are due to the terpinen-4-ol that it contains. It can be used in the treatment of acne by making a dilute solution and applying it to the pimples where it kills the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes that cause acne.

Although benzoyl peroxide is very effective in treating the symptoms of acne it does have some side effects which include redness, irritation and dry skin. Tea tree oil, although not as effective as benzoyl chloride, does work if used regularly and does not have these side effects if used correctly. So for those with sensitive skin who find that benzoyl peroxide is too harsh, tea tree oil is a good alternative. Although there have not been many studies on the effect of tea tree oil on acne one study found that it significantly reduced inflamed and non-inflamed lesions when used over a few weeks.

How to Use Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil should not be used undiluted on the skin as it can cause redness, irritation, and itching. It should be used as a 5% solution which can be made by mixing 5 mL of the oil with 95 mL of water. There are also commercially made acne remedies available that contain tea tree oil.

Safety

Tea tree oil is safe to use in this way but it should be avoided if you are nursing or pregnant as there have been no studies done to ensure that it is safe. Never ingest tea tree oil and do not use directly on the skin.

Help to deep clean your pores and stimulate healing by steaming your face using herbs in hot water. Boil some water, add a pinch of one of the herbs below, place a towel over your head and let the steam deep clean the pores of your face. Some that have been found to be effective are listed below.

1.Aloe - anti inflammatory, antibiotic, healing
2.Allantoin - stimulates the growth of new tissues, temporarily relieves skin irritations
3.Rosemary - stimulates circulation, tones the skin
4.Witch Hazel - antiseptic
5.Sage - antiseptic, anti inflammatory, healing