Acne is a common condition which causes suffering for many people. Lesions can occur on the face, chest, back, and buttock. It is caused by skin glands becoming clogged with oil which results in a pimple. The condition appears to run in families and so probably has a genetic component to why some people have great problems with this condition and some do not. Acne treatment is a large business with millions of dollars being spent each year by suffers looking for a cure.
Acne is no respecter of persons or age. People in their sixties can still get outbreaks! It does seem to be worst in the teenage years when hormones are raging. Pregnant women will sometimes see an increase in lesions also because of hormonal changes. Acne can cause permeate scaring and cause problems with self-esteem.
What some people are not aware of is the home remedies that one can use to help acne. While these remedies won’t work for every person and you must always be aware of possible allergic reaction to any substance. Some people get excellent results with home remedies for acne. This article will cover five popular home remedies for outbreaks.
Tea tree essential oil can be used either neat or diluted into a mild baby soap or witch hazel to treat eruptions. Put three drops in an ounce of carrier and apply three times daily. To use neat just apply to eruptions with a Qtip. Be sure to use 100% essential oil and check for allergy to the oil by doing a patch test before using.
Water can help acne. The body needs adequate water to keep its system stable and flush out impurities. Most of us drink way too little water. Eight glasses of water daily can help clear skin and improve health.
Garlic can be crushed and the oil applied to lesions. Ingesting raw garlic cloves daily can also help. You may have to use this remedy for up to a month to see results. Garlic is believed to purify the blood and have antibacterial properties. Some people find direct application of garlic to be irritating.
Adding baking soda to gentle face soap can make an exfoliating cleanser. Use this two to three times daily. Be sure to rinse well with clear water and pat dry.
Mix lemon juice with orange rind. Grind the orange rind into the lemon juice with a mortar and pestle. Mix with baking soda to make a past and apply to lesions. Alternatively, some people have good results with applying plain lemon juice twice daily to their face.
Most dermatologists will tell you acne has nothing to do with diet. It is true acne runs in families and so does appear to have genetic component. It is also true hormones seem to increase outbreaks. I do believe however the axiom “garbage in garbage out” applies to acne. A poor diet deficient in vital nutrients can have an effect on health in general and as the skin is the body’s largest organ it seems unlikely diet would not affect it.
Brenda Smithy writes articles on health topics. Check out her site to find for tips on acne care and diet