8 Ways to Heal Acne Naturally

in Men, Skin, Women

Acne is a very common disease of the skin. While it is most common during the adolescent and teenage years, people of any age can get acne. It is not dangerous in and of itself, but having severe acne can be a very difficult experience. It causes inflammations on the skin that lead to blemishes – also sometimes called pimples, whiteheads or blackheads. Acne can leave scars on the skin, which can add to the emotional burden of having it.

Facts and Figures about Acne

In order to get a better picture of what acne is, let’s take a look at some facts and figures:

Acne causes glands in the skin, known as sebaceous glands, to produce excess oil.
Acne is most common during puberty.
However, 75% of all people between the ages of 11 and 30 will experience acne.
Acne is most likely to appear on the face, neck, back, shoulders and chest.
Breakouts occur when skin cells, sebum and hair clump together to block pores (small openings) in the skin. The blockage causes bacteria to accumulate, and that causes an inflammation.
Some experts believe that the primary cause of acne is a rise in androgen levels. Androgen is a hormone.
There is also some indication that the tendency to get acne may be hereditary.
A number of external factors can affect the frequency and severity of acne outbreaks, including stress, menstruation, heat and humidity, oil-based makeup, oily hair, and popping pimples.

While it is not life-threatening or contagious, acne can be extremely debilitating for people who have serious cases of it.

Ways to Heal Acne Naturally

Now that you have a better understanding of what acne is, and what causes it, let’s take a look at some natural ways to heal it. Prescription medications for acne are common, and yet they can have dangerous side effects. It is fairly common for doctors to prescribe some form of antibiotic for acne, yet we have all heard the warnings that overuse of antibiotics is dangerous. Taking antibiotics over a long period of time can lead to other health problems, such as digestive issues and antibiotic resistance. Using these natural remedies will help you to avoid those unpleasant issues. Here are the 8 best ways to heal acne naturally:

Flush out impurities with steam. You now know that acne is caused by blockages in the pores. One way to help it clear up – and to prevent additional outbreaks – is to open up your pores and clean them out. Boil a pot of water, then let it cool slightly. Pour it into a large bowl. Drape a towel over your head and lean over the bowl, letting the steam hit your face. Stay there for 10-15 minutes, then pat your face dry. You can use this treatment alone, or combined with one of the topical treatments listed below.

Spice it up. Turmeric is a spice commonly used in Indian foods – it’s what gives curry powder its bright yellow color. Turmeric has antibacterial and antifungal properties. To use it, simply make a paste of turmeric and water and apply it to blemishes. It can help to shorten healing time and reduce inflammation.

Get your vitamins. Over the years, there have been various theories about whether or not the food you eat plays a role in acne. Two nutrients that may help prevent outbreaks are Vitamin A and zinc. You can take supplements, but in general it is better to get the nutrients you need from whole foods. Good dietary sources of Vitamin A include sweet potatoes, carrots, peaches, and mangos. You can get your daily dose of zinc from red meat, beans, nuts, whole grains, pumpkin seeds, and dark chocolate.

Eliminate inflammatory foods. Just as getting the proper nutrition is important to help prevent acne, it is also important to avoid potentially harmful foods. There is some evidence that having too much insulin in your body may provoke outbreaks. If you eat a lot of sugary foods, or drink a lot of soda, try cutting back. In general, processed foods tend to contain hidden sugar – look for ingredients ending in –ose (maltose, dextrose, fructose, lactose) to help identify sugar in your food. You should also avoid other inflammatory foods like trans fat and monosodium glutamate (MSG.) For some people, dairy foods may also cause inflammation.

Use tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is widely available in pharmacies and even some grocery stores. It has natural astringent properties that can help to clear up acne. Mix one part tea tree oil with nine parts water, and use a clean cotton ball to apply it to acne.

Happy woman hand holding a fresh glass of water

Keep your skin moisturized. This might sound contradictory considering that acne is caused by an excess of oil, but making your skin too dry can actually kick your sebaceous glands into overdrive, increasing the likelihood of a breakout. In addition to using moisturizer, you should also make sure to drink plenty of water. Drinking water can also help to flush impurities out of your system.

Use a banana peel. Banana peels contain lutein, a very powerful antioxidant that encourages healthy cell growth and reduces inflammation. Simply peel a banana (and eat the banana!) and then rub the peel gently over your face in a circular motion. Wait at least 30 minutes, then wash your face.

Make an egg white mask. Egg whites can not only help to clear up existing outbreaks, they can reduce the appearance of scars caused by previous outbreaks. Simply whip 2-3 egg whites until they are frothy, then apply the foam to clean, dry skin. Apply one thin layer, let it dry, and then add another. 3 or 4 layers should be plenty. After the mask is applied, let it sit for 20 minutes, then wash, dry and moisturize your face.

Acne is troublesome, but you don’t have to rely on potentially harmful chemicals and medications to treat it. Natural remedies can be just as effective – and less expensive, too!

Facts and Figures about Acne

Ways to Heal Acne Naturally

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