Finding a remedy for acne can leave most people confused and desperate. Many dermatologists and physicians will say that diet does not matter, natural remedies for acne do not work, that it is simply hormones and there is nothing one can do but take prescribed medication. However, that is incorrect. It’s crucial that you observe what you are putting into your system. Avoid all processed foods. Eeat foods that are real and ensure that you get enough healthy  fats into your daily diet, including coconut oil and avocados. Refined sugar and dairy can further exacerbate the problem and should be avoided.

Understanding what causes acne

It’s important to begin by understanding what causes acne. The answer is typically, an infection. Specifically and infection in the openings of sebaceous glands. These glands help keep the skin moist and prevent it from cracking by secreting oils onto the surface. Sometimes these glands become clogged by bacteria. The bacteria obstructs sebum secretion, which in turn causes inflammation, redness, swelling and pain. Collectively this phenomenon is known as acne.

For severe bouts of acne or chronic acne, get a blood analysis to check for a lack of nutrients and vitamins to ensure you are not deficient in anything; be sure to include zinc and vitamin A. Moreover, it might be advisable to test your thyroid as well as your hormone levels (progesterone and testosterone). You should also test for allergens. Your acne can be due to an allergy. Ascertain whether there are any potential allergens that could be causing your acne, including gluten, that might decrease the quantity of nutriments consumed. Other common allergens are yeast, dairy and eggs.

Another frequent question is, why do teens have problems with acne the most? The reason is, through the teen years, as a result of specific hormonal changes, sebum production is considerably raised, which gives a somewhat greasy appearance to the skin. The upsurge in sebum may cause a few pimples or even mild acne, but nothing nearly as apparent or debilitating as full blown acne. Sadly, at that stage, teens frequently begin using various lotions and soaps to get rid of the pimples, however the fatty secretions do not cease. The use of soaps and lotions rob the skin of its own antimicrobial acid safeguard, which leaves the pores unguarded and open to bacteria. The pores eventually become clogged with bacteria and dirt, effectively blocking the sebum glands. The glands start to deposit their sebum beneath the top layer of skin, which makes it irritated, inflamed, red, and painful.

Baking Soda Balances Skin pH

Sodium bicarbonate or baking soda functions as a mild exfoliant for the skin. It removes dead skin and unplugs the pores. In addition, it helps regulate the pH balance of skin and contains moderate anti inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Each one of these features make it a great home remedy for clearing acne.

Balancing the skin’s pH may be the key to eliminating acne for some. The body functions at its best at a neutral pH level, which is a 7 on the 1-14 pH scale. Levels lower than 7 are acidic and levels higher than 7 are alkaline. However, the skin, is normally more acidic ranging between a 4-6.5 on the scale. One of the reasons for this is to kill bacteria before it enters the body. When the skin is too alkaline, bacteria can proliferate and infect the pores more easily, subsequently causing acne. Therefore, balancing the pH of the skin, can help naturally remedy acne.

Apply a paste, made up of a couple of teaspoons water and baking soda. Use this baking soda paste for acne on your skin a couple times a week. Other natural ingredients can be added to this paste, such as chamomile tea or fenugreek, to help pack a harder punch.

Tea Tree Oil for Acne

We established that acne is the event of infected or inflamed sebaceous glands in your skin,
especially a condition defined by reddish pimples, zits, whiteheads, and blackheads on the face, back, torso. Tea tree oil is shown to be rather effectual in treating acne. Tea tree oil disinfects the pores and functions like an antiseptic. Simply dab on a single drop of tea tree oil onto the affected area 2-3 times a day. Be sure to test tea tree oil on a small section of skin before using it all over. Some individuals find it a bit harsh on their skin if left undiluted. Tea tree oil can be diluted with: olive oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, or coconut oil, in a 1:1 ratio.

Tea tree contains terpinen-4-ol, which accounts for it’s antimicrobial properties. Once applied to the skin, it eliminates any bacteria living on the skin. It’s anti fungal and antiseptic activity make it very helpful in preventing acne. Tea tree is also beneficial for treating acne because it can unblock sebaceous glands, which helps disinfect the pores. Additionally, it helps dry out whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and zits. Using tea tree oil for acne can be especially helpful for those with oily skin as it helps to control oil production.

Apple Cider Vinegar restores protective acid mantle

The skin is naturally acidic, which is a good thing. The layer of acidity on the skin protects it from bacteria, germs, and pollution. However, using cleansers and soaps disrupts the natural acidic layer. Apple cider vinegar is a natural remedy for restoring that protective layer of acidity to the skin. Additionally, it: kills bacteria, removes: excess dirt, oil, makeup, and dead skin cells.

When selecting a brand of apple cider vinegar be sure to select one that is raw, unfiltered, and contains a layer of sediment at the bottom (known as “the mother”), which is where the majority of the nutrients are. Shake the bottle before every use. To use apple cider vinegar for an acne remedy, simply dilute it in a 4:1 ratio of water to apple cider vinegar. This ratio can be adjusted to your skin’s sensitivity. Then, using a cotton ball, apply it to clean skin. Leave it on for 15 minutes then rinse off with lukewarm water.

Sources:
http://www.livestrong.com
http://homeremediesforlife.com

Disclaimer: Our services and information do not diagnose or prescribe for disease conditions. Individuals are encouraged to seek competent medical help when those services may be indicated. Individuals accept total responsibility for their own health care and maintenance.