Acne problems and their treatments

What is Acne
  Acne is an infection of the oil glands resulting from clogged skin pores. The skin naturally expels dirt and impurities on its own. However, too much oil makes it difficult for the skin to remove the dirt and this result in acne breakouts. Treating acne involves assisting the skin in removing the oil and dirt that is plugging up the pores. You need to keep the skin as clean as possible by washing at least twice a day with water and using a mild skin cleanser. When suffering from acne you should avoid using make-up.

You may need to try several different products before you find the one that is most effective for your particular acne problem.

Aloe Vera – is one of the best known herbs which has been used for centuries both externally and internally. As a gel it is used for burns and damaged skin it has polysaccharides which is ideal for skin repair. Aloe Vera reduces inflammation and relieves the pain of acne it is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antiseptic. Aloe Vera is used internally as a laxative for treating constipation and helps to improve the immune system. It also helps to improve digestion and clean the colon. It’s used to cure coughs, wounds, ulcers, diabetes, cancer, headaches and arthritis.

Apple Cider Vinegar – Sometime referred to as the “acid mantle” the surface of the skin protects the inner layer of skin from bacterial penetration. Apple Cider Vinegar will help to restore the natural condition of the skin, at least on a temporary basis. The Apple Cider Vinegar should be diluted with water and using a clean cotton ball the solution can then be applied directly to the skin. This will kill the bacteria and increase the skin’s acidity (PH measure) which will help clear the acne after repeated applications.

Epson Salt – Originally found in a saline spring in Epson in Surry (UK), it is a mineral compound of magnesium sulphate. There are numerous health benefits associated with Epsom Salts these include helping reduce inflammation, helping muscle and nerve function and reduce artery hardening. When soaking in a bath with Epsom salts it will help draw the toxins from the body and help with skin problems, magnesium and sulphate are both easily absorbed through the skin. Epsom salt is also an effective treatment for acne, by mixing with water and applying to the infected area with a cotton ball it will decrease the severity of the acne over time.

Tea Tree Oil – is extracted from the tree found in Australia. It’s used as a cure for athlete’s foot, bad breath, body odors and skin disorder. Tea tree oil is antifungal and has antibiotic qualities which are effective when treating acne, it will reduce the bacteria. Tea Tree Oil is normally diluted and applied with a cotton ball to the acne infected area, this will result in a clearer skin and reduced scarring.

Chamomile Tea: A natural anti-inflammatory which will reduce acne flare-ups, it’s antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal. The chamomile tea bag should be soaked in lukewarm water and then apply to the skin for about 30 seconds. This will leave the skin and pores clean of excess oil and reduce skin inflammation and promote wound healing. As a drink Chamomile tea is also associated with helping cure insomnia and easing headaches.

Sea Salt – contains mag­ne­sium, iodine, zinc, and cal­cium. By mixing the sea salt with warm water and using a cotton ball and applying to the acne infection it will help to clean the skin, kill the bacteria and help to reduce inflammation. The effect is similar to when swimming in the sea the salt speeds up the wound healing process by burning the tissues and disinfecting the wound. The sea salt helps destroy the bacteria that lead to acne while also reducing overactive oil production in your skin. Sea salt is ideal for exfo­li­a­tion as the salt grains will help remove the dead skin from the sur­face of your face and reduce the facial oil. Note, you should not use ordinary table salt as this may cause irritation.

When to see a doctor: Severe acne that does not respond well to one of these treatments will require medical attention. Uncontrollable breakouts could be a symptom of an overactive sebaceous gland or other condition that will require a prescription to control. Precautions must be taken as some prescribed acne treatments are dangerous for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.