Acne Remedies
Natural Remedies for Acne
The link between diet and acne has been debated but some believe that diet can contribute to acne. Some people who have gone on low-carb, high protein diets to lose weight have reported improvements in their skin. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has documented this effect.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, minerals and vitamins are important for healthy skin. Vitamin A promotes cell growth; Zinc is an antioxidant and an immune-system booster. Vitamins C and E are antioxidants as well. Skin inflammations are signs of vitamin B deficiencies. Essential fatty acids aid the immune system, prevent and heal inflammations, and restore the skin’s ability to hydrate. Since a study done by Dr. M. Maynard in 1938, vitamin D has been used as a treatment for acne.
Changing dietary habits is difficult. If you find that you cannot avoid the donut in order to reap the long term benefits of healthy eating, consider consulting a food addiction expert. While you are working on changing your eating habits, you can use dietary supplements to supply the needed vitamins and minerals. Always consult a medical expert before doing so. Overdoses are common and can be very harmful. Some supplements also interact with certain drugs.
Chamomile Tea: Chamomile has been used to treat skin problems for centuries. The University of Maryland reports that chamomile is antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory. Brew the tea; add a very little amount of honey and lemon to it, and drink 2-3 glasses a day. Apply the brewed tea bags to the inflammations. Alternatively, apply the tea directly to the skin using cotton balls. The honey and the lemon help kill bacteria and lighten the skin. Some people are allergic to chamomile, and it should not be taken by pregnant women. If you are on medications check for drug interactions.
Honey and Propolis: Honey and propolis have highly documented antibacterial properties, as stated by the National Honey Board. To kill the acne-causing bacteria while soothing the skin, try a pure honey mask for 15-20 minutes. Your skin will be instantly calmed, and pimples should clear up within a few days. Propolis is bee glue. Bees seal the hive with it and use it to coat contaminants that cannot be removed from the hive. Creams that combine Propolis and aloe vera, or creams that combine propolis with beeswax, honey, and olive oil can be found online. They are very effective in killing the bacteria and calming inflamed skin.
Glycerin Soap: The New York Wellness Guide suggests buying a soap that includes copious amounts of glycerin. Work it into a generous lather in a bowl. Use a natural boar bristle shaving brush to apply the lather. Rinse thoroughly. This will gently cleanse and soothe the skin, providing the needed nourishment to nurse your skin back to health. The book “Glycerine: A Key Cosmetic Ingredient” by Eric Jungermann and Norman O.V. Sonntag, notes that glycerin’s positive effect on the appearance of the skin is well-established by numerous studies and reports.
Sunshine: A free, simple and effective acne treatment is, simply, sunshine. The Vitamin D Council has reviewed a number of studies on the effects of sunshine and other light therapies on acne. If you are fair-skinned, spend 15 minutes outside, without sunscreen, 3 times per week to give you the vitamin D needed to clear up many skin blemishes. If you are darker-skinned, it may take more. If you must spend more time in the sun, don’t skip the sunscreen. Living with acne is much better than living with skin cancer.