subject: Use Natural Acne Treatments Instead Of Their Traditional Alternatives [print this page] Acne sufferers are likely to have spent hundreds buying up products that promise to rid their skin of acne. Prescription medication and over the counter creams are frequently used. However, a new and safer trend is making its way to consumers - natural acne treatments.
Natural acne treatments have been around even longer than most traditional treatments. All you have to do is ask around and you'll hear several recipes for acne home remedies. Despite what you may think, some of these home remedies are actually quite effective in treating acne.
Most natural acne treatments are safe and may be ingested or applied topically. These products include ingredients such as herbs or plants. Here is a short list that reviews three of the most effective natural acne treatments.
Hydration and Acne Diet
Modifying your diet to incorporate Vitamin C, Vitamin A and essential fatty acid sources is a good way to deal with acne.
Drinking plenty of water is also an effective way of helping reduce the appearance of acne in the skin. It helps hydrate your tissues and eliminate wastes either through perspiration or urine. Not only is hydration and proper diet good for your acne skin care, but also for your overall health.
Salicylic Acid or Acetylsalicylic Acid as Acne Medication
Salicylic Acid is commonly used as an important ingredient in many acne creams. It causes the skin cells to shed more easily, opens clogged pores, and neutralizes bacteria. In certain concentrations it can also help reduce hyperpigmentation.
If you prefer using an inexpensive acne treatment then a good alternative to products containing salicylic acid is aspirin. But, be warned. Products containing this ingredient usually contain higher concentration levels which also make it more effective than simple aspirin tablets.
If you insist on using aspirin, then you can use aspirin as an exfoliant or in a mask. To make a mask, simply dissolve 3 or 4 adult aspirins with a tablespoon of water and make a paste. Apply the paste all over your face or on the affected area.
You can also add yogurt and/or honey to make the aspirin mask thicker in consistency. However, if you are allergic to aspirin, do not use this type of mask.
Tea Tree Oil
This oil has been used extensively in Australia to treat dandruff and Candidiasis (or thrush). It is a potent antiseptic and can be used to treat acne. As a matter of fact, its results are comparable to benzoyl peroxide but take longer to show up.
Tea tree oil is used as a topical treatment. However, you should first dilute it before applying because if not, it may cause irritation. You may also need to use a moisturizer to counteract the dryness brought on by this product.
