The causes range from hormonal breakouts (usually show up on the chin and jaw), to stress-related breakouts, resistant bacteria, or reactions to cosmetics. There's no magic cure-all for acne-sufferers, but there are plenty of options out there. While many people have had inspiring success using phsyican-strength products, traditional acne products with salicylic acid or benzyol peroxide, and prescriptions, I prefer natural or organic solutions, so that I know I'm not causing long-term damage to my skin and I'm using nature's best.
So, here are some natural options for beating out acne:
1. Ingest cod liver oil (liquid or capsules). As with any ailment, cleansing from the inside out is important and helps to solve the issue, rather than simply masking the symptom (concealer-a-holics anonymous, anyone?). I've heard of drinking green tea and eating produce rich in antioxidants, but I hadn't heard of ingesting cod liver oil as a cure until recently. I just stumbled upon this incredible blog, which has inspired me to try this method. Once I buy some, I'll be sure to update on my results.
2. Tea tree oil. Tea tree oil kills bacteria and, in my opinion, smells delicious and herbal. It's remedies are countless, from whitening teeth to disinfecting wounds. As an antiseptic, it can really help disinfect your skin, gently. Just be sure to follow up with a moisturizer as it can feel drying, depending on the product. Use it straight as a spot treatment, or pick up a cleanser. Try the Body Shop's tea tree line or Desert Essence's Thoroughly Clean Face Wash (found at Whole Foods).
3. Willow bark. Willow bark has been used to decrease pain and inflammation for thousands of years. It's no wonder that it's popping up as an alternative to salicylic acid in many natural products. In fact, salicylic acid is derived from willow bark, so you're going straight to the source. It's known for deep cleaning pores effectively and safely, without harshness and drying. Try Burt's Bees Peach and Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub or check out Boscia's Willow Bark Breakout Treatment.
4. Calamine. Calamine lotion has been used to treat poison ivy, and it's starting to catch on that it can also do wonders for zits. In fact, Mario Badescu's famous Drying Lotion, known for drying up spots overnight, contains calamine (that pink stuff at the bottom) and that's part of what makes it such a great product. But there are less expensive alternatives. Many drugstores carry calamine lotion -- CVS has their own store-brand calamine lotion. Just dap a cotton swab in the lotion and use as an overnight spot treatment after cleansing. Or, try Lush's Fresh Farmacy cleanser which contains calamine, giving it the pink color. It's in a bar form and you can order it online or go into a store (which I recommend because the staff members at Lush are ALWAYS soooo helpful and friendly).
5. Fruit enzymes. Fruit enzymes exfoliate and clear skin. They're an organic alternative to traditional acids that exfoliate and clear like salicylic or glycolic. You'll find them in leading organic skincare brands like Juice Beauty (check out their Blemish Clearing Cleanser) or MyChelle (Fruit Enzyme Scrub). Many dermatologists and skincare professionals will advise you to not use physical exfoliants, like scrubs with the beads or crushed almonds. These types of products exfoliate without scrubbing or irritating. Win!
6. Oil cleansing method (OCM). You'll see it all over the message boards -- OCM using EVOO (extra virgin olive oil), Jojoba oil, Castor oil, mixes and blends, and more. The reason many suggest you cleanse with oil, or at least remove makeup with it, is that oil fights oil, so it actually helps balance your skin. It deep cleans your pores in a way regular washes can't. You skin feels baby smooth and it removes even the most stubborn makeup. To try this, take the time to massage the oil into your skin and get your circulation flowing. After a few minutes, run warm water on your wash cloth and hold it over your face to open up the pores. Then, use the wash cloth to buff your face clean, gently. Repeat if desired. I recommend doing this nightly. Here's a link for more info (or just search it because there's a lot of info on this online) http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/.
7. Homemade treatments. Your kitchen is like a medicine cabinet for your skin. There are so many wonderful products that can dramatically improve your skin tone, texture and clarity -- baking powder, olive oil, oatmeal, lemon, tomatoes, strawberries, milk, yogurt, honey ... there are tons! Some people tone their skin with slices of tomatoes or a wedge of lemon. Others mix baking powder into their face wash once in a while to exfoliate. It also works as a spot treatment when mixed with a little water to form a paste. Speaking of spot treatment, honey is commonly used as a spot treatment too. I follow @AcneSkinSite on Twitter, and they tweet out some great ideas for masks and homemade treatments to try. For example, crush 4 strawberries, mix with 1 tsp of honey, let sit on face for 15 minutes, and rinse with warm water. You can even mash up half of an avocado and apply it straight to your skin as a mask. Or try this drink they call the "Acne Basher" -- 2 lemons, 10 spinach leaves, 3 carrots, ½ honey melon, ½ pineapple. Put all in a juicer and drink the acne away.
What are your secret weapons for naturally clear skin? What ingredients work for you?
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