Acne is a common inflammatory condition of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles. Skin with acne and blemishes requires special attention, and a good diet with natural deep cleansing treatments can effectively treat problem skin.
Acne and Diet
Acne can be aggravated by poor eating habits and constipation (excess waste products are not eliminated quickly and the bloodstream becomes clogged with toxic matter). Irregular eating hours, excessive consumption of sugar, fried and fatty foods are also common triggers of acne.
Research has shown that severe acne sufferers often have lower levels of vitamin A in their bloodstream. Vitamin A is an essential element to maintain healthy skin and hormonal balance. Good sources of vitamin A include carrots, broccoli, spinach, peaches, apricots, and mangoes.
Zinc supplements have been claimed to be useful for those with severe acne and research showed zinc dramatically improved the acne symptoms in around 60% of acne sufferers. Natural sources of zinc include pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, lentils, Brazil nuts and brewer’s yeast. The B vitamins are also important in developing healthy skin- especially vitamin B6 as it helps the body to metabolise proteins, fatty acids and sugars while maintaining a healthy immune system. Good sources of B6 include spinach, bell peppers, cauliflower, mustard greens, banana, celery, cabbage, asparagus, broccoli, molasses, Brussels sprouts and dried Brewer's yeast.
Studies suggest that selenium may be able to reduce the severity of stubborn acne and help reduce scarring. Brazil nuts are excellent sources of selenium and just eating a few nuts a day can easily prevent a deficiency. Detox teas containing burdock root, dandelion root and red clover blossoms can help clear the skin by improving liver, kidney and intestine function.
Home Remedies for Acne
Good essential oils for fighting the bacteria responsible for breakouts include lavender and eucalyptus. A tablespoon of fenugreek leaf paste, mixed with a pinch of turmeric powder and a drop of each oil is an effective home remedy for pimples and blackheads. Apply mixture on the face and leave for ten minutes, then after wash it off with warm water.
Unprocessed raw honey is great for oily, blemished skin as it provides moisture while fighting bacteria responsible for spots. A simple and effective skin tonic involves applying grated cucumber over the face. Leave for fifteen minutes and wash off with tepid water.
Herbal Cleanser for Acne-prone Skin
Lavender and thyme are antimicrobial herbs and combined with healing comfrey and astringent rosewater provides an effective cleanser for acne skins:
- 1 spoon dried thyme
- 1 spoon dried lavender
- 1 spoon dried comfrey leaf
- ½ spoon dried calendula
- 60ml rosewater
- 50ml distilled witch hazel
- 2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
Steep the herbs in a closed jar with the witch hazel and rosewater for a week. Strain and pour into a clean bottle and add glycerin shaking well to ensure it is well mixed. Use by dampening a cotton pad and wiping over face until fully cleansed.
Blemish Treatments for Skin
Pimples should not be squeezed to avoid scarring. Apply a hot compress alternating with a cold clean washcloth to boost circulation and heal the skin. Equal parts of tea tree and lavender essential oils can be applied directly to blemishes every day to speed up healing.
Acne can be effectively treated at home by focusing on a healthy diet and using natural anti-bacterial ingredients in homemade products. Read Natural Oily Skin Remedies: Easy Treatments at Home to help prevent acne and How to Have a Facial at Home with Natural Products for more advice on deep cleansing skin. the following articles give more information about taking care of skin and hair at home:
Natural Dry Skin Remedies: Skincare at Home
Natural Sensitive Skin Remedies – Easy Treatments at Home
Sources:
Bowden, Jonny The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth Fair Winds, 2008
Vukovic, Laurel 1001 Natural Remedies Dorling Kindersley, 2003
Priya Chauhan - A designer, topic editor and feature writer (for Hinduism) and all round experimenter of healthy living; Priya enjoys being creative, and ...
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