How to Treat Acne - An Herbal Approach

August 6, 2008

Acne may be a skin disorder, but it’s effect on people is more than just skin deep. Acne problems hit a person emotionally, psychologically and socially. This common skin disorder is characterized by whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. Acne usually appears on the face but it can also occur on the shoulders, neck, arms, legs and back.

How do you get rid of acne? It takes both external and internal cleansing to combat this skin problem.

External Cleansing

It is important to adopt a good skin care regime. Keep your face clean from dirt and grime by gently washing with a mild cleanser. Do not scrub with a wash cloth or sponge. You do not want to irritate the skin further. Just softly use your fingertips.

Stay away from strong fragrant soaps and cleansers. There is the possibility that these type of products may trigger an allergic reaction in your sensitive skin.

Do not wash your face too many times. Twice a day is good. Keep your hands away from your face and resist the urge to pop the zits and pick at your face. After you rinse your face with warm water, pat dry, tone and moisturize. This regimen is not something extraordinary. It is very basic but it makes a big difference to your skin health.

Getting rid of dead skin cells or exfoliating, also contributes to healthy skin. However, do not apply commercial scrubs or chemical peels. Opt for natural exfoliates such as finely ground oatmeal mixed with tea tree oil. Orange peels are wonderful too. Grind the orange peels then mix a little water to make a paste.

Women have to be careful about the cosmetics they use. Acne sufferers should search out cosmetics that are labeled as being non-comedogenic and oil free.

Internal Cleansing

Everyday we expose our body to all sorts of toxins. There are toxins in the food we eat, the air we breathe and the water we drink. The accumulation of these toxins in our body and the inefficiency of our organs to totally get rid of them can contribute to terrible acne breakout.

Clear off some of these toxins running in your blood and you will be working towards clearer skin. Here are two herbs to help you detoxify:

1. Neem
The neem tree holds medicinal value for a myriad of problems. It’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and anticarcinogenic effects help treat inflammation, infections, dental disorders and skin diseases including acne.

Neem has also been used to cleanse the blood, liver and boost the immune system. Every part of the neem tree is useful — the leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, roots and bark. Therefore there are many ways to use neem. There is neem soap, neem oil cream, neem leaf extract cream, capsule supplements and neem based facial lotion.

The healing properties of neem is increasing in popularity. This tree indigenous to India may be the secret to your acne cure.

2. Turmeric
Research shows turmeric to be a spice that has antibiotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic and antimicrobial properties. It can either be taken internally or applied directly on the affected area.

Some of the benefits when ingesting it are improving blood circulation, purifying the blood, strengthens the digestive system and improving the liver function.

The turmeric root looks similar to the ginger root but more orange. You can also find turmeric in powder form. This spice is usually used in Indian curry but you could also just sprinkle some onto your baked potato or stir fry vegetables. Some people just add a teaspoon to a cup of water or milk and drink it.

To use it externally, you could make a paste to apply to the acne. Leave for 20-30 minutes to dry and then rinse off with lukewarm water. Here are several options on how to make the paste:

- Ground fresh turmeric root with yogurt.
- Turmeric powder mixed with mint juice.
- Grounded neem leaves with turmeric powder.
- Add 1 tsp of turmeric powder, 1 tsp of sandalwood powder and milk.

The only thing that may turn you off from using turmeric is the yellow stains left behind. To get rid of the yellow color on your skin, use cleansing milk.

As you use these herbs to detoxify, it is best that you eat a healthy diet too. Stop all junk food such as chips, fried food, fast food and carbonated drinks. Pile up on the vegetables and fresh fruits. Drink lots of water.

Combating acne on just the skin level may not be enough. Try using a more wholesome approach, treating the problem externally as well as internally.

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