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.
Tags: Acne, neem, skin care, turmeric
Posted in Acne, Post by: g4f
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September 9th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Thank you for the tips. I will definitely try this tonight.
Anti Scams Product Reviews’s last blog post: Get Rid of Pimples Overnight
March 20th, 2009 at 11:39 am
Today’s the world is returning towards natural way of curing due to the harmful effects of today’s chemical & synthetic medicines. People are deeply worried on this issue and also insisting to use natural way of curing to get health & security.
Our Acne cure process is 100% Natural / herbal.
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May 10th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
I have suffered from horrible acne for many years. I did the medication thing for awhile with no luck. So i went with the natural remodies and I gotta tell you, I’ve never looked better. Holistic is the way to go!
Thrombosed Hemorrhoid’s last blog post: Hemorrhoid Symptoms
May 30th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
I have struggled with acne from time to time starting in my teens and lasting well into adulthood. I have tried all-natural remedies in the past but always fall back on products with active chemical ingredients like benzoyl peroxide. I have never really stuck with herbal remedies for very long but maybe it’s time I gave them more of a chance.
Fran’s last blog post: Kinerase Reviews – My Review of Kinerase Cream
May 31st, 2009 at 5:28 pm
Wow, of all the years I have dealt with acne, I have never heard of Neem. I just found some online and can’t wait to try it out. It sounds like it is good for a variety of different issues besides acne. Thanks.
August 7th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
A return to the natural gifts that god gave us. Peace
October 11th, 2009 at 11:30 pm
I think to clear one’s acne, it must be noted that there is no miracle or instant cure. Based on personal experience, you need a healthy diet and a solid topical acne product
January 13th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
sweet i love what you said said in the article i feel like im learning something new everyday
February 6th, 2010 at 10:56 am
Today, virtually every case of acne can be resolved. The key to getting rid of acne lesions and preventing new ones from forming lies in knowing that:
Resolution takes time.
What works for one person may not work for another.
A dermatologist’s help may be required.
March 18th, 2010 at 9:10 pm
If you want a good at home acne treatment, try microdermabrasion treatment kits for home use. These kits provide the benefit of microdermabrasion techniques while allowing you to do it in your home, which eliminates the need to find time to work several appointments into your schedule. Not only do they save you time, but microdermabrasion home treatments kits can also save you money over the costly visits to a spa and they really work.
March 23rd, 2010 at 4:28 pm
Wow, I’ve never heard of turmeric for acne but it seems like an interesting idea. There is a discussion about what really works for acne in progress on wellharbor.com. I’ll be sure to add this is a potential solution!
This is a really great article, thanks for the info.
March 27th, 2010 at 9:52 am
Excellent article with great tips, thanks so much. Neem products promote such great healing in skin care. Open acne sores need such careful treatment to prevent scarring. Christina and Rosemary
April 10th, 2010 at 10:29 am
I agree for some reason some people think that diet does not effect acne but it most definitely does. Great post!
April 14th, 2010 at 7:06 am
Great tips on here, my Son suffers and i think i will descretely mention your blogg and pass it on to him aiming to help rahter that critisize of course!!
Many thanks!
April 30th, 2010 at 6:02 pm
Great article! For somebody who has been battling with acne for 7 years, I really do feel for someone who’s going through the same thing. Like everybody else, I’ve tried almost every supposed acne cure in the market with varying results. I appreciate your emphasis on taking care of our health and focusing more on what we eat or ingest because the food that we eat ultimately affects the skin. So it’s not just about the products that we pile on our skin. For me a good cleansing regimen and drinking a lot of water coupled with yoga twice or thrice a week has saved me from a lot of trips to the dermatologists.
Eli Gibson´s last blog ..Laser Light Acne Treatment – How it Works Laser Technology for Acne
May 20th, 2010 at 4:52 pm
The recent upswing in usage of herbal remedies for acne and other maladies is very encouraging to those of us who have advocated their importance for many years. It is common knowledge that natural homeopathic remedies have been used for centuries and that it is only the power of the pharmaceutical companies that has diminished their success rate. Thank you for giving us this forum to promote those remedies that will make life more comfortable for many people.
July 6th, 2010 at 10:32 am
Body cleansing is extremely important part of every prevention and curing program.I think internal cleansing is the key to cure severe acne.
Acne Scar Removal´s last blog ..Jun 11- glycolic acid skin care products
July 10th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
A very good explanation of how to treat acne the herbal way.
The more a person can stay away from the chemical products the better IMO
July 12th, 2010 at 9:00 am
Thank’s for sharing! I think detoxification is the key to cure severe acne.
Body Detox´s last blog ..Jul 12- Benefits of Astragalus
August 21st, 2010 at 7:39 am
I was requested a few months ago to be a lecturer at a high school in a nearby town . I’ve been in quite a lot of career talks before as a speaker and I’m excited about this new invitation since I consider it very satisfying to talk about career and life in general.Life in general can be a little difficult for many of us. Individuals go to work to pay for fees and credits and spare only a few dollars for future use since we’re all used to living our lives in debt at the moment. My partner and I were conversing about how we lived our lives in the past couple years and life in general. I always love spending time with him through a wonderful conversation. Our professor gave us a school project where we have to write a song regarding life in general. I’m studying Art and Music in a college in our town and I’m really thrilled to begin working on the project we were asked to do.
August 21st, 2010 at 7:45 am
I always enjoy volunteering at the home for the aged near our home . I find it very gratifying to spend quality time with the seniors there and they have so many things to share about life in general which is worth learning.
August 23rd, 2010 at 1:29 pm
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August 24th, 2010 at 1:10 am
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