If you are the type of person who prefers natural remedies but you struggle with acne and are concerned you will have to depend on traditional medication, this article is for you. For centuries, people have relied on various home remedies for the treatment of acne prone individuals. After all, this particular skin disease affects some 14 million people in the United States alone so there are a variety of solutions.
The skin is actually a protective organ of the body, working as a barrier to keep bacteria, dirt, and pollution out. Within the inner layer of the skin, which is known as the dermis, you would find the sebaceous gland used for producing sebum, or otherwise, oil. This oil serves an important role in the body, lubricating skin and hair, while also acting as a natural repellent against microorganisms and toxins.
When the sebaceous gland becomes overactive, commonly the result of the male sex hormone, androgen acne develops. The hair follicle becomes blocked because of the oil and although the sebum usually helps by removing dead skin cells within the hair follicle lining, it becomes clogged. As a result, blockage occurs, which then leads to the entrapment of bacteria and therefore, the onset of acne. To prevent the outbreak of acne and then maintain good, healthy skin, you can do a number of things at home.
For starters, increase your water intake. Everyone should drink between six and eight glasses of water daily to flush out the body. In addition, add more fresh fruits and vegetables to the diet. You can also help eliminate problems with acne by washing your face with an anti-bacterial soap twice a day. However, make sure you rub gently, not to cause further damage.
After doing all that, you can make a paste simply by mixing one teaspoon of powdered cinnamon with three tablespoons honey. Apply this paste to the area with acne and leave it on for 30 minutes. The benefit is that cinnamon has natural antibacterial properties. Additionally, phenol is oil in cinnamon that works as an anti-fungal solution.
Another great home remedy for treating acne prone people is to mix one teaspoon of powdered cinnamon with one teaspoon of lemon juice. Lemons are an excellent option for fighting acne since they help by removing dead skin cells. In fact, some people will develop lines or blemishes from the acne and lemon will aid in lightening them. Even a mixture of nutmeg and cool milk provides relief while reducing the chance of a breakout.
A remedy that some people avoid but it works is to take a clove of fresh garlic and rub it directly onto the affected area. The reason this specific remedy is so beneficial is that garlic has an antibiotic property. Therefore, any bacteria that your skin may be fighting is eliminated. As you can see, a number of natural remedies are available so if you prefer going the natural route without chemicals, you can.