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Guest posts come in all forms, today we have one from Steven Barker with a few suggestions for more natural ways to deal with acne...

Acne is a common problem that most people have dealt with at some point in their lives. Dermatology has plenty of effective treatments, but the medications usually contain harsh chemicals, and cause side effects. Certain prescription acne treatments like Accutane may be responsible for inflammatory bowel illnesses like Crohn’s Disease. Whenever possible, it is better to use natural products that are effective and harmless. The products below can work very well, and also do not increase the number of unnecessary chemicals you are taking into your body .

Here are 4 natural acne treatments that can help:

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel extract is a disinfectant that comes from the leaves and bark of a plant native to Australia. It can kill the p. acnes bacteria that are at the root of most acne problems and will also lessen redness of the skin. This extract is said to decrease the size of swollen pores and reduce blackheads. The cost of witch hazel is very low. Most manufacturers sell 8 oz. bottles for around $3.00. It is applied directly to the skin, usually two times per day.

Tea Tree Oil

Oil that comes from the Tea Tree has been used as an antibiotic in the U.S. for almost 100 years. Before that, it was used by the indigenous people of Australia as a remedy for common skin problems like insect bites. Fumes from this oil were also inhaled to treat the common cold. Today, tea tree oil is a very common ingredient in over the counter acne remedies. Research has shown this oil to be an effective way to kill acne causing bacteria and reduce breakouts. Most over the counter solutions contain a 5-10% concentration of the oil. Higher concentrations of 80-100% may cause burns to the skin or blistering. Their use on the skin is not recommended.

Jajoba Oil

If you use acne remedies like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, you may have dry, red, or irritated skin. Many moisturizers are oily and contain chemicals that can clog pores. Jajoba oil is a natural and very effective moisturizer that hydrates the skin and will not cause more acne. It tends to decrease natural oils on the face and gives the skin a healthy glow. It will not get rid of acne, but it is an excellent moisturizer that can lessen the damage done by other acne treatments.

Aloe Vera

Many people that have acne, have problems with scars and redness that are left over from previous breakouts. Aloe is a plant that is well-known for its healing properties and ability to reduce scarring. It can be applied to the skin directly from the broken leaves of the plant. It can also be bought as an essential oil from a health food store and used in the morning or at bedtime. Aloe will not kill bacteria or exfoliate, but it will promote healing and lessen any visible scarring.

The four natural skin treatments above are very well tolerated and aren’t damaging to the skin or the environment. Treating acne, while avoiding medications that have a multitude of side effects, is possible. Your skin is an organ, just like your heart. Subjecting it daily, to chemicals that are damaging and absorbed into the bloodstream, may not be the best thing for your body. If you need more information about acne treatments that work and are safe to use, visit Acne Treatment One.

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1. 

   Granola Girl

   August 20, 2011 at 9:47 am

   GREAT post! Why do we think that we will no longer have to worry about acne when we are past the teen years?

   Reply
   1. 

      Helga

      August 20, 2011 at 9:48 am

      TELL me about it!!

      Reply