Natural Acne Remedies - Back to Skin Health
Let's face it, acne sucks. It can make the healthiest people look sickly unhygienic. For years, benzoyl peroxide has been the go to over-the-counter choice for acne suffers. But it can be harsh on the skin and irritate it causing more breakouts. Whether your case is mild or you are a severe acne sufferer, here are some natural tricks to help you get back to skin health by ridding your acne and reducing the scars. Start off lightly and see how it works for you:
Topical
1. Oil Cleansing - It may sound like the opposite thing to do, but oil cleansing using extra virgin coconut oil or olive oil works wonders for the skin. At night, massage the oil into your skin and wipe with a warm washcloth. The antioxidants and anti-microbial properties of the oil will work to fight your acne as you sleep.
2. Use Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice as a toner. Both ACV and lemon juice have antibacterial properties to ward off acne. The acid nature of each also helps to exfoliate away dead layers of skin where the acne germs may be festering. Dilute with water until your skin gets used to the liquids full strength. Use a saturated cotton ball or pad to wipe the liquid over the affected area. Be careful as these liquids are strong! Dilute and test on a small area to see how your skin reacts. If you feel anything beyond mild irritation, rinse immediately.
3. Raw Honey Mask - Raw honey has great antimicrobial properties. It also draws moisture into the skin while adding phytonutrients and enzymes to fight acne and heal the skin. After cleansing the skin, spread honey over your acne prone areas. Allow the honey to sit for 15 - 20 minutes, then rinse. Your skin will be noticeably softer.
Internal
1 Eat foods rich in Beta-Carotene. Vitamin A is essential for a healthy immune system and the regeneration of new skin cells. Your body turns beta-carotene into Vitamin A for absorption. These foods contain the highest levels of beta-carotene:
Sweet Potatoes
Carrots
Any dark leafy greens (see posting on Leafy Greens).
2. Foods high in probiotics. Did you know that most of your immunity functions take place in your digestive system? Your intestine fight off some pretty harmful stuff. That is why good gut bacteria is important for good immune health. Your acne may be the result of your body fighting toxins in your digestive system. While yogurt provides some probiotic support, acne sufferers may need to pump up their intake of other good bacteria. Here are some other fermented foods that are high in probiotics.
Kefir
Sauerkraut or Kimchi
Kombucha
Give it a few weeks to begin seeing the benefits. In the end, your skin and the rest of your body will love you for it.
Have other suggestions? Write in the comments below.