Acne is predominantly believed to be the curse of teenagers. However, while spots are most common around puberty, acne does not limit itself to teenage skin and individuals can still suffer from the skin disease well into adulthood.
While one alternative for individuals suffering from acne has always been prescription drugs, relying on medication for such a long time may have undesirable side effects. By making some simple changes, sufferers can instead get rid of acne in a more natural way.
Cleanse Skin Effectively
Cleansing the skin properly is one of the most effective ways to deal with acne, but this in fact means ditching the soap. Not only is a bar of soap a good breeding ground for bacteria, but its alkaline properties will destroy the acid mantle of the skin, which is a layer of oils that protect against moisture loss and bacteria. A better option is to choose a good, gentle cleanser that will clean skin thoroughly without drying it.
Pay Attention to the Pillow Case to Cure Overnight Acne
During the hours that one sleeps each night, pillows come into contact with dirt, makeup, oils and saliva, and sleeping with the face against this will worsen acne.
The ideal solution for acne sufferers is to sleep on their backs, so that the skin does not come into contact with the pillow case, but if this is not possible a good precaution is to change your pillow case daily. Another good idea is to invest in a pure silk pillowcase, which will allow skin to breathe without irritating it.
Choose Natural Skincare Products to Treat Acne
Many products targeted at acne prone skin will get rid of acne short term, but they often contain harsh ingredients which can also dry out the skin, exacerbating the problem long term. Natural, organic products are much gentler, while being equally effective.
Good ingredients to look out for in natural skincare products are tea tree oil, which is antiseptic; manuka honey, which is antibacterial and soothing; and aloe vera, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Manuka honey and aloe vera will also simultaneously treat any acne scars. A good product to try is The Honey Collection's Active Clear Natural Acne Cream.
Use Mineral Makeup to Conceal and Clear Skin
Many acne sufferers are tempted to cover their skin in makeup to hide the problem, but most cosmetics can actually make acne worse. Mineral makeup is the best solution for acne as it does not clog pores or irritate skin, and it also contains zinc oxide which will actually fight against acne causing bacteria.
Individuals should be careful about the products they choose, however, as many brands use talc as a filler or bismuth oxychloride, which can cause skin irritation. A good brand to try is Everyday Minerals, which is one of the purest mineral makeup ranges. Other good choices, for UK residents, are BareFaced Beauty and Lily Lolo.
Change Your Diet to Get Rid of Acne
One of the most effective ways of treating acne is by modifying your diet. It is worth finding out if you have any food allergies or intolerances, or whether you have any vitamin or mineral deficiencies which may be contributing to your skin problem.
It is also advisable to reduce sugar intake and to cut down on dairy products, which can be very instrumental in the development of acne due to the fact that they are not easily digested and also due to the hormones they contain. Some good foods to stock up on for acne are berries, Brazil nuts, avocados and garlic.
By making these simple adjustments to one's lifestyle, acne can be eliminated in a natural way. Many acne eruptions occur because of small habits that can be easily changed, and by paying a little bit more attention to what is put on the skin and in the body, acne can be greatly reduced.
Sources:
Acne and Milk website, accessed June 11, 2010
Acne.org website, accessed June 11, 2010
Julia Gabriel. (2008) ‘Bismuth Oxychloride: Do We REALLY Need It?’ The Green Beauty Guide website, accessed June 11, 2010
Karen Jessett. (2007) Clear Skin: Help Your Skin Heal Itself from the Inside Out. Karen Arnott Ltd.
Professor Peter Molan MBE. ‘Honey for Healthy Skin’. The Honey Collection website
