Natural Acne Treatment
Symptoms
Natural Acne treatment depends on the symptoms that present themselves. The symptoms of acne are the presence of red and/or white pimples and commonly occur on the face, neck and back.
There are several types of pimples that may make an appearance, including whiteheads, where the inflammation stays beneath the skin; blackheads, where it rises to the skin's surface; pustules, where it is red with pus on top; papules, where you see small pink bumps; nodules, which are large, rather painful and deep within the skin; and cysts, which are deep, painful and can cause scarring.
Causes
There is some controversy as to what causes acne. Some say it relates to diet, others to hormonal balances, hygiene or heredity. The white head of the pimple is caused by the blockage in the follicle which results in inflammation and infection.
If acne is related to hormonal imbalance, it may worsen premenstrually. Acne eruptions can also occur after exposure to heat or the sun. Medication such as corticosteroids, contraceptive pill, antidepressants and epilepsy drugs are also associated with pimple eruptions.
Cautions
Consult your doctor if your eruptions cause you concerns or are severe in nature. If symptoms persist or worsen with the herbal treatments, please consult your doctor. If you suspect your Acne is caused by a side effect from your medication, you should also consult your doctor.
Natural Acne Treatment
Internal Applications
- Burdock – 1-2 grams a day with a maximum dosage of 15gms per week. Ideally Burdock should be administered as a Tincture or in capsule/tablet form. Your herbalist should be able to supply you with these.
- Yellow Dock – 1 – 2 grams a day with a maximum dosage of 15gms per week. Ideally Burdock should be administered as a Tincture or in capsule/tablet form. Your herbalist should be able to supply you with these.
- Evening Primrose Oil – 1000 mg 3 times a day with meals. Take Evening Primrose Oil in a capsule form and this can be purchased from health food stores and supermarkets.
- Dandelion – 500mg dried root equivalent taken in a liquid extract 3 times a day.
- Cleavers – 2-4 grams dried plant equivalent taken 3 times a day.
External Applications
- Aloe Vera – For a natural acne treatment apply gel direct to affected area 2 times a day. Use the juice or gel to fight infection and promote healing of pimples. For acne scars, apply aloe vera juice in the morning and at night for as long as necessary to improve the complexion and to reduce scars. You may want to use a moisturizer when you do this because aloe vera is drying.
- Basil – boil 2 to 3 teaspoon of dried basil in a cup of water. Cool, strain and apply to clean skin 3 times a day with a cotton boil. This is good for acne that has not responded to other remedies.
- Tea Tree – apply topically as cream/ointment or lotion. Dab a little tea tree oil on pimples with a cotton swab before going to bed. This will clear up acne fast. Tea Tree oil can also be used in aromatherapy.
- Calendula – use in a cream as directed or apply as a compress. To make the compress, mix 5 grams in 1 liter of boiling water for 5 minutes, cool, strain and apply as a compress to the affected area 3 times a day.
- Nettle – 20 grams dried herb boiled in 750ml water until it has reduced to 500ml approximately. Strain and cool and apply to face area 3 times a day, either as compress or to wash face.
- Blackberry, strawberry or raspberry leaves – boil the leaves with 1.5 liters of water for 3 minutes. Soak a cloth in the liquid and apply to the skin as a compress. This will soothe the skin.
- Oats – another natural acne treatment is to add fine oatmeal to natural plain yogurt to make a paste. Apply it to the affected area and let it dry. Wash with lukewarm water and pat it dry.
- Mint – apply fresh juice to acne eruptions every night at bedtime. Alternatively, you can mix turmeric powder with the mint juice and apply it for 30 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water.
- Rose water – mix with an equal portion of lime juice and apply nightly after a thorough cleansing of the face. Keep it on for 30 minutes, then wash the face gently and pat it dry.
- Garlic – rub a freshly cut garlic clove on and around acne eruptions. Do this regularly. Alternatively, you can use pureed garlic. Store in a jar between uses in the refrigerator.
- Nutmeg – mix ground nutmeg with milk and apply to acne breakouts.
- Papaya – apply raw papaya to acne for quick results.
- Lemon – soak a cotton swab in lemon juice and apply to pimples. The lemon juice will dry them up.
- Lavender – add lavender flowers to boiling water and steep for 10 minutes. Dip a cloth into the solution and apply as a compress to breakouts. Lavender will relieve the inflammation.
- Neem oil – this is an excellent natural acne treatment. Antibacterial oil can be very useful when treating acne. Apply a 2% neem oil cream to the acne breakout and take 2 neem capsules every day to quicken healing.
- Oregano oil – add a few drops into a glass of water and dab on acne eruptions. If you notice skin irritation, take a break for a few days, and then use a more diluted solution.
Aromatherapy Natural Acne Treatment
Essential Oils can help regulate sebum production, such as Juniper and Cedar wood. Lavender, Lemon, Tea Tree and Geranium have antiseptic and healing qualities. Chamomile and Petigrain can help reduce inflammation.
The oils can be used either in a massage, to bathe the skin or compress. Oils that could be blended include Bergamot, Chamomile, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Myrrh, Rosemary and/or Tea Tree.
Below are suggested blends that may be combined in a burner:
- Geranium 5 drops, rosemary 5 drops.
- Bergamot 4 drops, chamomile 3 drops, Tea Tree 3 drops.
- Lavender 4 drops, Lemon 4 drops, Myrrh 2 drops.
Topical Treatments for Acne
- Combine 3 drops of Lavender Oil to 10ml Jojoba or Sweet Almond Oil and apply to affected area 3 times a day.
- Add 2 drops each of Juniper and Cedar wood to half cup of water – apply to skin every 2 hours throughout the day.
- Apply 2 drops of Juniper oil to tablespoon of Jojoba or Almond Oil – apply 3 times a day.