Acne is nobody’s friend. Nobody wants to walk around with those spots on their face, with puss threatening to come flooding out after the slightest pinch from a fingernail. Often medical treatments from doctors and pharmacists are harsh and filled with chemicals. They may work for a while, but any long-term use comes with additional health risks.
What are some of the alternative remedies for acne?
1. Manuka?Honey
Manuka honey comes from the Manuka bush which is found in New Zealand. It?has significant anti-bacterial and wound-healing properties, and is also able to stop the production of free radicals that cause cancer.
It has been proven that by applying?Manuka honey on acne, it heals the sores.
Manuka honey is best used in its raw, organic form. It can be found in whole food stores, as well as?select?pharmacies and supermarkets.
There are no side effects to using Manuka honey and it can be used for as long as is necessary, twice daily if needed.
2. Tea Tree Oil
You can buy tea tree oil as an essential oil, in a pure form or diluted. It’s also available in?the form of shampoos, creams, ointments and oils. It is the tea tree oil that is best used to treat acne. Using tea tree oil will result in a reduction of the acne lesions.
There are no side effects to using tea tree oil, but oral consumption should be avoided. It can also be used daily, twice daily, or as long as necessary. You do not need to use a lot and can dilute the oil into a bit of water or an aqueous cream too.
3. Tannins
Some alternative health care practitioners recommend using topical ointments that contain tannin, a fruit acid that?has natural astringent properties.
One would need to find the bark of a tree such as white oak, English walnut or witch hazel, and boil the mixture up in water. It is an in depth process that requires you to follow very specific instructions. It’s recommended that it either be done under the supervision of an alternative healer, or allow the healer to do it for you.
You can buy zinc tablets over the counter,?which?are excellent for the treatment of acne as it has?anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
5. A Cleansing Diet
It sounds simple but all to often?bad skin is the result of?an unhealthy diet. If your diet is filled with sugar and processed foods, or high carb content, your skin is not going to be good.
- Try and eat fresh, raw and organic where possible. Eat lean meats and have a lot of protein in your diet. It is a good idea to start every morning with hot water and lemon, which is a fabulous cleanser for the digestion system and excellent for regular bowel movements.
- Eat lots of fiber to ensure your regular bowel movements. You want to get rid of any toxins in your body.
- Water is also?important for clean and healthy skin. Try and drink 8 glasses of water a day if you can. More if possible.
- Cut out coffee, even if just for a while. You want to only feed your body foods and drinks that are pure. Cut out alcohol and remember – no sugar and no carbonated?drinks.
- Be militant in the beginning. Once your skin has cleared you can have the odd cup of coffee or glass of wine. But initially, to clear your acne, follow a healthy and organic diet.
- Quit smoking. Smoking is terrible for your skin and will age you quickly.
- Keep your skin clean.
- Wash your face when you wake up in the morning and again at night. You do not have to use any harsh over the counter face washes or cleanses. Use plain water, cool or warm, and keep your pores clear and unclogged.
- You can use a little bit of apple cider vinegar to rub on spots and acne. It works like a toner and can help.
6. Chamomile tea before you go to bed
Get lots of sleep so that your skin can renew, fresh and regenerate while you sleep. Not only will chamomile tea help you sleep, but it?also has healing and soothing properties in it. You can also make a chamomile paste by taking the contents from the tea bag and mixing them with hot water. Apply directly to the acne.
Why you should not use prescription medications for acne
There have been some horrible results when people use prescription medication for acne. They can result in skin irritations, rashes, dryness, peeling and even birth defects. Doctors often treat acne with antibiotics, meaning patients build up resistance and antibiotics no longer work for ordinary diseases.
Saying this, it is very important that you discuss your skin care routine and plan of action in depth with a dermatologist, especially if you plan on the natural skin care route.
They may?be able offer advice and other ideas you didn’t think of.
References:
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/acne-alternative-treatments#2
https://draxe.com/manuka-honey-benefits-uses/
