If you’re suffering from acne it’s important that your hormones and blood sugar are balanced.
In this article I’ve compiled a list of some effective natural treatments for acne that address the root cause of acne and help to fade acne scars.
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Acne is the most common skin problem in the United States, affecting 85% of teenagers and some adults as well. [1]
Acne can affect your self-esteem and confidence, and in severe cases it can lead to social withdrawal, anxiety and depression.
What causes acne?
Hormones
Hormonal pimples are often cystlike, lying under the surface, causing the skin to look red and painful.
Hormonal acne is often located along the jawline and it can also extend to the shoulders, neck and back.
An outbreak of acne in the week before your period is a sign that you may have a hormonal imbalance.
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Clogged Pores
Clogged pores caused by excess sebum (oil) production and dead skin cells.
Sugar
Bacteria are involved in acne and bacteria feed on sugar, so avoiding sugar can dramatically improve the skin.
Foods high in carbohydrates like white bread, fries, pasta and cookies raise blood sugar and insulin levels, which increases androgens (male hormones) and breakouts.
This is because high levels of insulin cause the ovaries to produce more testosterone.
Make sure to include protein in each meal and avoid high carb foods that will spike your blood sugar.
Stress
Stress is a major trigger for acne.
Stress increases the hormone cortisol which leads to increases in blood sugar and insulin, which leads to increased androgen production and acne.
Constipation
Constipation or a slow bowel transit time allows toxins from the bowel to circulate in the bloodstream and trigger an outbreak on the surface of the skin.
Dairy intolerance
Studies have found a link between milk consumption and acne.
In one study, researchers found that diets low in milk protein and glycaemic index reduced insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signalling, which is associated with adult acne. [2]
The best way to tell if your acne is due to a dairy sensitivity is to avoid all dairy foods for a month, including milk, cheese, yogurt, cream, butter, chocolate and any processed food with added milk protein and see if your skin improves.
Natural Treatments for Acne
Diet
Reduce high carbohydrate foods and avoid white bread, cakes, cookies, soda and all processed foods with added sugar.
Water
Skin needs to be hydrated and water helps to flush toxins out of the body.
Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.
Fiber
Fiber improves bowel transit time, taking toxins more quickly out of the body, with less time to be reabsorbed.
High-fiber foods include nuts, seeds, legumes, vegetables and fruit.
Herbal Medicine for acne
In natural medicine, the skin is seen as one of the major organs of detoxification alongside the liver, bowels, lungs and kidneys.
An overburdened liver and a sluggish lymphatic system can result in excess hormone and waste build up in the body, which leads to toxins being released through the skin.
Any skin problem, including acne, is a signal that the body needs help with detoxifying.
Milk Thistle
(St. Mary’s Thistle) is one of the most powerful liver detoxifiers.
Cleavers
, Burdock
and Nettle Leaf
are lymphatic herbs that help to detoxify and purify the blood.
Licorice root
and White Peony
work to remove excess androgens from the body and balance the hormones.
Zinc
Zinc
helps the skin to heal and boosts the immune system to fight bacteria.
Zinc can also help to fade acne scars.
It’s a good idea to discuss any acne supplements or herbal remedies with your healthcare provider because some supplements and herbs can interact with prescription medications.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil
has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.[3]
Tea tree oil applied directly on to the pimple helps to reduce redness and further infection.
Here are two natural treatments for acne:
TreeActiv Cystic Acne Spot Treatment
is a fast-acting solution that fights pimples and cystic acne breakouts quickly. It works by unclogging pores, removing dead skin cells and soothing acne scars.
It contains Bentonite Clay, Tea Tree Water, Witch Hazel, Peppermint Water, Spearmint Water, Spearmint Essential Oil, Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil, Lemon Essential Oil, Tea Tree Essential Oil and Aloe Vera.
Alba Botanica Natural AcneDote
is a gentle acne face and body scrub that helps to cleanse and unclog pores, remove excess oil, boost the skin’s protective barrier and reduce blemishes and redness.
It contains Salicylic acid along with Walnut shell powder, Witch Hazel, Botanical extracts and Essential oils.
I hope these tips will help you to clear up your acne naturally.
Have you tried any natural treatments for acne? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below.
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