Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Acne Herbal Remedies

By Richard May

In many cases acne will have been caused because a person's sebaceous glands are actually producing too much oil (sebum). Because of this increased production the pores on the skin are likely to become blocked and then spots caused by bacteria begin to form. Often when a person visits their doctor they will be prescribed some anti-biotic medication in order to treat the condition. But a lot of people are now preferring to use herbal remedies for acne simply because they are less likely to cause unwanted side effects unlike more conventional treatments.

In this article we take a look at some of the various different types of herbal remedies that you yourself may want to consider using for treating your acne. But if you do it is important that you actually speak with your doctor first in case there is some other underlying medical condition causing your problem.

1. Aloe Vera - This particular herb contains anti-inflammatory and immune stimulant properties. Plus the aloe gel also contains anti-bacterial and astringent properties both of which can help to fight the bacteria, which is causing the acne to erupt. To use this type of herbal remedy you need to apply the gel directly to the area of skin that is affected.

2. Calendula - Contains properties that help the skin tissue to heal. It like the Aloe Vera contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties along with analgesic ones as well. You can either apply the herbal treatment directly to the skin in a cream format or else infuse some of the herb in hot water or then allow the steam that is produced to be absorbed into the skin. Plus you can even apply this directly to your skin as a face wash and will help to prevent further infection.

3. Lavender - This like the herbs previously mentioned also contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help to combat the affects that the acne bacteria is having on the person's skin. In order for this remedy to be effective it is best if the essential oil is mixed with water or carrier fluid and then applied directly to the area of skin that is affected.

4. Tea Tree Oil - Of all the different types of herbal remedies available for treating acne this is one of the most popular. The main reason for this is that the herb contains good antiseptic, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Again just like the lavender in order for this remedy to be effective it needs to be mixed with water or carrier fluid and then applied directly to the acne.

Along with the herbal remedies mentioned above for treating acne there are plenty of others that you may want to try. Such as walnut leaf that has astringent properties and is best used as face or skin wash. Then there is witch hazel that just like tea tree oil contains both anti-bacterial and astringent properties, which can help to fight the bacteria causing the acne.

However it is important to remember that using topical herbal remedies for acne will help to improve the skin on the outside. You also need to look closely at your dietary habits and lifestyle as these can actually be causing problems inside your body, which is further exacerbating the condition. - 15438

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