Monday, January 26, 2009

Acne Herbal Remedies

By Richard May

In most cases where a person has begun to suffer from acne it is because the sebaceous glands (found at the end of their hair follicles) are producing too much oil. These increased oil levels in the skin can then cause the pores to become blocked and infected and so they start to notice spots forming. Most people will often seek out their doctor's advice on how to treat the problem and they will generally prescribe some form of anti-biotic medication. However, there are others who would prefer to use more natural and safe ways of treating their condition and luckily for them there are plenty of different herbal remedies for acne that they can select from.

In this article we take a look at some of the kinds of herbal remedies which a person can use and why they are effective at helping to treat this particular skin condition. But before you do commence using them it is important that you discuss the matter with your doctor first.

1. Aloe Vera - This is one of the most effective herbs for treating acne available today. This particular plant contains both astringent and anti-bacterial properties that can help to fight the bacteria, which is causing the acne. Also it also contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce the swelling (spots).

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 - Just like all the herbs that we mention in this article this particular one contains both anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help to fight the bacteria that are causing the acne. As with all treatments we mention here this needs to be applied topically (directly) to the affected area and the essential oil should be mixed with water or carrier fluid before it is applied.

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.

But as well as these herbal remedies there are plenty of other ones which are both safe and effective to use in treating this skin condition and which you may want to consider trying. One such herb is walnut leaf which has very good astringent properties and is normally mixed with a carrier fluid or water and then used as a skin wash. Otherwise you may want to consider trying witch hazel, which has both astringent and anti-bacterial properties like many of the others.

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. - 15995

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