If you are looking for an alternative acne treatment to use instead of those over the counter remedies then how about taking advantage of the gentle healing powers of some of natures finest natural ingredients.
Treating your acne with natural ingredients is always going to be so much better for your skin as they are much less likely to irritate and aggravate than many of the harsh chemicals contained in many of the preparations used to treat acne.
Learning how to make acne reducing facial cleansers and masks at home using natural ingredients is simplicity in itself. All you need to know is what to mix together and how best to use them. Here are some of my favorite recipes for homemade cleansers and facial masks; many of which are ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.
All of these mixtures are extremely gentle and should not cause any irritation to your skin, however as with any product you use you must discontinue their use if you have any adverse reaction at all.
Also, when removing your cleanser, consider rinsing some of these over your kitchen sink rather than the bathroom sink, as some have ingredients that need to go down the garbage disposal! No sense having beautiful acne free skin if your bathroom sink is blocked up.
Simple egg yolk cleanser
Eggs are full of protein, vitamin A, and fatty acids that are very good for the skin. Take one beaten egg and apply it to the face with a cotton ball, or add a bit of vitamin E oil to the beaten egg. Let it dry on the face and sit for about 15 minutes, then just rinse it all off with cool water.
This will keep your skin hydrated and is a great treatment to try once every week.
Honey and oatmeal cleanser
When it comes to home remedies, this mask is probably one of the oldest there's ever been. All you need to do is simply mix honey and oatmeal in proportion to make a paste and apply to your skin for a good 15 minutes. The excess oils and dirt in your skin are absorbed by the oatmeal while the honey helps to condition and moisturize.
This also makes a great scrub for exfoliating; just apply it to your skin and rub in a very gently circular motion for several minutes, then rinse away.
Oily skin cleanser
Take a quarter of a tomato, peel away the skin and then put it through a strainer to get all the seeds out. Add two tablespoons of plain yogurt, a few slices of mashed cucumber, a quarter cup of oatmeal, two teaspoons of vitamin E oil, and a crushed mint leaf. Mix all these ingredients together, apply to your face and leave on for about ten minutes. Then use a warm damp cloth to remove…Wonderful!
Yogurt and honey cleanser
This is a cleanser has also stood the test of time. Here you need to mix equal parts of room temperature natural yogurt (Note: do not use fat free or low-fat ) with honey that has been warmed enough to become runny (put in the microwave for a minute) and apply to your face; leave the mixture on for 15 minutes and then rinse off with a warm cloth. Just make sure the honey is not too hot before you apply it! Adding a bit more honey than yogurt will increase the moisturizing benefits.
Milk of magnesia cleanser
Milk of magnesia is actually very natural and comes from magnesium, which is an element that naturally absorbs acids and other harmful ingredients in the stomach. However, we have discovered that it makes for a great facial mask and is brilliant for very oily skin. Simply apply a very fine film of it (make sure it’s plain and unflavored) to your face, let it set for 15 minutes, and then rinse off with cold water.
Face cleanser for oily skin - Lemon and strawberry
Oily skin really benefits from the natural astringent properties of Lemons and strawberries. One teaspoon of lemon juice or the juice of one lemon should be combined with the whites of two eggs, a few tablespoons of honey that has been warmed enough to be runny, and a cup of strawberries. Blend or mash the ingredients together and apply to your face, leave to set for ten minutes, and then rinse off with a warm cloth.
Acne reducing masks and cleansers – How to use them
If you have acne and an oily skin you will also usually suffer with a very sensitive skin and even though these masks and cleansers are made from pure natural ingredients they are still very potent and may cause redness, peeling, stinging, and so on.
Therefore, It's always better to start with a very light application of any mask and leave it on only for a few minutes before gently rinsing away. Be aware of how your face and skin react; if you feel any discomfort, stop using it. But if you seem to be getting some results then you can try leaving it on for a few minutes longer. You might want to consider using a mask only once per week initially, and if you're pleased with the results then increase the application to say twice per week and then to every other day.
One final thing to remember with your alternative acne treatment, just because a small amount of something works well this doesn't necessarily mean that more will be better. Stick with mixing the ingredients exactly as directed rather than adding in extra of anything.
By: Hannah Clapham
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Acne Treatment - 4 Comparative Reviews Between Natural Remedy and Over-the-Counter Products
Centuries of Chinese know-how has given us many ways of healing the body through the use of herbs and plants. Natural remedies have been around for millennium and have been used by our ancestors (not only the Chinese). In ancient times, some people knew that certain plants were excellent aids for the recovery from various maladies, although they didn’t know why. For example, a simple remedy, still known today as “Friar’s Balsam”, received the name because this natural remedy was always carried by the mendicant friars as they visited among the people who looked to them not only as teachers but for medical help.
The healing properties found in the plants are due to vitamins, mineral salts, etc. contained in them. Some have acids, such as citric acids from the citrus fruits and the malic acid in apples and other fruits. Other acids may be found in the herbs. The components of these often supply a need that can restore the body to optimum health.
Western medicines that are popular today are actually derivatives from plants taking their most useful properties and place them in tiny little capsules. The advances in science and technology have made it possible for more concentrated plant nutrients to be used for health purposes. Also, other properties from minerals can now be extracted.
In treating acne, for example, scientists have found a way to extract sulfur from ores and use if as an antibacterial to reduce acne. There are a lot of plants and herbs which have been used by our ancestors to help combat acne such as oranges and sandalwood. They can be converted into ointments, poultices or applied directly into the affected area.
There are many people who are more comfortable with over-the-counter products than herbal remedies, considering the latter as backward and ineffective. However, a large number of the population who need to cure their acne prefer the organic methods. Here, is a comparative review between the natural treatment and over-the-counter products.
1. Convenience
While natural remedies for acne require long preparation methods, over-the-counter acne treatments come in ready-to-use bottles or tubes. Although some stores are now specializing in organic acne remedy that only needs boiling, some people find over-the-counter products easier to use.
2. Availability
Acne herbal remedies are hard to come by while over-the-counter products are well-stocked in your local pharmacy.
3. Strength and Effectiveness
The ingredients in over-the-counter products are much stronger compared to the diluted effects of herbal remedies. Also, most of the ingredients are chemicals designed to help reduce acne. The most effective and common ingredient in acne products is benzoyl peroxide which helps get rid of excess oil and dead skin cells. These two are the culprits in the process of clogging the skin’s pores. Sulfur is used in tandem with resorcinol which has the same effect as benzoyl peroxide and has the added bonus of removing blackheads and whiteheads. Salicylic acid has the effect of preventing clogging of pores as well as whitehead and blackhead removal. These ingredients cannot be found in most plants but some plants can provide the same effect such as antibacterial properties and the ability to help unclog pores.
4. Side Effects
In terms of side effects, over-the-counter products can prove to have severe side effects. Some of them are harsh chemicals that can strip the skin’s natural oils resulting to a worse case of acne. Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and sulfur have drying effects on the skin often resulting to skin irritations, redness and stinging sensations, scaling and minor swelling.
By: W. Darren
The healing properties found in the plants are due to vitamins, mineral salts, etc. contained in them. Some have acids, such as citric acids from the citrus fruits and the malic acid in apples and other fruits. Other acids may be found in the herbs. The components of these often supply a need that can restore the body to optimum health.
Western medicines that are popular today are actually derivatives from plants taking their most useful properties and place them in tiny little capsules. The advances in science and technology have made it possible for more concentrated plant nutrients to be used for health purposes. Also, other properties from minerals can now be extracted.
In treating acne, for example, scientists have found a way to extract sulfur from ores and use if as an antibacterial to reduce acne. There are a lot of plants and herbs which have been used by our ancestors to help combat acne such as oranges and sandalwood. They can be converted into ointments, poultices or applied directly into the affected area.
There are many people who are more comfortable with over-the-counter products than herbal remedies, considering the latter as backward and ineffective. However, a large number of the population who need to cure their acne prefer the organic methods. Here, is a comparative review between the natural treatment and over-the-counter products.
1. Convenience
While natural remedies for acne require long preparation methods, over-the-counter acne treatments come in ready-to-use bottles or tubes. Although some stores are now specializing in organic acne remedy that only needs boiling, some people find over-the-counter products easier to use.
2. Availability
Acne herbal remedies are hard to come by while over-the-counter products are well-stocked in your local pharmacy.
3. Strength and Effectiveness
The ingredients in over-the-counter products are much stronger compared to the diluted effects of herbal remedies. Also, most of the ingredients are chemicals designed to help reduce acne. The most effective and common ingredient in acne products is benzoyl peroxide which helps get rid of excess oil and dead skin cells. These two are the culprits in the process of clogging the skin’s pores. Sulfur is used in tandem with resorcinol which has the same effect as benzoyl peroxide and has the added bonus of removing blackheads and whiteheads. Salicylic acid has the effect of preventing clogging of pores as well as whitehead and blackhead removal. These ingredients cannot be found in most plants but some plants can provide the same effect such as antibacterial properties and the ability to help unclog pores.
4. Side Effects
In terms of side effects, over-the-counter products can prove to have severe side effects. Some of them are harsh chemicals that can strip the skin’s natural oils resulting to a worse case of acne. Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and sulfur have drying effects on the skin often resulting to skin irritations, redness and stinging sensations, scaling and minor swelling.
By: W. Darren
Treatment For Acne – How Psychosocial Implications Can Affect Acne Treatment Progress
Early and effective treatment for acne is important for physical reasons, but it is also critical for a positive self image for the adolescents and adults who suffer from the condition.
At a time when youngsters are at their most vulnerable--during the teenage years, the scourge of acne hits to further erode their ability to form the social attachments that are so important for future emotional health and well-being. It is for this reason that any effective treatment for acne and prevention of further pimple breakouts should include recognition of the psychological component of acne treatment. By treating the visible lesions caused by acne and working on the negative self image that is common with those who have acne, the acne sufferer has the opportunity to improve his or her self esteem.
Hormonal changes
Part of the most effective treatment for acne relies on adjustment of the hormones that go on a rampage during the adolescent years. So the hormones that sometime fluctuate wildly during this teenage stretch of years are also implicated in causing the skin of the face, neck and shoulders to breakouts in unsightly bumps, lesions, blackheads and whiteheads. Because this same hormonal effect, many adolescents suffer from low self-image even when their appearance doesn't show signs of acne. The doctor who recognizes the effect of the hormone changes on both the physical and emotional well-being will be well able to treat both aspects.
Appearance
There is no doubt that acne is ugly. It attacks when teens are at their most vulnerable and most concerned about their appearance in the eyes of those around them. Treatment for acne that doesn't take into consideration how the person who has acne looks will not be successful treatment. Most people have at least some level of concern about how they look, but for adolescents in the grips of pimple breakouts, the concern is doubly important. Their self esteem may be shaky already and knowing the negative appearance caused by an acne blemish, insult is added to injury.
Self-image
A positive self-image is one of the most difficult things to promote in an adolescent who is suffering from facial skin that is red and swollen with blemishes such as blackheads and whiteheads irritating the sensitive skin and the sensitive feelings about one's appearance. Treatment for acne that doesn't take into consideration how the person feels about their appearance will be less than successful. Medical doctors, dermatologists and other medical personnel are more and more aware of the need for treatment of the personality as well as the way the person feels about their appearance.
Cosmetic surgery
Cosmetic surgery to repair the ravages of pitting and scarring caused by breakouts of acne is becoming more common amongst people from all walks of life. The treatment of acne that takes appearance into consideration rather than ignoring the unsightly scars recognizes that there is more to healing than just physical healing. Several types of cosmetic treatment are available to successfully remove the scars of acne. These include dermabrasion, chemical peeling and other methods. The positive psychological impact that such a surgery will have on the acne sufferer may be well worth the expense of such a surgery in fostering a positive self esteem.
By: Ingrid Lihan
At a time when youngsters are at their most vulnerable--during the teenage years, the scourge of acne hits to further erode their ability to form the social attachments that are so important for future emotional health and well-being. It is for this reason that any effective treatment for acne and prevention of further pimple breakouts should include recognition of the psychological component of acne treatment. By treating the visible lesions caused by acne and working on the negative self image that is common with those who have acne, the acne sufferer has the opportunity to improve his or her self esteem.
Hormonal changes
Part of the most effective treatment for acne relies on adjustment of the hormones that go on a rampage during the adolescent years. So the hormones that sometime fluctuate wildly during this teenage stretch of years are also implicated in causing the skin of the face, neck and shoulders to breakouts in unsightly bumps, lesions, blackheads and whiteheads. Because this same hormonal effect, many adolescents suffer from low self-image even when their appearance doesn't show signs of acne. The doctor who recognizes the effect of the hormone changes on both the physical and emotional well-being will be well able to treat both aspects.
Appearance
There is no doubt that acne is ugly. It attacks when teens are at their most vulnerable and most concerned about their appearance in the eyes of those around them. Treatment for acne that doesn't take into consideration how the person who has acne looks will not be successful treatment. Most people have at least some level of concern about how they look, but for adolescents in the grips of pimple breakouts, the concern is doubly important. Their self esteem may be shaky already and knowing the negative appearance caused by an acne blemish, insult is added to injury.
Self-image
A positive self-image is one of the most difficult things to promote in an adolescent who is suffering from facial skin that is red and swollen with blemishes such as blackheads and whiteheads irritating the sensitive skin and the sensitive feelings about one's appearance. Treatment for acne that doesn't take into consideration how the person feels about their appearance will be less than successful. Medical doctors, dermatologists and other medical personnel are more and more aware of the need for treatment of the personality as well as the way the person feels about their appearance.
Cosmetic surgery
Cosmetic surgery to repair the ravages of pitting and scarring caused by breakouts of acne is becoming more common amongst people from all walks of life. The treatment of acne that takes appearance into consideration rather than ignoring the unsightly scars recognizes that there is more to healing than just physical healing. Several types of cosmetic treatment are available to successfully remove the scars of acne. These include dermabrasion, chemical peeling and other methods. The positive psychological impact that such a surgery will have on the acne sufferer may be well worth the expense of such a surgery in fostering a positive self esteem.
By: Ingrid Lihan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
