Many people start searching for a natural ways to get rid of acne after they get overwhelmed by the number of commercial acne treatments marketed to them.
With the expensive and sometimes ineffective solutions used, perhaps it is time to search for a natural acne treatment that actually works. The harsh chemicals and side effects in commercial treatments are sometimes not worth the time, money or energy. Especially when you may have something better.
Organic And Natural Treatments For Acne
If you are one of those who feel that clear skin and freedom from acne is impossible, don’t give up hope just yet.
There have been many cases where people have found natural ways to get rid of acne that finally give them healthy and beautiful skin. Here are some natural acne treatments you can use to deal with your acne:
- Tea Tree Oil
- Zinc Supplements
- Alpha-Hydroxy Acids
- Brewer’s Yeast
- Azelaic Acid
A Timeless Acne Treatment – Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is obtained from a plant that is native to Australia, otherwise known as Melaleuca alternifolia. The leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant go through a process of steam distillation and what is extracted is tea tree oil.
Why does tea tree oil work? There is a chemical, terpinen-4-ol, that is contained inside it. This terpinen-4-ol is assumed to kill off bacteria and is responsible for the antimicrobial activity that is associated with tea tree oil.
By applying tea tree oil to acne lesions, this antimicrobial activity can help to kill off Propionibacterium acnes, which is the bacteria that is responsible for the acne breakouts.
Take Zine Supplements
One reason why people suffer from acne breakouts is a lack of sufficient vitamins and minerals required to keep their skin healthy. Zinc deficiency is often one reason why you may have acne. In fact, many acne medication and supplements often contain zinc compounds to aid in fighting against acne.
Vitamin supplements are important because while you can find zinc in many of our regular foods, the body readily absorbs only certain forms of it. Zinc picolinate is one of the most easily absorbed forms of zinc and is an effective source for your supplements.
Taking vitamin supplements can also help to enrich your diet as many people are allergic or do not have access to zinc rich foods. Taking zinc supplements can help to counteract this deficiency quickly and easily, and help in reducing future acne breakouts.
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids
Alpha hydroxy acid is also used in fighting against acne. It is usually sold at concentration levels of 10% or less over the counter and has useful properties in controlling acne.
Used as an exfoliant, alpha hydroxy acid is applied and left on the skin for a sufficient period of time. What it does is to remove the external layers of the skin to reveal living cells beneath, in other words, also known as a mild form of skin resurfacing.
However, between the use of alpha hydroxy acid and salicylic acid (aka beta hydroxy acid), salicylic is preferred. Being oil soluble, salicylic acid can be absorbed into the pores better to work on your skin.
Brewer’s Yeast For Acne Treatment
Where brewer’s yeast comes from is the unicellular fungus Saccharomyces Cerevisiae. Unlike active yeast, brewer’s yeast is inactive i.e. the yeasts have already been killed and you do not have that leavening action associated with yeasts.
Brewer’s yeast is great as a nutrient supplement if you need to increase the amount of amino acids, minerals, B vitamins and other compounds that you would require for repairing your skin.
There have been successful cases of people using brewer’s yeast to treat acne, especially cystic acne. However, if you have a known allergy or extreme sensitivity, you should definitely consult a doctor before taking brewer’s yeast as part of your diet.
Azelaic Acid
A natural element that kills bacteria in the skin, azelaic acid can help you to clear your acne and even prevent it from recurring. It is also useful in reducing or healing acne inflammation.
If you are suffering from mild to moderate acne that is infected with bacteria, using azelaic acid can help to treat your condition. When compared to other creams like benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin and even antibiotics, it has been shown that azelaic acid works equally well. You do need some patience in the treatment of acne lesions as it usually takes 1-2 months before they start to disappear.
Azelaic acid is not without its side effects. Some people have noted that azelaic acid can cause burning, stinging, reddish skin and dryness. So you do need to carefully apply it only on areas that are affected by acne. After you are finished with its application, be sure to wash your hands.
Clear And Healthy Skin Is Within Your Reach
While many people who suffer from acne feel depressed and hopeless, clearer skin is not out of reach. Using some of the suggested natural ways to get rid of acne here, you can take action to improve your skin and finally have the glowing and healthy skin you have always dreamed of.