Looking for natural alternatives to try to alleviate acne can be a good idea for several reasons. First, buying pricey products only to find out some do not work for you can begin to be an expensive method of trial and error. Second, for some people, it can be difficult to find products that do not actually aggravate already sensitive skin. Also, although you can find products with some natural ingredients or that are not tested on animals, using all natural treatments means you are not putting chemicals on your skin that might cause more problems than they solve.
Of course, you may just be looking for something more natural to add to the acne regimen you already have in place. Or, maybe more importantly, you may be looking for healthy natural tips to try to incorporate into your life to help your acne clear up. Whatever the reason, you will be glad to know, there are natural products and tricks you can use in your daily life in an effort to alleviate or eliminate your acne.
Remedies around the Home
Right now, you more than likely have certain items around your kitchen pantry or bathroom medicine cabinet that can be used to treat your skin conditions. These are methods that have worked for many but, worst case scenario, if one doesn’t work, you didn’t spend a good deal of money on a brand new product that didn’t work.
- Honey Mask – using honey as a mask a couple of times a week to help improve your skin. A honey mask is gentle enough for sensitive skin and contains properties that help do away with the bacteria that can cause blemishes.
- Witch Hazel – this is another product that many swear by when it comes to eliminating pimples because of its ability to dry them out. Be careful though, as this can over dry skin, too. Thayer’s Witch Hazel is a popular choice among users.
- Diet - Of course, what goes in the body is important, too. Make sure you are getting a good amount of carrots in your diet, as the vitamin A helps promote good skin health. The same goes for zinc. This antibacterial agent can be found in certain food sources, or you can add it to your diet in the form of a supplement. In fact, there may already be a bottle in the medicine chest.
- Tea Tree Oil – While you are looking, check for tea tree oil, which fights acne because of its high content of anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
Your Lifestyle
If you are tired of suffering the effects of bad skin, it may be time to take a realistic look at your daily habits. Even minor adjustments can often have an impact on your health, including your skin. Evaluate your diet and try to reduce or cut out fatty foods, especially those with high sugar or salt content. Make sure you are getting some quality exercise and balancing that out by allowing yourself enough restful sleep hours.
If you drink alcohol, be aware that most alcohol contains elevated amounts of sugars, which can trigger breakouts. Additionally, smoking causes the skin, especially areas of your skin that come in the closest proximity of the cigarette, to be covered in a film that makes it difficult for pores to get the proper amount of oxygen.
Stress is another area that you should monitor in your life, of course for more reasons than just your skin. Reducing stress, though, will increase your chances of suffering fewer breakouts. Find ways to incorporate stress reducing practices into your life, such as meditation, yoga or even listening to calming or inspirational CDs or podcasts while driving to work. Of course, make sure you are not slacking on taking care of your skin. Wash your face at least twice a day and especially after sweating, wearing makeup or having prolonged exposure to the elements.
Other Tips and Tricks
- The ultimate natural tip for improving your skin is to go au natural when it comes to makeup. Covering the affected areas to try to make them look better can cause the skin to have a bad reaction or not be able to breathe, therefore making it worse.
- Also, make sure you wash your pillowcase as frequently as possible to keep the cloth near your face free from bacteria and dirt that can aggravate your acne.
- Keep in mind the importance of not squeezing or picking at your acne. If you must do anything, either use an extractor or visit your dermatologist.