Natural Remedies For Acne-Prone Skin
Most of us at one time or another have had acne, or have known someone who did. Acne is a skin problem that shows up on the face and back as pimples and blackheads. Some cases of acne can be treated at home with simple remedies. If you, or someone you know has acne, and you want some simple homemade remedies to try and eliminate it, here are some tips and recipes which might help. (Please note, this article is not meant to substitute for a doctor’s advice.)
1. Diet. If you have a diet high in salts, refined flours, fats and/or sugars, your body may have a hard time digesting these things and the result will be acne. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and foods that are high in fiber. Avoid foods that are high in fat and salt (greasy french fries, potato chips, rich cookies, etc.) Stay away from foods that contain preservatives, artificial colors and artificial flavors. If you do eat foods like this, only do it once in a while.
2. Water. Drink lots of water. Eliminate soda pop and coffee from your diet. Water helps to flush impurities out of your system.
3. Stress. Stress can cause acne flare ups. It isn't always possible to reduce the stress in your life, but if you can it helps.
4. Hormonal changes. Acne often shows up around puberty, when the body is going through all kinds of hormonal changes. It can also show up later in life.
5. Mineral oil. Mineral oil can cause acne eruptions in some people. Try using products with natural vegetable oils instead.
Several herbs can be used to treat acne prone skin. Birch (Betula alba), Willow bark (Salix alba) and Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium) are all natural sources of salicin, a derivative of salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a chemical that is used in many commercially available products to treat acne. In addition, Yarrow contains azulene, a natural chemical which is soothing to irritated skin. Some people are sensitive to salycates. If you think that you are then you may want to perform a patch test on yourself before using these three herbs. (For details on how to do this see Safety When Making Cosmetics And Perfumes).
Yarrow and Lavender Skin Toner
You will need:
Anti-Acne Face Mask
This face mask is rich in natural salicylates from yarrow and sweet birch.
To make this mask you will need:
When ready to use remove 2 tbsp. of the clay. Mix with enough distilled water to make a paste. Smooth over face and let dry. After 5 or 10 minutes remove from skin with a warm, damp washcloth.
Soap Free Face Cleanser For Acne Prone Skin
This recipe makes a gentle, soap free face cleanser. You will need:
Step 1: Make an herbal decoction - Put the powdered herbs and the distilled water in a stainless steel pot. Stir well to blend the herbs with the water. Heat the mixture until just boiling. (Watch carefully because the solution will boil over if left too long). Turn heat down and let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Strain through a paper towel to remove large herb particles.
Step 2: Make the cleanser - In a clean bottle combine 1 cup of the herbal decoction made in step 1 with 1/2 cup liquid glycerine. (Freeze the rest of the herbal decoction for later use). Stir well. Pour into a clean bottle. Suggestions for use: Use as a gentle soap substitute.
1. Diet. If you have a diet high in salts, refined flours, fats and/or sugars, your body may have a hard time digesting these things and the result will be acne. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and foods that are high in fiber. Avoid foods that are high in fat and salt (greasy french fries, potato chips, rich cookies, etc.) Stay away from foods that contain preservatives, artificial colors and artificial flavors. If you do eat foods like this, only do it once in a while.
2. Water. Drink lots of water. Eliminate soda pop and coffee from your diet. Water helps to flush impurities out of your system.
3. Stress. Stress can cause acne flare ups. It isn't always possible to reduce the stress in your life, but if you can it helps.
4. Hormonal changes. Acne often shows up around puberty, when the body is going through all kinds of hormonal changes. It can also show up later in life.
5. Mineral oil. Mineral oil can cause acne eruptions in some people. Try using products with natural vegetable oils instead.
Herbs and Essential Oils that Help:
Several herbs can be used to treat acne prone skin. Birch (Betula alba), Willow bark (Salix alba) and Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium) are all natural sources of salicin, a derivative of salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a chemical that is used in many commercially available products to treat acne. In addition, Yarrow contains azulene, a natural chemical which is soothing to irritated skin. Some people are sensitive to salycates. If you think that you are then you may want to perform a patch test on yourself before using these three herbs. (For details on how to do this see Safety When Making Cosmetics And Perfumes).
- Tea Tree: (Melaleuca alterifolia): This powerful essential oil is naturally antiseptic and is helpful in fighting acne.
- Lavender (Lavandula officinalis, Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia): Lavender is a gentle antiseptic that can be used in products for treating acne.
- Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis): This gentle herb can be used as an alternative to soap. It also has use as an acne fighter.
- Neem (Azadirachta indica). This plant, which has been used to treat skin conditions in India for thousands of years, has been shown to be effective against many different conditions, including acne. The oil (which has a strong smell similar to garlic) and the leaf can be added to acne treatment products.
Recipes For Acne Remedies:
Yarrow and Lavender Skin Toner
You will need:
- 4 tbsp. yarrow and lavender infusion
- 2 tbsp. glycerine
- 2 tbsp. hamamelis water (witch hazel extract found at grocery stores)
Anti-Acne Face Mask
This face mask is rich in natural salicylates from yarrow and sweet birch.
To make this mask you will need:
- 1/2 cup french green clay or other cosmetic clay
- 1 tsp. powdered yarrow
- 1 tsp. powdered sweet birch bark
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops tea tree essential oil
- distilled water
When ready to use remove 2 tbsp. of the clay. Mix with enough distilled water to make a paste. Smooth over face and let dry. After 5 or 10 minutes remove from skin with a warm, damp washcloth.
Soap Free Face Cleanser For Acne Prone Skin
This recipe makes a gentle, soap free face cleanser. You will need:
- 1 tbsp. powdered soapwort
- 1 tbsp. powdered yarrow
- 1 tbsp. powdered sweet birch bark
- 1 tbsp. powdered lavender
- 2 cups distilled water
- 1/2 cup liquid glycerine
- cheesecloth or other fabric to strain your mixture through a stainless steel pot
Step 1: Make an herbal decoction - Put the powdered herbs and the distilled water in a stainless steel pot. Stir well to blend the herbs with the water. Heat the mixture until just boiling. (Watch carefully because the solution will boil over if left too long). Turn heat down and let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Strain through a paper towel to remove large herb particles.
Step 2: Make the cleanser - In a clean bottle combine 1 cup of the herbal decoction made in step 1 with 1/2 cup liquid glycerine. (Freeze the rest of the herbal decoction for later use). Stir well. Pour into a clean bottle. Suggestions for use: Use as a gentle soap substitute.