Natural Acne Treatments

Acne occurs most frequently during adolescence. Between the ages of 10 and 19, the sebaceous glands increase their secretion. The gland ducts become blocked by oil and dead skin cells, causing inflammation and attracting bacteria. Acne can affect people of all ages, men as well as women. In women, acne outbreaks are common during the onset of the menstrual cycle.
The most common infectious agents causing acne are staph, strep, and Candid albicans. White blood cells fight off infections, causing inflammation or swelling. Pimples form on the face, back, and shoulders. Constant skin eruptions can cause scars.

Stress, poor diet, hormonal imbalances and food allergies can also cause acne. When the liver and kidneys are overloaded and no longer eliminate sufficiently, the body eliminates toxins through the skin.

Essential Oils To Help Combat Acne 

• Bergamot (do not go into direct sunlight after applying to the skin)
• Cedarwood Atlas (do not use if pregnant)
• Lavender
• Tea Tree

Choose one to three of the above mentioned essential oils. Wash your face and affected areas at least two to three times per day with  2 - 4 drops of one or more of the above essential oil mixed with a tsp liquid soap. After cleaning, dab a single drop of essential oil directly to the pustule or lesion caused by acne. Do not spread essential oil over a large area of the skin; do not rub in vigorously. Discontinue use if the skin becomes irritated.

• Use a facial sauna to unblock pores and clear the skin: mix 3 - 5 drops of any of the above essential oils into a bowl of hot water. Sit and relax with the bowl in front of you. Breathe deeply while bending over the bowl of water. Keep your head covered with a large towel to keep the water vapours from escaping into the room. When finished, rinse face with fresh water.
• To reduce scarring as a result of acne, apply Lavender neat to the affected area on a daily basis until the scar diminishes.

You may also take the following tinctures. Choose one to three of the above and take according to the instructions on the label.

• Burdock (may enhance the effect of insulin or blood sugar lowering medications)
• Dandelion (do not use without doctor's permission if you have stomach ulcers or gastritis) 
• Yellow Dock (contraindicated for pregnancy, may cause diarrhea or nausea).

Other Tips: 

1. Do not pick or squeeze the pimples.
2. Foods To Avoid: alcohol, butter, milk, caffeine, cheese, chocolate, cocoa, cream, eggs, fat, fried foods, hot and spicy foods, hydrogenated oils and shortenings, margarine, vegetable oils (except olive oil), soft drinks, and other sugary foods such as cakes, cookies, pastries.
3. Foods To Add: Fresh raw foods such as smoothies, salads, almonds, beetroot, cashews, swiss chard, grapes, strawberries, pineapple, shellfish, whole grains, sunflower seeds, raw nuts, skinless grilled chicken or turkey.
4. Do not use greasy ointments on your skin. Try an organic cosmetic brand such as Greenpeople Organic cosmetics.
5. Regular exercise stimulates circulation to the skin and improves the immune response.
6. Deficiencies of Vitamin B have been linked to acne, so supplementing with a good quality B multi-vitamin supplement may be helpful.