Out, Damned Spot! Natural Cures For Acne

vegan Cures For Acne

Annoyed by pimples? Want to know a few natural cures for acne? Read on!

By Sophia Hussain

From rosacea and dermatitis to acne and psoriasis, it seems skin problems are more prevalent than ever these days. No one is sure why, but it seems that there may be links to modern diets, chemicals and toxins in the environment, as well as genetic factors.

Often, the prescribed cures only offer temporary relief, or come with side effects: for example, steroids prescribed for psoriasis and eczema can thin the skin. Retinol prescribed in higher doses for acne can cause several problems, including an enlarged liver, dry skin, and high doses during pregnancy may result in harm to the baby. So it’s not surprising that more and more people are wondering how to cure acne naturally, and several companies are producing organic and natural cures for acne, too.

Causes of Acne

Acne is skin disease that involves the oil glands at the base of hair follicles. It’s not at all dangerous of course, but it can be unsightly, and can also leave scars.

Nobody is completely sure what causes acne, but many experts believe the primary causes are:

  • stress
  • inflammation
  • poor diet
  • genetics
  • hormones, namely androgens

Androgens rise during puberty and when other hormonal changes go on in the body. Rising androgen levels make the oil glands under your skin grow; the enlarged gland produces more oil. Excessive sebum can break down cellular walls in your pores, causing bacteria to grow.

Some studies indicate that acne could also be genetic; some medications that contain androgen and lithium may cause acne, and toxic, greasy cosmetics could also play a role, as well as these situations:

  • Menstrual cycle – girls and women with acne tend to get it worse one or two weeks before their menstrual period arrives. This is probably due to hormonal changes that take place. Some people say they eat more chocolate during this time and wonder whether there may be a connection. However, experts believe the worsening acne is not due to chocolate, but rather to hormonal changes
  • Anxiety and stress – mental stress can affect your levels of some hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, which in turn can make acne worse. Again, stress can make some people binge-eat. Experts believe the culprits are most likely the hormone levels, rather than the binge-eating
  • Hot and humid climates – when it is hot and humid we sweat more. This can make the acne worse
  • Greasy hair – some hair products are very greasy and might have the same effect as oil based makeup. Hair products with cocoa butter or coconut butter are examples
  • Squeezing the pimples – if you try to squeeze pimples your acne is more likely to get worse, plus you risk scarring.

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Over The Counter Natural Cures For Acne

There are plenty of common chemical  OTC products you can buy to stem acne, such as:

  • Benzoyl Peroxide – This kills bacteria and slows down your glands’ production of oil. This white crystalline peroxide is used in bleaching and causes  free radical reactions. It works as a peeling agent, accelerating skin turnover and clearing pores, which in turn reduces the bacterial count in the affected area.
  • Salicylic Acid – Salicylic Acid helps break down blackheads and whiteheads, also reduces shedding of cells which line the follicles of the oil glands, effective in treating inflammation and swelling. Salicylic acid is a white crystalline substance which is also used as a fungicide, or in making aspirin or dyes or perfumes. It causes the epidermis to shed skin more easily, prevents pores from becoming blocked while at the same time allowing room for new cells to grow. It is commonly added to shampoos used for treating dandruff.
  • Sulfur – Sulfur helps break down blackheads and whiteheads. Sulfur, in its native form, is a yellow crystalline solid and has been used for centuries for treating acne, psoriasis and eczema, but no one is sure  how sulfur works to do this; what we  do know is that elemental sulfur is a mild reducing and antibacterial agent.
  • Retin-A – A favourite with beauticians, Retin-A helps unplug blocked pores. It  contains Tretinoin, a form of  vitamin A, also known as all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). Tretinoin is also used  as a chemical peel.
  • Azelaic Acid – Azelaic Acid strengthens cells that line the follicles, stops oil eruptions, reduces bacteria growth. It is a saturated dicarboxylic acid found naturally in wheat, rye, and barley. Azelaic acid also mops up free radicals, which reduces inflammation. It is useful for patients with darker skin who have dark patches on their face (melasma), or whose acne spots leave persistent brown marks.

Natural Cures For Acne 

Harsher Acne Solutions

While the above are some of the more natural cures for acne, there are some more toxic alternatives that doctors sometimes prescribe. We would recommend avoiding these. They may clear up your skin, but they could have long term effects on your endocrine system, liver and over time, some can actually damage your skin, too.

Resorcinol

This  is a crystalline phenol and comes from various resins that help destroy blackheads and whiteheads. Resorcinol is also used for treating dandruff, eczema and psoriasis, but can thin the skin with continued use.

Corticosteroid Injections

When an acne cyst becomes severely inflamed, there is a high risk of rupturing, which can result in a scar. Your dermatologist  may inject a diluted corticosteroid to lower the inflammation, speed up healing and prevent scarring, which is fine to do once in a blue moon, but frequent use of this method will damage your skin.

Isotretinoin

This is a strong oral retinoid, used for the treatment of severe cystic acne, as well as severe acne that has not responded to other medications and treatments. This has several harsh side effects you should be aware of before trying it.

Oral Antibiotics

Oral antibiotics are frequently prescribed for patients with severe acne and some patients with moderate acne too, which we think is a bad idea: the aim of such oral antibiotics is to lower the population of bacterium commonly found on the skin. But as with any antibiotic, they will also kill the good bacteria in your gut, leading to other issues.

Plus, over time, the P. acnes  bacteria that is being targeted can become resistant to the antibiotic and yet another, stronger antibiotic will be needed–but that’s not all. The more you take antibiotics, the more resistant your system becomes to them, so sure, they may work for acne, but if you get a serious infection, you’re putting yourself at risk of not recovering quickly.

Oral Contraceptives

The majority of women with acne find that taking certain oral contraceptives clears it up. Oral contraceptives suppress the overactive gland and are commonly used as long-term treatments for acne in women. If a woman has a blood-clotting disorder, smokes, has a history of migraines, or is over 35,  there are some serious risks to be considered, and we would say that unless you are also using these to avoid pregnancy, oral contraceptives bring far more other health risks than are worth it.

Natural Cures For Acne

natural cures for acne

1. Apple cider vinegar

This vinegar contains organic acids, such as citric acid, that have been found to kill P. acnes.

Research has shown that succinic acid, another organic acid, suppresses inflammation caused by P. acnes, which may prevent scarring, and lactic acid, another acid in apple cider vinegar, may also improve the appearance of acne scars.

You have to be careful when applying this, so that you don’t irritate the skin:

  1. Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar and 3 parts water (use more water for sensitive skin).
  2. After cleansing, gently apply the mixture to the skin using a cotton ball.
  3. Let sit for 5–20 seconds, rinse with water and pat dry.
  4. Repeat this process 1–2 times per day, as needed.

2. Zinc Supplements

Individuals with acne tend to have lower zinc levels than people with clear skin. Several studies suggest that taking zinc orally may reduce acne. To try this, start out with no more than 40 mg per day, preferably combined with Vitamins A and C.

3. Honey & Cinnamon

Honey and cinnamon have the ability to fight bacteria and reduce inflammation, which are two factors that trigger acne. One study found that the combination of honey and cinnamon bark extract exerted antibacterial effects against P. acnes bacteria, and these are way better natural cures for acne than common antibacterial soap.

To make a honey and cinnamon face mask, just follow these instructions:

  1. Mix 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to form a paste.
  2. After cleansing, apply the mask to your face and leave it on for 10–15 minutes.
  3. Rinse the mask off completely and pat your face dry.

Can’t be bothered to make your own natural cures for acne? Read on to discover some all-natural products that will do it for you!

Natural Products To Cure Acne

1. Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum

Vegan & Cruelty-Free. Formulated with an organic base of botanical juices instead of added water.

Reduce breakouts, unclog pores, and even skin tone with this powerful serum packed with organic fruit acids and willow bark that contains natural salicylic acid; while CoQ10, vitamin C and organic aloe renew the skin for a healthy, clear complexion. Clears while hydrates. Juice Beauty’s Blemish Clearing Serum is designed for oily, combination, and blemish prone skin types.

Natural Cures For Acne 

 

2. Origins Super Spot Remover

This innovative spot preventer contains natural ingredients including Witch Hazel, Clove Bud Oil,  Algae Extract, and more. The product, of course, was designed specifically to prevent pimples. Their patented star ingredient is Lactobacillus Ferment, which is designed to boost the natural biome of your skin’s surface.

 

Natural Cures For Acne 

 

3. Oy! Clear Skin Cleansing Moisturiser

A great skincare regime will keep breakouts at bay naturally, so try to find which skin type you have, and find a product that will work with your skin. Try Green People’s new acne busting range of skincare; it’s aimed at younger skin and not only is it non-greasy but the prebiotics in it will support a healthy skin balance, so even if your skin is sensitive and acne-prone, the ingredients will work to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria before it causes more spots from occurring.

4.  Odylique Spot On Serum

This potent, skin friendly, organic anti-bacterial and anti-fungal lotion helps fight infection and promotes speedy healing. It is light, non-greasy and contains a highly concentrated blend of aloe vera, healing herbs and essential oils. Has shown excellent results in treating acne, (alongside Odylique Lemon & Tea Tree Purifying Wash), spots, minor wounds & burns, stings, bites, nappy rash, athlete’s foot and other yeast infections.

5. LightStim For Acne

If the first four solutions aren’t strong enough, this one is bound to be! This at-home light therapy attempts to help prevent the everyday “zits” that many people get that are inflamed and red. Smaller acne lesions such as non-inflamed  whiteheads and blackheads, as well as severe acne lesions such as cysts and nodules tend to respond more poorly.

Light therapy for acne should be performed twice per day, and uses blue and sometimes blue + red light. When blue light reaches the sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin, it can help excite porphyrins, which are compounds inside acne bacteria.  

When activated by light, these porphyrins kill the bacteria from the inside out.  Red light penetrates deeper and may help reduce inflammation and improve healing.  Certain light spectrums may also inhibit sebum (skin oil) production and lessen inflammation.

Exactly how light therapy exerts its effects is still not understood, but many acne suffers attest to the effectiveness of this device, which can be used  in conjunction with other natural acne therapies such as those above.

In my personal experience, this is one of the easiest – and most effective – of all the natural cures for acne!

Natural Cures For Acne 

Sophia Hussain
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