Ava

tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is proven to be effective at fighting acne. This oil has very powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of the Alternofalfia tree found in Australia. Before, these leaves

were used as a cure for athlete’s foot, bad breath, and body odor. Now, however, they have started to make a name in the industry that fights off acne. In fact, tea tree is said to be the next “benzoyl peroxide” in terms of popularity among users.

However, there are still doubts on tea tree oil acne remedy’s efficiency as an anti-acne treatment. Some say that it can cure acne, while others say it can only manage the symptoms but not deal with the root cause. It pains me to say this, but the latter is actually correct. Unfortunately, acne cannot be cured by the topical application of tea tree oil as it needs to be treated from the inside out.

But you need not throw away your tea tree oil just yet because like I said, it is still effective in controlling the symptoms of acne. That means it can lessen redness and inflammation; and it also kills the bacteria that causes more severe acne breakouts. Here are the steps you can follow when using tea tree oil for acne:

Tea Tree Oil For Acne

  1. Remember that pure tea tree oil is very strong and may cause an allergic reaction if placed directly on the skin; thus, you need to dilute it depending on your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, take a tablespoon of tea tree oil and mix it with 9 tablespoons of water. If your skin is a little sensitive mix the tea tree oil with aloe vera gel instead of water. The gel will neutralize the chemical reactions to make sure you do not develop rashes.
  2. Before you use the tea tree solution, wash your face with a mild cleanser first. With a cotton ball, apply the solution to form a thin layer on your skin. When it’s dry, put on a moisturizer (preferably oil-free). Do that before you go to bed too.
  3. Experiment with tea tree oil for acne. Add a few more drops when you feel like your skin is reacting well to the solution. But if you notice some redness, dilute the oil a bit until you get the perfect solution.
  4. Once or twice a week, make a tea tree oil mask so you can control acne breakouts more effectively. Get a hypoallergenic green clay powder and add two or three drops of the tree oil. Pour water on  (little by little) until the solution turns in to a paste. Use the mixture as a facial mask and you are set.

Acne breakouts can be devastating. But now, you have what it takes to minimize them and hopefully have a way to stop those nasty breakouts too. You can always find more home remedies for acne if this one doesn’t suit you.

If there is one other thing that has the possibility of being more irritating than acne, then it is the scars acne leaves behind. I see your head nodding right now saying “Amen to that!” I understand how that could be really frustrating

for you because you are looking at a possibility of a lifetime relationship with that ugly scar; and as if adding insult to injury, scar removing creams are hilariously expensive! Luckily for you and me (yes, I still have scars from my acne too) there is a natural way to remove those disgusting scars – using honey for acne.

Okay, if you ever meet people who try to convince you that honey masks can actually cure acne, head for the door and run as far away as you can; you are being hoaxed. Honey cannot cure acne; it simply does not have the properties to do this. However, honey can help slowly fade acne scars away. I admit, the healing process is really long and it might take a few days and even weeks before you start seeing initial results, but the wait will be worth it.

I also admit that I do not know what exactly it is with honey that helps with the acne scars but years of observation, coupled with my personal experience, have proved to me that honey is really effective in removing acne scars. Other than that, honey masks also help give your skin a certain healthy glow and they aid in retaining moisture in your skin too.

Honey for acne

Tasty and effective for acne scars. You can't beat that.

Take note though that there are a lot of honey types out there and although they are all effective, some work better than others. For starters, raw and natural honey is always best. Processed honeys are usually devoid of their natural juices and the elements that make honey oh-so-sweet for your skin. The best among the best, however, is the Manuka honey which is the richest and the purest of them all.

How To Make  A Honey Mask For Acne

You can use a honey mask like a regular mask and you can apply it every day if you have the time. Take a spatula of honey and spread it evenly on your clean face. You know how this works; let it dry for 20 minutes and rinse it off with warm water. You will instantly feel that your skin is softer and it will look healthier and revived too. Be sure to wash all the honey off though, you wouldn’t want to wake up to a swollen face from ant bites.

Honey for acne gets a big fat check mark on my list of home remedies for acne. The next time you eat pancakes for breakfast, use the syrup and save the honey for later.

Photo Courtesy of Danilo Rizzuti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

If you have been suffering from acne for a long time (and you’ve become desperate), you have probably heard of witch hazel for acne. Many say that it helps you get rid of your pimples but if you are an “experienced acne sufferer”

(if you know what I mean), you might be skeptical about this; and for good reason. A lot of individuals take advantage of people’s pains and sufferings by giving false hopes. There are a lot of acne myths online and offline making it more and more difficult to pin-point what really works and what does not.

I still think that research is the best defense against opportunistic people. Let me cut to the chase and share what I found out after extensive reading and research. Decades ago, witch hazel gained a following in the home remedies for acne industry and the fad just simmered down. Recently, however, it has somehow made a comeback. Many people believe that witch hazel has helped them achieve clearer skin; but many also say that it has actually made their condition worse. In fact, witch hazel as a cure for acne triggers a little debate in the “acne industry.”

Witch Hazel Acne

This is what Witch Hazel Looks Like (You can buy the Witch Hazel used for acne in most medical shops).

So, what makes witch hazel for acne a viable idea? Witch hazel has an anti-bacterial property called tannin acid. Thus, in theory, it can help reduce the inflammation caused by acne and pimple production per se. Moreover, tannin acid is a strong astringent making it great for skin cleansing. Also, witch hazel is known to cause little to no allergic reaction to almost everyone; except for those who are practically allergic to everything – dust, banana, chicken, nuts, toilet paper, regular paper, pencils… oh you get my point.

One other reason why I love the idea of using witch hazel for acne is the fact that it is a natural product; therefore, it does not disrupt the pH balance of your skin. Also, witch hazel is very cheap and accessible; and on top of that, it is easy to use too. All you have to do is soak a cotton ball with witch hazel solution and apply it on the affected area of your skin; much like using a regular astringent. You can do this twice a day but never more than thrice.

I personally believe that using witch hazel for acne is an excellent idea. However, let me leave you with this insider tip: try the concoction in less prominent areas of your body first. Assuming that you have acne on your back or what I fondly call “backne”, try the witch hazel solution there first. If you see positive results, then proceed with your face.

Photo Courtesty of Lady-Bug at Flickr

As you may have noticed, I am a huge fan of natural treatments for acne (like Apple cider Vinegar) and that is due to several reasons: First and foremost, let’s be honest, natural home remedies are  our cheapest option. These natural

treatments are either growing in our backyard or are already in our refrigerators. Secondly, and just as important, natural skin care ideas offer more reliable effects in the long run and they promise minimal side effects.

Apple cider vinegar is one of those natural home remedies for acne that has gained popularity over the years. Apple cider vinegar is an excellent detox agent. This type of vinegar is rich in alpha-hydroxy acids, which help dissolve fat deposits on your skin. As we all know, acne is caused by excess oil (a.k.a. fat) production on the skin. Thus, it is actually logical to say that apple cider vinegar can really cure acne; not just its symptoms, it can actually cure acne.

However, while many people claim that it only took two days for them to start seeing positive changes from using apple cider vinegar for acne, there are some who swear that it actually made their condition worse; which brings us to the discussion of possible sensitivity to this treatment.

Apple Cider Vinegar Acne

Looks Tasty Right?

Alright, let’s face it; apple cider vinegar is a strong solution. It may not be as strong as all other synthetic products in the market but it is relatively strong. That is why it’s no shocker that some people are allergic to it. How to remedy this? You can either take anti-histamine for the entire duration of treatment just to make sure you do not develop an allergic reaction (which is not a good idea if you’re driving because it can cause excess sleepiness) or you go the easier route and just test it on a small portion of your skin first before trying it on your face. I think we can all agree that the latter is the smartest idea.

So, how to use apple cider vinegar for acne? After you determine whether not you are allergic to the vinegar, you can either drink it or apply it on your skin. If you choose to drink it (which can also help if you have cough or colds) and you can tolerate the taste and stench of it, take one tablespoon of the vinegar and drink it once daily. If you cannot tolerate the taste you can always mix it with lemon juice or any drink that goes well with vinegar.

If you choose to apply the vinegar topically, do not use pure vinegar on your face. Neutralize the solution with water. As a rule of thumb, always remember to mix one part vinegar to 8 parts of water. Place the solution in a closed-lid bottle and mix a grounded tablet of aspirin. The salicylic acid in the drug can help dry-up your acne. Use the solution like you would your toner – wash your face like you normally do and apply the solution afterwards. Since apple cider vinegar has a really strong stench, it is best to use it at night before going to bed.

Apple cider vinegar for acne – wouldn’t you know it? Life really is, full of surprises!

Photo Courtesty of AndyRob at Flickr

 

Aloe Vera gel has a lot of purposes. We started using it for healing burns, damaged skin, and even digestive problems centuries ago. That is why it came as no surprise to me when someone mentioned using Aloe Vera for acne. After all,

it has polysaccharides that are ideal for skin repair. But the question remains – does Aloe Vera help acne? Do we now have the million-dollar solution to this world-wide dilemma?

I am sorry to disappoint ladies and gentlemen but our quest for the most effective home remedies for acne does not end here. Does Aloe Vera cure acne? – Yes and no. Like I said, Aloe Vera has polysaccharides that serve as the building blocks for skin repair. So yes, Aloe Vera can help cure the wounds of acne by decreasing the inflammatory process and by helping eliminate or lessen the ugly scars that pimples leave behind. However, no, it does not cure acne per se. As is always mentioned by most experts, acne should be cured from the inside out and most topical agents cure only the symptoms of acne.

Even though Aloe Vera cannot cure acne, it does not make it completely useless. It is still extremely effective at healing acne wounds so take a pen and paper and take note of the following Aloe Vera acne tips:

Aloe Vera Acne

This is what Aloe gel looks like up close. Credit to Matt Biddulph at Flickr for this great shot.

  1. Establish a routine to cleanse your face using Aloe Vera products. It is best to do it day and night. Consistent and regular use of Aloe Vera can significantly improve symptoms of acne and the scarring from it.
  2. Take a topical Aloe Vera gel and apply it on the heavily affected area. The gel works well as a spot treatment and it can diminish swelling and redness from acne too.
  3. Wash your face once in the morning and again in the evening using facial cleansers with Aloe Vera components. There are many soaps and cleansers that incorporate Aloe Vera in their products so make sure you choose one that is ideal for oily skin.
  4. Use an Aloe Vera acne cream and lotion as a facial moisturizer. Regular moisturizing products usually promote oil production on the face but Aloe Vera moisturizers won’t.
  5. You may also use Aloe Vera gel at night to serve as a facial mask. Spread it evenly and generously on your face before going to bed and let it stay overnight. Wash it off with warm water the morning after.

You might be disappointed to know that Aloe Vera does not necessarily cure acne. But look at the brighter side of things; at least they can help you get rid of ugly scars.

Acne is one of the most stubborn skin problems in the world and sometimes it can be extremely difficult to manage. Acne is challenging especially if your pimples are brought about by some sort of infection. This type of pimple can

become resistant to common treatments. Lucky for you, there are ways to combat this kind of acne. Even better news is that this treatment does not cost a fortune and it do not require new technology.

Is Baking Soda Good For Acne?

Baking Soda Acne

Photo Courtesy of INeedCoffee and Flickr

Have you ever heard stories of people who have gotten rid of acne with baking soda? It is hard to believe, I know, but there is some legitimacy to these claims; and more and more people are using baking soda for acne. No, seriously! You can use the same baking soda pastry chefs use every day to cleanse your face. This remedy, like most home remedies for acne, is not made of strong chemicals and it has amazing bacteria-fighting tendencies.

There are many ways to use baking soda for acne, and those are the following:

  1. Baking Soda as a Facial Cleanser – You can use baking soda as natural skin cleanser by mixing it with a small amount of water, or until the consistency of your solution looks like that of your toothpaste. Rub the paste on your face in a circular motion and feel the solution gently remove all the dirt your face has accumulated over the day. After 1 to 2 minutes, wash your face thoroughly and pat dry.
  2. Baking Soda as a Toner – toners are amazing tools that help in minimizing your pores and this in turn decreases acne-formation too. Create a toner by taking a clean and empty spray bottle, fill it with warm water, and pour a tablespoon of baking soda into it. Shake the bottle rigorously to make sure that you have successfully mixed the baking soda powder with the warm water. After making sure that your face has been cleansed and toweled dry, spray the concoction on your face and let it dry. There is no need to rinse it off. However, before you do this on your face, try the mixture on a small area of your skin and let it sit for at least 12 hours. That is done to make certain that you are not allergic to baking soda. This natural remedy is also great for eczema and psoriasis.
  3. Baking Soda Mask – Like that of a baking soda facial cleanser, create a paste-like mixture with the baking soda. However, instead of rinsing it off after a few minutes let the solution stay for half an hour or until it is completely dry. Rinse your face with water after 30 minutes. Please check if you are allergic to baking soda before doing this too. Baking soda, acne (who would have thought that the two couldn’t coexist?)

See? Using baking soda for acne treatment is really as easy 1-2-3!

Pimples, Zits, Acne, or whatever you want to call those nasty things on your face can be annoying and they sometimes come at inopportune times. Pimples have caused so much pain and humiliation for many people that a

website has ranked it as the fifth most prevalent reason for teenage depression. Yes, that is how serious having pimples is for many of us; not only in the United States but in the entire world. Being plagued by pimples is not simply a medical condition, it has become a determinant of your social status too. Kids with pimples are losers and outcasts… they are at the bottom of the high school food chain.

Pimples are caused by an accumulation of things; such as excessive oil production, hormones, clogged pores, and bacteria. Because of that, there are also a lot of treatment options for this condition. Two of the most common chemical treatments for pimples are salicylic acid and Benzoyl peroxide. Yes, they are effective but many people just want something that they can find at home. Besides, we also need to be flexible and creative when it comes to pimple treatment.

Speaking of creativity, have you ever heard of using toothpaste for acne? It may sound crazy but do not be too quick to judge because a lot of people attest to the healing powers of toothpaste; and yes, I am talking about regular toothpaste, the kind you use to brush your teeth. So, does toothpaste get rid of pimples?

Does Toothpaste Get Rid Of Pimples?

Does Toothpaste Get Rid of Pimples?

In one way or another, toothpaste can help get rid of pimples. However – and let me be clear on this – it cannot cure the condition. Because toothpaste is usually high in sodium content, it dries out your pimples. Most toothpaste does not have ingredients that directly control acne breakouts or kill the bacteria-causing pimples. Therefore, this treatment is only best for overnight or “emergency” purposes. Let’s say there is a huge pimple sitting comfortably on top of your nose the night before a very important date. You can take a pea-sized paste, spread it on top of the pimple and let it dry overnight. Or you can simply leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse it off.

Most people only use toothpaste for spot treatment because it is so powerful, but some people report using toothpaste as a facial mask by evenly spreading a very thin layer on the face. Let the paste dry for 10-15 minutes and wash it off. Do not let it stay for more than 30 minutes as it can absorb all the moisture in your face. You probably shouldn’t do this very often (once a week at the most). Most people don’t recommend using toothpaste as a mask because it can really discolor and try out your skin.

There you have it; toothpaste is one of those “treatments” that do not necessarily treat pimples. They only lessen the pain it causes. It’s easy to try out, but you should probably only use it for spot treatment.

Photo Courtesy of WWarby at Flickr

Minimizing the pores on your face can garner two great benefits for you: one, it makes your skin look more attractive (huge pores are just plain ugly), and two, it can decrease the likelihood of you developing blackheads or

even acne. There are plenty of products that can help minimize your pores such as toners. However, toners can be very strong for the face and thus lead to dryness or trigger other skin problems. Thus, if you want to close your pores – or at the very least make them look like they are closed – go for natural products that deliver amazing results without the risks of dangerous side effects.

How to Minimize Pores…The Natural Way:

1. Mint and Vinegar Solution – This may sound a little off but when mint and vinegar are mixed together, they make a perfect concoction for minimizing pores. All you have to do is soak a tablespoon of crashed mint leaves in to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and pour in a glass bottle; let the solution set for a week. After a week, strain the mint leaves and add 250 ml or a glass of water and use the solution like a toner. I suggest you use it only at night because the vinegar gives off a very strong pungent smell.

2. Drink Adequate Amounts of Water Daily – It is very important for you skin that you maintain hydrations. Take 8-10 glasses of water daily even when you are not thirsty. If you are physically active, you have to drink more water than you usually do.

How to Minimize Pores

Ice can minimize your pores in a hurry.

3. Baking Soda – Baking soda is another great way to minimize your pores without the risk of clogging them up with harsh chemicals. Also, baking soda will help remove dirt and dead skin cells on your skin’s surface. Simply wash your face with your regular anti-acne mild facial cleanser, then take two tablespoons of baking soda and mix it with water until you achieve a paste-like solution. Place the mixture on your face and let it dry for 5-10 minutes and wash off completely with warm water.

4. Ice – I know this is a quick fix but rubbing ice on your skin will close your pores temporarily. You can do this when you are in a hurry and just before putting your make-up on.

Minimizing your pores can be that easy if you have the ingenuity to try natural products.

Photo Courtesy Of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Saying that acne is only a small problem is basically like saying that it’s okay to be stuck on a small piece of wood surrounded by sharks in the middle of an ocean with nothing but your clothes on. If you think having acne is bad, try

dealing with acne scars! If you read my previous post on acne scars, you should know by now that acne scars are inevitable in some cases; however, learning how to get rid of acne scars can help you avoid dealing with these embarrassing marks for the rest of your life. From my previous post I think it is also fair to expect that you already know the process of scarring, why you even have acne scars, and that not all popped pimples develop in to scars. I will talk more about “popping” pimples later. It’s important that you have that solid foundation of the science behind scarring before learning about getting rid of acne scars.

Acne Scar Treatments

There are a couple of natural and surgical ways to get rid, or at the very least lighten, acne scars. In this article, I have compiled some of the most effective and popular methods in saying goodbye to your acne scars and they are the following:

How To Get Rid of Acne Scars

1. Laser Resurfacing – Laser resurfacing is among the most effective ways to get rid of acne scars. This procedure is normally done on patients with severe acne scarring and is ideally performed by a dermatologist. Laser works by sending a beam of light through your skin layers. The laser light slowly and gently breaks down your skin tissues eliminating scars, wrinkles, and basically all skin irregularities. It is noteworthy that the success of laser resurfacing depends highly on the skills of the person performing the procedure. Therefore, you should choose a surgical dermatologist trained for and equipped with the right knowledge for laser resurfacing.

During the procedure, you will not feel pain as you will be under topical anaesthetics; post procedure, however, your skin will feel raw and it will appear pinkish to reddish. Remember to use sunblock cream if you need to go out of the house in order to prevent burning your skin and leaving an even uglier dark spot on your face. Lastly, wait for one to two weeks before you start using make-up again.

PROS and CONS: Laser resurfacing is very effective in removing your scars and you will start seeing results in as short as two weeks. However, this procedure can be a bit pricey, ranging from $500 for simple spot treatment up to $8,000 for complete facial resurfacing. Moreover, your facial skin may peel and appear red for a couple of days following the procedure so you may have to stay at home for awhile.

2. Dermabrasion – Like laser resurfacing, dermabrasion is also ideally performed by a surgical dermatologist. This procedure was originally marketed for the removal of acne scars, until it eventually developed in to a method that also helps in removing tattoo scars, wrinkles, and age spots. Dermabrasion is cheaper than laser resurfacing, however, it is more aggressive than the latter because instead of using a laser, the dermatologist will use a rotating abrasive metal brush (yes it is a bit scary sounding). This procedure basically aims to “scrape off” the surface of your skin in order to remove the acne scars.

Dermabrasion Brush

Example of what a Dermabrasion brush looks like.

Before your dermatologist will begin the process of dermabrasion, he or she will also place topical anaesthesia on your face so that you won’t feel any pain. The after-effects of dermabrasion are unfortunately more painful than that of laser resurfacing. You will feel as though your skin has been brushed vigorously for hours. You will also feel a sting similar to that of a burnt skin. There is no need to back out now though because there are over-the-counter analgesics your dermatologist can recommend. It is really a small price to pay to get rid of acne scars.

PROS and CONS: Dermabrasion is effective like laser resurfacing and it generally costs less, so that is definitely a plus. However, it is definitely more painful and it takes longer to heal than laser resurfacing. Healing time takes about two to three weeks.

3. Triple Antibiotic Treatment (Acne Scar Creams) – Triple Antibiotic Treatment is nothing like the first two treatments discussed in this article. This treatment, better known as Neosporin, is an ointment you apply on your scars regularly to remove or lighten them. The original components of this drug are neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin B; thus the name “triple antibiotic treatment”.

PROS and CONS: This anti acne scar ointment is absolutely cheap! It only costs $50 at the maximum. However, it takes a really long time before you start seeing results; around 4 months at the very least, still depending on the severity of the scarring. So this treatment is only good for you if you have the time and patience to wait for the results.

4. Natural Remedies – Many people claim that there are natural remedies for acne scars that you can find right with in your home. We will cover more of these home remedies below but here are some ideas to get you started: Aloe Vera gel, Rosehip seed oil, fresh lemon juice, olive oil,  tea tree oil, egg whites, ice cubes, and more. Again, we will talk more specifically about how to use these remedies below.

And those, my friend, are the ways you can manage the impact of your inevitable acne scars. Those are only some of the acne scar treatments available in the market; yes, there are a lot! Because of that, people can easily be deceived by scams and false advertisements. Do not be fooled! Be a notch wiser than most people and continue learning about how to get rid of acne scars.

Photo Courtesy of Image: arztsamui / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Second Courtesy of JamiesRabbits at Flickr

There are only two things I cannot stand: anything with a heartbeat that crawls and acne. On the other hand, there is only one thing that can brighten up my day – chocolates. That is why I was pretty messed up when I started

to hear rumors that eating chocolate can trigger acne breakouts. Could you just imagine how furious and at the same time confused I was? Did I really have to choose between chocolates and acne. I had to get to the bottom of things and so I did a thorough research on the matter: does chocolate cause acne?

I am happy to tell all chocolate lovers out there that this is just one huge acne myth! In fact, no study has ever proven that there is a single food that causes acne in itself. I heard a loud sigh of relief from food enthusiasts. However, take note that although no one food has been singled out to cause acne, your overall diet may. Remember that one of the many causes of acne is excessive oil production which could either be genetic or brought about by unhealthy eating habits.

Let me be clear on the real causes of acne; they are genes, hormones, diet, and hygiene. Chocolate and acne are not directly linked but if your diet is high in oil and calories, your face may be at risk for acne attacks. Moreover, a poor diet can weaken defenses and our skin is no exception. Thus, if you do not eat healthy, you are more susceptible to bacterial infection; and don’t forget that acne is caused by a strain of bacteria.

Does Chocolate Cause Acne?

Does Chocolate Cause Acne?

There you have it; we have concluded that chocolates do not cause acne! That idea can now safely be tucked under the “acne myth” category. Speaking of acne myths, here are some acne myths you may find both amusing and informative:

  1. Sexual Activity Can Worsen Acne Breakouts – I don’t even know what to say because sex and acne can never be correlated. Clearly, whoever started this rumor has personal issues.
  2. Cosmetics Cause Acne – Although some cosmetic products are high in grease content, not all of them are. Therefore, cosmetics in general cannot cause acne.
  3. Only Teenagers Will Get Acne – WRONG! This is so wrong. Acne may be prevalent among teenagers due to hormonal changes but that does not mean that adults can be complacent.
  4. Sunlight Helps Alleviate Acne – This is by far the oddest myth I have ever heard about acne. Although exposure to sunlight may dry out your existing pimples, it can’t do anything to stop formation of new ones. Besides, excessive sun exposure causes more harm than good.

There are a lot of theories about acne out there so do not be too quick to judge. Educate yourself and who knows, learning about acne myths might give you a good laugh. Next time your friend asks you, “Does chocolate cause acne?” you can tell him/her with confidence that it doesn’t.

Photo Courtesy of Danilo Rizzuti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net