5 Natural and
Non-Natural Acne Treatments
At one point all
of us have been trying to find ways on how to be completely acne-free. Here are
some natural and not so natural acne treatments that are proven to be
effective.
<b>1. Witch
Hazel Astringent</b>
This astringent
comes from the plant with the same name. It is widely spread from Nova Scotia
in Canada down to Texas and Florida. Simply steam the twigs of this plant and
voila! The extract you get from it serves as your astringent. Remember to cool
it though. What’s good about this is that it occurs naturally and even the
process it has undergone is all natural. You can be assured it is less harsh
compared with commercially-produced astringents.
<b>2.
Commercially Produced Astringents</b>
There is no doubt
that astringents we can buy over-the-counter are also effective. There are lots
of variants to choose from with additional ingredients that promote better skin.
The only downside is it can be a little harsh because of the chemicals added to
produce this formula. Use them with extra care as they can dry the skin.
<b>3.
All-Natural Treatments</b>
Kitchen and acne
are two enemies we may not be aware of. Scout your kitchen for stuff like
oranges and lemons, fresh garlic and raw potatoes.
- Oranges and
lemons just need to be squeezed on cotton balls. Apply the extract on affected areas and wash it after about 20
minutes.
- Fresh garlic is
used much easier. Just remove its peeling and rub it on your face.
- As for raw
potatoes, peel them and rub its flat surface on your face.
The natural
extracts from these fruits and vegetables can help minimize the redness at the
same time can clean the skin.
<b>4. Oral
Antibiotics</b>
For severe cases,
antibiotics are prescribed. These medications are orally taken to reduce the
amount of bacteria inside and around skin follicles. They also decrease the
exasperating chemicals that the white blood cells produce. Lastly, antibiotics
diminish the concentration of the free fatty acids found in sebum, also
creating an anti-inflammatory action. Consult your dermatologist for the right
antibiotic and dosage.
Tetracycline is
still the most commonly prescribed antibiotic for acne treatment. Most of this
antibiotic should be taken on an empty stomach. Also, this shouldn’t be used by
pregnant women and children under 9. Usually, the starting dose is initially
500 milligrams twice daily and is continuously taken until prescribed, or until
a considerable dropping off of lesions is visible.
Erythromycin
comes close second and can be prescribed to pregnant women. However, it can
cause nausea and even upset stomach. Compared to tetracycline, which can only
kill bacteria, Erythromycin has both anti-inflammatory and bacteria-killing
properties. Also, this antibiotic needs to be taken in a food-filled tummy. You
may discuss other possible antibiotics with your doctors regarding the effects
and side-effects of each.
<b>5.
Topical Treatments</b>
Externally
applied creams are also proven effective for acne treatment. However, it
results to drying and flaking but it is said to be the most effective treatment
for severe acne. Benzoyl peroxide is one very common and effective topical acne
treatment.