What are Home Remedies for Acne?

Acne is a skin condition characterized by pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads on the skin. Acne is the result of clogged pores, which cause the hair follicles and sebaceous glands to become inflamed. Areas that are particularly susceptible to acne include the chest, back, shoulders, neck, and face.

Although tempting, acne pimples should never be squeezed. Squeezing acne pimples increases the chance of scarring and can cause pits to form in the skin. Instead, there are several home remedies that can be used to prevent acne and to treat it once it has developed.

In some cases, acne is the result of food allergies. In such cases, preventative measures are obvious – avoid the food and avoid having acne outbreaks. Poor digestion can also lead to acne, as can failure to drink enough water. Therefore, a well-balanced diet and drinking six to eight glasses of water per day can help prevent acne and can help clear it up once it has developed.

Cleanliness is also a factor in the development of acne. The skin should be kept clean and free of bacteria at all times. It is helpful to wash the skin with antibacterial soap twice a day. In addition, bed linens should be cleaned regularly in order to avoid clogging pores with oil, dead skin, and cosmetic products.

To further prevent acne and to help eliminate it once it has developed, it is helpful to use soap with aloe vera oil. Aloe vera oil is an excellent natural skin healer that has been proven to be beneficial when applied to the skin on a regular basis.

A steam shower is also helpful in the fight against acne. If this is not possible, a good alternative is to boil a pot of water and place one's head over the vapors for about five minutes. Alternatively, one can place a warm washcloth directly on the face. In all cases, the pores will open up and become easier to clean. With the pores open, blackheads can be safely squeezed out.

Taking vitamins and other supplements is also beneficial in the fight against acne. A multi-vitamin is a good choice for a person with acne, as is taking two teaspoons of brewer’s yeast and 400 milligrams of chromium every day.