Acne may be the scourge of the adolescent years, but it can follow some people into middle age and beyond. We hate it, but it’s there. Acne is by definition, a condition where the pores of the skin become clogged and the person gets inflamed and noninflamed lesions.
What causes acne? Heredity for the most part. Acne is genetic, but other factors can aggravate an acne outbreak, such as; stress, sun exposure, seasonal changes and climate. Also, certain types of makeup, and birth control pills. So here are some things to try to make break outs less common:
Change your makeup, oil based makeup is a major factor, the oil is usually a derivative of fatty acids that are more potent that your own fatty acids. Use a non oil based makeup. Also, wash your face thoroughly every night and morning. Use a mild soap and make sure you rinse your face completely, up to 6 or 7 times should do it.
Read makeup labels, products that contain lanolins, isoporpyl myristate, sodium lauryl sulfate, laureth-4 and D & C red dyes should also be avoided, oils like this are too rich for the skin. Also use clean pads or tissues to apply makeup, don’t use brushes that are years old and throw away makeup with a film or funny smell to it, you could be spreading things onto your skin that will cause acne.
Some treatments to try:
Honey and nutmeg, both have antibacterial properties that can help clear up your skin. Combine 1 tsp honey and 1 tea powdered nutmeg and apply it to the pimple. Leave on for 20 min, then wash off. Do this twice a day.
Chasteberry tea: helps regulate female hormones and might stave off acne flare ups during that time of the month. Drink one to two cups a day, and give the tea two or three months to work.
Lemon juice and vinegar both contain acids that flush out pores. Dab a little of either one on pimples twice a day during a breakout.
Buttermilk: has active cultures that help clean away dirt and tighten pores. Massage your face with buttermilk several times a week after washing it. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse.
Mango: makes a face mask that dries and tones the skin. Mash a mango until it turns into soft pulp, massage it into your skin, leave it on to dry for a few minutes, then rinse it off.l It is said to help unclog the pores.
Carrots and other brightly colored fruits and vegetables are good sources of beta carotene, which is converted by the body into vitamin A, critical to maintaining healthy skin. There is some evidence that vitamin A may reduce production of sebum, the oil that clogs pores and causes acne.
Ice Cubes: wrap cubes in plastic wrap and hold it to the pimple for up to 5 minutes at a time. It will help reduce the redness and ease the inflammation.
Flaxseed oil: high in essential fatty acids, which have been shown to improve any skin condition, including oily skin. Take 1 tbs a day. Store the oil in your refrigerator to keep it from going rancid.
Remember that mild soap and water is the best cure for almost anything, combine that with a healthy diet and your break outs should be under control…….well unless you get totally stressed out!