In many cases acne will have been caused because a person’s sebaceous glands are actually producing too much oil (sebum). Because of this increased production the pores on the skin are likely to become blocked and then spots caused by bacteria begin to form. Often when a person visits their doctor they will be prescribed some anti-biotic medication in order to treat the condition. But a lot of people are now preferring to use herbal remedies for acne simply because they are less likely to cause unwanted side effects unlike more conventional treatments.
In this article we take a look at some of the various different types of herbal remedies that you yourself may want to consider using for treating your acne. But if you do it is important that you actually speak with your doctor first in case there is some other underlying medical condition causing your problem.
1. Aloe Vera – This is one of the most effective herbs for treating acne available today. This particular plant contains both astringent and anti-bacterial properties that can help to fight the bacteria, which is causing the acne. Also it also contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce the swelling (spots).
2. Calendula – This particular herb contains properties that can help to promote healing qualities in the tissue of a person’s skin as well as containing anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Normally in order to treat acne the herb is made up into a cream, which can then be applied directly to the skin, or it can be infused in water and then used as a facial wash. Another way of allowing this particular herb to be absorbed by the skin is by placing it in hot water and then placing your face above the bowl and letting the steam rise up towards the skin.
3. Lavender – This particular herb can help to reduce the inflammation that has been caused because of the prostaglandin inhibiting properties of it. Plus it has antiseptic properties which when the essential oil (mixed with a carrier fluid or water) is applied directly to the affected area will help to kill off the acne bacteria.
4. Tea Tree Oil – Of all the different types of herbal remedies available for treating acne this is one of the most popular. The main reason for this is that the herb contains good antiseptic, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Again just like the lavender in order for this remedy to be effective it needs to be mixed with water or carrier fluid and then applied directly to the acne.
As well as the herbal remedies that we have mentioned above there other natural ones that you may want to consider trying as well. There is walnut leaf, which has good astringent properties and is most effective when used as a wash on the skin. Whilst witch hazel is another effective treatment as it like many of the others contains both anti-bacterial and astringent properties.
What is important to remember however is that these herbal remedies for acne help to treat the condition from outside. You therefore also need to look at what is actually causing the increased production of the oil (sebum) in the first place. Generally dietary and lifestyle habits can be a reason for a person who is suffering from this skin condition. So making changes to both their diet and lifestyle can further help to improve the problem.
About the writer: Richard May has written many articles and reviewed herbal remedies for acne. He also writes for his blog at acne online where there are a number of posts giving advice and help on fighting acne.
