Acne, skin condition that is quite common but very embarrassing for many which usually develops on the face, neck, back and chest areas of your body. It may often appear as though they are out of your control and there is nothing much productive that you can do to stop those breakouts. In reality, there are ways to improve acne. It is not essential that you have to run to a dermatologist as soon as you spot acne. There are many natural ways in which you can improve acne that can be equally effective as in the case of medications in most circumstances. It might just be that your body is craving for the right balance of nutrition and appropriate skin care.
The following are a few natural ways to improve acne such that you will be able to notice a positive change in just a few weeks.
DIETARY CHANGES:-
Low Glycemic Index Diet:
It is a common belief that specific foods can cause acne, but it is not true. Yet, according to studies, there is a correlation between consuming a high-carb diet and the severity with which acne occurs. Foods which have high glycemic index such as white bread, sweetened fruit juice, candy, sugar beverages, pasta, baked potatoes, French fries, pizza, etc. should be consumed in lesser quantities. These high glycemic foods stimulate acne development as they affect levels of the hormones insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 that is responsible for the production of androgen hormones. As an alternative, go for foods low in glycemic such as fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, high-fiber cereals, whole grain breads, etc.
Reduce Dairy Intake:
Research has shown that consuming large amounts of dairy products such as milk, butter, cheese, etc. can worsen the breakouts. Due to this, reduce the dairy product intake.
Increase Zinc Intake:
Acne breakouts can also be caused due to a diet low in zinc. Zinc acts as an antibacterial agent and is also an essential element in your skin’s oil-producing glands. It should also be kept in mind that 40mg is the upper intake limit of zinc tolerable for adults. Hence super-doses should be avoided.
Zinc helps in the inflammatory acne reduction when used orally or topically. Some topical acne medications and tablets contain zinc in them. Zinc can also be obtained from diet by the intake of foods such as beef, chicken, legumes and peanuts.
ACNE SOAP TREATMENT:-
It is recommended to wash the face twice a day using sulfur based soap specifically designed for acne. Follow this routine once in the morning immediately after waking and then again right before bedtime. Avoid scrubbing or making any rough contact to the skin. Care has to taken not to over wash the skin as it will result in stimulation of sebaceous glands that will lead to more production of sebum, thus causing your acne to increase.
Soaps or cleansers designed for sensitive and dry skin might also be helpful in treating acne as they do not contain harsh chemicals or fragrances. Some of them include:
– Aveeno Moisturizing Bar
– Dove Sensitive Skin Unscented Beauty Bar
– Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Acne Treatment Cleanser
– Peter Thomas Beta Hydroxy Acid 2% Acne Wash
TOPICAL TREATMENTS:-
Tea Tree Oil:
An acne remedy that has been found to be scientifically effective is the Tea Tree Oil. It is a strong antiseptic as it is considered to be successful in killing the bacterium called P. acnes, which is guilty for causing acne breakouts.
Green Tea:
A few studies have favored green tea as an effective treatment for acne that is mild to moderate in nature by the application of green tea lotion. Though detailed studies have not been made, green tea is filled with antioxidants and it has been used for many centuries in Chinese medicine for treatment of various health conditions including acne.
HERBS:
Certain herbs such as vitex, dong quai, guggul, etc. are helpful in improving acne. But there is limited research done to prove its effectiveness.
Conclusion:
Natural remedies for acne are safe and effective, and there is no need to completely turn away from mainstream treatment in order to pursue alternative acne remedies. You can improve acne naturally in conjunction with the mainstream treatment. It is important to let your dermatologist know about your course of action. With the right balance of nutrition and proper skin care, you are one step closer to an acne-free skin.
About Author
I’ve been using ASOX9 for a little over one year. I am a 75 year old male and find this product lowers and stabilizes my blood pressure AND enhances my sexual function. I plan to continue using this product.
I don’t think cetaphil is natural at all, but does improve skin, the biggest problem is soap drying out my skin in the winter and cracking leads to skin damage, so i find it good to keep skin moisturizer with me to prevent the cracking.