Finding acne treatments can be a bit like negotiating a minefield. The market is flooded with all sorts of remedies, from so-called "natural" products to a huge variety of drugs and medicines. It's hard to know where to start, but don't let that deter you from taking action.
To get you started, here are 5 herbal remedies for relieving the symptoms of acne.
Tea Tree Oil
Often touted as a viable alternative to the topical drug Benzoyl Peroxide, tea tree oil counteracts the bacteria commonly associated with acne. While tea tree oil can be found in certain creams and lotions, that may not be the best way to get maximum benefit from it.
Instead, use diluted pure tea tree oil (about a 5% - 20% dilution). You can dilute it with water, but it is even better to use a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil. Apply this directly onto the problem areas using a cotton ball.
Note that tea tree oil is quite potent. Start with a high dilution and first apply just a drop of it to a patch of skin. Wait at least 24 hours to test your skin's reaction.
Dandelion
Acne needs to be fought on the inside as much as on the outside. Dandelion is a great herb for supporting the fight against acne inside your body. An overburdened liver is one of the root causes of acne, and dandelion assists the liver in getting rid of toxins and excess hormones in the body. It also stimulates digestion. Furthermore, dandelion is a good source of vitamin A, an essential vitamin for healthy skin.
Dandelion is most often ingested in the form of herbal teas or capsules, but you can also eat the leaves raw.
Chamomile
Chamomile is perhaps best known for being the main ingredient in soothing bedtime teas. However, it also contains an anti-inflammatory oil called azulene, which can be used to soothe an acne inflamed skin.
You can enjoy the benefits of chamomile for acne in two ways: by using a skin care product that contains it, or by straining dried chamomile flowers in hot water and applying the fluid to your face with a cotton ball.
Lavender
Lavender essential oil is a fantastic little skin doctor. Not only does its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it perfect for treating acne, but it can also be used to treat a variety of other skin afflictions. These include insect bites, burns and boils.
You can apply lavender essential oil directly on individual spots and blemishes by using either cotton wool or cotton buds.
Remember to apply a very tiny bit to an unaffected area first to test your reaction to lavender essential oil.
Aloe Vera
Aloe is one of nature's very best healers. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, emollient and antifungal properties, making it an excellent natural treatment for fighting acne.
The best way to use aloe on your skin is in gel form. Be sure to only use pure Aloe gel for best results.
These 5 natural remedies are the perfect starting point if you're looking for more natural ways to treat acne. Results may vary depending on your skin, so it may take some trial and error to determine which of them works best for you.