Natural Acne Treatment
Apart from physician's medications, Acne can also be treated very effectively by using natural methods. Conventional treatments for acne have been proved usually quite successful. Natural methods may also include usage of cleansing agents and lotions made with Benzoyl peroxide, gels or creams made modified forms of vitamin A, and antibiotics applied to the skin or taken orally.
Home grown methods have been adopted to treat acne, now a day; diet being one of the most important factors. A diet based on whole, unprocessed foods may benefit people with acne. People with Acne should try to eat at least five servings of vegetables per day and at least one serving of fruit per day. They must avoid eating refined sugar, fried foods, trans fats such as milk, milk products, margarine, shortening, and other hydrogenated vegetable oils.
Foods rich in healthy omega-3 oils such as ground flaxseeds and sardines should be increased. Chocolate, caffeine, carbonated beverages; iodized salt, shellfish, wheat and/or milk products may aggravate acne. Drinking many glasses of fluids and water tends to reduce the effects of acne. Increased in take of fiber rich food along with fresh vegetables, fruit and grains help the patient to reduce the effects of acne.
Vitamin A may help to reduce sebum production. However, high doses of vitamin A can carry a risk of decreased bone density, birth defects, headache, and muscle and joint pain. Sexually active women of childbearing age must not take more than 5,000 IU per day, unless they are under the guidance of a professional physician and are using at least two reliable forms of birth control. Adequate intake of beta-carotene, vitamin E, and zinc will also help reduce the effects of severe acne. Unhealthy fats such as margarine, hydrogenated oils and processed foods must be avoided at all costs.
Zinc, especially in the form of zinc gluconate or zinc sulfate, will help prevent acne. Zinc helps heal blemishes, scars, reduces inflammation, and reduces androgenic hormonal effects on the skin. Increase the intake of zinc in the diet. Vitamin B6 may help reduce the occurrence of premenstrual or mid-cycle acne. This vitamin is essential for the proper metabolism of steroid hormones and can reduce the sensitivity of skin to the effects of testosterone.
Many herbal preparations are also used to decrease the effects of acne. An herbal blend that can help with acne consists of equal parts of the herbal extracts of sarsaparilla, yellow dock, burdock, and cleavers. These herbs are believed to be potent blood and lymph cleansers. Half a teaspoon per day of this blend can be taken three times per day combined with a healthy diet.
For a possible acne treatment, massaging the effect area gently may help treating acne. It can help to increase circulation and lymphatic drainage and speed the healing of blemishes.
Apart from these measures, regular exercises, and meditation and breathing exercises may help in reducing the effects of sever acne.
Stein Ove Stien is the author of Natural Health with Natural Health related Guides, Articles and Recourses.