Acne, a common skin disorder, occurs when an increased production of sebum clogs the pores. More than 60 million Americans are afflicted with the highly treatable condition, according to the Acne Resource Center. While severe acne may require a trip to the dermatologist, natural home remedies can offer an assortment of effective treatments.
Chamomile
Chamomile, a flowering herb, contains azulene, an anti-inflammatory essential oil that helps to control redness. Research indicates that using a 2 percent chamomile tea lotion yields beneficial results in blocking blemishes, as cited in “The Doctors Book of Home Remedies.”
Chamomile has several applications. To make a face wash, steep 1 tbsp. of dried chamomile flowers in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid, and apply the tea onto your skin with cotton balls. Prepare a lotion by saturating a chamomile tea bag in a cup of cold water. Apply it to your blemish for 60 seconds. Alternatively, you can smooth the herb’s essential oil directly onto your outbreak.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel, a natural astringent, helps to diminish pimples and tighten the pores. HomeRemediesAcne.org. recommends a mixture of witch hazel and rubbing alcohol to reduce whiteheads and excess oil secretions. Generously dab your blemishes with a saturated cotton ball. Allow the liquid to dry on your face for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. Equally as potent, a concoction of equal parts witch hazel and mouthwash acts as an antiseptic, controlling oil buildup and refreshing the pores.
If rubbing alcohol or mouthwash prove too harsh for your type of skin, a witch hazel and calamine lotion remedy warrants a try. According to Health911.com, while witch hazel works to tone the skin and shrink blemishes, calamine lotion inhibits the production of excess sebum, controls acne-causing bacteria and soothes the skin. Pour 3 oz. of calamine lotion into a small jar. Without stirring the contents, gradually add 3 oz. of witch hazel into the jar so that the calamine lotion sits at the base of the jar with the witch hazel floating above it. Insert a cotton swab into the bottom layer of the mixture, and apply it directly onto to your pimples. Allow the lotion to dry for 45 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.
Toothpaste
White toothpaste provides a handy and inexpensive home remedy for reducing redness and inflammation associated with acne, as reported by Acnetalks.com. Simply dab white toothpaste onto your blemishes before retiring to bed at night. Ice is even more readily available and gets the red out of facial flare-ups when rubbed onto your pimples before bedtime.
