Natural treatments for teen problem skin, By Tracey Vale

Acne treatments need not be expensive with a number of natural treatments available that are not only effective but also soothing to the skin. Many store formulations contain chemicals and are over-drying, which compounds the problem by causing the glands to produce more oil to compensate.

Slight changes in your normal routine and habits will assist in reducing the occurrence, severity and longevity of breakouts.

(1)   Clean your face morning and night. Don’t use harsh soaps or any cleansers with fragrance or alcohol added. Use luke-warm or cool water. Natural cleansers are listed below in the remedy section.

(2)   Drink plenty of water throughout the day. This aids in flushing toxins, which are released through the skin, and maintains healthy skin and circulation.

(3)   Avoid touching your face, especially problem areas. This prevents spread of bacteria, aggravation and the increase of dirt and grime.

(4)   Exercise. This improves skin health from the inside out, improving overall health, circulation and the elimination of toxins.

(5)   Nutrition. Ensure your diet is balanced and antioxidant-rich, with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants aid in the removal of toxins and in the repair of damaged cells. Avoid greasy, high-fat content foods.

(6)   Vitamins. Daily consumption of the vitamins A, E and niacin has been shown to be effective in acne treatment.

(7)   Use a natural exfoliator once or twice a week. This needs to be a gentle process as harsh scrubbing will exacerbate breakout problems. Natural exfoliators are listed below.

(8)   Use a steam treatment once a week and follow with a natural mask treatment. See remedies below.

Natural Remedies

Steaming: Electric face steamers can be purchased relatively cheaply and are very effective. Alternatively, fill a large bowl with boiling water and place a towel over your head so that it covers the bowl and concentrates the steam. Wash your face first and, with your skin still wet, sit with your face over the steam. Raise your head away from the water if is too hot. Do this for around 10 to 15 minutes, and then gently pat your face dry. Your pores will be opened by the steam and will respond to a natural toner. You will also find that blackheads and whiteheads are looser and respond well to gentle exfoliation.

Witch Hazel: Witch Hazel is a natural toner that is very effective in the treatment of acne. Available from supermarkets and chemists, it is inexpensive and is applied by soaking a cotton wool ball and dabbing over the skin. Use after steaming, cleansing and exfoliating. Witch Hazel cleanses, tones and reduces the spread of acne-causing bacteria.

Tea Tree Oil: Tea Tree Oil is a natural disinfectant and is very effective in the treatment of acne. It can be found in many quality natural treatments available across the counter. Use in its natural form by dabbing onto problem areas. It reduces the spread of bacteria, cleans and assists in drying out breakouts.

Aspirin Mask and Exfoliator: Not strictly a natural remedy, but it is readily available and effective as a home remedy for acne treatment. Crush an aspirin tablet and mix with enough water to form a smooth paste. Apply over the skin as a mask. Relax for 10 to 20 minutes, while it dries. Rinse off with a little luke-warm or cool water, rubbing gently over the skin to exfoliate at the same time.

Baking Soda: Combine a teaspoon or two of baking soda with water and use as a cleanser for daily face-washing. Baking soda balances skin tone and unblocks clogged pores.

Baking soda combined with a small amount of water to form a smooth paste can be used as a face mask. Apply to the face and leave on for 15 to 30 minutes. This paste is also effective as a natural exfoliator.

Oatmeal: Oatmeal is naturally soothing and can be used in facials, exfoliators and masks. To make an oatmeal facial/exfoliator, combine 2 teaspoons of oatmeal with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and enough water to form a paste. Smooth over the face and gently rub in. Rinse off and pat dry.

For an oatmeal mask, combine 3 tablespoons of oatmeal with ½ cup of milk or water. Apply as a mask and leave on for 15 minutes. This will soothe and cleanse.

Orange Peel: Rub moist orange peel over affected areas to cleanse and reduce spread of bacteria. Alternatively, pound the peel and mix with a little water, then apply to the skin as a cleanser. Rinse and pat dry.