Natural Cures Guide

Some people have acne as teenagers, kiss it goodbye in their early twenties, and never see it again. Others get through their oily teens without skin problems but for some reason encounter major eruptions late in adulthood. And an unlucky few suffer through teen acne only to face breakouts again as adults.

Multiple factors contribute to acne. One is a change in keratin, a protein produced by skin cells. Excess keratin can clump together to block the oil ducts within hair follicles, producing those telltale bumps you know as pimples. The bacteria that inhabit these tiny hair follicles can also play a role, especially in teen acne. While teen acne affects boys and girls in equal numbers, adult acne seems more common in women than in men. Some experts attribute this to hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle.

Other things that have long been blamed for acne remain unproved. For example, remember your mother telling you that chocolate would give you zits? This and other diet-related theories have no good evidence behind them.

When used regularly, certain drug treatments can control acne. They take several weeks to work, however, and some treatments cause an initial worsening in acne before the skin begins to clear.

Herbal Remedies

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

The pungent oil from this Australian tree, used externally, acts against the bacteria associated with acne. One study found that a 5 percent tea tree oil preparation worked as well as 5 percent benzoyl peroxide in treating acne, but with fewer side effects. To use tea tree oil for acne, gently cleanse skin and pat dry. Then apply a 5 to 15 percent dilution of the oil to problem areas (purchase a diluted product or dilute your own in jojoba oil). Repeat twice daily, morning and evening. Caution: May cause a rash, so try a test spot and wait 24 to 48 hours. Do not take internally.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

the essential oil of lavender is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and somewhat astringent; it’s good to have around the house for general skin irritations and minor burns. To use lavender essential oil, dot it onto individual blemishes with a cotton swab as needed.

Burdock (Arctium lappa)

Taken internally, this root promotes sweating and urination. The roots, leaves, and seeds of burdock all can be used, but in commercial preparations, you’ll most commonly find the root. Rich in minerals, this plant is used as a food by many cultures. Typical dosage: up to 4 cups of tea per day (simmer 1 tablespoon of dried root in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes); or two 400-to 500-milligrams capsules three times per day; or 1 to 2 teaspoons of fluid extract three times per day. To use burdock tea as a face wash, make the tea, then cool it and use a clean cloth to apply it to the skin. Rinse with cool water.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Like burdock, dandelion root helps the body dispose of unwanted skin bacteria. It also stimulates digestion and supports the liver–the major organ that helps rid the body of toxins and excess hormones, including the androgens that trigger breakouts. Dandelion leaves are also chock-full of vitamins and minerals, many of which help maintain healthy skin. You can eat the young, fresh leaves raw in salads or steam them. The root which is usually dried, chopped, and roasted, is moderately anti-inflammatory. Typical dosage: 3 to 4 cups of tea per day ( simmer 2 teaspoons of dried chopped root in 1 cup of hot water for 15 minutes); or two 400-to 500-milligrams capsules three times per day; or 1 to 2 teaspoons of fluid extract three times per day.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

This herb is a traditional remedy for many types of ski problems. Its orange petals are antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, properties that can relieve acne symptoms. To use it, make a tea by steeping 1 teaspoon of dried flowers in 1 cup of hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain, let cool, and apply to the face with a cotton ball or clean cloth.

Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus)

In your acne seems hormone-related or is among your premenstrual symptoms, vitex can help. Typical dosage: 40 drops liquid extract each morning; or 1 capsule dreid extract each morning. Caution: Do not use during pregnancy.

Oregon Graperoot (Berberis aquifolium) and Goldenseal (Hydrasitis canadensis)

Each of these herbs may help acne in two ways. First, each promotes good digestion and liver function, which help the body get rid of toxins. Second, berberine, which both herbs contain, is a potent antibacterial herb. To use as a wash, see ” Antibacterial Wash or Paste. ” Typical dosage: up to six 500- to 600-milligrams capsules per day in divided doses; or 10 to 20 drops of tincture three times per day. Caution: Do not use either herb internally during pregnancy (external use is safe)

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

Here’s a cheery flowering herb containing the anti-flammatory essential oil azulene, named for its blue color. To use chamomile, make a skin wash by steeping 1 tablespoon dried flowers in 1 cup in hot water for 10 minutes. Strain and apply with a cotton ball or clean cloth. You can also dab the essential oil onto blemishes, or look for skin-care products that contains chamomile or azulene.

Rose (Rosa spp.)

Heavenly smell, soothing, antiseptic action–what’s not to love about roses for natural skin care? Look for rosewater made with real rose essential oil. Put it into a spray bottle, close your eyes, and spritz on your face as often as you like.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

This potent antimicrobial agent is useful in any condition that involves fighting bacteria. To use, add 5 drops of grapefruit seed extract to 1/2 cup of water and use as a face wash; or add 5 drops to 1/4 cup of witch hazel mixed with 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar and use as a toner when you wash your face.

Aloe (Aloe vera)

This soothing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial gel helps heal wounds of all kinds. Buy only the pure gel and use topically as needed.

Wash Less, Smile More
Many people with acne have the mistaken impression that the cause is dirty skin. As a result, they become overzealous face-scrubbers. Aggressive and frequent washing actually aggravates the condition. Besides, washing the skin’s surface doesn’t rid the follicles of bacteria and excess oils. It’s better to wash gently with a mild cleanser. Morning and evening is probably often enough.

Face Smoothies

Fruit acids help get rid of excess amounts of the protein keratin and those dead skin cells that may otherwise clog pores. They act like commercial salicylic acid formulas without the side effects. Herbalists suggest putting fruits, such as grapes and strawberries or pineapple husk into a blender. Apply the mixture like a mask; leave on for 10 to 15 minutes, and wash off. Or look for natural face products that contain fruit acids.

Antibacterial Wash or Paste

These two recipes use the antibacterial properties of two berberine-containing herbs.

To make a wash:

2 teaspoons chopped dried Oregon graperoot or goldenseal seal root

2 cups water

Simmer all ingredients for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and cool; use to wash face or soak a clean cloth and use as a compress.

To make a paste:

1 teaspoon powdered Oregon graperoot or goldenseal root

A few drops of water

5 drops lavender oil

Mix all ingredients. Apply to pimples; let dry. Rinse or gently wash off.

NOTE: Oregon graperoot stains fabric.