Treatment for acne has always included herbal options, but now they are more accepted than ever before. Some are unusual, but may be quirky enough to attract attention.

Treatment for acne that is more unusual may be considered by some to be old wives tales, often have a basis in fact. There is no doubt that herbal aids for most conditions, including the condition of acne have been around for a lot longer than the modern scientific marvels being used in acne treatments today. In most instances, the treatments under the heading of herbal aids are for external application. Here are some of the more unusual treatments that have been proposed and used over the years. These are herbal remedies in some instances have been found to be effective through scientific study.

Milk and Lime

One of the more unusual treatment for acne recipes provides for squeezing limes for the fresh lime juice and mixing the juice to a glass of boiled milk. This mixture can then be used as a face wash to be applied directly on cracked skin or where there are blackheads, whiteheads or pimples. While the mixture sounds thoroughly repulsive, there are probably some slight benefits to the mixture in the vitamin C in the lime juice especially since the juice is freshly squeezed. Boiled milk is obviously not going to contain bacteria so it could be considered a cleansing agent. The acidity of the lime also acts as an antibacterial agent.

Mango

Another little known treatment for acne is that of mango. Mangoes are useful as a dietary component to improve the bodies intake of vitamin C among other factors, but they can also be used in various ways as an herbal remedy in topical applications. For example, a pureed mango is often used as a cooling and soothing facial mask. The freshly prepared mixture is patted onto the skin. The mixture is removed through gentle rinsing after approximately 20 to 25 minutes.

Raw Potatoes

Raw potatoes make an unusual, yet supposedly effective treatment for acne lesions. The operational theory for this type of remedy is that there are enzymes that are contained in the pulp of the raw potato. When a potato is ground, shredded or grated and rubbed on the skin, it puts direct enzymes, starch and Vitamin C on the skin damaged by acne lesions and helps to cure the condition quickly. The number and size of pimples, whiteheads and blackheads is significantly reduced through the use of this acne remedy. Best of all, it only requires a short time to see a significant improvement when using raw potatoes.

Almond Oil

A popular treatment for acne dry skin is that of almond oil. The oil can be mixed with any of various other binding agents such as oatmeal, and used as a cleansing and healing mask to smooth on the skin of the face and shoulders. A few drops of almond oil applied directly on the skin is a beneficial and inexpensive aromatherapy tool. Since such a limited amount of the oil is needed to accomplish positive results, it cannot be blamed for clogging the pores as some other types of oil products do.