3 tips to reduce acne

Caused by pores that are clogged, acne affects more than 80% of people between the age of 12 and 20. Hormones have a lot to do with these red and white pimples that appear on the face, back or chest.

However, food sensitivities may have something to do with it too! Adult acne is often an indicator of food sensitivities. Known allergen triggers are wheat, dairy, sugar, chocolate and corn.

Using these natural remedies for acne will not have the side effects that prescription drugs or over the counter medications have.

Give your body and skin time to process out all the toxins and balance the hormones with these acne cures. In time you will find yourself with a radiant, clear complexion!

Tip #1 - Whole Foods

Food allergies and sensitivities like to make themselves known through the skin. Eliminate junk food, sugar and processed foods that are full of additives and toxins. Avoid hydrogenated and saturated fats. Avoid fried foods.

What does that leave us with? Whole foods! Pure, wholesome organic food as close to nature as possible. This kind of clean eating provides our bodies with health and nutrition, which our skin reflects.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help flush out toxins from the body.

Tip #2 - Supplements

Herbs and other nutritional supplements can play a key role in clearing acne.

Zinc has been proven to be helpful in moderate acne. It is one of the best minerals for clearing acne. It helps heal the skin and helps to clear excess DHT from the system. DHT stands for dihydrotestosterone, a metabolite derived from testosterone.

Essential Fatty Acids, such as flax oil or fish oil help to reduce skin inflammation from acne. Look for a good combination of omega-3, 6 and 9 fatty acids.

Chaste Berry (Vitex) is great for balancing hormones. This would be of great benefit to women during their menstruation. However, men will benefit from this berry as well as a buildup of testosterone can result in their acne.

Burdock acts a blood purifier and detoxifier. This root also helps to balance the hormones.

Milk Thistle is a great liver supportive herb. The liver is an important organ of the body working hard in detoxification. When excess toxins are in the body, the liver may need a little extra support. The liver that can’t keep up with the excess toxins will also not be able to function properly in eliminating excess hormones as well. Milk thistle comes to the liver’s aid in detoxification.

Tip #3 - Herbal Topical Treatments

Tea tree oil has been shown to be as effective as benzoyl peroxide. A solution of 25% tea tree in a gel or carrier oil can be applied topically. This will not cause the side effects of benzoyl peroxide such as drying, burning, itching and redness.

Make up an herbal steam, mask or compress for the face. Good antibacterial, anti inflammatory herbs that soothe irritated acne skin are lavender, chamomile, calendula, comfrey, yarrow, and plantain.