When it comes to troublesome and annoying skin conditions acne is one of the worst offenders. Researchers have linked acne formation to biochemical, hormonal and other metabolic body changes which makes it an issue that is difficult to treat. When excess, oily secretions occur it creates a substance known as sebum which frequently will build up on the surface of the skin and block the normal pores and oil secreting glands. As this build up continues it will result in blackheads, whiteheads and zits (pimples).

There are expensive medications and skin preparations that are available to treat acne outbreaks. Some of these are designed to try and prevent a person from developing acne problems and other formulas are geared to combat acne that is already present on the face and body. The results of using most of these commercial preparations are frequently less than spectacular and many individuals are disappointed. Not only are a large number of commercial products very expensive to purchase, they often contain ingredients that are very harsh to delicate, sensitive skin. In some instances there are untoward side effects that also create worry and uncertainty, especially when it involves some of the newest prescription medications that are suggested for severe acne flare-ups.

This is why more and more people are turning to easy home remedies; herbal ointments; and natural, botanical formulas to treat acne. Herbs and other organic ingredients are safe, inexpensive and will produce no side effects. These home remedies and herbal options can target the acne problems gently and effectively and they are the perfect solution to treat delicate, inflamed skin areas.

Among the most popular home remedies for acne are a number of herbal acne treatments made with ingredients such as sassafras leaves, dandelion leaves, calendula, rosemary or Golden Seal. Often the leaves or roots of these herbs will be crushed into a paste and applied directly to the acne, but in many instances the active herbal compounds will be extracted through a natural brewing process.

There is a highly effective home acne remedy made from the crushed leaves of a Fenugreek plant. This simple paste is applied as a 20-30 minute facial mask nightly. Some warm water is all that is required to remove this herbal acne treatment and the antiseptic properties of the Fenugreek leaves will target the skin's problem areas.

The Aloe Vera plant has thick, succulent leaves from which a natural gelatinous material can be extracted. This healing substance has proven very beneficial when used as a natural herbal acne preparation. Just applying the clear leaf extract to acne 2-3 times a day can soothe inflammation and speed the skin's healing process.

Vegetables and fruits can also be used either individually, or combined with various herbs, if you want additional options that can be safely applied to the skin as a home treatment for acne flare-ups. Tomato pulp, egg whites, rosemary tea, and lemon juice with mint leaves have all been used successfully to combat acne concerns on the face and body.

Grated, raw potato can be made into a poultice that can be used to treat acne. Some people have reported that applying crushed, fresh strawberries twice a day to acne prone skin sites is another highly effective treatment.

For many people these viable herbal acne preparations provide them with safe, gentle and effective solutions when pimples, blackheads and zits are creating problems in their lives. These cost effective, natural ingredients may well be the answer for your own acne woes.