Here’s one of those miracle foods that provide so many health benefits that it is sort of crazy we’re not all eating and drinking it right now. For the purpose of this article though, I’ll stick to explaining why this is one of the most worthy home remedies for acne there is.

You’re perhaps aware of how ridiculous I find it when some say that food does not cause acne – yes, we all know food does not cause acne but there is a strong relationship between the food we eat and how our body functions. Whether you’re dealing with hormonal acne or whatever kind, food will influence how your body is able to deal with your skin condition and as such can be an indirect natural acne treatment.

One of the main causal factors of acne is the buildup of toxins in the body. If the body is not able to cope and get rid of the toxins we feed it then one of the things that can happen (depending on different variables) is that they will end up in the skin and break out through it. One of the things we can do to avoid this is to stop feeding crap to our body. Another is to give it food that will help it detoxify itself.

Enter Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass can be considered as a home remedy for acne because it is a strong detoxifying and nourishing substance. While scientific data does not yet back up the claims of its detoxifying powers, there are many testimonials coming from people suffering from acne about how their skin has significantly cleared up once they began to drink wheatgrass juice. Some also claim to have benefited from rubbing the juice directly on the infected areas.

Wheatgrass is a potent superfood

On top of cleansing the body and the skin, wheatgrass nourishes them with a multitude of vitamins (A, B1-2-3-5-6-8-12, C, E, K), minerals (calcium, iodine, selenium, iron, zinc amongst others) as well as 21 different amino acids (including the 8 essential ones). As little as two ounces of fresh wheatgrass juice will provide as much nutrients as can be found in three pounds of vegetables (organic). For those who are concerned with gluten you’ll be happy to know wheatgrass does not contain any because the wheat is too young to have formed the grain within which gluten is found.

How To Use This At Home Remedy For Acne

Wheatgrass is merely young blades of wheat which are either transformed into juice, capsules (powder) or extracts. Wheatgrass juice has become very popular and is available in many juice and smoothie shops. These will be expensive over the long run however and given that you would want to take about 1 oz of juice a day you’re better off making your own. You’ll need a juicer which will cost you but it will be more than worth it over the long run. Remember, it will help your acne but it is also an excellent all around food for your health. Read more about wheatgrass benefits.

If you’re not able to afford a juicer you can also simply chew the blades and masticate them at lengths for about 5 minutes in order to get the nutrients from them.

Growing wheatgrass in your home is not complicated but does require some care. You’ll need to buy seeds which are commonly available at health food stores. Soak the wheat seeds in a little bit of water and put them to rest in a warm and dark place (a cupboard should do nicely). Leave them be for 12 to 24 hours or until they begin to sprout. Plant the sprouts by the windowsill or outside if you can and let them grow for a week or so (they grow very fast). Then you only need to cut and use them. Voila!

The usage of fragrant substances (such as essential oils from plants) in the treatment of various dis-eases has been going on for at least 5000 years as hieroglyphs from ancient Egypt testify. They used these substances for cosmetic purposes but also to treat illnesses and even to preserve [...]]]> Oils Are Ancient Home Remedies

The usage of fragrant substances (such as essential oils from plants) in the treatment of various dis-eases has been going on for at least 5000 years as hieroglyphs from ancient Egypt testify. They used these substances for cosmetic purposes but also to treat illnesses and even to preserve the bodies of the dead. Their knowledge was later passed on to the Greeks and the Romans who also used aromatherapy abundantly. Today, they can make excellent home remedies for acne.

By distilling various parts of plants (seeds, roots, stems, leaves, fruits and flowers) with steam, there remains a concentrated oil that is naturally found in the plant and which usually has strong healing properties. These oils can then be used topically or internally – depending on their composition and strength – to treat various conditions. Be careful, most oils are too strong to be used undiluted and some can be toxic if used internally.

Combining essential oils to your other natural home remedies for acne

You can buy pure essential oils and mix them with your creams and other skin care products to enhance or their effectiveness as home remedies for curing acne. Adding a few drops of selected oils to a hot bath can be also be beneficial for your skin and provide a rather pleasant experience.

Lavender essential oil is soothing to the skin

For a more localized effect, you can fill a bowl with hot water and add a few drops of essential oils in it before placing your face above it and cover your head with a cloth. The steam will open up your skin pores and carry the benefits of the oils into your skin. This is a great way to use essential oils without actually putting oil on your skin.

4 essentials oils to combat acne

Lavander essential oil is effective to treat and prevent mild acne as well as skin that is generally oily as it contains antibacterial agents. It will make you skin feel refreshed and appeased because of its soothing properties. If you use a make-up remover you can add a few drops of this oil to it. It will also be a beneficial addition to any neutral skin creams or facial mask mixtures. Just make sure you dilute it with some other substance – it is too strong to add it directly to the skin.

Tea tree oil is one the most famous home remedies for acne and all around general antibacterial agent. It rightfully enjoys its place in many homes and will help to fight acne and clean wounds in general. Dilute it and apply on acne rashes and pimples to soothe the irritation and clear up the skin relatively quickly.

Lemon essential oil is an excellent astringent and detoxifier and will be effective against blackheads and pimples. Simply add a few drops to a facial mask or makeup remover. It also helps to add spark to dull skin.

Bergamot oil is a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent, it contributes to the healing of scars and can help to dry up excessive oil from the skin. As such, it will be excellent to apply on damaged skin that needs to be healed. Its sweet and spicy smell will also be quite pleasant to most and provide a calming effect on the mind which can help to reduce stress.

Don’t overdo it with your acne home remedies or any other skin care treatments. Drying out your skin too much will cause the body to respond by generating even more oil which you then have to fight off even harder to prevent the pores from becoming clogged. This creates a vicious circle [...]]]>

Don’t overdo it with your acne home remedies or any other skin care treatments. Drying out your skin too much will cause the body to respond by generating even more oil which you then have to fight off even harder to prevent the pores from becoming clogged. This creates a vicious circle and leads to an untenable situation not unlike the yo-yo rollercoaster rides many dieters go through. Be gentle and gradual with your treatments.

Don’t touch and squeeze pimples unnecessarily. It will only extend their lifespan as they get further infected. If you must pop a pimple, wash your hands before and apply aloe vera gel to it afterwards.

Go easy on the acidy foods (like milk and dairy products, meat and coffee)  as well as fat, fried and processed foods. While they may not be directly causing acne they can create imbalances and poor health within the body which then promotes acne and poor skin conditions. Make some tests and see which foods your skin reacts negatively to and resolve to not eat them.

Avoid using antibiotics to fight off acne. The bacteria are likely to grow resistant to these substances and may end up strengthened in the long run. They are also prone to be causing side effects or imbalances in the body and counteract any home remedy for acne your are using.

Using home remedies for acne requires patience and persistence but the payoff is more than worth it

Do try a new remedy on a small area before applying it to your whole face. Different skins will obviously react differently to the same substances. Be selective and patient and you will avoid unpleasant situations should a product or substance create an undesirable effect on your skin.

Do get some sun and fresh air. Exposing the skin to the sun will nourish it with vitamin D – just don’t go overboard. Prolonged exposure to the sun can damage acne-prone skin and create redness.

Favor water-based products over oil-based ones. There is probably too much oil in your skin to begin with.

Reduce your stress level as much as you can – while it is not scientifically proven, it is possible there is a link between stress and acne. Learn to recognize when you are stressed and pay attention to how your skin reacts. You don’t have to wait for science to tell you what you are experiencing. If you are stressed, take up breathing exercises. Breath is a good indicator of what your stress level is and it can be regulated through it.

Be consistent and patient. Don’t quit any of the natural home remedies for acne before 2 or 3 months if they are not causing irritation or other adverse effects. Unlike stronger prescriptions, home remedies are a gentle and natural approach – they take time and they are worth it.

Get started with simple and easy home remedies for acne

Additionally, clay contains numerous minerals and nutrients that are beneficial for the general health of your skin.

Like other home remedies [...]]]> Clay is a particularly powerful home remedy for acne. It provides a deep cleansing of the skin by removing dead skin cells, excess oil, chemicals, free radicals and heavy metals.

Additionally, clay contains numerous minerals and nutrients that are beneficial for the general health of your skin.

Like other home remedies for acne, clay does not cure acne. It does not stop your sebaceous gland from producing excess sebum (oil). But is does a good job at cleaning the skin and removing the oil and impurities that amasses there. Thus, it effectively reduces the chances for the skin to break out.

Clay is applied directly on the skin as a mask. It is possible to purchase clay masks already prepared but these are usually more expensive than buying powdered clay and making the mixture yourself.

It is very easy to prepare a clay mask. Simply put the powdered clay in a bowl and gradually add an equal amount of pure water while stirring with a wood spoon. The final mixture should be muddy and not entirely liquid. Steam your face gently, apply the mask and leave it on for approximately 15 minutes or until well dry. Rinse abundantly afterwards.

White clay is perfect for a facial mask

For the face we recommend using white clay which is softer for the skin. Green clay has more cleansing power but it is also more rough and is more likely to dry out the skin. Avoid using green clay in the face if you have sensitive skin – although green clay will usually be ideal for the back or for those with oily skin.

Don’t overdo it. Using clay too often can result in an excessively dry skin that is no more desirable than an oily one.

Even more of concern is that the body is likely to begin secreting more oil in response to the dry skin. This can create a vicious circle and complicate matters for you if oily skin comes back with a vengeance.

Use clay masks gradually. Try once a week to start with. See how it goes and adjust from there. You can also begin with white clay and upgrade to green clay if the results are not sufficiently satisfying or if your skin is not particularly sensitive and able to take it.

Don’t expect dramatic results overnight. Clay will work its magic over time (give it a few weeks) if used regularly and with balance. You can use it in combination with other home remedies for acne that are applied on a daily basis such as medicinal herbs. If you do this, pay attention to how your skin responds to the combination of treatments and make necessary adjustments.

More : Basic Do’s and Don’ts of Acne