Traditional and Homeopathic Acne Remedies

A full 85% of adolescents experience acne. Many among them will carry their acne problems into adulthood. Acne, or acne vulgaris as it is scientifically called, is a skin condition directly related to oil glands in the skin. These glands keep the skin hydrated by preventing water loss. Sometimes, these glands are blocked, and the resulting inflammation is called acne. The reddened and swelling glands distend the skin, and keratin (a substance that also makes up hair and nails) formations can cause deformations around acne spots. To avoid or cure this, people have found many acne cures and remedies. Pharmacology has produced many cures available in the market, but some people prefer something more natural. Additionally, home acne remedies can be more affordable than commercial products, and have proven to be effective for many people. These natural acne-treating remedies can be categorized as either traditional or homeopathic acne remedies.

Traditional medicinal systems also have their own recipes for acne cures. Chinese herbalists can prepare a mixture of herbs, roots, tree barks, and other ingredients. Chinese traditional medicine states that acne is a result of imbalances in “chi” or life energy inside the body, or is caused by blockages in certain channels for chi. These concoctions are designed to rebalance the factors that affect chi, and clear the vital channels. These, in combination with regular washing of the affected areas, can clear up acne. Now these traditional acne remedies are quite different than the homeopathic acne remedies, but they can be just as effective.

The traditional Hindu medicinal system of Ayurveda posits that acne is caused by an excess in the three energies that control the body’s functions. This condition is said to be caused by an unhealthy diet and lifestyle. Ayurveda practitioners recommend changes in the diet, and prescribe pills made of various medicinal ingredients. Massages with herbal oil, and face packs with natural medicinal ingredients are guaranteed to clear up acne and dark spots in as little as seven days.

Sulfur has also long been considered beneficial for sufferers of acne. Nineteenth century dermatologists prescribed sulfur. Applied on the skin, the pimples dried out quickly. Even before that, ancient Romans bathed in hot, sulfurous waters to alleviate acne. A hot bath does as much good for the person’s state of mind as his skin condition.

Some may be leery of these traditional methods, or do not want to visit the practicing authorities - traditional doctors, for lack of a better term. For these people, homeopathic or homemade remedies are the method of choice.

Homeopathic acne remedies can vary in their effectiveness depending on the person. Nevertheless, the shift toward homeopathic acne treatments is growing. Tea tree oil, as well as green tea have strong antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties and is used in many homeopathic products. Homeopathic doctors also recommend changes in diet and lifestyle. Homemade remedies use a variety of ingredients, but these ingredients have one thing in common - they are either found right inside the home, or are easily acquirable. Some of these ingredients are baking soda, calendula, citrus fruits, milk, aloe Vera, apples, and more exotic ingredients like soy sauce, turmeric, and vinegar. One such “exotic” method goes as follows:

1. Prepared horseradish is applied to the affected areas. This will sting, and cause redness (which will fade in a day or two). Prepared horseradish has soybean oil, citrus juice, and sulfuric compounds from the horseradish. These can kill bacteria, dry up pimples, and accelerate healing.

2. Use soy sauce as an astringent. Apply some soy sauce to a piece of cotton, and wipe the affected areas with it. Soy products are believed to speed up the healing process, and the salt in the sauce can kill certain bacteria.

3. Lastly, use coconut milk as a moisturizer. Remember to refrigerate coconut milk when not in use, as it goes over very quickly.

There are countless home acne remedies, either homeopathic acne home remedies, or traditional ones. If you feel that mainstream medicinal treatments are not helping with your acne problem, or if you know someone who suffers from “incurable” acne, try out any of the home remedies found on the Internet. Remember, you’ll never know unless you try!