This is the third in our four-part series on acne. Acne can be mild or it can be severe and emotionally debilitating. To be looking forward to a special day (or evening) out and wake up with pimples that came from nowhere is dreadful…but you are not alone. Acne affects millions of people every day.
To take control of your skin, it’s a good idea to find out
all you can about the causes and treatments for acne. You may discover that there
are many more options than you knew about. In Part I,
we look at the famous home remedy (tooth paste) and topical antibiotic,
retinoid ointments and a homeopathic treatment called cell salts. In Part II,
we discuss benzoyl peroxide, oral antibiotics, Microdermabrasion, Heat Therapy,
and Glycoproteins.
Today, we look at home care and ayurvedic remedies. First, a
word about how to care for your skin at home.
Home Care for Acne:
- Use a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water. Very hot or cold water can make acne worse
- Never try to “clean out” blackheads or squeeze spots. This can make them worse and cause permanent scarring.
- Use a fragrance-free, water-based moisturizer (you can use InfiniteAloe even if you have oily skin or oily patches to normalize your skin)
- Try not to use too much make-up and be sure to wash it off gently and thoroughly. Find natural, water-based products that are labeled as “non-comedogenic” so they don’t block your pores.
Earlier, we discussed conventional treatments such as
antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide. Many traditional treatments are also
available. Ayurvedic practitioners may recommend various natural therapies,
including turmeric and manjistha formulas.
Turmeric is offered in many
health food stores as a capsule, and turmeric face masks have become quite
popular. Turmeric is believed to have anti-oxidant properties and to be especially
good for rosacea. It has long been used as a bridal treatment in India and Morocco to get glowing skin from head to toe.
Manjistha is often combined with
Aloe to help it penetrate the skin. Traditionally used for acne and
detoxification, it has a good reputation for skincare. It can be taken in capsules
and applied to the face and body. It is considered one of the most important
herbs in Ayurvedic medicine.
Neem oil soap is recommended by
many as a gentle cleanser. Neem oil has been used for thousands of years and is
well known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Remember, this data is provided
only for your information and you should seek professional advice to help you
decide on the best course of action in your particular case. We hope you feel
more confident that there really is a solution for you, so please be persistent
and don’t give up—you’ll find what works for you so you can enjoy the beautiful
skin you deserve.
