Natural and Non-Natural Acne Treatments

All of us have been trying to find methods, ways and solutions on how to completely acne-free. Below are some natural and not so natural acne treatments that are proven to be effective.

Witch Hazel Astringent

This astringent comes from the plant with the same name. Witch Hazel Astringent is widely spread from Nova Scotia in Canada down to Texas and Florida. Simply steam the twigs of this plant and voila. The extract you get from Witch Hazel Astringent serves as your astringent. Remember to cool it though. What is good about this is that it occurs naturally and even the process it has undergone is all natural. You can be assured it is less harsh compared with commercially-produced astringents.

Commercially Produced Astringents

There is no doubt that astringents can be as effective as other natural solutions. There are lots of variants to choose from with additional ingredients that promote better skin. The only downside is the little harsh cause by the chemicals added to produce this formula. Use them with extra care as they might dry the skin.


All-Natural Treatments

Check out your kitchen for oranges and lemons, fresh garlic and raw potatoes.

- Oranges and lemons just need to be squeezed on cotton balls. Apply the extract on Acne affected areas and wash it right after about 20 minutes.

- Fresh garlic is easier to use. You just have to remove the peeling and rub it on your face directly.

- As for raw potatoes, wash and peel them. Rub the flat surface on your face directly.

The natural extracts from these fruits and vegetables can help minimize the acne redness and clean the skin at the same time.

Oral Antibiotics

For severe cases, it is better to search for doctor’s advice or professional skin consultants. Usually, medicines or antibiotics will be prescribed. These medications are orally taken in order to reduce the amount of bacteria inside and around skin follicles. They can also decrease the exasperating chemicals that the white blood cells produce. Lastly, antibiotics diminish the concentration of the free fatty acids found in sebum. It also creates an anti-inflammatory action. It will be better to consult your dermatologist for the right antibiotic and dosage.

Tetracycline is still the most commonly prescribed antibiotic for acne treatment and solution. Most of the antibiotic should be taken on empty stomach in order to receive the best result. Pregnant women and children under age of 9 are advice not to use this prescription. Usually, the starting dose is 500 milligrams twice daily and continuously taken until prescribed, or until a considerable dropping off of lesions can be seen.

Erythromycin comes close second and can be prescribed to pregnant women. However, it can cause nausea and even stomach upset. Try using it carefully. Compared to tetracycline, which can only kill bacteria, Erythromycin has both anti-inflammatory and bacteria-killing properties which can be helpful. This antibiotic also needs to be taken in with food. There are other antibiotics available, but remember to discuss with your doctors before trying them out. It will be better to study and understand the effects and side-effects before consuming them.

Topical Treatments

Externally applied creams also proven effective for acne treatment and solution. However, it can cause drying and flaking. But still it is said to be the most effective treatment for severe acne. Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most common and effective topical acne treatment.