Blog tagged "acne" | Fresh Faced

How to treat acne naturally

Let’s face it: acne isn’t just a problem for kids. Zits, pimples, whiteheads—whatever you want to call them—are also a common skin concern for adults, too. Caused by an overproduction of oil that clogs pores and attracts bacteria, acne vulgaris is linked to a range of factors, including genetics, hormones, stress, diet, and—you guessed it—cosmetics and skin care products.

It’s definitely important to consider holistic treatment of acne, including dietary changes (eat less dairy and sugar) and hormonal balance (a naturopathic doctor can help), but most of us run for the beauty counter the minute we spot an angry red pimple peering back at us in the mirror. The problem is that most conventional acne treatments depend on one of two controversial ingredients: benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. The former can cause burning, peeling, over-drying, and irritation of the skin, in addition to generating free radicals, which foster premature aging and a decrease in the skin’s natural healing abilities, and have been linked to cancer. Salicylic acid, while a naturally occurring beta hydroxy acid, causes sun sensitivity (the U.S. FDA recommends extra sun protection when using products containing salicylic acid) and can accumulate in the body and affect organ toxicity. And Environment Canada has found salicylic acid in major water bodies like the St. Lawrence.

Fortunately, there are a few gentler means to achieving calmer, smoother skin. Enter thyme, tea tree oil, aloe vera, clay, and witch hazel. Researchers at Leeds Metropolitan University discovered recently that herbal preparations of thyme could be more effective at treating acne than prescription creams. In fact, the study revealed that thyme tincture has a greater antibacterial effect than standard concentrations of benzoyl peroxide.

Because tea tree oil has antiseptic and antifungal properties, it helps kill bacteria that cause acne and other skin and nail conditions. But proceed with caution: Tea tree oil is very strong and should never be applied directly to the skin unless diluted properly with a carrier oil that suits your skin type.

Aloe vera can be used to help reduce any swelling, inflammation, and redness associated with acne. You can use skin care products that list aloe vera among their ingredients or even extract the sap yourself from an aloe vera plant.

Another effective natural treatment is clay. Rich in minerals and enzymes, its drawing power will clean and open up pores, extracting excess sebum. Clay also has exfoliating properties.

No need to blow your budget on expensive toners—witch hazel, extracted from the leaves and bark of the witch hazel shrub, has strong astringent and antioxidant properties. The tannins in witch hazel help tighten pores and reduce inflammation, and it’s a great gentle and non-drying alternative to conventional alcohol-based toners.

If you're not keen on turning your kitchen into a chemistry lab, try the following Fresh Faced products the next time a breakout has you freaked out.

Green Beaver Daily Facial Cleanser: This mild aloe vera gel cleanser soothes and renews red, irritated, and sensitive skin. Grapefruit enzymes gently dissolve excess oils without drying or irritating, and chamomile extract tones and balances.
Green Beaver Daily Facial Moisturizer: This light, non-greasy day cream is specially formulated for sensitive and acne prone skin. Green Beaver uses aloe concentrate to maximize the amount of skin-soothing aloe in its facial care products.
John Masters Organics Rose Foaming Face Wash: The healing properties of plantain leaf repair skin and soothe irritation while steam-distilled, pure organic essential rose oil improves blood circulation for a healthy, rosy glow. And the first ingredient on the list? Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice.
John Masters Organics Moroccan Clay Purifying Mask: Perfect for oily or combination skin, this mask uses genuine Moroccan clay to purify and balance without drying. Balsam copaiba resin acts as an anti-inflammatory while oat beta glucan stimulates procollagen production and promotes cellular turnover.
Pangea Organics Japanese Matcha Tea with Acai & Goji Berry Mask: This award-winning mask relies on nothing but nature to provide a holistic approach to beautiful skin. Green and white clays work to restore, balance, cleanse, and detoxify; and four sea vegetables hydrate and oxygenate cells.
Suki Balancing Day Lotion: Suki's Balancing Day Lotion is a lightweight, inflammation-soothing daily complexion hydrator. White willow bark extract provides anti-inflammatory properties, while natural retinol lipsome helps fight acne and the signs of aging.
Pai Geranium & Thistle Combination Skin Cream: Formulated to clear and rebalance oily and combination skin using only the cleanest organic ingredients. High levels of essential fatty acids in organic thistle and borage oil help to calm unsettled skin and even out skin tone.