Natural remedies for acne: here are the most effective
In the fight against acne there are many effective natural remedies that can be used. Acne is an inflammatory skin disease that mainly affects the face and less frequently the back, the décolleté, the scalp and which involves the hair follicles. and the relative sebaceous glands which, stimulated by hormones, process excess sebum creating a sort of "plug" that obstructs the opening of the follicle.
This is how the blackhead is formed which generates an inflammatory reaction. It is a physiological manifestation typical of adolescence (it is no coincidence that we speak of "juvenile acne") which usually tends to disappear with puberty and, sometimes, in adulthood. The disorder may be due to genetic factors, often aggravated by anxiety and stress, or from hepato-intestinal disorders or food intolerances.
There are also types of non-genetic acne that derive from activities and lifestyle. They are observed, for example, in those who use mineral oils, fall oil, tar, hydrocarbons, greasing oils (professional acne); or as mechanical acne that arises in the areas of mechanical rubbing (violinist's, swimmer's acne, etc.) or hydration acne usually diagnosed in people who spend a lot of time in very humid or dry environments.
As we said, there are many natural remedies that can help you defeat acne before opting for the classic pharmaceutical ointments. You can choose medicinal plants, essential oils and Bach flowers which, combined with a "healthy diet and physical exercise" , can reduce the appearance of acne and annoying scars.Let's find out together which are the most effective remedies.
Meanwhile, here is an all natural recipe for the last minute:
Phytotherapy: treat acne with medicinal plants
To treat acne, medicinal plants are indicated that perform a detoxifying and purifying action of the blood, promoting the elimination of toxins and consequently enhancing the functionality of the liver, kidneys and intestines.
In this way the sebaceous secretion is regulated by counteracting the impurities of the skin. The best plants with a purifying action (to be taken in tablets, drops or in the form of herbal teas) are Burdock (Arctium Lappa), whose root is very useful when the increased greasiness of the skin (seborrhea) and pimples are caused by presence of waste from metabolic processes in the body; the Viola del Pensiero (Viola tricolor), which can be used both internally and externally, that is, with infusions and poultices to be applied directly to the skin. The gem derived from the Platano (Platanus orientalis), as a draining agent for the skin, is used in the case of juvenile acne and rosacea; that of Walnut (Juglans regia) for rosacea with comedones and furunculosis complicated by staphylococci and streptococci.
When it is a symptom of an alteration of the bacterial flora (intestinal dysbiosis), the most suitable treatment often involves the simultaneous use of lactic ferments with plant remedies in order to rebalance and support the internal probiotics.
Natural remedies against hormonal acne: Bach flowers
Flower therapy uses Bach flowers to treat acne, pimples and skin diseases in general. It is an excellent remedy not only in function of its purifying action, but also in emotional terms, to cure states of tension.
The skin, in fact, represents one of the most important organs of emotional expression; it constitutes the external covering of the human being, its envelope and its boundary. When this envelope becomes "dirty" and skin diseases develop, it is the signal that the "border" with one's environment is no longer in equilibrium.
Acne in this perspective translates a bad relationship with oneself. Self-love is lacking, a rejection of one's personality is experienced which pushes the subject to distance others and avoid contact. Bach flowers have a soothing action that can be very useful for realigning oneself.
Aromatherapy: aloe vera and essential oils as natural remedies for acne
The essential oils most commonly used in the treatment of acne exert, on the one hand, an antiseptic and purifying action on skins that show pimples, blackheads or excessive greasiness, on the other hand they repair and regenerate the tissues that have scars. The essences can be applied directly to the skin by diluting a few drops in a little aloe gel or can be used in the preparation of purifying masks or in addition to your own cream to give it an astringent and rebalancing effect.
Among the most effective we find:
- lemon essential oil that counteracts the excessive production of sebum and closes the dilated pores as well as having lightening and regenerating properties suitable for promoting the healing process;
- essential oil of myrrh which has an antiseptic and healing action, regenerating damaged skin;
- Lavender essential oil, also used in case of burns, wounds, sores, promotes the growth of new cells and helps tissue regeneration, relieving and decongesting redness.
Recommended diet to combat juvenile or hormonal acne
To counteract acne it is necessary to use foods that do not burden the liver, the body's biochemical center, including milk and derivatives, refined flours and alcohol. Foods that negatively contribute to the state of the skin must then be completely eliminated: refined carbohydrates, all foods that contain industrial oils and therefore “trans” fatty acids: fried foods, margarine, vegetable oils such as rapeseed oil, palm oil and sunflower or corn oil.
It is important to follow a natural diet based on whole grains, legumes, fruit and vegetables, with a moderate consumption of animal proteins (better replace them with vegetables). Avoid red or white meats too rich in hormones (such as veal and chicken), prefer fresh small fish. In this way, the body is ensured all the nutrients necessary to defeat acne: vitamin A (contained in carrots, pumpkin, melon, apricots), vitamin B (whole grains), minerals (in particular oil seeds and germ oil wheat), Omega 3 and Omega 6, essential fatty acids that balance inflammatory reactions.
The latter are found in greater quantities in fish but also in some oil seeds (sunflower, sesame, pumpkin and flax) and in wheat germ oil and cold pressed linseed oil.
Browse our album to find out which foods are best for your facial skin:
Exercises recommended against acne
More than a real exercise, it is a sort of meditation oriented towards non-action: it is better to avoid giving in to the temptation to squeeze, squeeze the pimples. Germs walk around and often, when you go to tease a boil and immediately after another - even worse if you have not carried out a preventive hand hygiene action - you risk worsening the situation.
The good advice is to experience facial cleansing as a ritual to be consumed regularly, better if done with natural products and perhaps indulging in some smiles to show off in the mirror, which will incredibly affect your self-esteem.
