Author: E Amundsom
Source: ezinearticles.com

Home remedies for acne can be used for mild cases of acne. In many cases, basic skin care and diligence can resolve these cases without medical intervention or the use of expensive over-the-counter solutions.

I had severe acne in my late teens and early 20s. I’m old enough that, at the time, it was unusual for anyone to seek help from a physician.

Grandma knew all about oatmeal

Plain old oatmeal has long been known to be beneficial for skin care. My grandmother taught me how to make facial masks using oatmeal. Not only is it inexpensive, it also works! Oatmeal helps relieve dryness and restore the natural moisture balance of skin. It also acts as an exfoliant. Someone with sensitive skin that may react to the chemicals in most over-the-counter remedies should try oatmeal; it’s a natural product without any additives.

Don’t use instant oatmeal or minute oatmeal. And for heaven’s sake – don’t try this with steel-cut oats. I think they’re marvelous for cooking and eating, but for skin care, just get regular rolled oats. Put it through a food processor until it’s the consistency of flour. If you want to make enough to have on hand, keep it in an air-tight container in your bathroom.

A paste made with oatmeal and water is a much less expensive – and more effective – scrub than many expensive scrubs bought over the counter. Just put some in your palm and mix with water to make the paste, then scrub on your face and throat. as you would any other facial scrub. Rinse and then apply a moisturizer.

Use the same concoction as a mask; instead of scrubbing, apply and leave on for 5 minutes, then rinse and moisturize.

If you want to add a little freshness to your mask, use some fresh lemon juice. The citric acid will brighten your skin. Used on a weekly basis, this home remedy has the added benefit of fading minor skin discolorations and freckles and even skin tone. The citric acid may cause some tingling, which is normal, but may be uncomfortable. If you have sensitive skin or the tingling is really uncomfortable, try mixing equal amounts of water with the lemon juice before mixing with the oatmeal to make the paste. Rinse with warm water immediately if the tingling is severe.

As with any remedy, discontinue use if there are uncomfortable side effects.

Witch Hazel

My grandmother always had witch hazel on hand. It’s a powerful home remedy for acne, among other things. Witch hazel has many benefits and is contained in many over-the-counter products for skin care. Its antioxidant and astringent properties work quite effectively for minor acne problems and it has the added benefit of tightening the skin.

If you live in a part of the country where witch hazel grows, you can actually make your own – but it’s easier to go to the drug store and buy some. Because it’s a natural herbal product with many uses, witch hazel should be a part of every home’s home remedy medicine cabinet.

Witch hazel acts in a number of ways. It can take the sting out of insect bites, sun burns and sore muscles. For skin care and acne treatment, it acts as a toner and natural astringent. Moisten a cotton ball with witch hazel and apply it to the skin, as you would any skin toner product. For impending outbreaks of whiteheads, apply several times a day directly to the irritated spot. Although it is contained in many skin care and beauty products, simply using just the tincture of witch hazel is less harsh and very inexpensive; and, in most cases, just as effective.

Do what works

I could write volumes on the number of herbal and home remedies for acne. Some of them are pretty wild and crazy. Oatmeal and witch hazel are simple, inexpensive and effective – and something most people can and will employ in their beauty regimen on a regular basis. The most effective method for getting rid of acne is the one you use consistently.

This article is not meant to replace qualified medical advice. If you experience problems with home remedies or your acne is severe and/or persistent, i recommend you see a physician.

I have experienced the pangs of getting rid of acne and employed both prescription acne treatments and a variety of home remedies to improve skin care for myself and others. I enjoy growing my own herbs and researching the ways in which they can be used.