Very few individuals make it through life without at least a minor breakout of acne. Depending on its severity, acne can contribute to and even cause emotional distress as well as significant damage to the skin. However, effective acne treatments are available and range from conventional treatments to safe, natural healing methods like apple cider vinegar and hydrogen peroxide.
What is Acne?
A skin condition that occurs as a hair follicle becomes clogged with oil and skin cells, acne is very common, particularly in adolescents. The condition may appear on the face, neck, chest, back and shoulders and varies in degree of severity. Acne may present as both noninflammatory and inflammatory lesions. Noninflammatory acne manifests as whiteheads and blackheads while inflammatory lesions include raised, tender and swollen bumps such as pimples and cysts.
While acne is caused by bacteria and dead cells in the skin, several factors contribute to the formation of acne. Overproduction of oil, irregular shedding of dead skin cells and buildup of bacteria in the skin contribute to acne. Hormones, certain medications and diet can also adversely affect the health of the skin.
Natural Remedies for Skin Breakouts
Acne treatments function to reduce oil production, increase new cell formation, fight infection and reduce inflammation. Several over-the-counter and even prescription medications assist in treating the skin in all of these ways; however, many natural remedies are just as effective, if not more so. While apple cider vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and coconut oil are among the most effective natural treatments, dietary changes as well as other natural supplements are also effective for treating acne.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the top-rated acne remedies available. Apple cider vinegar is an acidic compound that functions to alkalize the body and stabilize the pH, reducing the prevalence of breakouts due to hormonal imbalances. The vinegar is also antibacterial, so it flushes and purifies the system of infection associated with acne.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is considered a natural germicidal agent. Composed of water and oxygen, hydrogen peroxide eradicates infection in the skin by oxidation. Hydrogen peroxide is also effective for detoxing the system and removing dead tissue and debris from the skin.
Coconut Oil
Virgin coconut oil is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. Coconut oil functions to draw the toxins out of the skin, so it may cause a breakout upon initial application. Following the initial “healing crisis,” the oil replenishes the skin and even improves the appearance of scaring.
A common condition, acne can manifest in a variety of locations on the body and often causes individuals significant emotional distress. Effective treatments are available, however, and are often more effective the earlier the treatment is started. Consistent treatment significantly lowers an individual’s potential for lasting physical and emotional damage.
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