Use Herbs to Treat Acne

Treating acne with conventional medicine can be irritating to the rest of your skin, and sometimes it just doesn't work well. Antibiotics can make your skin sensitive and dry. Herbs provide natural skin care that has no side effects and keeps your skin free of irritants and chemicals.

Steps

 * 1) Use apple cider vinegar. ACV helps kill bacteria and balances your skin's pH levels. Make a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 or 4 parts water. Apply to clean skin with a cotton ball or cloth, leave for ten minutes, and rinse. Repeat up to three times a day. Can be left on overnight for a severe case.
 * 2) Use tea tree oil. A natural astringent that helps aid the immune system in healing acne. Dip a q-tip in the oil and dab onto specific acne spots at night before going to bed, and wash face in the morning.
 * 3) Try honey. Antibacterial and gentle for sensitive skin. Open pores by laying a hot cloth over your face or steaming your face in the shower or over hot water. Smear on a thin layer of honey and leave for 15 minutes. Wash off with hot water and a gentle cleanser, then rinse your face with cold water to close the pores.
 * 4) Use jojoba oil. An herb with antibacterial, healing, and moisturizing properties that will not make skin more oily because it is actually a wax ester. Apply the oil to clean skin nightly as a moisturizer.

Tips

 * These herbs can be used to heal blemishes themselves, but Vitamin E oil is particularly effective when used to heal skin and fade scars, especially in conjunction with Tea Tree Oil. Take an E supplement or buy a bottle of E oil to apply to dry skin and blemishes.
 * Honey and vinegar are available at any grocery store, and more chains (like Wal-mart and Target) are stocking E oil and Tea Tree Oil. However you may need to order Jojoba online or through a local herb supply store.
 * Finding a local store is often beneficial, since the owner of the store likely knows about herbs and takes them him/herself. If you want to know more about the herbs you use or take, the owner can supply you with personal accounts, paperwork about herbs, and possibly point you to the best suppliers. They can also tell you about local homeopathic practices and acupuncture centers if you are interested in other forms of natural medicine.
 * Herbal teas with dandelion may also help your skin since dandelion is commonly used to heal skin and treat disorders.

Warnings

 * Testing these remedies is recommended before you make it a daily routine, to make sure you have no reactions. Most herbs do not cause reactions but it is better to be safe.
 * Don't use Tea Tree Oil all over your face, only use it for spots. It is a strong oil and helpful for zits but can irritate patches of dry skin or sensitive areas.
 * Be sure to tell your doctor(s) about any supplements you take, and if you see a dermatologist to tell them about what you use on your face.