At some point in time , all of us have been trying to find ways on how to be completely acne-free. Here are some natural and not so natural acne treatments that are proven to be effective.
1. Witch Hazel Astringent
This astringent comes from the plant with the same name. It is widely spread from Nova Scotia in Canada down to Texas and Florida. Simply steam the twigs of this plant and voila! The extract you get from it serves as your astringent. Don't forget to cool it though. What’s good about this is that it happens naturally and even the process it has gone through is all natural. You can be guaranteed it is less unforgiving compared with commercially-developed astringents.
2. Manufactured Astringents
There is no doubt that astringents we can acquire over-the-counter are also effective. There are numerous variants to pick from with added ingredients that promote improved skin. The only downside is it can be a little harsh due to the chemicals added to produce this formula. Apply them with extra attention as they might dehydrate the skin.
3. All-Natural Treatments
Kitchen and acne are two enemies we may not be alert to. Scout your kitchen for stuff like oranges and lemons, fresh garlic and raw potatoes.
- Just squeeze oranges and lemons onto cotton balls. Smear the extract on affected areas and rinse it after approximately 20 minutes.
- Fresh garlic is much easier to use. Just strip off its peeling and stroke it on your face.
- As for raw potatoes, peel them and pat its smooth surface on your face.
The fruit and vegtables natural extracts can help minimize the redness at the same time can clean the skin
4. Oral Antibiotics
For severe cases, antibiotics are given. These medications are taken orally to lessen the quantity of bacteria in and around skin follicles. They also decrease the exasperating chemicals that the white blood cells produce. Lastly, antibiotics diminish the intensity of the free fatty acids located in sebum, also creating an anti-inflammatory action. Refer to your dermatologist for the right antibiotic and dosage.
Tetracycline is still the most regularly prescribed antibiotic for acne medication. Generally this antibiotic should be taken on an empty stomach. Also, this shouldn’t be taken by pregnant women and children under 9. Usually, the starting dosage is initially 500mg in the morning and afternoon and is continuously taken until prescribed, or until a significant dropping off of lesions is noticeable.
Erythromycin comes close second and is given to to expectant mothers. However, it may cause you to feel sick and even upset stomach. Compared to tetracycline, which can only kill bacteria, Erythromycin has both anti-inflammatory and bacteria-killing properties. Also, this antibiotic must to be taken on a full stomach. You should discuss the possible side effects of other anti-biotics with your general practitioner.
5. Current Treatments
Externally applied creams are also verified successful for acne treatment. However, it results to drying and flaking but it is believed to be the most effective treatment for acute acne. Benzoyl peroxide is one very common and effective topical acne remedy.
