What are some natural and healthy ways to keep acne under control, that DON'T involve pills or creams?

Question

I just stopped a benzoyl peroxide regimen that I've concluded was damaging my skin (and I think has permanently darkened it ): ). So right now I have active pimples, and very oily, inflamed, irritated, red skin. I'm looking for some very natural acne solutions that are actually good and soothing for the skin. This could include special ways of steaming, or home facials, or anything at all... as I'm clueless about those things, and would love to try!

(No medication recommendations of any kind, please.)

Thanks everyone!

Answer 1

It is not at all surprising that the Benzoyl Peroxide regimen was damaging your skin. Benzoyl Peroxide is a harmful chemical in many ways. Here's a link to the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep website which will give you some shocking details on it: http://www.ewg.org/reports/skindeep2/report.php?type=INGREDIENT&id=2868

I, too, have oily, acne-prone skin so I know what it's like. I recently became aware of all the toxic synthetic chemicals our government allows manufacturers to put into their products. It is appalling.

Your best bet would be to use 100% ALL NATURAL, CHEMICAL-FREE skin care products. Keep in mind that just because the product may say "natural" or "organic" DOES NOT mean that it is! There are no regulations on personal care products by the FDA regarding the use of those terms, so many companies use those terms to deceive potential consumers, making them believe that because it says "natural" or "organic", it is. Many companies use a drop or two of an essential oil, followed by a long list of synthetic chemicals in their products, claiming their product is "natural." Beware of that. The best thing you can do is READ INGREDIENT LABELS and educate yourself on the thousands of synthetic chemicals, how and why they are toxic, and to stay as far away as possible from any personal care product that contains them.

Acne sufferers are probably one of the biggest targets for deceptive companies. They say,"This product will clear up your skin" or "Our products contain soothing bontanicals that will cure your acne." But the truth is, they use toxic, inexpensive (for them to make) chemicals and sell it to the public for several times what it cost to make the product.

We acne sufferers shouldn't be putting harmful chemicals on our already inflamed, irritated skin. 100% pure, chemical-free products derived from nature are the best for ANY kind of skin, but especially acne-prone.

It is hard to find those truly 100% all natural, chemical-free products. Even in organic or natural stores they have product after product on their shelves that contain harmful ingredients. Even Whole Foods Market's private label personal care products ("Whole Body") contain harmful chemicals such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which when tested on defenseless animals, they experienced eye damage, along with depression, labored breathing, diarrhea, severe skin irritation and corrosion and death.

Here are some companies and their websites that I HIGHLY recommend for personal care products. All of the following companies use only 100% natural, chemical-free ingredients in their products, not to mention that none of them test on animals and they all have signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics ( http://www.safecosmetics.org/index.cfm ).

-Suki ( http://www.sukisnaturals.com/ )
Suki has a facial care line especially for acne-prone skin which are: Exfoliating Lemongrass Cleanser with Chamomile & Vitamin C, Facial Toner with White Willow, Aloe, Chamomile & Tea Tree, Transformative Facial Clay with Green Tea, Roses & White Willow and Facial Moisture Serum with Blue Chamomile & Echinacea.

-Aubrey Organics ( http://www.aubreyorganics.com/ )
Aubrey Organics has a facial care line especially for oily skin which are: Natural Herbal Facial Cleanser, Natural Herbal Facial Astringent and Natural Herbal Oil Balancing Mask.

-Terressentials ( http://www.terressentials.com/ )
Terressentials doesn't have an anti-acne specific facial line but they do have a facial care line for "all skin types", organic body care, hair care, bath care and baby care. They also have a VERY informative website and probably have the purest products that exist. Terressentials is all about the pureness of their products and actually care about their customers and the overall well-being of people in general because they use no chemicals or synthetics in any of their products. Great company, in my opinion.

I know that 100% pure Tea Tree oil is great for healing and soothing acne. You can get this at any health or organic store.

I should mention I've been using the Aubrey Organics Natural Herbal line for oily skin for the last few weeks and in my opinion, it is just "so-so." I applaud the company for being truly natural but for me, the skin care line doesn't do anything for my acne or the oilyness of my face. I plan to try the Suki Line mentioned above because it is geared specifically for healing and soothing acne-prone skin.

Anywho...good luck! :-)

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Right now my skin is perfectly clear, for the first time in 3 years. It's been about 9 weeks and all my acne is gone. It is such a great feeling to wake up with clear skin.

Holistic Acne Treatment Guide?

Answer 4

Several years ago on the Sally Jessie Raphael show, I saw a special about home remedies. The one for acne was so bizarre, I'll never forget it. They suggested that you place a washcloth in a bowl and soak it with your first morning urine, then apply the urine to the face. Seemed gross to me, but the proponent swore by it!

My mom said you should try apple cider vinegar to use as a toner after washing. It's a natural germ killer.

Answer 5

I think it comes with age. When I was in highschool, my acne was pretty bad. Once I graduated my acne has not been seen once, maybe couple times a year if that.

I just found that those acne things don't really work.

Answer 6

i made my own solution. it works pretty well for me.
it is a combination of baby shampoo (johnson & johnson), baking soda, and salt (sea, table, or epsom ((or a combination)). use the baby shampoo and baking soda in equal parts. the salt depends of your skin. i use about an equal amount of it as well. if it's too drying, use less.

baby shampoo is used an a cleanser
baking soda is a gentle exfoliant
salt helps dry out pimples

be sure to use a face lotion if you feel you need one. if you dry your face too much, then it will overcompensate with an abundance of oil.

good luck.

::edit::
i don't suggest using it everyday twice a day. this is more of an every other day kind of thing. try using it this often and increase use if your skin can handle it. my skin is a little sensitive after using acne treatments with benzoyl peroxide and salicilic acid for 2 years. try using clean and clear daily pore cleanser in the mean time.

Answer 7

I use aloe vera gel which is a natural antibacterial. I use it as a toner after washing my face and it really helps kill all the acne bacteria and keeps my skin clear. Hope that helps!

There is no scientific evidence that links food to acne, like chocolate or dairy. Acne is bacteria so if you keep dirty hands off face and keep your make up sanitary by disinfecting then that should help as well.

Answer 8

I wear an excellent sunscreen called LaRoche Posay. I also wear rimmed, beach-like hats. Sunglasses. Dark curtains in your bedroom and living room. If your office/cubicle is by a window, try to have your back to it or some sort of screen to block the sun. As always, anytime spent extended in the sun should then require multiple applications of a good facial and body sunscreen. Japanese style umbrellas are very vogue too. Even on those cloudy days, wear the sunscreen and moisturize

Answer 9

Crush 5-10 tablets of Aspirin with distilled water (in other words, FILTERED WATER ex. from a water bottle) and smooth on face and leave for about 10 minutes, wash off face.

Look on google for proper recipe (Aspirin Mask). Though, salicylic acid is not needed. =)

Answer 10

Try washing your face twice a day with tea tree oil, keep it mega-clean, and hands off!! Eat loads of veggies everyday, try to eat more veg than fruit, because of the higher sugar levels. Sunshine and fresh air help some people too.

Answer 11

Ok I know it will sound crazy but boil some water with vicks vapor rub in it let the steam hit your face it helps unclog pores. Also you can try mint also. I use a apricot scrub from st Ives. you can buy it at target its very gentle.