Natural Remedies for Acne

Acne afflicts approximately 80% of females and 90% of males at some point in their lives. While it seems to be prevalent in the teenage years, acne can afflict a person of any age. More and more adults are being diagnosed with adult acne, but there are things that you can do if you are a victim.

While over-the-counter acne remedies can be harsh and drying to your skin, there are natural remedies for acne that are very effective.

Diet

Your diet can play an important part in keeping your skin clear and healthy. A diet that is based on fresh fruits and vegetables and unprocessed foods can be a great benefit to people with acne. Vegetables are very good for people with acne, particularly leafy green vegetables. Broccoli is great for healthy, clear skin. The best way to eat it is raw and fresh, but steamed is good too. In fact, you will find that two of the best natural remedies for acne are fresh vegetables and water. Other foods that are good for you are fish that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids and whole grain products like brown rice and whole-wheat pasta are also good. You should limit or avoid fried foods, sugary foods and foods that are high in trans fats such as milk and dairy products.

Water is integral for optimum body functions. This includes your skin. Water keeps your skin moist and supple. It keeps you looking young and feeling good. Fiber is also crucial in keeping your body functioning at its best. Most people do not get nearly enough fiber in their diet, which is why fresh fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains are so important. When your body is functioning well on the inside it will show on the outside.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is believed to aid in reducing the production of sebum, which is what makes your skin oily and can be a factor in causing breakouts. You do need to be careful that you do not take too much Vitamin A because it can cause some health problems, but if you are eating foods that are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin E and zinc, you probably do not need to take a vitamin A supplement.

Zinc

Zinc has been shown to be very effective in preventing acne. It also helps to heal blemishes and reduces the redness and swelling that accompanies the inflammation of acne breakouts. The best method of obtaining zinc is through food. Foods that are high in protein are typically high in zinc. Beef, pork and lamb have more zinc than fish. Chicken is loaded with zinc, but the dark meat offers more than the white meat. Peanuts, peanut butter and legumes are also very high in zinc. Zinc is almost a sure bet when it comes to natural remedies for acne.

Herbal Remedies

You can concoct an herbal blend of sarsaparilla, yellow dock, burdock and cleavers and take half a teaspoon of the blend three times a day, but it must be combined with a healthy diet. The herbs in this blend are believed to be very effective in cleansing the blood and cleansing the lymph glands. Additionally, tea tree oil can be very effective when applied to acne lesions because it can help to eradicate the bacteria as well as reduce the redness and swelling of acne inflammation. These herbal natural remedies for acne have been shown to be very effective.