What Causes Acne?

There is a thick, oily substance called sebum that our bodies produce as a natural lubricant.  An overproduction of sebum causes pores to become blocked.  One of the main reasons why our bodies increase production of this substance is the fluctuation of hormones during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy.  Birth control pills have also been linked to an increase in sebum production.

Other culprits that can trigger acne are stress, clothing rubbing against the face, chest or back and even genetics.  Fortunately, there are simple, effective home acne remedies out there.  Here’s a few:

The Most Effective Over The Counter Acne Treatments

Benzoyl Peroxide

• Benzoyl Perozide mildly irritates the skin, which helps dying skin to flake off, which in turn aids in reopening clogged pores.

• Also great at killing off that bacteria that infects congested pores.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids

• Alpha-hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, keeps pores unclogged by sloughing off the top layer of dead skin cells.

• Creams, lotions and gels that contain 8% glycolic acid will be the most effective in treating acne and preventing new pimples from forming.

Aspirin

• Believe it or not, one or two aspirins taken 4 times a day will reduce the inflammation that comes with an acne outbreak.

The Most Effective Natural Acne Remedies

• Use a cotton ball to dab  a little vinegar or lemon juice on acne.  They both have acids in them that will flush out those clogged pores.

• Use Aloe Vera on pimples.   Did you know that a study proved that Aloe makes 90% of pimples disappear within 5 days?!

• Got blackheads?  Mix 1 teaspoon Epsom salt, 3 drops of iodine and ½ cup of water.  Bring it to a boil.  Once cool, use it on a cotton ball to really clean those pores.

An Ounce of Acne Prevention…

• It makes sense to think that keeping your skin free of all of that dirt and oil in the first place will provide an excellent defense against flare-ups.  The truth is, over cleaning will cause the glands to produce more oil, thus causing pimples.

• Don’t reuse washcloths.  Not only are they abrasive to sensitive skin, but whatever bacteria they’re harboring will be transferred to your skin.

• For men, dip your razor in a little alcohol after shaving to ward off any bacteria.

When To Call The Doctor

Usually a pimple every once in a while just comes with the territory, however, if pimples do not respond to over the counter treatments or home acne remedies within 3 months, then you may want to see a dermatologist.  Also, if your skin becomes seriously inflamed, with painful fluid-filled lumps accompanied by a reddish or purplish cast, something more serious may be going on.

To Lighten Age Spots

Use Lemon

Put a little fresh lemon juice on the age spots 2-3 times a day.  Why’s it work?  The lemon juice is acidic and will slough off the skin’s outer layer.  That will lighten or remove the age spots completely.

Yogurt & Honey

Mix up 1 teaspoon of plain yogurt and 1 teaspoon of honey, then apply that to your age spots.  Let the mixture dry on the skin for about 30 minutes before rinsing it off.  Do this once daily and you should see some improvement.  Why’s it work?  Well, the honey and yogurt together make a natural bleach that has been known to lighten age spots.

Get Out The Aloe

There’s really not much that Aloe Vera can’t do!  If you don’t already own an Aloe Vera plant, get one today.  Use the gel that’s contained within it’s leaves on the age spots a couple of times a day.  Why’s it work?  The aloe plant contains chemicals that encourage the growth of new skin cells.  By sloughing off the old, dead skin and growing healthy, new cells, you’ll see a difference.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk is an age spot remedy from way back.  The reason that this remedy works is because buttermilk contains lactic acid.  When applied directly to the spot, lactic acid gently exfoliates the skin, which will lighten the pigmented areas (age spots).

An Ounce of Prevention…

The very best way to keep from having to lighten age spots is to prevent them from forming in the first place!  Here’s how:

• Avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day.  In other words, try to stay indoors between 10am and 4pm during the summer and 10am to 2pm in the wintertime.
• If you must go out, always make sure that you have applied sunscreen.  Try to buy a sunscreen that contains at least an SPF15.  Reapply every 2 hours.
• Treat your clothes with products like Rit Sun Guard to keep those damaging sun rays from penetrating your clothing.
• Once you’ve returned indoors, use a little vitamin E oil on your skin.  It will the neutralize free radicals that are known to damage the skin.

When To Call The Doctor

Usually age spots are pretty harmless, but if they start to itch, tingle, change in size or color and/or start to bleed, it may be time to call a dermatologist.