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.

Home Remedies For Boils

Dry It Up

Benzoyl Peroxide

Oftentimes, a boil will heal up if you just dry it out. To speed it along, dab the boil with an acne medicine that contains the ingredient benzoyl peroxide. Why’s it work? Benzoyl peroxide will not only dry it up, but also kill all of the bacteria that caused the boil in the first place.

Tea-tree Oil

An alternative to using benzoyl peroxide is using tea-tree oil. Why’s it work? Tea-tree oil is an antiseptic that will kill the bacteria. It will also make the boil heal faster.

Heat It Up

Moist Heat

Applying a very hot compress will help to bring the boil to a head. Here’s how to make one: Run a washcloth under the hottest water that you can stand. Wring out the washcloth and apply it directly to the boil for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this process several times a day until the boil bursts open. Why’s it work? This helps to dramatically accelerate the healing process.

Thyme or Chamomile Tea

Instead of using plain water for the compress, use thyme or chamomile tea. Why’s it work? Thyme contains thymol, which will prevent infection. The chamomile works because of the chamazulene it contains, which is a natural anti-inflammatory.

Tea Bag

Instead of using a washcloth, use a plain, warm, wet tea bag. Why’s it work? The warmth will bring the boil to a head and the tannins in the tea will act as a natural antibacterial.

A Hot Bath

If you’re experiencing a boil in an area that’s just out of reach, soak in a nice, hot bath for 15-20 minutes. For this remedy for boils to be most effective, make sure that you keep adding hot water as the bath water cools down.

Draining A Boil

After the boil comes to a head (whether you’ve helped it along or not), you can lance it and get immediate relief. Here’s how:

1. First, sterilize a needle by putting it over an open flame. A word to the wise…remember to protect your fingers, so as not to burn them.
2. Use the sterilized needle to lightly prick the layer of skin that’s covering the boil’s head. A word of warning: Do not drain the boil if you see any signs of infection, such as, redness or streaking.

Keep It Clean

• Once you’ve lanced the boil (or if it has burst on its own), you need to avoid infection by keeping it clean.

• As it continues to drain, use an antibacterial soap to wash both the boil and the skin surrounding it.

• Using a Q-tip, apply an antibacterial ointment to keep infection at bay.

When To Call The Doctor

Seek a doctor’s treatment and advice when dealing with boils on the face, armpits or groin. Also, a boil that is larger than ½ inch or so in size may need to be checked out. If you find yourself getting boils of any size quite often, consult your doctor just to make sure that diabetes or an immune-system malfunction isn’t to blame.