By: Garry Booton
Submitted: 2010-08-30 05:49:32 | Word Count: 620
At one point in our lives all of us will 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
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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. Remember to cool it though. What’s good about this is that it occurs naturally and even the process it has undergone is all natural. You can be assured it is less harsh compared with commercially-produced astringents, and a whole lote cheaper!
2. Commercially Produced Astringents
There is no doubt that astringents that can be brought over-the-counter are also effective. There are lots of variants to choose from with additional ingredients that promotes better skin. The only downside is it can be a little harsh because of the chemicals added to produce this formula. Use them with extra care as they can dry the skin.
3. All-Natural Treatments
Kitchen and acne are two enemies we may not be aware of. Scout your kitchen for stuff like oranges and lemons, fresh garlic and raw potatoes.
- Oranges and lemons just need to be squeezed on cotton balls. Apply the extract on affected areas and wash it after about 20 minutes. You need to be abit careful though as open sores may sting when you apply lemon juice to them.
- Fresh garlic is much easier to use. Just peel and rub it on your face.
- As for raw potatoes, peel them and then cut them in half and rub its flat surface on your face.
The natural extracts from these fruits and vegetables can help minimize the redness and at the same time clean the skin.
4. Oral Antibiotics
For severe cases of acne, antibiotics can be prescribed. These medications are orally taken to reduce the amount of bacteria inside and around skin follicles. They also decrease the exasperating chemicals that the white blood cells produce. Lastly, antibiotics diminish the concentration of the free fatty acids found in sebum, also creating an anti-inflammatory action. Consult your dermatologist for the right antibiotic and dosage.
Tetracycline is still the most commonly prescribed antibiotic for acne treatment. Most of this antibiotic should be taken on an empty stomach. Also, this shouldn’t be used by pregnant women and children under a certain age.
Erythromycin comes close second and can be prescribed to pregnant women. However, it can cause nausea and even upset stomach. Compared to tetracycline, which can only kill bacteria, Erythromycin has both anti-inflammatory and bacteria-killing properties. Also, this antibiotic needs to be taken on a full stomach. You may discuss other possible antibiotics with your doctors regarding the effects and side-effects of each.
5. Topical Treatments
Externally applied creams are also proven effective for acne treatment. However, it can result in drying and flaking but it is said to be the most effective treatment for severe acne. Benzoyl peroxide is one very common and effective topical acne treatment.
It can take a while to find the best option for your skin type, but once you find it, you can then start taking real control of your acne probel.
Author Resource:-
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