Did you know acne affects about 80% of people in the 11-30 age group? However, men and women in their 30s and 40s can also suffer. In fact acne affects people of every, gender, and race.

A number of factors can cause acne including contact with or ingestion of oily substances, use of different types of medication, steroids, or the secretion of certain hormones. There are many causes but an important point to remember is to avoid oily and chemically ridden cosmetics or any facial products that contain antimicrobial agents such as socetyl stearate, isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate, and sodium chloride, as these ingredients can cause acne.

Because acne is usually present in very visible locations such as the face, neck, chest and back it can lead to considerable emotional distress and low self esteem. Fortunately there are a number of treatment options to help resolve the problem. With some exceptions most acne treatments will not completely 'cure' acne. What they offer is a means to prevent new spots forming, to remove those already present, and to help prevent scarring. The acne treatment options range from natural remedies through to medical treatment.

Apart from over the counter medical treatments there are many natural remedies including non-oily face washes containing Echinacea or tea tree oil designed to help reduce the incidence of acne. Echinacea along with poke root have been shown to have very effective anti-inflammatory properties Natural astringent cleansers are also available, these help to remove the oil buildup that block the skin's glands, thus helping to prevent acne. Herbal remedies containing herbs such as chamomile, lavender, juniper, bergamot, dandelion root, and burdock root can be used to help relieve acne by reducing toxicity and improving the general condition of the skin. The estrogenic ac

tion of red clover may also be effective. The exceptional astringent properties of witch hazel can also be a very effective acne remedy.

Here are some home acne treatments you can try: * Make up a honey and cinnamon paste and apply it to the affected area at night. In the morning use warm water to wash this paste off. Continue for one-two weeks or until you see good results. * Apply a mixture of lemon juice and cinnamon to the acne. * Try rubbing fresh garlic into acne affected areas at frequent intervals for relief. * Swelling can be relieved with the application of raw papaya juice. * Apply a paste of salt and vinegar and leave on for 20-30 minutes before washing off. * To prevent and cure acne drink wheat grass juice on a regular basis. * A soft moist of ground sesame seeds and water applied to acne can reduce inflammation. * Apply a paste of turmeric and vinegar and rinse with lukewarm water after 20 -30 minutes. * Mix a little ground ginger with milk and apply to affected areas.

A lot of these acne remedies can help relieve the problem in the early days; however they can take several months or even years to bring lasting results. Depending on your condition some treatments will work better than others, it is just a matter experimenting with various acne remedies until you find one that is effective for you.

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