Thinking Outside The Box

Although there are plenty of products available for the treatment of facial acne, many of them are only partially effective, and the ones that are most effective have a tendency to carry side effects that are proportionately worse than the problem they are trying to cure. There are a number of less frequently used treatments for acne which can make a major difference by working on the less widely known causes of acne breakouts. Taken together with a more conventional treatment or on their own, these treatments can make a world of difference.

Tea Tree oil is one of the most popular essential oils on the market. Its effects have been compared to those of benzoyl peroxide – one of the major pharmaceutical acne treatments. When dissolved in a cream at a rate of about 5 parts per 100, it can be applied to the skin and works a double shift both as an anti-bacterial agent and as an anti-inflammatory. It takes a little longer to work than benzoyl peroxide, but has less harsh effects on the skin, and is even used in some moisturisers.

A detox program can also have an effect that is best described as “clean inside and out”. Much of what causes acne is due to impurities within the body. Flushing these toxins out of the body allows you to take acne on from a position of strength, by denying it the conditions in which it likes to thrive. If followed by a course of vitamin and mineral supplements it can have a very strong effect on the acne vulgaris bacteria.

Prevention is better than cure

It is difficult to find a commercial product that will cure acne or even clear it up for a prolonged period. If you can prevent acne from growing on your skin in the first place, this is a far more effective way of dealing with the issue. There are numerous things you can do to aid this, and some of the most effective of these are as follows:

• Wash your face twice a day. Do not scrub, and do not use a harsh cleanser. These practices will simply cause your acne to get worse instead of better.
• Wash towels and pillowcases regularly. These can harbor bacteria and are regularly close to your skin.
• Get regular exercise. This increases blood circulation and allows your skin to get a regular supply of oxygen. This is a doubly good way to prevent acne, as it is a stress reliever.
• After the exercise, take a shower. Sweat is one of the major causes of grime which can get trapped in pores and cause acne
• Keep your hair clean and away from your face, especially while you are sleeping. The hair catches all manner of grime simply by being so dense, and also has its own natural oil supply. For the same reason, try to avoid using gels which will replicate the oils you are trying to minimise around your face.
• Drink plenty of water. This helps detoxify the body and hydrates the skin, which allows dead skin to fall away and be replaced by smooth, blemish-free skin.