Anyone who has had acne knows that it is not only an annoyance, but a downright scourge.  Our faces are first things that people see and they are how we present ourselves to the world.  When we have acne on our face, it can quite literally be hard to face the world.  And not only is acne horrible to look at, but it can be quite painful.  It’s the worst feeling to suddenly feel a hard nodule on your face and know that a horrible demon lies hidden, waiting for just the most inopportune moment to erupt into a giant, red mountain on your face.  In fact, the detrimental effects of acne go so deep that they can cause psychological effects including depression and reduced self esteem.

What is acne?

Acne is a skin affliction that is characterized by one or more of the following problems: pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, red scaly skin, and nodules.  While acne is usually at its worst during the teenage or adolescent years, many adults suffer from acne as well.  In fact some people manage to escape their teenage years unscathed by acne, only to be hit head on with it in adulthood.

What are the causes of acne?

There is still some debate in the medical community regarding what causes acne, but generally it can be said that acne is caused by a blockage in a hair’s follicle.  Several things can cause blockages and cause acne.

1. Genetic- Genetics play a role in determining whether or a not a person will develop acne, particularly in their teenage years.  Ask your parents how their faces looked in adolescence and you have a good indication of where you might be headed.

2. Diet- There is still debate as to whether or not diet affects acne outbreaks, but a lot of evidence points to the fact that there is a relationship between a diet with a high glycemic load and having acne.  In addition allergies to certain foods, such as dairy or milk sensitivities, can result in outbreaks.

3. Hormonal- Any woman can tell you that there is certainly a connection between hormones and acne outbreaks.  Hormones involved in a woman’s menstrual cycle often cause women to break out at the same time each month, and teens tend to get acne because of the hormonal changes associated with puberty.

4. Infection- Certain strains of bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes have been linked to acne.

5. Stress- Again, there is debate in the medical community as to whether or not stress can cause acne, but many believe that increased levels of stress are associated with increased outbreaks of acne.  In fact the National Institute of Health list stress as one of the factors that can cause a flare in acne.

What can we do to treat acne?

There are a myriad of wonderful natural treatments to help us combat acne, many of which you’ve probably never hear of.

Benzoin- Benzoin is a tree that grows in Thailand, Java and Sumatra.  When cuts are made into the benzoin tree, it oozes a gray sap.  This sap contains therapeutic properties which are anti-inflammatory and antiseptic.  It helps aid the healing of the skin in addition to reducing irritation and redness.

Chamomile- German chamomile is a small herb that grows small white flowers.  The oil extracted from the flowers has healing properties including antibiotic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.  It promotes tissue healing and regeneration and also has a soothing effect on skin calming redness and irritation.

Neroli- Neroli is also known as orange blossom and the oil is extracted from the small white flowers.  This oil can be particularly helpful for people who have acne that tends to scar.  Neroli can help prevent scarring and promotes regeneration of the skin’s tissue and smoother skin.

Nialoui- Nialoui is a large evergreen tree that grows in the South Pacific and Australia.  The oil is extracted from the leaves and twigs and has powerful antiseptic properties.  It is helpful in clearing up skin infections as well as controlling oil production in the skin.

These are just a few of the many wonderful solutions that nature has to offer to help combat acne.  Try to eat healthy, gets lots of rest, exercise regularly, and use these natural remedies to fight of the scourge of ance.