Face First

Since acne is a problem experienced by millions of teenagers throughout the world, a number of skin care products have been developed to treat that condition. Most medicated products sold at pharmacies contain benzoyl peroxide and can help treat the major symptoms of acne. Benzoyl peroxide has been shown to cause skin flaking, redness, and in rare cases swelling and rashes.

Papaya is a tropical fruit and is often used in acne treatments because of its soothing properties. It helps to prevent scarring and remove acne lesions. Lavender and Chamomile are botanical plants that help clear up any acne that is present on the skin and prevent any future flare ups from occuring. You can also combine essential oils of thyme and clary sage with chamomile and lavender and massage into your skin in circular motions.

Lemongrass and Eucalyptus are two more commonly known ingredients found in acne skin care formulas. Eucalyptus has many healing properties; it is similar to tea tree oil in that it has antibacterial properties. Eucalyptus is beneficial in smoothing out the skin and healing blackheads and blemishes. Lemongrass oil is also beneficial in treating acne since it is an effective skin toner. It helps to shrink skin pores and wash away oil, dirt, and other impurities present in skin follicles.

Another essential oil that also has antibacterial properties is eucalyptus. Oil of eucalyptus is especially beneficial in healing blackheads and other blemishes associated with acne. It is also very effective at treating oily skin. It is important that when you apply this or any essential oil, you do so with a cotton ball and not with your fingers since the bacteria present there can further clog your pores.

Your dermatologist can prescribe an effective line of skincare products for your acne condition. A cleanser should be used twice daily and can help eliminate the dead skin cells that are clogging your pores. A skin toner containing alpha hydroxy acids is also beneficial since it will help shrink pores and wash away any oil, debris and dead skin cells found in your skin follicles. If necessary, your dermatologist may also prescribe a beta hydroxy acid such as salicylic acid to treat your skin condition.

Certain nutrients such as Vitamins A and the bioflavonoids have been scientifically shown to be beneficial to the skin. In particular, the bioflavonoids are beneficial in strengthening our capillaries and increasing blood flow to the skin. Foods high in bioflavonoids are the citrus fruits oranges, lemons, and limes. If you do not eat citrus fruits, you can take a bioflavonoid supplement.

Once your doctor has diagnosed your skin condition they can decide which type of treatment will be most appropriate for your particular case. Don’t forget to discuss with your physician about the possibility of adding these botanicals to your skincare regimen. Since these herbal plants have been in existence since biblical times they can also help treat this condition and rejuvenate your skin at the same time.