Beat Acne with 3 Things in Your Kitchen
Dealing with acne can be stressful at any age, but be careful about what you choose to expose your skin to. Creams, cleaners and toners that are sold over the counter may seem to work at first, but many have substances and chemicals that may actually make it worse in the long run or even affect your health.
For example, salicylic acid and benzol peroxide are two of the most common substances used to fight acne and they can normally be helpful. But use too much too often and you could dry out your skin, irritate it and end up with more blemishes. (1) Even the top-selling, expensive acne treatments aren’t perfect and can do just that. This Proactiv review from Facing Acne reveals that Proactiv’s Advanced Blemish Treatment has a whopping six percent benzol alcohol, which very easily leads to skin irritation and dryness that creates an ideal breeding ground for more blemishes.
So do your research and know how what you choose to use can affect not only your skin, but your health. In almost every case, there’s an underlying cause of acne that can be managed or reversed with some simple steps using completely natural ingredients. Here’s a look at just a few that you might want to consider.
Apples, Quercetin and Acne
Yes, apples. They’re a known source of a plant compound we know as quercetin, which is the main reason they’re a proven acne-fighter. In fact, Chris Gibson authored a book based on an apple acne diet, in which he claims he became acne free in three days.
How it Works
First you have to understand that acne is very often the result of too much histamine being released in the body. The production and release of histamines can be triggered by a number of things, including everyday stress and the irritation too many chemicals from cleansers can cause. Too much histamine presents itself in the form of inflammation, skin irritation, red skin and itchy skin.
The histamine is trying to battle the foreign substances, whether it’s the alcohol in a facial toner or allergy-causing pollen. It aims to kill off skin cells that are affected to protect the body. Now if there are real threats to your health then that would normally be a good thing. But what about when too much histamine is being produced simply because you’re stressed from work? Or a couple excessive bouts with a facial toner because you have a date this weekend and went overboard?
That’s where quercetin shines. And why apples can be the solution. Put simply, it will keep inflammation and the effects of histamine at bay. But in order to get the best results, you need to make sure you’re eating the right apples and you’re eating the peel since that’s where the majority of the quercetin is found. Try to choose organic apples that are grown in a dry summer climate. If possible, look for Red Delicious apples. (2)
Onions and Glutathione
Onions are another staple you probably have in your kitchen that can help fight acne. Onions, as well as scallions and leeks, contain sulfar that produces the antioxidant glutathione. Research has shown that low levels of glutathione may be linked to the development and presence of acne. (3) Just as you want to eat raw organic apples, to get the best results you want to eat onions raw or as close to raw as possible. Try topping a turkey sandwich with a healthy dose of onions. Add them to your salad or stir fry or include a decent amount of scallions in your next party dip.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Your skin naturally produces an acidic armor to protect against pollution, germs and other substances you encounter from day to day. Unfortunately, a lot of the products marketed as amazing acne solutions actually alter and damage this protective shield. Using apple cider vinegar as a toner can restore it, as well as act as a makeup remover. It’s naturally removes dirt and is antibacterial, so it kills bacteria too.
You can use any type of apple cider vinegar, but as is the case most of the time, organic is preferred. Simply mix one part vinegar with two to three parts water and tone your face with it after cleansing.
It may seem too simple, but in many cases simple is all that’s needed. It’s almost always better than slathering on expensive chemicals and substances that can ultimately lead to more problems. Remember too though, that acne can often be the cause of an underlying medical condition or something as simple as bad eating habits. If these and other simple, natural treatments don’t seem to work, consult your doctor to make sure there’s not a bigger problem at play.
Other resources:
(1) http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/body/acne_myths.html#
(2) http://www.facingacne.com/apples-and-4-other-natural-methods-to-cure-acne/
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21896138
(4) http://www.dw.de/onions-against-acne/a-18106170
