Acne is the result of pores being clogged and suffering from a bacterial infection. The deeper the infection is, the more severe the acne. Sometimes all you need is a simple remedy to aid in cleaning your pores and eliminating your blemishes. Even better, there are absolutely free natural acne remedies available for you to use from everyday household items.
Steam
If you have access to a steam room, that is the best way to get your whole body, but a home steam applied only to the face can help with acne. Steam your face for 5 to 10 minutes to open the pores and sweat out the toxins by placing boiling water in a bowl, then hold your head 6 inches or more above the steam, draping a towel over your head and the bowl to direct the steam to your face.
Cleanse
After any excessive sweating, wash your face immediately following to remove the toxins that were just pushed to the surface of your skin and clean the open pores. Rinse with cool water after washing to close your newly cleaned pores back up. The Mayo Clinic also recommends washing regularly with mild soaps, and if you have acne along your hairline, regular shampooing can help.
Hands Off
Keeping your hands away from your face won’t cure your acne, but it will prevent it from getting worse or creating new acne. When you touch your face, the oil and dirt can transfer directly onto your face and into your pores, resulting in more acne. If you must touch your face, make sure your hands are freshly washed. Hair constantly touching your face can also make existing acne worse and cause new acne. Hair can be oily, and the products you put in your hair can also result in clogged facial pores.
Diet
While there has been no scientific study directly correlating food with acne, a healthy body and skin simply heals faster. Dr. Andrew Weil recommends increasing your intake of antioxidant-rich foods like fruits and vegetables and omega-3 rich foods such as salmon and flaxseed. Increasing your water intake is also a proven method to improving the skin’s overall health.
