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Preventing acne is more important than treating well established acne because severe acne and the resultant skin scars are avoided. Also, the side effects of medical treatment when required are avoided. Anyone who adopts simple yet effective acne prevention measures stands to benefit long term.

So What Causes Acne?

Acne is caused when the pores that release normal skin oils become clogged, inflamed, and, frequently, infected by bacteria. In everyone the skin cells are constantly dividing, maturing, dying, and being shed. When the cells are not shed early enough, they can plug the pores, keeping oils and bacteria from leaving.

When this happens, the body’s immune defenses go to work, causing the redness, swelling, and pus seen in pimples. Adolescence is a time when the skin is reacting to hormonal changes and is often susceptible to acne, although some middle-aged individuals also suffer from pimples.

Tips on Acne Prevention

Keeping the skin clean is important. A gentle cleanser should be used each morning and evening, and it is best to avoid touching problem areas.

Wash with your hands only, since washcloths can be irritating.

Exercising regularly helps the skin to get plenty of oxygen and nutrients carried by the blood, and reduces stress.

Drinking plenty of water also helps, by keeping the body clean from the inside out.

A healthy diet, including fruits and vegetables and avoiding sweets and fried foods, will help keep the whole body, including the skin, healthy.

Acne Remedies - Natural Methods of Cleansing Skin

• A plain yogurt can be used as a facial cleanser. Rub the yogurt gently over the skin, rinse with warm water and pat dry. Cooked oatmeal, cornmeal, or ground oats can be added to the yogurt to help remove dead cells.

• Natural oils may also be used to clean the skin. This might sound counterintuitive since oils are part of the cause of acne, but chemists know that like dissolves like, and oils can be helpful for dissolving excess skin oils. One such oil is olive oil, which was used by Cleopatra for her skin beauty treatments. Gently massage the skin with olive oil, removing all makeup, dirt, and other impurities. Gently rinse with warm water and pat dry.

• Some people like to mix 30% castor oil with 70% sunflower oil. Place the oil into the palm of your hand and massage it gently into your face. This will remove make-up and dirt. Then splash with lukewarm water until your face is free from oil and gently pat dry. This method of cleansing will keep your skin from becoming overly dry and irritated.

• Green beans and other vegetables can also be used. Boil a handful in a quart of water for 10 minutes, adding 3 tablespoons of dried chamomile to the mixture. Cover and wait until cool, then strain. Wash with the tea twice daily.

Natural Facials

• Honey can be used as a natural facial. Bacteria cannot grow in honey. Simply apply to the face until the entire face feels sticky and relax for 10 minutes. Gently wash the honey off and gently pat dry.

• Steam is often used to open pores. Boil water over the stove in a pan and remove from the heat before placing a towel over your head and the edge of the pan to make a tent. Hold your face over the water for 5 minutes to allow the steam to open the pores. If you feel burning or pain remove the pan and allow it to cool for a few minutes before beginning again. Repeat once a week.

If acne is still a problem despite all you can do, your family doctor or dermatologist can prescribe antibiotics or more powerful cleaning agents.