Complexion Cornucopia: Quick Homemade Acne Remedies
It's happened to over 60 million Americans. You wake, you walk to the bathroom, you stare at your mirror's reflection in horror. That pimple staring back at you wasn't there when you went to bed last night. Waking up to an acne flare-up is a bad beginning to anybody's day. Fortunately, there are many quick homemade acne remedies that can soothe pimples and still get you to work or school on time.
Acne is the most common skin disorder. It affects children as young as 10 years old! Acne Vulgaris is characterized by clogged pores that become pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. Deeper cysts and nodules can also occur and can leave permanent scars. Acne can appear on the face, neck, shoulders, back, upper arms, chest, and buttocks. While an embarrassing condition and often kryptonite to the self-esteem, acne is not life-threatening, and most cases come and go in about five years.
Short and Long Term Medical Treatments for Acne
Any prolonged acne flare-up should be treated by a dermatologist. The doctor can evaluate the skin and make recommendations for treatment. Teenagers often require an antibiotic prescription medication and/or topical cream to treat acne. Adult females may need to change birth control since some methods are known to aggravate acne and others tend to reduce the incidence of breakouts. For severe acne cases, Accutane is prescribed. This medication has a wide array of negative side effects such as causing depression and birth defects.
Quick Homemade Acne Remedies
Milk
Another option for treating pimples is to create your own quick homemade acne remedies. These often require simple ingredients found in your fridge or pantry. One popular treatment is a hot milk compress. Soak a clean washcloth in a mixture of 1 cup water and 1 cup milk. Place this over the face for five minutes to reduce redness and calm the skin.
Ice
Or to reduce the size of a new pimple, treat it with ice. Place ice directly on the pimple for two minutes; this should reduce the swelling. A warm compress can be used to bring a pimple to a head. Apply a hot compress for a few minutes, several times. Gently press (don't squeeze!) the pimple to remove pus. Clean the area out with soap and water to keep bacteria from spreading.
Tea Tree Oil Etc.
Other quick homemade acne remedies include tea tree oil, oral and topical vitamins A, C, and E, aloe vera gel, and zinc oxide. Make sure to drink at least 64 ounces of water daily to flush the system of toxins. Maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress are other natural ways to keep acne at bay. All of these quick homemade acne remedies will prepare you to put your best face forward at work or school.
