Although nearly anyone can be afflicted with acne, it is most commonly seen in adolescents. Over 95% of teenagers will have acne at some time. It is one of the most distressing conditions that can occur during the teen years, when concern over appearance is so important. Acne during adolescence is caused by the fluxes in hormones seen at this time, and both young men and young women can be affected. The all-too-familiar pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and pustules are the signs of an acne infection, and are a result of clogged and infected sebaceous (oil) glands in the hair follicles. While there are chemicals and prescriptions that will deal with acne, these medicines can have side affects and often do no real good, especially as they do nothing to treat the whole person. In order to keep the body more clean, many will turn to natural products to keep their acne under control.

Natural remedies for acne can be taken internally or used on the surface of the skin. By working with the body in a more holistic fashion, acne can be healed and controlled. Although most acne remedies deal with the surface of the skin, there are natural products that can be taken by mouth to help provide an internal remedy for acne. By helping the body to fight toxins and to restore the natural balance, carbo vegetabilis will fight against the infective agents that build up in the sebaceous glands, resulting in pimples and pustules.

Another very helpful natural ingredient to be used internally is hepar sulphuris calcareum, a very effective opener of abscesses and pustules. As the areas around these pimples are often tender and sore, helping to clean the pus out will reduce discomfort and lead to faster healing. Flushing the body of toxins and keeping it cleaner can be assisted by the astringent causticum hahnemanni. It is all too easy during adolescence to eat foods that clog up the natural functions of the body, but this astringent will help to clear these impurities out by increasing circulation.

Fighting acne should be a two fold project – steps should be taken to combat it on an internal level, but the skin itself should also be cared for and treated. Skin affected by acne is very sensitive and should be cared for topically on a daily basis. Lavender oil has proven to be very effective in soothing irritated skin. It also provides a mild numbing effect, which can give some relief from soreness around pustules and pimples. Another soothing natural product is neem, and this can be used in association with lavender oil.

The common burdock can also assist anyone who has acne with its anti-inflammatory properties. It encourages the health of the skin, as does bulbinella. Bulbinella also coats the skins with a protecting layer, keeping infective agents away from the sensitive and vulnerable pimples. As pimples are generally infected, tea tree oil can be an effective remedy against acne. Tea tree oil provides natural antibacterial action and is antiseptic, too. Any skin treatment that contains tea tree oil and burdock will definitely benefit those who use it.

Acne causes a great deal of damage to the skin. The infection caused by acne makes the skin tender and sensitive and scarring can occur. One way to help prevent damage to the skin while experiencing acne is to use a natural antioxidant topically. Applying a natural remedy that contains an antioxidant such as rooibos can help to make sure that the sensitive facial skin receives as little harm as possible. Normal cellular activity produces free radicals which damage cells. It is the antioxidant properties of rooibos that make it so valuable in fighting the hurt that can be done to the skin by these free radicals.

Nature has provided many natural remedies for acne. Some will be taken internally, while others will be applied to the skin. Unlike harsh chemicals and synthetic substances, these natural remedies will generally cause no adverse reactions and can help to get acne under control quickly and effectively.