Natural Facial Treatments for Acne

This is one of the most common skin diseases with the reported
prevalence varying from 35 to 90% of adolescents with gender and age
variations. Acne presents its self in the skin by a proliferation of
proprionibacterium acnes and abnormal follicular keratinisation that
causes a build up of sebum to plug up ducts. This bacterium responds
well to topical treatments, essential oils are especially beneficial
when treating acne, not only because of their anti bacterial and anti
inflammatory properties, but also because they help to encourage
circulation and the removal of waste and toxin build up, deep cleaning
the skin; and helping it to return to normal, by balancing the
secretions of the sebaceous glands. Tea tree's antiseptic property is
well known in the treatment of acne, it has similar effects on the
skin as benzoyl peroxide, but with fewer side effects. A solution can
be made up to 15% and applied topically as a spot treatment or as a
blend, combined with a few drops of lemon myrtle its microbiological
effects are further enhanced. The citral in the lemon grass is
effective for opening pores and balancing oily conditions it must
however not be used alone as it can cause sensitization. The oils
geranium can assist balancing sebum and rose otto that is highly
antiseptic and helps to reduces stress; others with antiseptic
qualities are lemon, bergamot, and niaouli.Essential oils should be
blended with botanical oils, unless they are being used for a spot
treatment and only small amounts of these oils should be used, as they
can cause excess sebum on the skin, for this reason, it is recommended
that they should be blended with an astringent oil, such as jojoba and
hazelnut. These oils are similar in consistency to the skins own sebum
and hazelnut also has astringent qualities. Carrot oil is beneficial,
as it contains high doses of beta-carotene properties and is excellent
for promoting healing and helping to minimize scars, blended with
neroli or sandalwood it has very good skin softening properties. Basil
is a revitalising tonic that stimulates the skin, cleansing sluggish
and congested pores and niaouli is a tissue firming oil and is
particularly beneficial in cleansing skin eruptions associated with
acne. Tea tree excellent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial oil can
be used as a spot treatment, but it is important to always take care
when treating acne with any medication, and there is no exception when
using essential oils. If the skin is sensitive, it is always best to
first treat the sensitivity as using topical treatments, no matter how
healing, can further irritate inflamed skin.