Acne is not just a punchline to cliched jokes about the typical teenager's fears. It can strike far into adulthood. Its causes are many and its pain is all too real. Here, you will find some useful information about those causes and the many effective treatments that can be deployed against acne.

natural acne treatment

For those of you looking for a natural way to reduce your acne, this can be a great help for you. Puree some strawberries and then add some sour cream to the mix. Once you have a good paste, apply it to your skin for a few minutes. Do this weekly to help reduce acne problems.

If you have a single large pimple that you want to reduce, you can apply a crushed orange peel directly to the spot. The citrus oils will help reduce redness and bring down the swelling faster. However, orange peel should be used sparingly, to avoid overly drying out the skin.

Just like with bleaching your hair in the sun, putting lemon juice on your skin can lighten the redness associated with acne, and help to lighten the old scars left behind as well. Just dab some on your breakouts with a cotton swab. Be careful that you don't overdue it as some people say that it can sting and burn a bit.

A very useful remedy for treating acne is tea tree oil. Tea tree oil kills bacteria living the pores, thus eliminating acne. Simply use a cotton ball or swab to apply some to the affected areas of the skin. Some facial cleansers contain tea tree oil as a main ingredient, allowing you to combine treatments.

If you suffer from acne, look out for moisturizers that contain alpha hydroxy acids, retinol or salicylic acid. These ingredients are exfoliating agents, which can increase cell turnover helping to improve acne. Unfortunately, these agents can sometime irritate sensitive skin, so discontinue use if you notice increased pealing, flaking or redness on your skin.

If you can, try using only powder makeup in place of liquid makeup. Liquid makeup is more likely to have oil that can cause your breakouts to worsen. Liquid makeup also can cause your pores to be blocked. You should apply as little powder as possible. Only apply as much as you feel that you need.

If you have spare eggs lying around the house and are affected with whiteheads or blackheads, form an egg white mask to reduce the bacteria on your face and improve your acne. This mask also acts as an exfoliator, to wipe away dry skin cells and reveal your natural glow.

If you notice recurring breakouts or blemishes on one side of your face only, you may be exposing yourself to a dirty phone or pillowcase. Try wiping down your phone earpiece and mouthpiece with an antibacterial cleanser, and alternate ears. You may also change your pillowcase more frequently because dirt and oils pressed into the fabric may be the culprit.

Tea tree oil is a great way to combat acne naturally. It is a potent astringent, so be sure to dilute your tea tree oil in water. You can use diluted tea tree oil in a spray bottle as an inexpensive and effective toner. The oil smells lovely and helps your moisturizer sink right in.

If you have a project that is due for school, do not wait until the last minute, which can cause stress and anxiety. Plan in advance and finish ahead of time, to avoid unnecessary stress the night before it is due. This will help you feel comfortable during the day and reduce breakouts at college.

When acne strikes remember that it is not uncommon and that millions worldwide are afflicted with the same problem as you. There is no need to let it rob you of your dignity or to let it rule your life. Simply hold your head up high, treat the condition as best you can, and get on with enjoying living.