Skin Care Secrets Revealed - How to Heal Yourself from Acne

by Kolbjørn Borseth of Aromantic

Acne occurs primarily in puberty but can also occur up to middle age. Acne is caused by the increased production of sebum and the resulting blocking of pores by sebum and dead skin cells. The result is that spots or boils can occur not only on the face but also on the chest, back or upper arms. In this article I will explain how you can effectively heal your acne through natural treatments and a balancing of your lifestyle and diet.

Specific Acne Treatment

• Don't squeeze spots
• Don't use massage on acne
• Avoid Oily creams especially those with Saturated Fatty Acids like Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter and Macadamia Nut Oil.
• Watch your diet - Fasts and vegetarian diets are cleansing and may be worth considering. Avoid chocolate, cheese, nuts, pork, cream, spices, citrus fruits, coffee, tea, juices, soft drinks, chips/crisps, tomatoes, seafood and dairy products.
• Take vitamin and mineral supplements.
• Get plenty of rest, relaxation, fresh air and exercise.

Treatment using Tea Tree Oil Products

Morning & Evening:

1. Wash the face with Tea Tree soap or just water (cold or hot). Cleanse the skin by washing it with 5 - 7 drops of Tea tree oil added to 200 ml water.
2. Brush spots gently with undiluted Tea tree oil on a Q tip.
3. Apply a Tea Tree cream.

Several times per day:

1. Brush spots gently with undiluted Tea tree oil on a Q tip.
2. Drink lots of warm water and diuretic herb teas.

1 - 3 times per week:

1. Add 5 - 10 drops of Tea Tree oil to your bath foam.
2. Add 5 - 6 drops of Tea Tree Oil to a facial steam bath.
3. Make and apply a face mask using Tea Tree Oil.

General Advice for those Suffering with Skin Conditions such as Acne, Eczema and Psoriasis

Diet

If your body chemistry is too acid you must eat more alkaline foods.

Balancing your diet - acid / alkaline

When food is metabolized by the body the end products are either acidic or alkaline. Acids are compounds of elements which give away hydrogen ions, Alkalines are compounds of elements which attract hydrogen ions. The body needs both Acids and Alkalines for its metabolism but we have more difficulty getting rid of Acids than Alkalines. It is therefore easy for an accumulation of excess acids to occur which can cause us to get rheumatism or skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis and acne. To avoid this, aim for a diet which is 70% Alkaline and 30% Acid.

To achieve a more alkaline diet you can consider replacing the following items in your diet:

The following table of Alkaline / Acidity was developed by the Swedish man Ragnar Berg in the 1930’s.

The more -, the more acid the food is.
The more +, the more alkaline. 0 is balanced.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a vitamin that is used for all types of skin infections. It is safe to use in the form of Retinal Palmitate. This vitamin plays an important role in the functioning of the eyes and the making of new skin and mucous membranes. It prevents infections in the mucous membranes (respiratory). This vitamin nourishes the skin, counteracts inflammations and protects cell membranes and other structures within the cells from the damage caused by free radicals and in this way helps to prevent skin disorders. Vitamin A occurs naturally in liver, fish oils and egg yolk (primarily as retinol). The daily recommended intake for adults is 2.500 - 5000 IE. Excess vitamin A is stored in the liver. With larger doses (50.000 - 100.000 IE pr. day) the liver is unable to store the excess and this is then spread around the body and can cause symptoms such as headache, hair loss, feeling unwell and fatigue.

Vitamin A is produced synthetically. Natural compounds can be used e.g. those found in betacarotene or essential oils. These result in a vitamin A acid (retinoic acid) which is very strong and active. This is stabilised by mixing with organic acids such as acetic acid to produce retinol acetate, or palmitic acid to produce retinyl palmitate. Retinyl palmitate is a yellowish, thick, liquid oil which becomes very thick at temperatures below 15ºC. Dosage should be in the ratio of 0.1 - 2% (maximum), i.e. 0.1 - 2ml pr. 100ml finished product. Retinyl palmitate is absorbed by the skin. It is used in skin care products for dry, ageing, lifeless skin, also in the treatment of acne, excema and psoriasis. Vitamin A increases blood flow, stimulates the skin and protects against sunburn. Vitamin A is also used in anti-wrinkle creams where it is claimed to 'remove' wrinkles.

Clay Facemasks and compresses are also good for the use for all skin care conditions

Method - Sprinkle the clay over the waters and allow to settle for 5 - 10 minutes then whisk it together. Then add Stage 2.

RECIPE: Clay Mask 1 / Compress

Stage 1:

40ml Chamomile Water
25ml Spring Water
10 drops Paraben
75gr Green Clay

Stage 2:

10ml Apricot Kernel Oil
1 drop Roman Chamomile (optional)
Spoon into a Jar or Tub and label

Method:

Paste the clay all over the affected area and keep it on for 1 hour or until it starts to get dry and crack.
Wash off with warm water and rinse with cold.
Place a cotton compress soaked with aloe vera on the area for around 20 minutes.
Rinse off with cold water.
Apply avocado oil on the face.

Repeat this treatment 1 - 2 times per wee.

Clay's Properties and Effects

• Rich in minerals and active enzymes
• Stimulates lymph circulation and thereby more efficient waste handling and Improvement of cell nutrients
• Stimulates blood circulation
• Draws toxins and superfluous fat from the skin
• Contracts and tones the skin
• Strengthens the connective tissue

Therapeutic Indications and Use

Poor blood circulation

Use in face masks and body packs.

Poor lymph circulation

Use in face masks and body packs.

Sunburn and general burn damage to skin

Use in creams lotions, baths and face masks. A blend of Clay, Aloe Vera, Tea tree and Lavender is outstanding for all kinds of burns.

Irritated and sensitive scalp

Use in shampoos and hair packs.

Personal hygiene

If you cannot use ordinary soap.

Refresh tired and "washed out" skin

Use in facemasks.

Slack or loose skin

Use in creams, lotions, baths, face masks and cleansing products.

Acne and other skin problems where cleansing is called for

Use the clay in creams, cleansers, lotions, face masks and baths.

Eczema

Blend the clay with the juice or infusion of Lady's mantle, Horsetail and Chamomile into a cream-like consistency. Put this into a cotton cloth and place on affected area. Then secure by wrapping the herbal compress with cling film, a sticky compress or another cotton cloth. Leave for 3 - 4 hours or overnight. You can repeat this treatment every second night with the same or different types of herbs.

One Day Fast

Drink (in early morning) 0.5 - 1 liter tepid water

09.00 am

Drink 200ml Berry juice (Blueberry or Cranberry - not blackcurrants).
Drink 200ml Linseed drink.

11.00am

Drink 200ml herb tea:
Infuse 2gr Dandelion leaf, 2gr Chamomile,
Boil 2gr Golden Rod for 20 minutes. Strain together.

13.00pm

Drink 200ml Carrot juice (Fresh is best).

15.00pm

Drink 200ml Carrot juice.

17.00pm

Drink 200ml Vegetable stock and 200ml Green juice (such as Wheatgrass or Nettle juice).

19.00pm

Berry Juice (Blueberry or Cranberry - not blackcurrants).

Soothing the Itch

Massage with Chickweed juice. Fill a food mixer with Chickweed and 100ml still water. Mix for 2 minutes. Squeeze out the juice and massage into the affected area. You can also add 5 - 10ml Aloe vera concentrate.

RECIPES

Each recipe makes 100% e.g. 10% would be 10 ml in a 100 ml blend. You may add up to 0.5% of essential oils of your preference.

Article reprinted with permission from www.aromantic.com" © Copyright Aromantic 2002-2004

About the Author:

Kolbjørn Borseth of Aromantic specializes in empowering people of all levels in making their own highly effective natural skin care products. Through his web site customers are able to access many free resources as well as being able to order all the raw materials, equipment and know-how required to make aromatherapy products, creams, shampoos, soaps and cosmetics.

Visit Kolbjørn's Natural Skin Care web site at: http://www.aromantic.co.uk