Acne, technically known as acne vulgaris, is a common problem faced mostly by teenagers. The hair follicles underlying the skin contain glands at their roots which secrete a natural oily substance called sebum. When the blood circulating through these sebaceous glands contains impurities, small eruptions occur on the surface of the skin. The sebum trapped in the skin pores is pale in color and causes what are popularly called whiteheads. When it accumulates dust and dirt and comes into contact with air, it turns dark in color and turns into blackheads. It is also a commonly known fact that hormonal imbalance can also cause acne. Thus, adolescents often suffer from this condition, as the onset of puberty leads to a sudden increase in the production of the hormone testosterone, which triggers off the eruption of pimples on the face.
Though the use of cosmetic products is popularly advertised as a means of treatment for acne, it is advisable to adopt natural cures for acne, as these do not harm the skin in any way. To effectively treat acne diet should be paid great attention to, as what you eat greatly determines the natural health of your skin. Drink at least eight to ten glasses of water daily. This helps flush out toxins from the body and naturally moisturizes the skin too. Eat lots of fruits and green and leafy vegetables. Avoid eating deep-fried, oily food and processed food rich in sugar or caffeine content. Also make sure that you wash your face with water frequently in order to keep it oil- and dirt-free. Besides these general measures, there are a few simple home remedies to get rid of acne. Mix one part of cinnamon powder with three parts of honey and apply this on the pimples before going to bed at night. Wash your face properly the next morning. Continue this routine for a few weeks for best results. Mixing a pinch of cinnamon powder in the juice of lime and applying it on acne also helps. Make a face pack by mixing equal portions of sandalwood powder and ground black gram in cold water and apply it on the affected area. Wash it off after it dries. Applying the pulp or the juice of cucumber not only reduces acne but also moisturizes the skin. Another popular remedy for acne is the paste of dried and powdered orange peel mixed with water.