Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil used in many health care products from conditioners and shampoos to skin creams and ointments.

You can find pure undiluted tea tree oil in almost any natural health store, and in hundreds of places online.

Australian aboriginals have traditionally used tea tree leaves for healing skin cuts, burns, and infections. Usually the leaves are crushed and applied to the afflicted area.

Tea tree oil has also proven to be an effective natural treatment for acne and blackheads.

Tea tree oil has many antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. An antimicrobial compound called terpinen-4-ol acts as a deep cleansing mechanism for oily skin and clogged pores, without the harmful side effects that other more abrasive chemical cleansers can have.

Many of the more common topical treatments for acne and blackheads, like benzoyl peroxide, can cause dryness, redness, and general irritation of the skin. These side effects can be long lasting, and can sometimes make the acne breakouts even worse.

Change in Diet

Foods that are difficult for the body to digest can result in a sluggish digestive system. When the digestive system slows down, this can give rise to a number of skin conditions including acne.

Diets high in fat can cause the hormone levels in the body to rise significantly, which can greatly increase the sebum production process. The excess of sebum can cause the pores and hair follicles in the skin to become clogged, attracting bacteria which leads to irritation and infection causing acne.

While some fats in your diet are necessary for the absorption of certain vitamins in the body, a diet rich in saturated fats from fried foods, fatty meats, and dairy products can cause acne or a make a preexisting condition even worse. High fat diets can also cause poor blood circulation, making the skin more susceptible to acne.

To cure your acne and blackheads naturally, a general change in diet can do wonders.

A diet that consists of fiber-rich, plant based foods is vital to anyone who suffering from acne.
Plant based foods provide the necessary antioxidants and nutrients that are essential for healthy skin. A healthy, balanced diet will stimulate the digestive system and make metabolism easier. This will, in turn, stimulate blood flow to the skin and eradicate the toxins in the bloodstream that lead to bad skin.

If you have acne, also be sure to drink plenty of water to flush the system of acne-causing impurities. Healthy servings of a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables will strengthen the immune system, increase circulation, and lower the body's level of hormone production, leading to healthy glowing skin.

Eat a few servings of fish per week (or supplement with flaxseed oil) to maintain the proper levels of omega 3 fatty acids in the body. Eat plenty of whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and steer clear of excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption.

Most people who have tried prescription creams, pills, or over the counter drugs to cure their acne will tell you that the side effects of these methods can be quite damaging to the skin. In some cases, the adverse effects of these drugs can last for years, if not a life time.

Benzoyl peroxide is a treatment for mild to moderate acne. There are several different brands of acne products that use benzoyl peroxide in their products. Some can be purchased over the counter, and some products must be prescribed by a doctor. Benzoyl peroxide products come in the form of lotions, creams, and gels for topical use on the skin.

While benzoyl peroxide does work for some people with mild cases of acne, the potential side effects are hard to ignore-- especially compared to natural treatments for acne and blackheads that will treat acne without any sort of side effects.

The side effects of benzoyl peroxide can include: dryness, redness, itchy skin, tingling, stinging, blistering or burning.

If you are using any kind of prescribed or over the counter drug or cream that produces any harmful side effects, make sure you consult your doctor and stop using the treatment.

Many of these drugs (like Accutane) affect your body's natural production of oils in the skin. Accutane is for serious forms of acne and you must have prescription from your doctor to use it.

Almost everyone who takes Accutane experiences some sort of dryness in their lips, mouth, and sinuses, and Accutane can also cause itchy eyes and dry flaking skin.

This dryness may not subside for years, and has been known in some cases to remain for a lifetime.

Pregnant women are never allowed to use Accutane because it can cause severe birth defects.

If Accutane is taken for long periods of time, decreased bone mass, hair thinning and aching muscles and joints are possible side effects.

Short term side effects from Accutane can include depression, loss of appetite, stomach pains, and high cholesterol levels.

Avoid these harmful side effects by using a natural method to treat your acne and blackhead condition.