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Acne is a problem shared by many men and women alike.
It is distressing not just because they tend to deform the face, but also in that some forms of acne are pretty painful. Worse, acne leaves scars that may contribute to the afflicted person’s possible insecurities. Acne is usually caused by overactive hormones which results to excessive oil production by the sebaceous glands. Excessive sebum or body oils encourage bacteria growth in the skin and pores. While benzoyl peroxide is the main synthetic treatment for acne, and it is pretty effective, stop and consider that using chemicals, especially synthetic ones, are not as favorable for the body.
Not only would you be introducing foreign elements into your body, but also, you would be speeding up skin ageing and encouraging skin damage because synthetics tend to be harsh on the skin. Worse, they tend to break down the cells and would actually cause cancer in some cases. Aromatherapy has been in use for relaxation, pampering, and to introduce cell-renewing antioxidants onto the body. Aromatherapy agents are not only good for the stimulating contribution out of the aroma they give. These are also good for the healing properties of the essential oils used in aromatherapy sessions. One particularly healthy and helpful aromatherapy agent is the tea tree oil. It has antibacterial properties, antioxidants, and has been known to cure acne and dandruff because of its antibacterial nature. Not just the antibacterial properties help, but tea tree oil also has an astringent effect on the skin. Both contribute to its acne-fighting abilities. Acne care can also benefit from other essential oils like Lavender, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Palma Rosa, Sandalwood, Bergamot, Cajeput, Atlas Cedarwood, German Chamomile, Roman Chamomile, Geranium, Clary Sage, Grapefruit, Helichrysum, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rosemary, and Myrrh. Lavender oil is the agent used in treating acne. It has been used in Iran for the treatment of even skin burns and inflammatory (allergic) conditions. To use lavender oil in acne treatment, dilute one part of lavender oil in ten parts of water, then apply on skin. Caution has to be exercised, however, and a skin test is recommended, because lavender has also been known to be a powerful allergen. As you know, lavender is used to treat insomnia. Because of this, and also due to its strong properties, avoid lavender when you're pregnant. Lavender is also more effective if the dilutant used is witch hazel. Witch hazel has astringent properties that may help fight the sebum that is encouraging acne to develop. Citrus fruit juices are also used in acne. The acids exfoliate the skin, removing the dead skin, cleaning the pores, and exposing the newer, healthier skin. An example of a citrus-based essential oil used in acne treatment is bergamot oil. Bergamot oil is derived from the peel of the Bergamot orange, which is actually a cross between the pear lemon and the Seville orange or grapefruit. It is used in Earl Grey teas, and is very stimulating. Bergamot oil curbs the excessive production of oil in the skin. This is important in acne care, because as said earlier, acne is caused by excessive oil. You don't have to run to benzoyl peroxide to get rid of your zits. All you have to have is a stash of essential oils like tea tree, lavender and bergamot, and the natural astringent witch hazel, and you'll have acne-free skin in no time!
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