Banish Blemishes the Natural Way

Acne has to be one of the biggest beauty complaints of both men and women alike. Those nasty red eruptions attack at will and at any age, leaving many of us running for the closest drugstore to find a quick cure. Unfortunately, many of the acne treatments on the market not only get rid of the blemish, but can also dry out and irritate your skin causing flakiness and redness. Using natural, home remedies to banish those pesky pimples is a great alternative to using harsh chemicals and will leave your skin happy, healthy and clear.

Tea tree oil and garlic are two of nature's great antibiotics. Both can be used in the treatment of acne and are extremely effective. Tea tree oil which comes from the melaleuca tree has a distinct but not at all unpleasant scent and when dabbed on a blemish will go underneath the skin to kill bacteria thus speeding up the healing process. Tea tree oil can be found at any health food store and beauty stores like The Body Shop that carry products largely made from botanicals. Garlic is another highly effective bacteria buster which can be crushed and rubbed on the affected area and can dry out a pimpled patch of skin virtually overnight. The downside with using garlic is the fact that it is particularly smelly, and while it's a scent that is wonderful wafting out of your local Italian ristorante, you may not want to smell like a clove of the stuff if you plan on sharing your evening with someone special.

For a quick at home fix, toothpaste works wonders on pimples. Cover the entire pimple with regular toothpaste since gel toothpaste doesn't work as well, and the blemish will dry out in half the time than if left untreated. Crushing aspirin, which contains beta hydroxy acid and can unclog pores, and mixing it with water to create a paste makes a great pimple cure. Apply the paste directly over the spot and in a matter of hours it will diminish in size.

Using an ice cube to bring down redness and swelling in bigger, cystic pimples is also a great quick fix, although the ice will not get rid of the pimple, it will help to lessen the inflammation. Wetting a wascloth with hot water and using it as a compress over your blemishes helps to dilate the blood vessels and when followed with a splash of cold water helps the irritated area lose some of the redness and also assists in unclogging some of the built up sebum in your pores. If you have a cucumber handy, remember that slices of it will not only unpuff your eyes but can also reduce swelling caused by break outs. Just lay a cold slice of cucumber on the broken out area for a soothing and effective remedy.

To avoid scarring or redness after a pimple has, in essence, deflated, try dabbing the area with vitamin E oil, almond oil or aloe vera gel. Any of these will help in healing the irritated skin and help avoid any potential scarring or discoloration.

Of course, avoiding breakouts is the easiest way bid adieu to pimples before they even begin. Drinking plenty of water, at least 6-8 glasses a day, will keep your body flushed from impurities which would otherwise manifest on your skin. A diet full of fruits, veggies and leafy greens also helps keep your body clean and clear from the inside out. Making sure you avoid touching your face with unwashed hands and having a solid daily beauty routine in which you wash, tone and moisturize are also key to having unblemished skin. Try using a natural astringent such as witch hazel as a toner after you wash your face. It will wipe away any leftover dirt, cosmetics and environmental residue from your pores and leave your face feeling fresh.

Beautiful, clear skin doesn't have to come by way of harsh chemicals and drying, irritating agents. With a few natural items that you may already have in your fridge or pantry, you can banish those blemishes in no time without suffering the side effects of commercial acne cures. Of course, if your acne is severe, then a visit to a dermatologist is always the wisest way to go.