Skin Care Solutions for Acne

Condition overview

• Acne symptoms include plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), inflamed pimples, cysts and deep bumps known as nodules.
• Caused by fluctuating hormones, bacteria levels, certain medications and even heredity.
• Although most often associated with teenagers, adult acne is very common and can be linked to hormones from ovulation, menstruation, childbirth or menopause.
• The overproduction of sebum (oil), irregular shedding of dead skin cells and a buildup of bacteria all contribute to the formation of acne.
• Over cleansing or scrubbing your skin can aggravate the condition, making acne worse.
• Although it mostly occurs on the face, acne can also be found on the chest, back and shoulders.

Key ingredient to look for

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  Tea Tree Oil

  A powerful essential oil, tea tree oil is thought to have antimicrobial properties to heal and prevent acne without the dryness and irritation associated with conventional products such as benzoyl peroxide. Pure tea tree oil, available from Primavera, should only be directly applied when diluted appropriately with water or aloe vera. Mix one-part oil with nine parts water or pure aloe vera gel.

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  Aloe Vera

  Long used for its anti-inflammatory qualities, aloe vera helps rebuild scarred or damaged skin. It soothes skin and can help reduce swelling and redness in current acne while the mild astringent qualities prevent further outbreaks.

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  Calendula

  Extremely gentle, yet ideal for promoting healing, calendula has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Used for centuries to treat everything from insect bites and burns to cuts and scrapes, it also helps calm and soothe eczema, acne and psoriasis.

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  Honey

  Full of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, honey helps heal acne while simultaneously soothing skin. It’s also non-irritating and non-drying. Manuka honey from New Zealand, found in many Living Nature products, is specifically known for its healing and repairing benefits for skin conditions ranging from acne and eczema to burns and infections.