The Best Natural Acne Face Mask - only 3 ingredients

Acne or medically known as Acne Vulgaris is one of those embarrassing things that happen beyond your control and usually right when your expected to head out and face the world. Acne does not discriminate and affects both women and men and particularly occurs in adolescence, but unfortunately can carry on to adult hood with detrimental effects.

Acne is basically caused due to blockages of Sebum in the oil glands and usually starts when the sebaceous (oil) glands become active during puberty. These glands become active due to increase in testosterone in the body being produced by the adrenal glands (this occurs in both genders). Pimples form when the follicles under the oil gland gets blocked and a build up of oil occurs which turns in to painful swelling. Whilst acne can and often is painful and embarrassing, the other biggest problem is what it can leave behind once its gone...scars! Most people suffer acne on their face, but it is also quite common on the back, chest, shoulders and neck.

Acne is believed to be caused by a range of factors including lifestyle, hormones and diet. Experts however believe the biggest cause is from a rise in the hormone called androgen which occurs in adolescence. Also it has been thought to be genetic and if you are susceptible, then things like greasy cosmetics can trigger the acne outbreak or a life change such as pregnancy. However knowing these things are the cause, its still often difficult to pinpoint the exact reason for your own breakouts and hence you may have to go through a lot of trial and error with treatment options before you are able to blemish free.

There are many different options on the market today to treat acne. If you go to your local supermarket you will find almost every brand of facial care possible has their own acne treatment range, same with the chemist there are plenty of prescription and non-prescription medical treatments available. Go to a homeopath and again they will give you herbal washes and supplements to assist, but in saying all these do they actually work?

I am not here to tell you what is right and wrong, but I have had plenty of issues these past couple of years with acne and being almost 30 and this being the first time I have them it's a big issue. I have tried all sorts of things some have worked initially, but still I am waiting to find that secret to get rid of them from the root....trust me when I find that out I will share.

Some of the common treatment methods are over the counter medications which can be purchased in supermarkets, pharmacies or high end department stores. Most of these treatments are topical and treat the problem cosmetically and can be purchased as gels, soaps, creams, and lotions. Often they contain specific ingredients that are believed to alleviate the problems such as: Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, Sulfur, Retin-A and Azelaic Acid, however be careful as some can be a bit harsh on sensitive skin.

More intense treatments for acne however involve seeing your doctor and being referred to a dermatologist who may prescribe you with an oral or topical antibiotic which will combat the growth of the bacteria and reduce the seriousness of the acne. Usually Erythromyocin and Tetacycline are common treatments. Other treatments that are commonly used by your doctor if your a woman could be the oral contraceptive pill which works on stabilising ones hormones. These methods whilst they tend to work have to be taken with a bit more care and should be discussed with your doctor before making this decision.

Another common theory is stress causes acne, so it is suggested that leading a more healthy and active lifestyle can decrease the occurrences of pimples. Although this is a practice everyone should adopt and not just those with acne issues. It is said that exercising for up to an hour 3 times a week will get your body on the right track, but just make sure you take up something you enjoy and or something that will reduce your stress levels. The same goes for food, if you change up a good portion of the bad foods and eat healthy vitamin rich foods instead it is believed your skin will benefit. Also with eating well your body stresses less and theres two birds with one stone....? Easy! Allergies are thought to increase the incidence of acne also however this is debatable, but it is believed milk (dairy) can cause a lot of significant effects and basically a high glycemic load diet is seen to potentially worsen acne.

Lastly, vitamins or herbal supplements. There are few that are said to support good health and reduce the serious effects of acne and again this is not to replace a healthy diet. Vitamin E is said to assist with skin repair (scarring), Evening Primrose Oil for the regulation of female hormones, Zinc, Turmeric, and Liquorice Root are also some that are common additions for a healthy diet to combat acne. Also another one for female hormones is herbal tea - Red Clover and Chaste Tree are popular ingredients used in the treatments also.

So whilst I have and still try a lot of the above methods, I have found a face mask that has reduced the pimples I have, assisted with the scarring and cleaned my skin better than any of the other methods to date. I have included the recipe below, its easy, cheap and produces results.....

• Ensure you keep your face clean, by washing it with care twice a day. Use a mild soap or cleanser with warm water (I like to use Goats Milk Soap as this is gentle and free of irritants or a face wash aimed at people with acne). Avoid exfoliating or scrubbing the skin as this can spread the acne. Once your face is clean splash with cold water as this will close the pores that have opened from the warm water.

• Refrain from touching your face - if you sit at a desk all day its tempting to touch the problem areas, but touching only worsens the infection and can spread. Always keep your hands clean and wipe down your phone and glasses with bacteria cleaner as these can further spread the virus.

• When applying face creams or make up - wash hands thoroughly first. Also regularly wash make up brushes (weekly) with tea tree oil was and hot water and let them sun dry to kill of bacteria build up.

• Do not squeeze or burst the pimples as this can push the infection further into the skin and cause more swelling and redness which can also cause the pimples to spread. Also this can damage the skin which will increase your chances of scarring.

• Don't go to sleep with make up on! Always clean your face before going to bed to give your face the chance to breath.

• Change your pillowcase every couple of days and also your face towel, this reduces your risk of re-contimaniation.

• If you have hair that falls onto your face, ensure its always clean and non-greasy as greasy hair increases the instances of pimples and acne.

• Eat a healthy balanced diet and drink plenty of water.

• Stress less - mediate or do yoga.

• Take supplements and vitamins that can assist with treating acne from within.

• Exercise - this give toxins a chance to leave your body.