by Sarah Parrish

Created on: August 27, 2011   Last Updated: August 29, 2011

Many factors cause acne, from over-active hormones and clogged pores, to oily, sensitive skin.  Although acne can be caused by different effectors, it can be lessened or treated by three main factors: a healthy diet, exercise, and clean skin.  Herbal treatments can help in two of those three categories: diet and cleaning skin.  The simple matter of exercise, however, shouldn't be underrated because it benefits mental health, in addition to the health of the entire body.  Sunlight and the ultraviolet rays contained in it also, in moderation, help skin because those ultraviolet light rays kill bacteria that lives on skin.

Diet: Echinacea

Echinacea tea  is beneficial to a person's health because it removes impurities from the blood circulation system.  It helps boost the immune system, too.  Because echinacea removes impurities and toxins from circulation, it allows the body's natural immune system to more readily fight off bacteria like the kind that can cause acne.  It's a good idea to make it a habit to drink echinacea tea at least once a week.

Clean skin: lavender, chamomile and thyme

These three herbs are known for being excellent cleaning agents.  Chamomile is especially helpful for very sensitive skin and has the added benefit of making a soothing, relaxing tea.  Thyme and lavender are both freshening.  Lavender, especially, leaves a pleasant aroma.  Any combination of the above herbs make a good skin cleaning solution.  Before applying this solution, wash the face with a very mild soap to get rid of excess oil.  Rinse in warm to hot water to open the pores.  If pores are particularly clogged, steam the face and either include these herbs in the steam bath, or rinse the face with a tonic of these herbs after steaming.

After the skin is cleaned and the pores have been opened and washed, it's smart to close the pores again to help prevent dirt and grime from reclogging them.  Use a honey-water rinse or rosewater to close the pores again.  Honey is also an antioxidant and helps skin remain healthy by removing or quenching free radicals. 

A quick rinse in cold water has two purposes after skin has been cleaned: it's refreshing and it seals pores.  While honey and rosewater help pores close and provide toner-like effects, cold water closes pores effectively, though it is a short-term effect.

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