The best acne treatments are provided by nature, absolutely free of charge. Proper nutrition, exercise, sunshine and the right soaps are essential keys to a glowing, blemish-free complexion.

THE ACNE DEMON: JUNK FOOD

I fell victim to acne outbursts as a teen. My parents took me to a Dermatologist, who recommended that I steer away from greasy, salty foods, sodas and chocolate. As soon as I followed his dietary guideline, my blemishes began to diminish noticeably. Later, after my complexion woes were behind me, I discovered that anytime I indulged in a chocolate bar or soda, I'd have a couple of outbreaks the following day. That made a believer out of me.

Years later, I had my own teens who had inherited my oily skin type and teen acne. They were prescribed antibiotics to clear up their acne, but continued to eat all the junk foods they loved. Their breakouts only continued to worsen, in spite of medication. Finally, I said, "Trust me. Do away with the junk foods." Within a week or two, very noticeable results began to happen.

Most health food fanatics (no junk foods, little meat, organic fruits and vegetables)have glowing, blemish-free complexions. Think about it.

LET THE SUN SHINE IN (OR AT LEAST ON YOUR FACE):

Teen complexions seem to greatly improve during the summer months (when they are absorbing more of the sun's rays). It has recently been proved that the vitamins we absorb from the sun are also great cancer reducers, so it makes perfect sense to me that they would also be beneficial in fighting teen and adult acne, as well.

"In all things, moderation", and this especially applies to sunlight. Too much sun will have very adverse effects, which can lead to skin cancer. Health experts agree that just minutes a day can have many health advantages (and recommend exposing as much skin as possible-not just your face, arms or legs). Find a private spot on your patio or balcony and remove as much clothing as possible when you soak up those healthy rays from the sun each day.

EXERCISE: #1 STRESS BUSTER

Stress is one of the biggest acne contributors in teens, and the number one cause of adult acne. Exercise is the greatest stress reducer, so common sense tells us that if we exercise more our stress levels will lower drastically. Exercise is also one of the best ways to release toxins from our body, which is always a good thing.

CLEANLINESS: ACNE'S WORST ENEMY

Washing your face at least twice a day with a good, pure soap or antibacterial cleanser and astringent is a crucial part of acne treatment. Since acne does feed off of skin oils and dirt, it's essential to keep our faces clean. I really don't recommend one brand over another, but do make sure they are oil-free and dermatologist recommended. They need to come off with water (no cold creams that you just wipe away with a cloth). I do prefer name-brands over the generic store brands, and have had very successful personal results with the Neutrogena and Clearasil products.

It is not necessary to spend a lot of money treating acne. A lot of expensive products are out there, especially on infomercials, which tout they are the best acne product on the market and have all kinds of money-back guarantees. We've tried them all, and nothing worked as well for us as a bar of Neutrogena soap, some Sea-Breeze astringent and a little tube of Clearasil-all very inexpensive over-the-counter products. But, of course-the very best acne treatments-healthy eating, exercise and sunshine-didn't cost us a single dime.

Learn more about this author, Sheila-Ann Bender.
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