There is no scientifically verified adult acne cure, although many companies claim that their products have curative powers.  That being said, there are many treatments that have scientifically proven effectiveness.

As it is with most health problems, the best approach is a holistic one; treating the problem from the inside out and from the outside in.  Not only could these suggestions provide the remedy you are looking for, they could also improve your overall health.

Eat Like a Caveman

When it comes to diet, anything can be taken to the extreme.  There is some controversy surrounding the caveman or Paleolithic diet, because people can overdo it and fail to meet their minimum nutritional requirements.

The basic idea is a good one.  Rather than eating modern processed and prepared foods, we should eat more natural foods.

Researchers have found that there are populations that do not suffer from acne, even during their teen years.  Scientists refer to them as “non-Westernized” societies.  They don’t have access to pizza and other fast foods.

Their diets are relatively simple; fruits, nuts, vegetables, meats, fish and seafood.  As you can see, there is an absence of grains and dairy products.  Cutting out grains and dairy products could be the adult acne cure you are looking for.

To be honest, we really don’t need those foods.  The studied populations have no high blood pressure, no diabetes and no obesity.  They do not suffer from strokes or ischemic heart disease.  And, they don’t have pimples.

Don’t Over Cleanse

Contrary to what you might think, dirt is not the cause of your problem.  While blackheads might look like dirt that has become stuck in the pores, they are actually oxidized keratin.  Keratin is the protein that makes up the cells of the skin’s outer layers.

A harsh cleanser or exfoliant might be promoted as an adult acne cure, but it can actually make the problem worse.  Exfoliants can make tiny cuts in the skin that cause inflammation.  Inflammation is actually the cause of your problem.

One of the reasons that the caveman diet may be effective is because it reduces inflammation throughout the body.  Topical and oral anti-inflammatory drugs are known to help heal pimples and reduce break outs.  It’s just that the drugs are accompanied by numerous unwanted side effects and cannot be taken on a regular basis.

So, your goal is to keep irritation and inflammation to a minimum.  Use a gentle cleanser containing tea tree, Neem or active manuka honey and don’t overdo it.

Carefully Evaluate the Ingredients in Your Skincare Products

If you wear makeup, you need to be extra-careful about the ingredients it contains.  In some cases, changing the brand of makeup used has been an adult acne cure.  Why?
Most makeup and other skincare products contain petrolatum, mineral oil or paraffin.  Men will find these ingredients in their shaving cream, after shave lotion, body wash and shampoo.

Because they are so incompatible with human skin, those ingredients clog the pores, cause greasiness and trigger an immune system response that contributes to acne.

If you don’t find the adult acne cure that works for you on this page, don’t give up.  There are many other suggestions on the other pages of this site.

If you are looking for a homeopathic acne treatment, you are probably hoping that it will be safe, natural and effective.  There are so many products available, finding a really good one can be challenging.

Some people try dozens of different ones before they find something that really works for them.  While the trial and error process is “okay”, be careful not to waste your money and your time.

The information here should help you avoid the trial and error process.  If you follow these suggestions, you are more likely to get the result that you want, right from the start.

1.  Look for tea tree oil.  Also known as melaleuca oil, it comes from an Australian tree.  It has proven to be as effective as benzoyl peroxide in at least three comparative studies, but it does not cause excessive dryness or irritate sensitive skin.  It works by killing the P. acnes bacteria and reducing inflammation.  A 5% concentration is most effective.

2.  Look for Neem oil.  Neem oil can be found in a variety of skincare products.  It is well known for its medicinal activity in some parts of the world.  Like tea tree oil, it has natural anti-bacterial activity, but does not cause dryness.
3.  Look for a homeopathic acne treatment containing Active Manuka Honey.  Honey has been used for thousands of years as a home remedy for numerous ailments.  Manuka honey is one of the few that has been tested for its antibacterial activity.  Look for the “Unique Manuka Factor” rating to be sure that it is the active type.

4.  Take vitamin B5.  While the compounds mentioned above are applied topically to promote healing and reduce inflammation, there are a number of nutrients that you can take to help prevent future breakouts.  Vitamin B5 is one of them.

5.   Take beta-carotene and vitamin E.  Technically, vitamin therapy is not a homeopathic acne treatment, but the nutrients are natural and safe when taken as directed.  Beta-carotene is converted within the body to vitamin A.  Dermatologists have found that most of their new acne patients have low blood levels of vitamin A.

It is important to look for beta-carotene, rather than retinol, the animal form of vitamin A.  Beta-carotene is non-toxic even at high doses.

Retinol is the active compound in tretinoin, a prescription drug for treating acne.  It is toxic at high doses and causes numerous side effects.  An adverse reaction to tretinoin is what causes many people to start looking for a homeopathic acne treatment in the first place.

6.  Eat more fruits and vegetables.  Cut back on simple carbs like snacks, junk food, sugary baked goods and breakfast cereals.  The simple carbs trigger the release of a hormone that causes glands to swell and clog the pores.  Fruits and vegetables are also rich in beta-carotene and vitamin E.

7.  Look for skincare products containing extracts from fruits and vegetables.  Vitamin A, E and B5 work when applied topically, as well as when taken orally.

There are cleansers, creams and ointments on the market derived from avocado, citrus and other fruits that contain those nutrients, as well as others.  Combined or separately, they make an effective homeopathic acne treatment.

Let’s start with the mind, since it is the part of the whole person that is most often overlooked.  Scientific studies have shown that increased stress contributes to flare-ups or break outs.

The teenage years are very stressful for many people.  Learning stress reduction techniques at an early age can benefit you throughout your life.  Chronic stress causes a variety of age-related health problems.  Consider taking a yoga class or learning to do deep breathing exercises.

Depression sometimes accompanies the condition.  More doctors are starting to recommend omega-3 fish oil supplements for their patients, because they have natural anti-depressant activity and anti-inflammatory activity.

Inflammation is one of the causes of pimples.  The oil-secreting sebaceous glands deep within the pores of the skin become swollen due to hormonal changes. The oil becomes trapped and mixes with dead skin cells.  Bacteria naturally present in the pores feeds on the mixture.  This slight infection triggers the immune system to cause even more inflammation.

Omega-3 fish oil helps to minimize inflammation.  Depending on your age, you take 1000-2000mg per day in capsule form.  It’s tasteless and odorless.

Now, let’s look at your diet.  Dietary changes can be very effective body acne treatments.  You might not understand the connection between what you eat and how your skin looks.  It is a pretty complicated subject.

Simply put, there are foods that contribute to inflammation and stimulate excessive hormone production.  Some foods even contain the hormones that have been linked to acne.  The hormones in question are testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1).

Three recent studies showed a link between eating dairy products and increased break-outs.  Cow’s milk naturally contains a variety of hormones including IGF-1.

So if you drink a lot of milk, you regularly eat cheese and like other dairy products, cutting back could be one of the effective body acne treatments.  But, you may need to add some different foods to your diet in order to get enough calcium.

Broccoli, spinach, Swiss chard, kale and soybeans are good sources of calcium, as are many other foods.  Contrary to popular belief, we do not have to drink cow’s milk or eat dairy products in order to get all of the calcium we need every day.

Other dietary changes that could be effective body acne treatments include cutting out junk food, processed sugars and white bread.  Those foods are simple carbohydrates that trigger the release of IGF-1.

Fruits and vegetables are complex carbohydrates.  They do not trigger IGF-1 release and they contain the vitamins A and E.  Numerous studies have shown that people with acne have low blood levels of both those vitamins.

You are probably interested in topically applied solutions that can speed healing.  Tea tree oil kills the P. acnes bacteria and has anti-inflammatory activity, but does not cause the excessive drying associated with benzoyl peroxide.  Look for a 5% tea tree oil concentration.  It’s also called melaleuca oil.

What you have read about here are only a few of the natural body acne treatments.  If you are disappointed with the ones here, try some others.  Just don’t give up.

There are two categories of treatments that may be beneficial; those that are applied topically and those that are taken orally.  Dietary changes may also be beneficial, but are not included here, because it takes a little longer for them to work.

Topically Applied Treatments

There are many natural anti-inflammatories and any of them could be beneficial, if mashed to a pulp and applied directly to a pimple.  But, only a few natural products have been proven  in laboratory studies to have both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity.  As you may know, two of the factors that cause break outs are inflammation in the sebaceous glands and a specific kind of bacteria.

Because of the antiseptic and antifungal properties tea tree oil is excellent for treating acne. Only a dab is should be applied to the pimple either full strength or diluted with purified water. You can find tea tree oil at your local health food store very inexpensively in a small bottle which will last a few months to more than a year.

Tea tree oil will dissolve puss and help the skin flush out the bacteria resulting in the pimple shrinking and then disappearing within a matter of 24 hours to a few days depending on the size and depth of the pimple.

It is more affective to treat the acne with tea tree oil only after the skin has been cleansed with a gentle facial cleanser.  Remember to use an organic cleanser or at least a cleanser with no harsh chemicals. Apply tea tree oil to speed up the healing of acne two times daily full strength. If this causes irritation dilute the tea tree oil with purified water.

Other herbs that may be beneficial include Neem oil and haldi, which is another name for the spice turmeric.

Jojoba oil has been used with some degree of success in treating a variety of skin conditions, but since the other herbs have antibacterial activity, they are probably better choices as quick acne home remedies.

Oral Supplements

Nutritional supplements have long been recognized as beneficial.  Like dietary changes, they may take a little longer to work, but if you want to see the biggest improvement in your appearance, it’s a good idea to use the combination approach. In other words, take the supplements and use some tea tree oil.

Low blood levels of the vitamins A and E are often found accompanying the condition.  That is probably due to a lack of fruits and vegetables in the diet.  Look for a nutritional supplement that contains beta-carotene and the natural form of vitamin E.  High doses of vitamin A can be toxic.

Fish oil is another quick acne home remedy.  Even though you might not notice an immediate improvement, it works faster than most nutritional supplements.  It has the effect of reducing inflammation throughout the body.

Using the spice turmeric in your diet or taking a supplement that contains it may also be beneficial, because of its natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial activity.  Other nutrients known to be beneficial for skin conditions include sulfur, PABA, iodine, biotin and vitamin B5.

In closing, it pays to be cautious about products advertised as quick acne remedies.  Instead of improving the condition, they could make the problem worse.

Prescription Drugs

Drug treatments may be taken orally, applied topically or both, depending on the severity and the doctor.  Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed, because of bacteria known as P. acnes.  P. acnes are not the underlying cause of the condition, but they do play a role.

The use of oral antibiotics is not as popular as it once was because the bacteria are becoming more resistant to the drugs.  Topical antibiotics are just as effective as the oral ones and are less likely to cause adverse reactions.

Hormones, such as the oral contraceptive for women, are sometimes prescribed.  Cortisone shots can be used in a dermatologist’s office.

Retinoids, which are a synthetic form of vitamin A, are prescribed both orally and topically, but the oral ones cause birth defects and cannot be used by women that could become pregnant.  A woman must use two separate forms of birth control or take a vow of abstinence in order to get a prescription for the drug.

Topical retinoids are safe, for the most part, but not generally used as an acne remedy.  Typically, they are prescribed for mild to moderate cases and are available only by prescription.  Initially, they may cause a worsening of the condition, accompanied by redness or flushing.

Non-Prescription Treatments

Supplements containing beta-carotene, which is converted within the body to vitamin A, are recommended for most cases, because low blood levels of vitamin A are typically present.  Supplements containing vitamin E are typically recommended for moderate-severe cases, because low levels of that vitamin are found in people with bigger problems.  Both are generally safe and can be used by anyone.

Use caution when using sulfur containing products. If you have dry skin the sulfur may cause more drying and this will irritate the acne rather than heal it. Test a small area with acne first before applying to other areas with acne.

Sulfur based cleansers are a better alternative than most soaps and detergents, because they help to maintain the skin’s pH balance.  The skin naturally has an acidic pH, which is not ideal for the growth of P. acnes.  Using regular soaps or detergents can lead to a more alkaline pH, which allows the bacteria to proliferate.

Sulfur based cleansers are a better alternative than most soaps and detergents, because they help to maintain the skin’s pH balance.  The skin naturally has an alkaline pH, which is not ideal for the growth of P. acnes.  Using regular soaps or detergents can lead to a more acidic pH, which allows the bacteria to proliferate.

In Office Treatments

Other than the cortisone shots mentioned above, which work quickly to shrink a pimple or cyst, there are other in-office treatments that may be effective, including microdermabrasion and laser treatments.  The effectiveness of these treatments vary, which is a major consideration, because of the added expense.

Most doctors prefer the use of oral retinoids for severe acne.  But, your doctor may have another suggestion in your case.

So, there are a number of reasons that people might look for alternatives.  Here is suggested plan of action.

What we aim for in alternative medicine is to treat the underlying cause, rather than the symptoms.  In this case, the causes are inflammation and bacterial over-growth.  While the advice here may not have an immediate effect, if you stick with the program, you should see the results that you want.

RESEARCH BELOW PARAGRAPHS ON ACIDIC VS. ALKALINE

1. Stop using soap.  The idea that the pimples and cysts are caused by poor hygiene is completely wrong.  The skin’s normal pH level is of an acid nature that keeps bacteria growth under control.  Most soaps and cleansers change the pH to a more alkaline base, which allows the bacteria to proliferate.

Good hygiene is still important, but you should look for sulfur-based cleansers.  They allow the skin to maintain its normal acidic pH level.

2. Take a good multi-nutritional supplement.  There is reason to believe that improving one’s nutritional intake may be a natural cystic acne cure.  In the most severe cases, low blood levels of the vitamins A and E are typically present.

Retinoids, the drugs preferred by doctors, are actually a synthetic form of vitamin A.  The best supplements will contain beta-carotene, the safest form of vitamin A, vitamin E, sulfur, iodine, curcumin and PABA.

Take 1000-2000mg of fish oil every day, in addition to your multi-nutritional supplement.  Fish oil has natural anti-inflammatory activity.

3. Don’t squeeze or pick.  Squeezing and picking actually worsens inflammation and can lead to scarring.  Instead, when you have a pimple or cyst, alternate the use of warm and cold compresses.

Use a cream containing tea tree oil to reduce the inflammation.  Tea tree oil is sometimes promoted as a natural cystic acne cure, but when used alone, it is not that effective.

4. Avoid junk food.  Your diet should be rich in nutritional value, provide sufficient calories, fats, carbohydrates and proteins.  But, if you eat the wrong foods or the wrong type of carbohydrates, it could trigger breakouts.

Junk food is low in nutritional value, but high in calories, fat and carbs.  That’s why we call it junk food.

Most of it also counts as simple carbohydrates, which are digested too quickly, causing a spike in blood sugar and insulin levels, which in turn contributes to inflammation in the sebaceous glands and irritates the hair follicles, leading to pimples and cysts.

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes and other plant foods keep blood sugar levels stable and should keep your skin clear.

5. Use jojoba for scarring.  Although jojoba has sometimes been used as a natural acne cure, it has no anti-inflammatory or antibacterial activity.  But, it can reduce and prevent scarring.

Because fruits and vegetables are digested slowly, they keep blood sugar, insulin and other hormone levels stable, which is important, as insulin plays a role in most skin problems.  On the other hand, eating junk food or simple carbohydrates, such as white bread, rice, potatoes or sugar, causes a spike in blood sugar and insulin levels, which can lead to inflammation.

Recent research indicates that the simple carbs play a role in the development of wrinkles, too.  So, in order to look good now and later, we should all stay away from the simple carbs.

The prescription drug commonly prescribed as an acne treatment and a wrinkle remedy is actually a synthetic form of vitamin A. Naturally vitamin A is found in carrots and other red and orange colored vegetables.  Over the counter treatments containing beta-carotene and natural vitamin A, as well as supplements containing them, are a good treatment option.

Orange rinds are some of the best acne home remedies.  They can be used as scrubs and the mildly acidic fresh squeezed orange juice can be used as astringents.

Alpha and beta hydroxy acids, ingredients that you will see in many over-the-counter and prescription treatments for acne and wrinkles, are actually derived from citrus and other types of fruits.  Your own freshly squeezed juices will be milder; less likely to cause the redness and irritation associated with the use of the hydroxy acids.

Recent studies indicate that dairy products may contribute to breakouts.  The researchers’ theory is that the hormones in the dairy products are the cause.  But, if you decide to cut back on dairy, you will need to be sure to get your calcium from other sources, such as broccoli and cauliflower.

Sulfur-based creams and cleansers have long been recognized as some of the better acne home remedies.  As you may know, pimples, blackheads and blemishes are not caused by an accumulation of dirt, but keeping the skin clean is an important part of good hygiene.

Most cleansers, though, change the skin’s natural pH and contribute to the proliferation of the P. acnes bacteria.  Sulfur-based cleansers contribute to a slightly acidic pH, which is more like the skin’s normal pH level.  Sulfur can also be found in some of the better dietary supplements.

Some of the better acne home remedies are herbs like aloe vera, Neem, turmeric, papaya and tea tree oil.  In addition to being natural anti-inflammatories, like fruits and vegetables, they have natural antibacterial activity, too.

You may be able to learn how to make a salve from any of the herbs, but it’s easier to use a ready-made solution containing them.  Topically applied products containing one or more of the herbs are available for order, off and online.

Sometimes, you need a little help from expert manufacturers to get the best home remedy.  But, to be pimple-free is worth the time it takes to place an order.

Here’s a look at a few of the myths, the real causes and the better solutions.

Laxatives became a popular treatment in the 1930s, when radiation treatments were also used.  Obviously, radiation was found to be unsafe.  The use of laxatives was discontinued by the mainstream medical community, simply because they are ineffective and can be habit forming.

Some alternative practitioners suggest increased fiber intake, which can be accomplished through eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains.  Fiber supplements are not habit forming, but eating more fruits and vegetables provide more benefits, because of the vitamin A and E they contain.

Blood tests typically show that people with the condition have low levels of both vitamin A and E.  Some dermatologists prescribe increased intake of those vitamins, as well as vitamin C of their patients.   A good multi-vitamin can be purchased over the counter, too.

Alpha lipoic acid is a phenomenal antioxidant and is four hundred times stronger that vitamin C. It revitalizes skin cells and collagen, reduces wrinkles and inflammation. It causes the skin to return to its natural, healthy glow.

Alpha lipoic acid also strengthens the immune system. With a healthy immune system the body is able to heal itself of acne or any other illness or condition. A healthy immune system will result in preventing acne breakouts and healing existing acne.

Sunbathing is one of the acne spots home remedies that might have some merit.  Although overexposure should be avoided, because of the risk of sun cancer, a small amount of sunshine every day or whenever possible allows the body to produce vitamin D, another antioxidant.

The heat of the sun may be beneficial for reducing the inflammation and “drying” out excess sebum.  Recent research indicates that the red and blue bands of sunlight generate the production of free radicals, which can be damaging to the cells, but they are also effective for killing the P. acnes bacteria.

The P. acnes bacteria are one of the actual causes of pimples, blemishes and blackheads.  Overproduction of skin cells and sebum, as well as chronic inflammation is involved, as well.  The most effective acne spots home remedies will address those causes.

There are a number of herbs and botanicals that have natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity.  Curcumin, derived from the spice plant turmeric, is one of the most active.  Traditional Indian practitioners typically prescribed turmeric.  Modern research has proven they were correct in doing so.

Antibacterial soaps are sometimes recommended, but if they are not sulfur-based, they could change the skin’s natural pH balance, which accelerates the proliferation of the P. acnes bacteria.  Manuka honey and tea tree oil have natural antibacterial activity and can be used as a chin acne remedy.

There are any number of topical acne remedies and medications available in your neighborhood drugstore. The question you need to ask yourself is whether you wish to subject your skin to harsh chemical treatments, or try a natural acne scar treatment at home.

Synthetic products can affect the long term health of your skin. A homemade or natural scar treatment method on the other hand will be softer and gentler on your skin, and not have any of the harmful and uncomfortable side effects that medications have. There are a number of options for such home remedies.

A quick and easy natural acne scar removal treatment is juice of fresh citrus fruits like limes or lemons. The juice has natural bleaching and astringent qualities and lightens and removes acne scars and other skin blemishes. It is easy to use too. Just apply the juice directly on to the acne scars or blemishes with a cotton ball. After waiting for about ten minutes, to allow your skin to absorb the juice, wash off with cool water.

Some oils are also very good for the skin in general, and for removal of scars in particular. Olive oil for example, improves the tone and texture of skin, and can help remove acne scars. Olive oil moisturizes and softens the skin reducing the visibility of scars. This treatment is easy to use. Just massage the olive oil into the skin of the scarred areas.

Essential oils like lavender oil are also good for scar removal. Dab it on to the problem areas with a cotton ball soaked in the lavender oil two or three times a day to see a difference.

Other scar treatment options around the house include honey, another natural moisturizer. This can be used in a face mask or taken orally as part of a scar treatment remedy. Egg whites too are an effective way to treat acne scars. Just dab it onto the scarred area and leave it on overnight.

Tomatoes and cucumbers are other cheap, easily available, but effective ways of treating acne scars. The vitamin A in tomatoes hinders overproduction of sebum and its antioxidant qualities refresh and renew damaged skin. Just place tomato slices on the scarred areas or use a dab of puree as a topical treatment. Cucumber has similar properties as it soothes, refreshes, and heals the skin. Use cucumber juice as a dab on remedy, or juice and paste in a face mask.

A good way to optimize the scar removing properties of both these substances is to treat acne scars and other blemishes with a face mask of tomato puree and cucumber paste. This will reduce the visibility of scars and tightens the pores to improve skin texture.

Sandalwood, sour cream, yogurt, oatmeal, fenugreek, and other such home remedies are also often quite effective in treating acne scars. Try one or more of these natural scar treatment options and see which works best for you.

Any chemical based, or antibiotic, treatment for acne is not only expensive, but also has a negative effect on skin health. Harsh chemicals, and the side effects of most drugs, might be something you have to put up with when serious illness threatens. However, skin friendly herbal acne remedies might be a good idea if you really want to uproot the problem, and restore the natural balance of your system. The phytochemicals in herbal remedies can help to undo the chemical imbalance that is causing the acne in the first place.

Herbal acne remedies stimulate the cleansing of blood, liver function, and restore hormonal balance. They help to eliminate harmful bacterial and fungal infections, and they can even help to suppress the production of androgenic hormones in your body. Some of the herbs used regularly for acne remedies also have anti-inflammatory properties which are helpful in treating acne and other skin conditions.

The prime mode of operation of the herbal acne remedies is to reduce the amount of the P. acnes bacteria in your body. This leads to the reduction of acne in a much softer and far less harsh way than blocked-pore treatments like benzoyl peroxide. As a general rule, such herbal remedies often work just as well as drugs, but have far fewer, or no, side effects, and don’t do your skin nearly as much harm.

Some common herbs used for acne control include German chamomile, calendula, witch hazel, flaxseed and flaxseed oil, licorice root, aloe vera, burdock root, jojoba oil, neem and tea tree oil.

Aloe vera, for example, has healing and soothing properties which are great for skin issues like sunburns and abrasions. The same properties make it an effective treatment option for acne. Burdock root can be made into a tea and purges toxins from the skin.

Jojoba oil decreases the excess production of sebum, thus lowering acne breakouts. It is also a natural moisturizer with soothing properties. Jojoba oil is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory which speeds up the healing of acne. Neem is a great skin herb from India, and has a number of medicinal properties. A herbal neem tea, although bitter, will go a long way in cleaning up that acne, as will applying a paste of it, preferably mixed with some gram flour as a pack. Tea tree oil is antibacterial as well as antiviral, and can be used topically, right on the pimple.

Whether you use fresh herbs, herbal teas, or homeopathy, which is often derived from herbs such as these, you are sure to get good results, without putting your skin through the irritation, itching and other side effects that normal acne treatments have.