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Because of hormonal changes, the teenage years are usually when acne starts to rear its ugly head. Many teenagers are plagued by acne and they spend a lot of time, money and effort trying to find a cure for it.

Drugstores carry many acne creams. However, these creams can sometimes be too strong for teenage skin and they can be rather pricey. This is why many teens are now turning to home acne remedies which are gentle, effective, cheap and eco-friendly. Acne home remedies usually involve herbs for acne treatment. As ingredients like chamomile, witch hazel, lavender and licorice extract help reduce swelling, redness and irritation, they are often used in acne home remedies. However, did you know that some ingredients often found in many kitchens can also be used in acne home remedies?

Used since ancient times by the Egyptians and other civilizations, honey is an effective acne treatment. It is anti-microbial so it prevents and fights infections. As a natural sugar, it is hydroscopic so it absorbs water, moisturizing your skin and keeping it soft and supple. It can be used as a face masque, on its own or mixed in with ground anti-inflammatory spices such as cinnamon or turmeric. Applied to clean dry skin, it should be left on for 20-30 minutes and then rinsed off. Do this up to three times a week and you will see an improvement in your skin after just a few weeks.

Milk helps build strong bones and it is also one of many effective home acne treatment. Milk's hydrating properties help promote moisture and prevent dryness. It also contains essential proteins, amino acids and vitamin A that nourish skin. Rich is beta-hydroxyl, a natural skin conditioner, milk exfoliates skin. Lactic acid found in milk gently cleans and softens skin. Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxyl acid that dissolves the glue that holds dead skin cells together. Soaking in milk is an age-old acne home remedy that dates as far back as the time of Cleopatra who used to take milk and honey baths. The key to using milk as a home acne treatment is to soak only for five to ten minutes a few times a week depending on your skin's sensitivity. Rinse thoroughly after soaking as milk residue left on for too long might irritate skin.

Another great home acne treatment is exposing your skin to recently boiled water for five to ten minutes, a process known as steaming. This helps open pores loosen deep-seated dirt and oils. After steaming, you will find that impurities and blackheads are much easier to extract causing less irritation to skin. The process of steaming boosts circulation and this helps with detoxification. Too much steaming can be harsh on skin so only steam once a week if you have dry skin and up to three times a week if you have an oily complexion. By adding herbs for acne treatment into the hot water, you can maximize the benefits of steaming. Try mint to help soften pore-clogging dirt and oils. Lavender is anti-inflammatory and the addition of lavender to the water for steaming helps to prevent breakouts and reduce the inflammation of the skin. A splash cool water will close pores after a session of steaming.

Acne home remedies have proven themselves over the years. Not only are they inexpensive, they are gentle yet effective. Ideal for the treatment of teenage acne, they can also be used by people of all ages who suffer from acne.

The Acne Help Page is an online resource covering everything related to acne. Here you can find information on the causes of acne to acne home remedies including herbs for acne and other home acne treatments.