Three Alternative Ways To Treat Acne

So many acne sufferers turn to medications on pharmacy shelves in an attempt to treat their breakouts. However, these medications are rarely as effective as you would hope. If you have used salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and sulfur-based solutions to no avail, then it is time to try a different approach. Here are three alternative acne treatments to consider.

Probiotic Sprays

Probiotic bacteria are beneficial bacteria that everyone has on their skin and inside their bodies. These bacteria help fight off the bad bacteria, which helps prevent infections -- including the micro-infections inside acne lesions. Sometimes, acne may be caused by a deficiency of these good bacteria, and you may have made matters worse with treatments that kill good bacteria along with the good.

External probiotic sprays are solutions that contain beneficial bacteria. You spray the topical onto your skin, and it will help increase the population of probiotics on your skin. In the days and weeks that follow, you should notice a decrease in acne lesions as the good bacteria fight off the bacteria that cause acne.

Skin Steaming

Acne is caused, in part, by excess sebum and dead skin cells getting stuck in your pores. You can't remove these skin cells and sebum just with normal scrubbing since they are lodged so deeply within your pores. However, you can remove them if you introduce steam to your skin for a while. Sit with your head over a bowl of hot water, and let the steam envelope your face for about 30 minutes. Replace the hot water as needed. When your pores are open, wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove the debris from your pores. Then, rinse your face, and splash it with some cold water to close your pores again and prevent new "gunk" from entering them.

Green Tea

Green tea is full of antioxidants. These nutrients may help prevent cellular damage that contributes to acne, and they also boost your immune system to make your body better at fighting off acne bacteria. Try drinking two or three cups of green tea per day. Also, rinse your face with plain, green tea daily. It's best if the tea is still warm, but not hot, when you use it to rinse your face. This way, it will open up your pores and travel into your pores more easily.

If traditional acne treatments are not doing it for you, the alternative treatments above might do the trick!