Hormonal acne symptoms can be treated in many ways, such as with the use of cleansers, medications, or wipes. However, many of these products use chemicals that can be harsh on your skin, and certain medications used in hormonal acne treatment can have adverse effects also. But there is a way to get the best of both worlds; treat your hormonal acne naturally.
Supplements
1. Primrose Oil
Primrose oil is believed to have many health benefits. Studies have found that the Evening Primrose plant contains minerals and acids that have led to improvement in eczema cases, blood pressure reduction, and even improved heart health. But one of the less talked about benefits of primrose is its ability to fight hormonal acne naturally.
Primrose oil contains omega-6 fatty acids that help with hormone regulation and can lead to clearer skin by getting rid of homonal acne. These fatty acids also aid in several other areas of your general health, by promoting cell structure and improving nerve function.
2. Maca Root
Commonly known for its aphrodisiac qualities and its proported use in helping overcome erectile dysfunction, the maca root also has natural acne treatment properties.
Maca is typically marketed as a dietary supplement for several women’s health issues, including symptoms of menopause, such as hormonal acne. The macca root’s popularity soared in the 1990’s and today it is another weapon in the fight against hormonal acne.
3. Neem Plant
Another plant that helps to get rid of hormonal acne naturally is the neem tree. Native to India, the neem tree has been used because of its medicinal properties for more than two thousand years. In more traditional settings neem leaves or bark are rubbed on the skin which is said to help fight hormonal acne symptoms.
However, today neem leaves can be purchased in capsule form as a dietary supplement. The taste of the pill is unpleasant, but the benefits are worth a quick rinse of mouthwash. Along with its curing properties, the neem plant is used in cosmetics, soaps, and chewing gum.
4. Licorice
Most people are aware that licorice is widely used as a flavoring agent in foods and candy. What most people are not aware of, is that the licorice plant also has qualities that are proven against hormonal acne. For thousands of years humans have been taking advantage of the properties of the licorice plant, using it to fight eczema, ulcers, and diabetes, and now it has been brought to the forefront of acne relief.
What effect does licorice have on hormonal acne?
Licorice is effective as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and as a androgen regulator, which in turn makes it useful in acne prevention. Its anti-inflammatory effects will help reduce redness of the skin, often associated with hormonal acne. Furthermore, the androgen regulating properties of licorice will help keep your hormones in check, by controlling the level of hormones in the blood.
5. Lysine
The role that Lysine plays in the fight against hormonal acne is less than clear. Lysine is an important amino that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins. It is vital that humans have the proper intake of lysine, as a deficiency in the amino acid can cause serious health problems. Foods that are high in protein, such as eggs, meat, and fish, are good sources for lysine.
So how does lysine help aid in hormonal acne relief?
As aforementioned, there is little concrete evidence to show exactly what effect lysine has on hormonal acne. It is known that lysine is an important part of collagen formation and tissue repair. These properties are the reason that many hormonal acne sufferers have had success using lysine.
The downside to lysine is that is does not necessarily cure hormonal acne, but instead helps relieve the symptoms temporarily. But it is another product to consider adding to your acne treatment arsenal.
6. Fish oil
There are a variety of medical benefits attributed to fish oil and cod-liver oil. Fish oil inhibits weight loss, helps to ensure a healthy pregnancy, and has been known to lead to increased energy. One of the less known health benefits of fish oil is its potential to aid against inflammation of the skin; a leading cause of hormonal acne.
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which together with omega-6 fatty acids, can help your body fight against inflammatory problems. It is these inflammation issues that cause acne marks to standout against the complexion of your skin. A reduction in inflammation will lead to less problems associated with hormonal acne. It is this that makes fish oil a necessity when trying to get rid of hormonal acne by natural means.
Be careful not to overdue the fish oil though. An over abundance of fatty acids can actually lead to worse inflammation, so it is best to monitor your intake of fish oil and cod-liver oil.
7. Honey
It has been called liquid gold for good reason, but it may come as a surprise that honey is on this list of ways to get rid of hormonal acne naturally. Honey has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries. A spoonful of honey is said relieve nausea and help calm the body, so that you can get a good nights sleep. But does honey really fight acne? Absolutely.
However, the method of administration of honey in curing hormonal acne is not through ingestion. Instead, honey can be applied to the face as a natural mask, and when rinsed can remove much of the oil and grime hidden deep in the pores and hair follicles. This process involves washing you face first, then spreading and massaging the honey into your skin for several minutes.
NOTE: avoid processed honey, as it may cause irritation of the skin or if you are allergic to bees.
8. Lemon Juice
When life gives you lemons, make…an anti-acne face cleanser. That’s right, lemon juice is a proven way to help get rid of hormonal acne naturally. Simply squeeze some lemon juice on a cotton swab and apply it to the individual pimples. The juice will dry out the pimples and they should start to subside within days of application. This is one of the most simple, but effective, methods of acne control.