Many people affected by acne tend to fear the side effects of the harsh chemicals often used in acne skin care products. These chemicals include tretinoin and salicylic acid, and have to potential to leave skin dry and irritated. Herbal acne cures may be a better choice for these people.

The basic goal in treating acne is to keep the skin clean and free of excess oil without drying, to kill the bacteria causing the infection, tighten oversized pores, and to speed healing of any open sores produced by the outbreak. Herbal acne cures use various natural ingredients to achieve this.

One alternative in the herbal acne cures area is a cleansing solution made by boiling herbs. Boil two ounces of strawberry, blackberry, or raspberry leaves in one quart of water, and then use a cotton ball to apply the solution to the skin. The herb basil, as well as tea bags, can also be used for this method. The acids in the leaves will kill off bacteria and also tighten up the pores.

While there are acne solutions that are meant to be applied to an entire area of skin, there are other solutions meant to be applied to single pimples. One of these herbal acne cures is a mixture of one tablespoon of groundnut oil and one tablespoon of lime juice. After the skin has been carefully cleansed, apply the mixture on each pimple.

It is also possible to create a skin-penetrating-and-cleaning natural facial treatment from everyday household components. Combine yogurt and oatmeal until well blended and put it on as you would any store-bought mask. As with any mask, allow it to dry and then remove it with warm water and pat it dry with a towel. A mixture of honey and cinnamon will also suffice. These home-made remedies promote healing of skin tissue by acting as antiseptics and reducing inflammation.

Aloe vera can also speed up the healing process. In addition, aloe is used for burns and other painful skin conditions, too. Aloe is simply a gel that is harvested from a type of yucca plant. Pure aloe vera gel is clear to light green; you should read the ingredients on the label with care, as a number of preparations contain other ingredients besides the aloe.

Many people also prefer an herbal remedy, taken internally. It is said that drinking wheat grass juice and taking zinc supplements both help to stop acne outbreaks. You can find either of these items in most health food or organic food stores.

Of course you need to use caution with any product you try, whether they are prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal acne remedies. Allergic reactions can happen to anyone, and some of them may be quite bad. You should always seek the advice of your pharmacist or physician, and read ingredient listings before using. Testing the product on a small area 24 hours prior to using it all over is also a good idea to check for potential problems.

People affected by acne seek herbal acne cures to avoid the side effects associated with harsh chemicals found in acne skin care products. The natural acids in some herbs have antiseptic properties that are released by steeping plants or tea bags in boiling water. A paste comprised of groundnut oil and lime juice can be applied to individual pimples. Masks of yogurt and oatmeal or honey and cinnamon can help heal and soothe irritated skin. Aloe vera also speeds healing. Consider skin sensitivities when selecting the best herbal acne remedies for your condition. Consult specialists and test treatments on small areas of skin before expanding to larger areas.