Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles, found anywhere on the body, be it temples, cheeks, forehead, neck, chin, chest and even back. Acne occurs when sebum oils clog pores that result in either blackheads or whiteheads. Whiteheads happen when the bacteria is trapped by sebum oils under the skin surface while blackheads are formed when sebum and bacteria are visible on the surface and turn black.

Acne does not restrict itself to just young people, even middle aged, old and infants can experience it. Hormonal changes during puberty, excessive intake of oily greasy food, aerated water, unhygienic living habits, excess consumption of alcohol, tea or coffee; irritable bowel syndrome, heredity or genes are few reasons for acne. Serious acne sufferers are often saddled with permanent scarring or disfiguration.

To start with, a healthy diet and exercises coupled with proper skin care routine help to alleviate acne to a large extent. Also avoid unnecessary exposure to sun, which leads to dry skin, cosmetics, which may be harmful, excessive sunburns and suntan. Severe and extreme cases of acne should be treated with the help of skin specialists or dermatologists.

If doctors and medications are not your cup of tea, turn to home remedies for curing acne.

Curative or medicinal herbs are quite mild in their effect. These herbs reduce the toxic materials and purify the bloodstream. Tea made with a fusion of herbs like burdock, yellow dock and echinacea with a dash of honey can be taken thrice a day. Alternatively you can use dandelion root and sarsaparilla with burdock to make tea.

Other home remedies and natural herbs that help lessen acne

1. Calendula and chamomile tea after cooling can be sprayed or dabbed on to the affected areas.

2. Another natural herbs remedy is a combination of yarrow, elder flowers and lavender. Wash the affected areas with this tea preparation regularly and see the results.

3. Apply diluted Tea tree oil to acne-affected areas, while for those with sensitive skin can try fresh cabbage juice.

4. Use non-oily facial products to wash your face twice a day with warm purified water.

5. Natural astringent cleansers may remove the oil buildup that blocks the pores, but they can dry the skin, make it itchy and red, so its ideal to use natural cleansers on the affected areas only.

6. Garlic helps to clear the skin of blemishes, pimples and boils. Eat raw garlic seeds once a day for a month to purify the bloodstream and keep acne at bay. Rub fresh garlic pods on and around the pimples regular.

7. Apply juice from fresh mint to the acne-affected areas every night to lessen acne.

8. Witch hazel herb with excellent astringent properties, when applied on acne at frequent intervals is very effective.

9. Apply honey and cinnamon paste to the affected area every night and wash it with warm water next day morning. Follow this ritual for a fortnight and see the difference.

10. Juice of raw papaya relives the swelling in and around the acne.

11. Pounded orange peel with water when applied to acne has been found very effective.