Are you being overrun with pimples and zits? Hopefully not, but if you are then lets look at some alternatives to expensive medications and treatments.

To begin with, “what is acne?” Acne is a skin disorder that comes from oils in your pores that comes from your hormones interacting with your skin’s sebaceous glands. The oils gather in a pore and lead to congestion of the pore when not properly cleaned. This is when the acne starts forming. If left along, it obviously becomes a pimple. While it is most noticeable to have acne on your face, you may get acne on your back, neck, chest, scalp, back, and shoulders. When severe acne is left untreated, it can lead to other issues like scarring and sometimes psychological problems such as depression. It is much better to deal with your acne today before it escalates to severe.

Some of the factors that can contribute to acne outbreaks are genetics and hygiene. Of course, we can’t do anything about our genetics except thank our parents. But we can do something about the other factors following the simple steps listed here.

1. Fruits and Veggies - By getting the recommended daily allowance of your fruits and vegetables, you will be surprised at the impact it will have on your acne outbreaks.

2. Try cleaning your face with Rose Water twice a day to keep your face clear of oils and feeling refreshed.

3. React immediately when you see a pimple starting to appear. Start by cleaning the location which just soap and water. Then try patting ice on the swollen location to reduce the swelling and likely releasing the trapped oils from the pores. Then once again wash and rinse the location again to try to remove more oils.

4. Multi-vitamins will help get your body’s chemistry back into balance. Not only will you live healthier but having your body’s chemistry in balance will reduce the hormonal output of your sebaceous glands.

5. Cucumbers - I know, we’ve all seen the movies with the ladies sitting on the couch with cucumbers over the eyes. It’s done to produce a laugh but the reality is that it works. Blend some cucumber with water and make a facial mask. Leave it on for about half an hour and then rinse off. This is very affordable and not only helps control acne but refreshes your skin as well.

6. Use gentle, mild soaps on your skin. I know it is tempting to use soaps that dry out your skin but then you are just going from one problem to another. Avoid using petroleum based as well as animal based soaps because they will irritate and dry out your skin.

7. Avoid using alcohol based products on your skin, especially your face, because they will dry out your face. Alcohol free is becoming much easier to find these days because alcohol products are so harsh to your skin.

8. Find makeup that doesn’t contain petroleum product for the same reason as above for soaps. Petroleum will dry out your skin and you definitely don’t want your skin to be dry and flaky.

9. Finally, drink plenty of water. Keep your body hydrated to help fight the build-up of dirt and oils on your skin. Instead your body will try to flush those toxins out and leave you feeling better and fresh.

Use the list above and really try it. Always start with the easiest solutions before trying to move into the expensive and invasive treatments. And note that not all illnesses need to be cured with harsh medicines and chemicals, your body will thank you in the long run.