The following are common causes of acne: Hormonal imbalances are a common cause of an overproduction of sebum. This is common in adolescence, especially in males. In females, menstrual periods or pregnancy can also create hormonal disturbances that can lead to breakouts. Other common triggers include emotional stress, irritation of the skin, and certain medications, particularly steroids, contraceptives, or any drugs that affect hormone levels. There is some evidence that skin eruptions can be brought on or aggravated by certain foods or food allergies as well. There are many useful herbs for acne and we will outline some of them here.1.   ALOE GEL has astringent & antibacterial properties and is applied topically. promotes healing of skin tissue. You can make a strong infusion of this herb and use as a facial was or steam. It is also available in creams.2.   CALENDULALAVENDER compresses are used to relieve inflammation. 3. ROSEWATER is applied topically for pain & inflammation. 4. TEA TREE OIL is a powerful antiseptic but must be diluted before applying to skin.5.  WALNUT LEAF is a useful astringent skin wash.6.  WITCH HAZEL has antibacterial & astringent properties.7. ECHINACEA tincture taken internally promotes healing, reduces inflammation8.  GOLDENSEAL is an antimicrobial which stops oozing.

What's your vitamin D blood level?  I'm guessing it's low.  If you get your level to 50-100 ng/ml and keep it there, I think you'll find your acne clearing up within a few months.  The longer you keep it there, the better your skin will get.  I had adult acne, was found to be vitamin D deficient (for other reasons), and one of the benefits of getting my levels between 50-100 ng/ml is that I have very little acne anymore.  The first month I noticed a big difference, then it came back a bit.  After 7 months, I now get some small breakouts if I eat junk food and sugar (hard not to do over the Holidays), but overall, my skin is better than since I can remember.

#1/ Is your skin oily or dry?  Natural things like mango butter or shea butter can help if you have dry skin.

#2/ Make an appointment with your Dermatologist --- Retin A works great however it can dry you out which is where the shea butter can come in and help. It takes a month or two to really start seeing some major changes coming.

#3/ Have your doc run a full Vitamin scan -- Vitamin D may be deficient.

Best of Luck!!

Some quick homemade acne treatments I found to keep your skin clean:

1. Garlic is an excellent treatment for acne, in case you did not know. Just rub with a garlic clove cut in two over the acne, or cut into slivers a garlic clove and apply over acne with a plaster, leaving overnight to act;

2. Lemon juice applied to skin helps to close pores, and to increase the brightness of skin;

3. Baking soda mixed with vegetal soap (preferably soap made only from olive oil or vegetable oil) is the best antibacterial scrub the skin;

4. Vinegar is a good tonic antiseptic for acne, acting very gentle if you mix in equal proportion with water or green tea;

5. Dandelion shuns wet places, it has two outstanding qualities: it is useful in disorders of the liver and of the gallbladder.
Dandelion and Stinging Nettle have a blood purifying effect. They aide the functions of the liver and the pancreas, thus reducing the hormonal imbalances in the body.

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