Health Benefits - Evening Primrose Oil for Acne

Health Remedies: Using Primrose Oil for Acne

There are many natural and diy remedies for acne that do not use harsh chemicals and expensive products. Primrose oil is one such remedy. Many people swear by primrose oil, saying that it can be highly effective in the treatment of acne. Many say that the beneficial effects of primrose oil can go beyond acne and treat other skin problems, like rosacea or eczema, as well. Evening primrose oil is extracted from the seeds of the Evening primrose flower and contains the beneficial Omega 6 Fatty Acids Linolenic acid and Gamma Linolenic acid.

The Benefits of Primrose Oil

Primrose oil is versatile, and can be used both externally and internally. Primrose oil is also a popular remedy because it has few side effects and is relatively inexpensive. The Gamma Linolenic acid is thought to have medicinal and healing properties which reduce inflammation. Therefore, if your skin is red and irritated, the anti-inflammatory of the primrose oil could help. Primrose oil is also thought to dilute sebum, a thick and oily substance secreted by the skin. This could potentially reduce your risk of acne flare-ups. Primrose oil is also often used by women going through menopause, as it is thought to have hormonal balancing properties. For those who suffer from hormonal acne, primrose oil may have multiple health benefits for you, not only fighting acne inflammation but also to help balance your hormones. Primrose oil is easy to find, and does not require a prescription.

How Do I Use Primrose Oil?

Primrose oil can be taken orally in capsule form or applied directly to the skin and acne. Ease into using the oil for treating acne to ensure it does not worsen your skin sensitivity. Apply primrose oil to your flare ups every other night for the first week, then nightly. Applying at night allows the oil to work while you sleep. In the morning, wash your face with a gentle cleanser. In about 90 days of regular treatment, most people see positive results. Evening primrose oil is considered safe for most people. However, like any supplement it has side effects which can include mild upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea and headache. If the primrose oil irritates your skin or you experience any of these other unpleasant side effects, stop using it. Primrose oil seems to have multiple health benefits for those fighting acne. If you are looking for a mild and natural skin care product, consider trying primrose oil.

Check out More Home Remedies for Acne below:

Apple Cider Vinegar And Cornmeal Face Scrub
Cinnamon Honey for Acne
Exfoliating Pumpkin Scrub

Green Tea for Clearer Skin

Green tea is widely known to offer many health benefits to those who drink it or take it as a supplement. But did you know that green tea can also be very beneficial to those who suffer from acne or dry skin? In fact it is one of organic skin care's best home remedies for acne.

It contains polyphenols that are known to help protect skin from UV rays that can cause cancer and speed up skin aging. Green tea is able to protect the skin by reducing inflammation and free radicals, like toxins and dirt that clog pores and damage skin. This chemical and side effect-free remedy has increased in popularity in recent years as many see the wonderful benefits green tea offers for their skin.

How Do I Use Green Tea for Clear Skin?

You can drink green tea and utilize its benefits, but you can also target its powers to certain areas, like the face, by applying it topically. There are many green tea recipes offered by home remedies bloggers. Here are two that are easy to make and still offer all of the wonderful benefits of green tea:

Simple Green Tea Mask

Steep 1 to 2 organic green tea bags for two minutes
Cut the bags open and, using clean fingers, massage the green tea leaves on your face
Let the mask sit for 20 to 30 minutes
Rinse with warm water
Use this simple �mask� once or twice a week.

Green Tea Mask with Honey

Honey has excellent anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties for skin. Why not combine honey and green tea for even more acne-fighting power?
Steep 1 to 2 organic green tea bags for two minutes
Cut the tea bags open, allowing the tea leaves to fall out
Mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons of organic honey to form a paste
Massage the paste over the entire face, avoiding the eye area.
Let the mask sit for 20 to 30 minutes
Rinse with warm water
It is safe to use this effective green tea mask once or twice a week.

There are many options when it comes to organic skin care. All you need for a green tea mask is green tea, though there are many variations to combine other skin-benefiting items, such as honey for example. Green tea has wonderful cancer fighting and skin renewing properties, with no side effects, which makes it a great option for anyone who suffers from acne or simply wants healthier, glowing skin.

See Our Other Home Remedies for Clearer Skin:

• Green Tea and Honey Mask for Acne
• Baking Soda Face Mask to Minimize Pores
• Evening Primrose Oil for Acne

Using Honey to Treat Acne

Why Does Honey Help With Acne?

Honey has well-known antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and has been used as a treatment for wounds and other skin problems throughout history.  In fact, the Clinical Infectious Diseases Journal reported that honey has even been shown to kill certain drug-resistant strains of bacteria. Some countries, like Australia, have officially approved honey for medical use.
Honey is effective at healing acne because it attacks two of the main issues associated with this condition: bacteria and swelling. The antibacterial qualities of the honey kill the bacteria that start breakouts. The anti-inflammatory properties of the honey then reduce redness and swelling, making your skin look and feel better.

To use honey for acne treatment, it is important to use the right kind of honey. You want to ensure you buy organic honey that has not been processed. Processed honeys have lost much of their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and will not help. Manuka honey, for example, is a popular option used by many natural remedy seekers. Many claim that this type of honey has significant antibacterial and wound-healing properties, and it is promoted for use as an acne treatment. Check your local farmer�s market or health food store for organic and preferably local honey options.

How to Use Honey to Treat Acne

Using honey to treat acne is simple. All you need to do is gently rub the honey onto troublesome areas. The heat of your hands will help soften the honey while you gently rub it into your skin. Do not heat the honey before using, as heating can affect the natural healing properties. Leave the honey on your skin for about 15 minutes, then gently rinse off. Apply daily to troublesome areas. Many users start to see results in about a week.

Before using honey, it is important to know that some people can be allergic to certain components found in honey. Therefore, test the honey on a small portion of skin around the neck area to ensure you are not allergic. If you experience any type of allergic reaction, stop using the honey.

Honey is just one of the many natural home remedies for acne and clear skin. However, it is one of the most popular and well-studied remedies that has thousands of years of backing. If you are looking for a good natural product to add to your skincare routine, consider the wonderful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of natural honey for acne treatment.

Check out more of our honey home remedies for acne:

Honey & Cinnamon Mask For Acne
Apple and Honey Mask for Acne

Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne and Clear Skin

Home Remedies: Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne

Apple cider vinegar has long been used in homes as a food preservative, an ingredient in dishes, marinades, and salad dressings, as well as a cleaning agent. But did you know that you had a home remedy for acne in your kitchen pantry?

The Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is made from apple cider and has antibacterial and antiseptic properties.  Malic and lactic acids are found in the vinegar are known to soften and exfoliate skin. Therefore, it makes sense that apple cider vinegar might be a great thing to try if you are battling acne.

Unlike other natural products, apple cider vinegar has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties which can wipe out acne causing bacteria and heal the skin. It can also return your skin to its proper pH balance. Your skin�s pH balance is key for keeping acne at bay. Apple cider vinegar has a pH of 3. When used in a diluted solution, the apple cider vinegar�s acidity will balance your skin. With your skin balanced, it will be easier to ward off bacteria. The acidic properties of the apple cider vinegar will also help you shed any dead skin cells and excess oil that might block pores, ensuring that they remain unblocked and your skin stays healthy.

Before using apple cider vinegar as a home remedy for acne it is important to remember that, though it is good for your skin, it still has acidic properties and must be used in a diluted solution, not applied directly to the face. Not diluting the vinegar with water can result in skin burns. Before using this treatment, you must also ensure you are not allergic to the apple cider vinegar. To test, place a small amount of apple cider vinegar on your neck and leave it for a minimum of 15 minutes. If you have no reaction to it, you should be safe to use it.

Making an Apple Cider Vinegar for acne face wash

It is important to dilute the apple cider vinegar with water before putting it on your face. Here is a simple recipe for a basic apple cider vinegar face wash:
� cup apple cider vinegar (preferably organic)
� cup of water
A sterile glass bottle to hold the solution
To make, simply mix the water and apple cider vinegar in the sterile bottle. Mix it well before use and apply with a cotton ball. Let the wash sit on your face for no more than five minutes. Rinse well and wash with a gentle soap. Use daily.

Evening Primrose Oil for Acne

Evening primrose oil for acne is one of the lesser known solutions to help to heal your stubborn acne. One of the main causes for flare ups of stubborn acne is hormonal acne. If you have acne on your chin, this might be the due to hormonal changes. What causes hormonal changes? Well, if you are a teenager, you may notice this type of acne more, due to puberty (ladies, if you are going through your menstruation cycle!). It can take months, and even sometimes years to figure out that hormonal fluctuations are causing your stubborn acne. The solution: evening primrose oil (EPO). EPO will help treat acne cause by hormonal changes in your body by balancing out your hormones. There are many other benefits to taking evening primrose oil: it helps your nails and hair grow stronger, while helping make your skin overall more moisturized and supple.

So, what exactly is evening primrose oil, and what makes it so beneficial for you?

Evening primrose oil is actually a synonym for Oenothera Binnis, which is a herbaceous flowering plant. Evening primrose oil has many benefits as it contains the pain reliving compound phenylalanine. EPO contains a high amount of GLA (gamma-linoleic acid), which is a fatty acid largely responsible for the healing properties in this organic oil, making it great for natural skin care. It contains a certain acid essential to cell structure: linoleic acid (see also: Grapeseed Oil for Skin). As mentioned previously, EPO also has hormonal balancing properties which helps with imbalance caused due to menstruation, puberty, menopause, PMS, and can help in the creation of healthy breast tissue.

EPO also helps cure acne by thinning out the sebum (oil that is secreted by your pores) that blocks your pores and causes acne. When this oil gets too thick, the pores on your face have a harder time clearing out the sebaceous oils. Stressed out? Acne is also caused by stress, and taking EPO can help nerve function and regulate your mood too!  

What kind of primrose oil should you buy?

You should go for hexane free EPO. You can tell if the EPO is hexane free by checking the label. You can take it orally or apply it directly onto your skin. You will most likely notice the most benefits by doing both or at least by taking the EPO orally. Don�t ever exceed the amount you take when decide to go this route. You can purchase evening primrose oil here.

Some people have reported getting healthier over all skin, nails and hair due to taking evening primrose oil. See for yourself and let me know your results in the comments below.

You May Also Like Related Posts:

• Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne 
• Green Tea Mask for Acne 
• Oatmeal and Honey Mask for Acne 

Baking Soda Face Mask to Minimize Pores and Acne

Baking Soda Face Mask to Minimize Pores and Acne

The baking soda face mask for black heads removal and prevention is a great way to minimize pores and make them smaller. It�s crazy how quickly blackheads can develop if you are not paying attention to your skin! You might be wondering what exactly blackheads are. Blackheads on your face are caused by enlarged pores that have been filled with dirt which mixes with the oil and over time turns dirty and �black.� 

If you are struggling with enlarged pores and pimples then the baking soda face mask will definitely help make your pores smaller! The baking soda has properties that help clear out the dirt and oil in your pores and skin exfoliation is the main one. It also corrects the pH balance of your skin, which is commonly overlooked.

The baking soda face mask is an excellent homemade remedy because it is great for minimizing your pores because it has mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which aid in the prevention of acne. Acne is caused by the build-up of dirt and oil which then gets infected. If you�re like me and struggle with over active pores that secrete oil, then this may help you. Baking soda helps aid in the absorption of oil which helps prevent it from clogging your pores. That would be an amazing home remedy, if you ask me!

Follow the baking soda face mask recipe below to start minimizing your pores, reducing the appearance of blackheads, and preventing acne:

What you need:

2 Tablespoons of baking soda

1-2 Tablespoons of water

Directions:

Make sure you are using baking soda and not baking powder. It is very easy to get the two mixed up! In a plate, take the baking soda and mix it with the water. Mix together the two ingredients until they form a paste. If the mixture is too watery or thin, thicken it up to a paste by adding more baking soda. If the paste is too thick, add some more water in small amounts at a time. You want this the face mask to be a creamy paste that is not too thick and not too thin.  

Make sure to apply this face mask to a clean face. Using your finger tips gently apply the paste to your face in a circular motion. Massage gently and avoid your eye area. Leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes. You will notice that the mask will have begun to dry. Rinse off using warm water and dab your face clean. Tone and moisturize as usual. You can use this baking soda face mask twice a week. Just remember to moisturize your skin regularly.

Your pores will be minimized in no time and your blackheads will begin to fade away, leaving you with spotless, clear skin. No longer will you have to wear layers of makeup to hide your acne just so that you can go out to the store without being stared at (or at least feeling like the whole world is just staring at your acne.) Here�s to smoother, brighter skin!

Please note: Keep in mind, that not all skin types react the same way so try this mask on a small section of skin to make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients. And, as always, if you have worsening condition, please see your doctor. 

Other Home Remedies You May Like:

• Green Tea and Honey Mask for Acne
• Apple Cider Vinegar For Acne
• Quick Oatmeal Mask For Acne

Avocado Hair Mask for Dry Hair

Avocado and Egg Hair Mask for Dry Damaged Hair

Avocados are vegetables that yield many beneficial results for dry hair and damaged skin and you�ll see avocados have many other health benefits as well. Avocados are rich in vitamins and minerals such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K and nutrients such as protein, iron, copper, magnesium, amino acids, and potassium.  And, to think!  Access to all these amazing minerals and nutrients for your hair likes as far as the nearest grocery store or your pantry.  Depending on the cost of avocados in your area, this should cost you much less than a prepackaged homemade hair treatment like Neutrogena�s triple moisture hair mask, for example.  This is an inexpensive and fast natural home remedy for hair that will leave your hair feeling extremely smooth.

This DIY avocado homemade hair mask is one of the best homemade masks out there for dry hair as avocados are saturated with good fat which coats your hair and helps protect it against free radicals in the air and every day styling abuse such as blow drying and straightening your hair.  The harsh winter months and hot summer months can also wreak havoc on our locks, making our hair dry, brittle and susceptible to breakage and split ends.  I have used yogurt and olive oil hair mask treatment, and while I absolutely swear by that hair treatment as wonderful for replenishing hair moisture, this homemade hair mask takes that one step further with its excellent hair moisturizing properties due to all the nutrients in avocados mentioned above.

Believe it or not, having dry, brittle hair can wreak havoc on self-esteem.  For those of us who look at our dry limp and lifeless hair in the mirror every morning, we know how it feels when we just end up tying our hair in a pony rather than deal with it.  But, there is hope for healthy hair! Homemade hair treatment masks are a great way to get started since they don�t cost much and are easy to make.  It�s a great excuse to take some time out for your selves (men and women alike!) and just relax while the avocado hair mask does its job on your scalp and hair.

So, how do you create an avocado homemade hair mask?  Easy.  Read more below.

What do you need?

1 Avocado
2 Egg whites
1 Tablespoon olive oil

Follow these directions:

To create the moisturizing avocado hair mask treatment at home takes about 5 minutes from start to finish.  You will need to use the flesh of 1 avocado, 2 egg whites, 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Using a fork, mash the flesh of the avocado. Transfer to a bowl (if you didn�t start out in one), and add the egg whites and olive oil to the avocado and continue to mix well. After a couple of minutes of mashing all the ingredients together, you can start to apply the mask to your hair.

Make sure your hair is dry when you apply this mask.

Using your fingertips, scoop out some of the mask and apply to your head, starting at the scalp and root of your hair to the tips of your hair. Separate your hair into several partings so that the Avocado Hair Mask is easy to apply.

Leave the avocado hair mask treatment on your scalp for about 15-30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and shampoo and condition as usual.  It may take a little longer to wash out, but don�t worry about that because once you are done with the hair treatment, your hair will look and feel much better!  An alternative to this avocado hair mask treatment recipe would be to remove the olive oil, and just use a whole egg and the avocado flesh in the same manner as described above. This may eliminate the need to rigorously wash your hair after the mask as the olive oil is the tricky part to get out.
Enjoy!

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Other Home Remedies for Hair:

• Grapeseed Hot Oil Treatment For Hair  
• Olive Oil and Egg Yolk Hair Mask for Hair Loss  
• Egg Yolk Treatment For Stronger Hair  
• Honey & Olive Oil for Silky Smooth Hair  

Basic Tips for Clear Skin

Basic Tips for Clear Skin

Along with pampering your skin with natural home remedies, there are some other things you can do to help eliminate the resurgence of acne, help heal stubborn scars, and achieve blemish free and glowing skin.  You can get healthier, younger looking skin with just a few daily routine adjustments.  Here are some tips on how to get clear skin.  Read on!

Eating a Healthy Diet Can Clear Your Skin

You are what you eat.  Yes, that phrase may sound redundant, but there�s truth in it!  Did you know, your skin is an organ?  Yes, a living, breathing organ.  And, just like with all your other organs, your skin is also affected by what you eat.  So, what should you eat to get clearer skin?  First and foremost, water.  Water is what rids your body of its toxins and we are about 60 percent the natural clear stuff, so it only makes sense that drinking more water helps your skin clear up quicker.  Focus on greens and foods that help promote elasticity like fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, and fatty fish.

Remove Makeup Before Going To Bed

A very basic rule: Remove your makeup before you go to bed!  You have no idea how many times I am guilty of not removing my makeup before I go to bed � only to wake up to disastrous results the next morning: a very unwelcome pimple on my cheek.  Nighttime is when your body starts to relax and rejuvenate itself.  If your skin is washed, it will allow your pores to breathe and help prevent buildup and clogging of your pores which leads to acne.  

Use a Toner for Clear Skin

Use a toner after you wash your face.  There are a couple of reasons for this.  1) a toner helps balance the pH level of your skin.  Why is this important?  Our skin is supposed to be slightly acidic.  This is because of our skin�s outer layer which works with sebaceous (oil producing) glands to maintain this level of around 5-6. 2) Toner is an astringent, which closes your pores after you wash your face.  This is important to happen otherwise, your pores may stay open and get clogged by moisturizer or other free radicals in the air.

Stay Away From the Sun

Staying away from the sun is one of the easiest habits you can start adopting now to prevent early aging and fine lines and wrinkles on your skin.  I know how hard this can be (especially being from Southern California!), so if you have to absolutely spend time in the sun to get somewhere, or for an event, make sure you try to stay in the shade as much as possible, use sunscreen and cover up as best and lightly as you can.  If you are the tanning type (like I used to be) and you just need that lovely warm tan glow, there is a home remedy you can use to get some color on your body.

Exercising Helps Clear Your Skin

Exercising helps increase blood flow, which in turn can increase the glow in your face.  It also helps you lose water retention which helps lower swelling in your face and body.  Thirty minutes of cardio a day should be more than enough to start with.  Walking is the best way to get this exercise if you are worried about not having a gym membership.

These are some basic tips on how to get clear skin.  Start following them and you should see a difference in your facial skin dramatically within a few weeks. 

Note: Before following any diet or regimen make sure to see a doctor first.

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Other Home Remedies:

• Green Tea and Honey Mask for Acne 
• Yogurt and Egg White Mask for Smaller Pores 
• Oatmeal and Lemon Mask for Blemished Skin 
• Tomatoes and Oats for Brighter Skin 

Green Tea and Honey Mask for Acne

Green Tea Teabags for Acne

If you have been to a skin store recently you may have noticed an increase in the amount of green tea in skin care products.  There is a reason for that: green tea contains polyphenols which help protect your skin against cancer by protecting against sun damage.  It does this by reducing inflammation and free radicals (everyday toxins, dirt, and dust in the air) from your skin.  While more studies are needed to conclusively say that green tea helps with the anti-aging process, there is clinical evidence that suggests this natural leaf helps with the elasticity of skin.  Not bad for a chemical and side effect-free remedy for skin!  By the way, drinking it daily can also yield similar health benefits for your body and skin.

So, I�ve discussed why green tea may be awesome for your skin.  What about honey?  As I�ve discussed before, there are many benefits of using honey on your skin.  It naturally has moisture retention properties, which is great for people with dry skin.  Honey also has anti-bacterial and anti-septic properties.  This helps remove the acne causing bacteria from your skin and helps prevent and heal small scars.  You�re probably wondering what type of honey to buy.  After all, there are many varieties.  The kind you should look for is called manuka honey�I�ve discussed the benefits.  If you don�t have manuka honey, any organic honey will do.

Combined with green tea, this home remedy for acne acts as a one, two punch for removing acne, brightening your skin, and helping protect against cancer.  Read on to find out how to make the green tea and honey mask for acne.

What you need:

Green tea 1-2 teabags

Honey 1-2 tablespoons

What you do:

Step 1: Steep the green tea bag in hot water for a minute to two minutes.

Step 2: After it has been satisfactorily steeped, get a bowl and cut open the tea bag to let the tea leaves fall out.

Step 3: Mix the honey in to the bowl of green tea leaves and mix together to form a paste with a fork or spoon.

Step 4: Using your clean fingertips, massage the sticky paste over your face until all areas of are covered.  Be careful to stay away from your eye area!

Step 5: Keep this on for 20-30 minutes and then rinse off with warm water.

Make sure you use a toner to close up your pores after you are done washing your face.  Moisturize as usual.

You can use this mask once to twice a week, depending on the state of your skin.  After this, you can look forward to smoother, tighter, and healthier skin!  Enjoy!

Other home remedies:

• Exfoliating Pumpkin Scrub for Blemishes  
• Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne  
• Face Mask for Blemished Skin 
• Oatmeal and Honey Mask for Acne  

Home Remedies for Oily Skin Using Cucumber

Home Remedies for Oily Skin Using Cucumber

Many (more than we�d like to admit) struggle with very oily skin.  The oil seems to just manufacture itself out of nowhere, and then ends up clogging our already struggling pores.  The truth is, it is important for oil to be produced and this process is done through oil (sebaceous) glands in our skin, and this is used to keep your skin moisturized.  Some people are more �well moisturized� than others, so for those of you who are, keep on reading!

How do you know if you have oily skin?  If your face is consistently shiny, then you most likely have oily skin.  Many things can cause oily skin.  It can be hereditary, so if your parents have it, you most likely do too; and, it can be hormonal as well.  For girls, during the menstruation period, the sebaceous glands can tend to product more oil thus making your more likely to clog your pores during your menses, causing acne.  Unfortunately, there�s not much that can be done to stop the over production of oil, but you can control it with simple DIY home remedies for oily skin.

Did you know? Having oily skin can be an annoyance at times, but in the long run you will reap the benefits because the oil has helped keep your skin moisturized throughout the years�and naturally, too!  The only downside is, the oil clogs skin�s pores, causing blockages which in turn causes a buildup of bacteria and what we know as a zit (or pimple).

Read more about what ingredients work really well and how to use them to work for you.

Cucumbers are known to be very rich in Vitamins E & A especially and have been used for under eye puffiness relief as they vitamins and minerals (potassium and magnesium included) help sooth your skin.  This is because both skin and cucumber share the same levels of hydrogen which leaves your skin supple and smooth.  Another very great characteristic of cucumbers is their ability to improve your complexion by helping fade dark scars.  I�ll take those �side effects� any day!

What you need:

Cucumber � 1 to 2 depending on size

What you do:

Take the cucumber, peel the skin off with a peeler carefully, and slice the cucumber thinly.  If you are happy with relaxing and laying down with slices on your face, then keep the slices thin.  If you opt for a more interactive experience, slice the cucumber thickly.  This is to ensure a good grip when you use the slice to rub it slowly rub it over your face.  Once you are done, rinse off with warm water.  Use a toner (to close your pores so they don�t clog up) and then moisturize as usual.

You can use this home remedy for oily skin up to twice a week depending on how much shine/oil control is needed.

Remember, drinking lots of water helps your body rid itself of toxins.  While you�re using home remedies, and otherwise, make sure you get plenty of water so that your skin cells can constantly be rejuvenated.  We are, after all, almost 80% water!
Other Home Remedies for Skin:

• Yogurt and Egg White Mask for Reduced Pores/Acne
• Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne
• Cucumbers for Reduced Wrinkles