Natural Treatment for Pimples: Using Yogurt for Treating Acne

What is Acne?

Acne is an extremely common skin condition, characterized by inflammation and a variety of blemishes. From teenagers dealing with hormonal imbalances, to adults with naturally oily skin, it is estimated that eighty percent of people, from twelve to forty-four, experience some degree of acne. With a combination of uncontrollable factors (heredity, hormones) and controllable ones (nutrition, environmental toxins, stress), many people have trouble dealing with this skin disorder.

Commercial and prescription acne treatments do work for some people, yet they tend to have side effects, such as irritating the skin, and are worthless if other facets of health are not addressed. Using a natural treatment for acne and pimples such as yogurt is a great way to nourish the skin, and support the body, yielding long-term benefits, and only positive effects. Try yogurt for treating acne through both diet and topical therapy.

Why Yogurt?

Why is yogurt a good skin care solution? Yogurt provides an array of beneficial properties. It is a natural astringent, tightening pores; has antibacterial properties, helping to kill bacteria on the skin and within hair follicles; it balances skin pH levels, and nourishes. Yogurt is made by the bacterial fermentation of milk. This process causes the transformation of lactose to lactic acid. Lactic acid softens the skin, and reduces the appearance of pores. It helps to stimulate collagen production; collagen is found in the connective tissue of skin. It also helps the skin retain moisture.

Eating Yogurt

Like most natural remedies for the skin, such as avocados, bananas, tomatoes, and cucumbers, yogurt is not only an asset as a topical treatment, but as a food. Eating yogurt will help to strengthen the immune system, balance the digestive system, and reduce the amount of bad bacteria not only in the gut, but in all areas of the body. It is an excellent source of probiotics — beneficial bacteria which act to cleanse and support the body. They promote healthy intestinal flora, which translates to good digestion. Poor digestion is actually a cause of blemishes, as it can lead to over-productive oil glands.

Yogurt is also rich in nutrients which are necessary for healthy skin. B vitamins act to reduce stress and are necessary for good skin tone. Zinc is antibacterial and is needed for the proper function of the oil producing glands in the skin. Yogurt is a great source of potassium; deficiencies of this mineral are linked to acne. It is also rich in iodine, which helps with skin tone.

Yogurt Face Masks

In addition to consuming yogurt, this natural food can be applied to the skin. It is important to use plain yogurt, the more natural and organic the product, the better. Try any of these face masks, leaving on the skin for ten to fifteen minutes, and then washing off with warm water. Use three or four times a week.

• Cleansing and moisturizing for all skin types: whip three tablespoons of plain yogurt with one tablespoon of honey.
• Soothing for sensitive skin: blend two inches of cucumber with one-half cup of plain yogurt.
• Balancing for dry/oily skin: mix three tablespoons of yogurt with two tablespoons of oatmeal and one tablespoon of honey.

Using yogurt for treating acne is a great way to nourish and cleanse, but it is also important to drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet. Acne can be a troubling condition to take control of, but with natural foods, both internally and externally, a state of harmony and health will create balanced, beautiful skin.

Resources

Balch, Phyllis, CNC. “Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition.” (The Penguin Group, 2006).

“Health Benefits of Yogurt.” (WH Foods) <whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=124>.

Photo Credit

photo by: Dave Friedel (CC/flckr) <flickr.com/photos/dave-friedel/4192511152/>.

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