Many people experience acne not only as youths, or during puberty, but well into their adult years. Often, many individuals, especially women, don’t experience acne breakouts, pimples, or hormonal blemishes into their 20s and 30s. Plagued by recently developed acne, many people simply don’t know where to turn. What has caused their acne to develop? Only one reason---your body’s production of sebum has begun to change and this can occur at any point in life—not just during adolescence. But, don’t be dismayed, there is hope for you spur of acne, pimples, breakouts, and blemishes. Even if you are experiencing larger pores, whiteheads, papules, or blackheads, you can control your acne by doing natural things to regulate your body’s sebum (oil) production. If you do not regulate your body’s sebum (oil) production internally; unfortunately, your white blood cells will respond to the sebum by trying to release it from your body; unfortunately, your pores will be the dumping system of choice. As a result, you will have acne. Here are a few tips to help you regulate your sebum production:

1. Flush your system on a weekly basis. I know we all hate to discuss things such as this, but do you remember your mom and grandparents always bugging you to keep your system clean? I do. Well, those same people had some good points because they had a lot less acne and pimples than we do. How can you flush? Drink pineapple and prune juice. Yes, prune juice is disgusting, but it will alleviate excess sebum, toxins, and waste from your body that may trigger acne breakouts. Beat the sebum and toxins from getting to your pores. You can purchase prune juice or pineapple juice at your local grocer. WalMart actually makes a prune juice that contains no preservatives, which is a shocking plus, considering it is WalMart.

2. Use All-Natural Skin Care Products. Many people are unaware that they have allergic reactions to their personal care products due to the chemicals in them. Parabens, often used preservatives in skin and hair care products, are known cancer-causing agents. The Cosmetic and Toiletry Association identified sulfates and glycols as skin irritants and DEA has been found to cause cancer, nausea, vomiting, skin irritation, and a host of other problems. While you will have to cleanse your skin to get rid of your acne, you don’t have to place more chemicals on it that will aggravate your acne and blemishes or rip your outer layer of skin. A recent study conducted by a beauty magazine, ranked Beauty 4 Ashes ® Naturally Clear Acne System and Aubrey Organics ® (www.aubreyorganics.com) as two natural skin care choices that can help acne. Beauty 4 Ashes ® Naturally Clear System actually ranked very high, (4.5 out of 5 stars) cited for its ability to lighten acne scars and reduce pimple and pore size quickly. The Beauty 4 Ashes ® Naturally Clear System (wwwdiscoverb4acom) contains citrus fruits, essential fatty acids, sebum controlling essential oils, natural astringents, green tea, aloe vera, and many other ingredients that have been clinically proven to reduce acne. Because of its ability to control sebum production it was noted as a top choice between natural and synthetic acne products for adult and teen acne.

3. Take Your Vitamins. Vitamin C, B Vitamins, and Essential Fatty Acids have been proven to have a beneficial effect on creating, clear, healthy, balanced skin. Vitamin C has also been shown to lighten acne scars and fight infections, while Essential Fatty Acids have been shown to detox the body and cleanse the system. Take Vitamin C and Essential Fatty Acids on a daily basis. Natrol ® makes a great Vitamin C tablet and surprisingly, Dr. Atkins makes a great Essential Fatty Acids pill. You can both online at wwwdrugstorecom or you can check your local CVS pharmacy.

4. Drink water sweetened with lemon juice, Splenda ®, and apple cider vinegar. Yes, I know this sounds awful, but both lemon juice and apple cider vinegar are known to balance the skin’s PH and detoxify your system. Add as much Splenda® as necessary to make this tolerable. All you need is ½ teaspoon of both in 1 cup of water 1-2 times a day for this to be effective. Your acne and acne scars will improve. Your skin will also become clearer, more even toned, and firmer overall. It is just the price you pay for naturally fighting blemishes and pimples without harming your skin with the additional chemicals and acids in traditional acne medications, such as Proactiv, Retin-A, and Accutane (but, don’t be mistaken, these will work for some individuals).