Acne is a common skin disease that causes pimples. Acne is a highly complicated and variable form of skin infection. It is most common during adolescence, affecting more than 85% of teenagers, but not infrequently also continues into adulthood. Pores contain sebaceous glands that make sebum, an oil that moistens your hair and skin. Acne affects most teenagers to some extent. However, the disease is not restricted to any age group; adults in their 20s - even into their 40s - can get acne. Acne is caused by the overactivity of the sebaceous glands that secrete oily substances onto the skin. There are many misconceptions and myths about acne. Exactly why some people get acne and some do not is not fully known. It is known to be partly hereditary.

Acne is also caused due to a devitalised condition of the skin which is a result of unhygienic living habits. Another effective remedy in the area of nutrition that seems to offer new promise of help for acne is zinc. Zinc is another popular home remedy for acne. Neem posses’ outstanding anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral capabilities. Garlic has been used successfully to cure acne. Rub with raw garlic several times a day. Garlic is known to have cured the toughest of acne problem. Fenugreek is another useful remedy for acne. A paste made of the leaves of this vegetable, applied over the face every night before going to bed and washed with warm water in the morning, prevents pimples and blackheads.

Grated cucumber applied over the face, eyes, and neck for fifteen to twenty minutes has been found effective. Add hot water into a bowl and add a few drops of essential oils into it. Apply juice of raw papaya (including the skin and seed) on swelling pimples or acne. Meats, sugar, strong tea or coffee, condiments, pickles, soft drinks, candies, ice cream, refined and processed foods should be avoided as far as possible. A hot Epsom salts bath twice a week is beneficial in all cases of acne. Use 2-3 tsp. dried basil leaves to 1 cup boiling water. Steep 10-20 minutes. Cool, and apply with cotton ball. Grind orange peel with some water to a paste and apply on affected parts. Clean face with cotton wool dipped in rose water 2-3 times a day.

Drinking atleast 1 litre of water a day to impart a healthy glow to the skin. Mix 1 teaspoon lemon juice in 1 teaspoon finely ground cinnamon powder and apply on affected areas frequently. Apply ripe Tomatoes pulp on acne, pimples and keep them for 1 hour, then wash. Apply grated potatoes to treat wrinkles, pimples, blackheads,acne. Do not use harsh soaps, use baby soaps to wash face twice a day. Do not touch the whiteheads and blackheads as pressing on whiteheads may lead to severe acne. Mix sandalwood paste with rosewater and apply on the face. Rinse off after 30 minutes. Apply a paste of ground seasame seeds with water as poultice for inflammation of the skin due to allergies, skin rashes, and pimples. Drink wheat grass juice to prevent and cure acne.

Juliet Cohen writes articles on skin care tips. She also writes articles on beauty tips.