Do you ever feel like all of those chemical acne products may actually be harming your skin or making it worse? You are not alone. Take a look at the ingredients in one of the many acne treatments you find at the store and you will be shocked by how toxic these treatments actually are. Some of the ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide, may even actually increase your risk of sun damage and skin cancer. You do not want to trade one skin problem for another! Luckily, you can find natural acne products to clear your skin without causing damage or saturating your skin with toxic chemicals. Here are some of the most effective and highest rated natural treatments for acne.

Oil Cleansing

Although you may only think of soap when you imagine cleansing your acne-prone skin, soap can often cause your skin to become overly dry. When your skin is too dry, it will naturally try to rebalance itself by producing more oils. This can worsen acne and can slow down your treatment. Instead of using soap, try cleansing your skin with certain oils, like a mixture of castor and olive oil. Castor oil is a highly purgative oil on the skin, and should be combined in a one to one ratio with another oil that is both cleansing and hydrating, like extra virgin olive oil. To cleanse your skin with oil, wet your face with warm water, and spread about a tablespoon of the oil on to your face. Massage your skin gently with your fingertips for two minutes using slow, circular motions. Soak a wash cloth in hot to warm water, then lay it over your face. This will help open your pores, and will allow the oils you applied to attach to the oils in your pores to help flush them out. Once the wash cloth is cool, use it to gently wipe off and remove the oils from your skin.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Many people find relief from acne by using apple cider vinegar topically. The theory is that acne is caused by an overly acidic condition in the body, which results in inflammation and infection. Since apple cider vinegar is highly alkaline, it will help balance out the body to reduce acne breakouts. Apple cider vinegar can be used as a toner by applying it over your skin after cleansing using a cotton ball.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is both antimicrobial and antifungal, which can be a powerful acne-fighter on your skin. You can find tea tree oil at any health food store or holistic health shop, and it is usually found with other essential oils or skin care treatments. Tea tree oil has been shown in many studies to b just as effective as benzoyl peroxide on the skin to kill off acne-causing bacteria, but does not have the horrible side effects, like dry skin, sun sensitivity and irritation. Tea tree oil is bottled pure, so it should be diluted before applying it to your acne breakouts. You can do this by dipping a cotton swab into water, then adding a drop of tea tree oil on to the swab before use. Apply the tea tree oil on to the individual acne breakouts and not your entire face, which can be more effective for treating your acne.