Caffeine Acne

I don't know about you, but I am a huge fan of coffee. Not that gourmet stuff you get at places like Starbucks or some other joints that require you to take out a signature loan for a cafe latte or mocha whatever. No, just give me a simple cup of Joe, keep them coming throughout the day and I am good to go. No sugar, no creams, just a strong black beverage that has some kick to it that will get me up and keep me going. I know I picked up the habit from my dad and cherish our memories and moments we had over a morning cup of coffee.

Unfortunately, my predisposition to acne also seems to benefit from the black nectar. While I avoid other caffeinated beverages like sodas and energy drinks (I just don't like them, too sweet, syrupy and expensive) I have no intention of giving up my coffee. So what's a person to do?

Well, the way I see it, if caffeine is going to play havoc with your acne, you have three choices. You can resign yourself to the fact that pimples are going to be a part of your daily life and wear those bad boys with pride and determination. You can cut out the coffee (caffeine) and feel sluggish and deprived. Or you can find a remedy that will offset the negative effects and allow you to enjoy this simple pleasure in life. The choice is yours. What's it going to be? Do you hear the Jeopardy theme song in the back ground? Can't you see Bob Barker telling you to pick a door?

Well, when I was younger I though there were only two choices. Cut out the coffee or enjoy and live with the acne. Like I said, my dad hooked me up with my taste for coffee (I don’t know why he didn't pass on his flawless complexion gene) and I would be dammed if I was going to miss out on those precious moments that I shared with him over a cup. It wasn't going to happen, no way no how. Acne was just going to have to be the price I paid.

Well, one day our morning ritual changed. After we finished our cup of coffee, my father got up from the table, grabbed a lemon from the refrigerator and ran it under some hot water. He then proceeded to roll it on the counter with the palm of his hand, applying slight pressure. He got two glasses of ice and water. Then cut the lemon in half and squeezed the juice from each half in their respective glass. At the time he said something about having an upset stomach and the lemon cutting the acidity of the coffee. But looking back, I realize that it was his way of noticing the effect the caffeine was having on my acne and his attempt to help. His upset stomach was a cockamamie story.

I don't know where he learned that lemon juice can get rid of caffeine acne. But from that day forward, my acne improved and every other day or so, our morning cup of coffee was followed by a half of a lemon squeezed over a glass of ice water. God, I miss that man.

Home Remedies

Acne is a problem just about everybody “faces” in their lifetime. The desire for clear skin drives a billion dollar industry and people are willing to do anything or pay any price to achieve clear, beautiful skin. I’m someone who’s always thought it’s possible to find a home remedy for just about anything right in your own home or garden; kitchen or medicine cabinet.

Why pay money for something you probably already have sitting in a cabinet or under a sink? Even better, you can probably find the ingredients you need growing in your garden or that of friends.

Interestingly enough, there are probably just as many home remedies for acne as there are acne products lining the shelves of the local drug and discount stores. When you start to learn more about the actual ingredients that actively fight acne and its causes you begin to see they are usually very in-expensive, easy to procure and a natural approach to you fight with acne.

When comparing home remedies to those remedies you will find in the drug store or your local discount store, you will come to see the difference between them regarding the results you will see is minimal. You may even find home remedies rival those of prescription medications in some situations. They will certainly cost you a lot less time and money.

One of the first things to realize is that skin is relatively sensitive and responds quickly to stimulation. Many times people will actually aggravate skin break outs by using harsh medications, scrubs and cleansers. The gentle approach is always best. If you’re not careful, not only will you make a bad situation worse, you will often create new problems. Also it’s always best to find the gentlest approach, using the least amount of medicine to achieve a good result.

One of the best home remedies for breakouts is a product most of us already have in our home. We normally use it to treat minor cuts or abrasions and some people mix it with baking soda as a way of whitening their teeth. I’m speaking of course of hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is one of the best treatments and preventative treatments of acne. It acts as an astringent, a bleaching agent, and a drying agent. Not to be confused with Benzoyl Peroxide, which is also a very good preventative and an excellent tool in the fight against acne, Hydrogen Peroxide is much cheaper and accessible to everyone.

Witch hazel is another home remedy which used to be in everybody’s home at one time. It acts as an excellent astringent and works to fight the bacteria which help cause breakouts. Witch hazel is also an excellent help if you have sunburn and want to sooth the pain. Keep a bottle in the refrigerator and apply liberally to a cloth or paper towels then drape lightly over affected skin. You will gain instant relief. Witch Hazel also helps ease problems with swelling so if you have a particularly irritated skin breakout witch hazel may be the way to go.

Another home remedy in aiding the fight against acne is good old H2O. Water is one of the best things you can use in your fight against acne. We all know humans are mainly made up of water and our bodies are in constant need of hydration. If you’re experiencing problems with skin breakouts try drinking double the amount of the daily recommended quantity. Simply doing that will help flush your system and hydrate your skin which will aid tremendously in your fight against acne. You should see results almost immediately.

Go ahead. Open your kitchen cabinets and find a home remedy that will help in your battle to get rid of acne.