Spots are a problem. When we're teenagers, we're told that the appearance of spots on our faces is part and parcel of puberty and that when we're a little older, it will stop happening. As those of us for whom puberty is a long distant memory already know, that's a lie. Spots continue to plague us for our whole lives, and although some of us are more prone to encountering them than others, none of us will go through life without ever seeing an unsightly blemish in an embarrassing place again.
The next step after accepting that spots are a problem is working out how to deal with them. There's definitely no shortage of products on the market that claim to be able to make spots disappear, and there's no shortage of advice and opinions about those products either. Paying for treatment for spots can feel like playing slots. In the same way that you don't know whether the money you've spent at an online slots website was worthwhile until the reels have spun and you've seen the results of it, you don't know whether a spot treatment was worth your cash until you've applied it to your face. In both cases, you make the same move in the event of failure. If one online slot game isn't paying out for you, you move on to the next one. If one spot treatment isn't working out for you, you buy a different one.
What if there was another way, though? What if, instead of buying expensive over-the-counter treatments, you could deal with your spots using a more natural method? Perhaps you can. Here are a few time-honored natural spot treatments you may wish to consider if you have a persistent problem with spots.
Tea Tree Oil
We wouldn't blame you if you were suspicious of tea tree oil; the substance has been cited as a cure for almost every malady imaginable by fans of homeopathy. When it comes to spots, though, there might be something to be said for it. Tea tree oil has been scientifically proven to be good at treating inflammation of the skin, and can also fight bacteria. It's a very potent substance, so it should always be diluted before it's applied to the skin, but tea tree oil can effectively treat spots without causing the kind of irritation or dryness that you might sometimes experience with pharmaceutical options. To use it at home, mix one part tea tree oil with nine parts water, and then apply the resulting solution to your face with a cotton swab. One treatment in the morning and one before you go to bed should soon result in a visible improvement.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Applying neat apple cider vinegar to your skin is not a good idea. As is the case with tea tree oil, though, a diluted apple cider vinegar mix might actually help with an acne outbreak. The science behind this possible treatment is a little shakier than the science behind tea tree oil, but there's enough evidence to support its effectiveness to suggest that it's at least worth a try. The liquid contains succinic acid, which can be useful in both reducing inflammations around spots and also preventing scarring caused by outbreaks of acne. Mix the vinegar with at least three parts water (or four parts if you have especially sensitive skin), and gently apply it to your face using a cotton bud. Stop immediately if you feel a burning sensation, and add more water to your mixture. One or two treatments per day should start the process of sending your spots packing.
Zinc
There may be a connection between acne and low levels of zinc in the body. If the theory is correct, dealing with spots might be as easy as taking daily zinc supplements. The best thing about this treatment is that it's just a single tablet per day - you don't even have to take the time to mix anything up or apply it to your skin! Your skin can't absorb zinc, so ignore any treatment that claims to work by applying it through a cream. Instead, buy zinc tablets and take one every morning, taking care not to exceed the recommended daily maximum amount of 40 milligrams. People who claim to have cured their acne or spots this way tend to report that their skin became clear within 4-8 weeks of starting with the supplements. Stop if you start to experience stomach pains; they can be a sign of zinc poisoning. If you have concerns, consult a doctor before starting.
Sleep More
Yes, it really might be this simple. You might be experiencing outbreaks of spots for no reason other than the fact that you're not getting enough sleep, and therefore you're more prone to stress. Stress has been proven to be a factor in not only the appearance of spots, but the length of time it takes for spots to disappear after they've formed. Getting more sleep is the easiest way of cutting back on stress, but its not the only route. Regular exercise could also reduce your stress levels, and the lower your stress levels are, the less likely you are to see spots appear in the first place. Taking ten minutes for yourself each day and using that time to do some deep breathing or meditation could be the only adjustment you need to make to your lifestyle in order to calm your skin down.
None of the treatments we've suggested should be seen as a 'magic bullet' for spots because no such magic bullet exists. The extent and severity of your spots are down to your body chemistry, and everybody's body chemistry is unique. If you have a persistent or severe problem, you should always see a doctor and follow their recommendation. If your spots are nothing more than mild irritation, though, and you're sick of buying expensive creams and other treatments to get rid of them and experiencing no success, there's no harm in attempting something more natural. Let's put it another way; if your regular store-bought treatment isn't getting rid of your spots, what do you have to lose by trying zinc supplements or apple cider vinegar instead? Try it; it might change your life!