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According to the American Academy of Dermatology, more than 85 million people in the U.S – that’s one in four Americans – are affected by skin conditions, including acne, hives, dermatitis, psoriasis, irritation, dryness, uneven skin tone/texture and inflammation. Conventional treatments for these can be time-consuming and expensive with undesirable side effects, leading many to seek natural remedies. Here are a few to consider.

1. Aloe Vera – Popular for soothing a sunburns, scrapes and rashes, aloe vera gel is often added to lotions, creams, ointments and soaps for its ability to moisturize, heal and relieve redness and itching. With more than 75 active compounds, including anthraquinone which is believed to remove dead skin cells and increase cell turnover for a fresher look.

• Tea Tree Oil – This classic skin cleanser is extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia. Its primary active constituents responsible for reducing harmful bacteria include terpene hydrocarbons, monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. It’s great for acne and just an ideal all-purpose home remedy. Since tea tree oil is very potent, always dilute it with a carrier oil before applying to your skin.

• Apple Cider Vinegar – Made from fermented apple cider or the unfiltered juice from pressed apples, apple cider vinegar contains many organic acids that aid the skin. Its use harkens back to the time of Hippocrates when it was used for cleaning skin sores. With its beneficial acids and vitamins it detoxifies skin and helps dry up excess oils.

• Raw Honey – One of the best natural sources of nutrients, enzymes and vitamins, honey is also an excellent source of antioxidants, which are believed to be effective for acne-prone skin. It is super-saturated in moisture, leaving skin silky smooth. It helps fade imperfections and reduce scaring.

• Coconut Oil – You can cook with it, eat it, add it to smoothies and slather on your skin and hair! Coconut oil is truly a multi-tasking oil. It helps strengthen skin, remove dead skin cells, protect from the sun. Use it on your hair and skin to cleanse, moisturize, remove makeup and ease the appearance of scars.

• Lemon – A natural bleach that brightens skin, lemons are also jam-packed with cleansing enzymes that removed dead skin cells, help fade age spots and is great for oily skin. Its Vitamin C content has been extensively studied for its role in preventing hyperpigmentation. Since lemons can make your skin sensitive to sunlight, be sure to use sunscreen before going outdoors.

• Turmeric – An ancient Ayurvedic remedy, turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used for centuries for a variety of health conditions including the skin. Its cleansing properties help lighten pigmentation and smooth out blemishes.

• Cucumber – Well-known for its skin cooling properties, cucumber is the same pH level as your skin, which helps replenish your skin’s protective layer. It hydrates and nourishes, and regular use helps keep acne, wrinkles and dry skin at bay.

• Sea Salt – Authentic sea salt is loaded with tons of minerals and nutrients that help protect and restore the texture of your skin. Leaves it feeling soft, smooth and moisturized, never greasy.

• Shea Butter – Used in Africa for hundreds of years, shea butter is most popular for easing stretch marks, but since it’s a great moisturizer, it’s also good for reducing flaking, redness and peeling skin. Ideal for every season.   

With any of these topical remedies, be sure to test a small amount on your arm, wait 24 hours and discontinue if irritation develops. Click the link below to discover how some of these can help you reach your skin goals!