April 2008, Ac+ Natural Acne Ointment endorsed by Summer Rayne again! in "Ask Summer Rayne: All-Natural Acne Treatments" in "planet green", the first and only 24-hour eco-lifestyle television network with a robust online presence and community.

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Ask Summer Rayne: All-Natural Acne Treatments

Summer Rayne Oakes recommends products that fight blemishes without irritating your skin

I've had acne for the better part of my life and am concerned about products that are irritating to my skin. Do you know of any natural alternatives that are safe and effective?

Most acne medications, which often contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, leave faces dry and chapped. "Using topical solutions like that sets you up for failure," says Warren Brander, the head of research and development at plant-based therapeutic company Théra Wise. "Those ingredients strip the skin of its hydrolipid barrier, compromising the skin's natural defenses and often prompting future breakouts."

What you want to look for are topical treatments that will help balance and strengthen the skin as well as reduce redness, inflammation, and bacteria. Two very good treatments made from naturally derived ingredients are Théra Wise Ac+ Natural Acne Ointment and Burt's Bees Herbal Blemish stick. Both have Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil), which are particularly good at fighting inflammation and bacteria, respectively. If you have mild acne, you can also try pure tea tree oil. It has a similar drying effect to benzoyl peroxide, but it doesn't leave your skin flaky.

Summer Rayne Oakes is a model, activist and television host known for her social entrepreneur work in
ecofashion and related sustainability ventures. Because of her close ties to the environment, she is often referred to as "The Eco-model”. Check out Summer’s informative & inspiring blog, http://www.summerrayne.net and take a peek at her column as a fashion and beauty expert in Planet Green (http://planetgreen.discovery.com/ask-summer-rayne/) which officially launched June 4th. It's the first 24-hour eco-lifestyle television network and will be taking over the Discovery Home Channel at 6PM EST.

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