Home Remedies For Acne
Home Remedies For Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are several home remedies that can help clear pimples without the use of prescription drugs.
Before using any of these remedies, be sure to do your research first. Furthermore, consult a doctor if your acne is severe.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, a naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory oil, is an ideal acne remedy. Its benefits are many; such as decreasing oil production in the skin, even out skin tone and preventing acne scarring.
Tea tree oil’s anti-inflammatory properties make it useful for treating various skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema. Furthermore, tea tree oil lowers cholesterol and improves gut health.
If you’re new to tea tree oil, start by testing it on an area of your skin that doesn’t have any acne. This could be as easy as placing a drop of essential oil onto a cotton ball and leaving it on for several minutes. If it does not irritate the skin, dermatologist Deirdre Hooper MD from Audubon Dermatology in New Orleans suggests using the product regularly for best results.
A study of 14 people with mild to moderate acne who applied a solution containing tea tree oil twice daily for 12 weeks saw significant improvements in their lesions. On average, participants experienced an average reduction in acne lesions of 45% during this period.
Before applying tea tree oil on your face, first wash it with a mild soap and gentle cleanser to eliminate any dirt or makeup that could be causing breakouts. Doing this makes it easier for the oil to penetrate into pores and disinfect them.
Dr. Garshick recommends diluting tea tree oil with a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil to reduce skin irritation and the potential for it making your acne worse.
You can also mix some drops of tea tree oil with a teaspoon of honey to create an effective scrub that targets both blackheads and pimples. The honey acts as a natural preservative, helping protect the oil from spoilage.
Finally, applying a diluted tea tree oil solution directly on pimples or whiteheads will unclog pores and dry out your skin, helping prevent future breakouts and keeping pimples from getting bigger or spreading elsewhere on your body. This will also help minimize scarring caused by pimples.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is an incredibly versatile noncomedogenic oil that can be used for acne, dry skin, eczema and more. It’s safe to use on your face, neck, hands and feet; you could even use it as a hair moisturizer!
Jojoba oil has long been used to help combat acne by helping regulate sebum production in your skin. Your body produces this naturally to protect yourself from environmental elements; however, when there’s too much of it, pores can clog and lead to breakouts.
Jojoba oil is ideal for acne because it’s a natural emollient, rather than an oil, so it won’t clog pores and will instead moisturize your skin without creating more oil buildup.
Vitamin E, an antioxidant, helps reduce the inflammation that causes acne, fine lines and wrinkles. Furthermore, this key ingredient strengthens capillaries while increasing moisture and elasticity.
When combatting acne, opt for organic jojoba oil in its purest form – cold-pressed without added oleic acid or other comedogenic ingredients. Steer clear of processed oils which can irritate skin and lead to side effects like eczema or allergic reactions.
Jojoba oil can be found in both drugstore and natural cosmetic brands. It’s used in various skincare items like lotions, cleansers and face masks for skin rejuvenation.
If you’re not sure whether jojoba oil is suitable for you, it’s always wise to conduct a patch test before applying it on larger areas of skin. If there any irritation, discontinue use and consult your doctor.
Keep your acne under wraps by washing your face thoroughly with warm water and a mild soap every morning and night. Additionally, add some drops of jojoba oil to your cleanser or massage it into your face before bedtime; this helps soothe and heal skin so it’s suitable for all types. Alternatively, combine this with tea tree or lavender essential oil for an at-home treatment that reduces inflammation and clarifies pores.
Clay Mud Mask
Clay masks can be a blessing for acne-prone skin, but only if you choose the right one. Not only do they reduce oil production and absorb blemish-causing impurities, but they also soften pores for an overall smoother complexion.
Excess sebum, which is essential for lubricating the skin surface and shielding it from external aggressors, can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Fortunately, clays are known for their ability to absorb excess oil without impairing your skin’s natural moisture barrier or hydration levels.
They provide powerful exfoliation and detoxification abilities that keep your skin clear, clean, and radiant. It’s best to use them twice a week; however, you can also do it on other days if your skin needs additional nourishment or radiance.
Clay can also serve as an effective astringent, helping to tighten enlarged pores – perfect for those with oily or blemished skin.
Clay masks for acne are also an effective way to get rid of dead skin cells, which can make your pores appear larger and clogged up. The most effective clay masks contain ingredients like charcoal which draw out dirt and oil from the pores.
Some masks also contain zinc oxide, a natural antioxidant that shields skin from sun damage and premature aging. Other beneficial ingredients to look for include vitamin e which helps keep moisture levels balanced and provides healthy complexions.
Mud masks can be beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin types, but you may need to steer clear if your complexion is very dry. In such cases, try other skin care products instead to strengthen the barrier around your pores and prevent breakouts.
Mud and clay come in many varieties, so it’s essential to find one that works with your specific skin type. Popular choices include kaolin, bentonite and rhassoul.
Dermatologist Manjot Marwah notes that clay or mud masks can be beneficial for all skin types. However, she advises consulting your physician before using a new clay or mud mask.
Clay and mud masks are an effective natural way to brighten your skin, reduce inflammation and fight acne. However, it’s essential that you only use these homemade remedies when necessary; overuse or insufficient application could strip away essential oils from the skin.
Cucumber Juice
Cucumber juice not only cleanses your pores naturally, but it also helps reduce swelling and redness around them. Its mild astringent properties help balance out pH levels in your skin’s pores while its high water content soothes and calms it.
Cucumbers are an excellent source of Vitamin C, which helps prevent and treat acne. Furthermore, their silica content strengthens connective tissues while tightening loose skin.
Raw cucumbers can be consumed raw as part of a healthy diet or used to create homemade masks and potions that promise clear skin. Plus, cucumbers contain plenty of antioxidants which repair and nourish both body and skin.
Mixing fresh cucumber juice with aloe vera gel can help control breakouts, as it contains antibacterial properties that reduce the inflammation responsible for them. Furthermore, mixing the two together helps balance your skin’s natural oil production.
Cucumber juice can also be used to create a homemade toner or mist for your face and neck, which will help minimize pores and eliminate acne-causing bacteria.
To make this simple remedy, combine 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1/4 cup cucumber juice. You may also add a few drops of tea tree oil for additional astringency and antibacterial power.
For a soothing mask, add two teaspoons of bentonite clay to the cucumber juice before mixing it together. Let the cucumber water infuse with the clay for an invigorating experience that will reduce inflammation and swelling.
This homemade remedy can be used on both dry and oily skin types, making it especially helpful for acne-prone skin due to its cooling and soothing effects. Not only that, but it also moisturizes your skin while eliminating extra oil from it.
You can also try mixing cucumber juice with honey for a gentle exfoliation. This homemade remedy should be used twice or thrice weekly for smooth and glowing skin.
Cucumbers not only offer skincare benefits, but they’re a great source of vitamin B2 and calcium as well. Eating one cucumber daily will help maintain healthy skin, bones, which in turn lowers the risk of osteoporosis as well as brittle hair and nails.