Acne can be difficult to treat, but there are natural treatments available that may offer relief. Home remedies like cucumber slices or tea bags may soothe skin inflammation and reduce swelling.
Zinc supplements or topical applications containing zinc have been found to significantly reduce acne in various studies. Other natural solutions that could potentially work include applying tea tree oil or using witch hazel toner.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
DIYers use apple cider vinegar for many things–from heartburn relief and weight loss, to improving skin barrier function. While there’s some research behind its purported uses for these purposes–clearing acne, fade blemish scars, treating age spots/warts/moles as well as eliminating moles are just some examples–DIYers may use apple cider vinegar in ways not supported by science.
Good news: Studies suggest that ACV, along with other varieties of vinegar, may contain acetic acid that helps inhibit bacteria that causes acne breakouts and act as a natural astringent to tighten pores and diminish oily skin appearance.
Diluted apple cider vinegar should be applied as a facial toner after cleansing for optimal results. ACV’s anti-inflammatory properties can soothe irritation caused by acne breakouts, according to the National Library of Medicine. ACV also has pH balancing benefits that may help restore balance to skin pH levels disrupted by cosmetic products or overly harsh soaps.
Bad news: Acetic acid found in apple cider vinegar may kill bacteria, but it could also strip your skin of its natural oils and lead to dry and flaky patches – not ideal if you already suffer from an acne outbreak. Furthermore, as ACV may be caustic when applied directly onto skin it must always be diluted with water before being used as a face wash or toner.
Experts advise combining ACV with cotton balls and applying just a few drops directly on an area prone to breakouts or as an after-sun remedy – warm water can soothe sunburn while ACV acts as a gentle exfoliant, helping reduce wrinkles over time.
2. Manuka Honey
Honey comes in various varieties and is not just limited to its culinary uses; it can also be a valuable skin care product. One reason is Manuka honey (Leptospermum scoparium), which has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties which may aid in healing acne as well as burns, sores, and scars.
Manuka honey stands out due to the active component methylglyoxal which provides its unique medicinal qualities and antibacterial qualities, thereby providing healing capabilities while simultaneously killing off bacteria that cause acne, psoriasis, or eczema.
Vitamin C-rich honey has long been known to aid the immune system and combat skin aging, while also being an antioxidant that can slow it down. Furthermore, honey is also known to be an excellent natural humectant that draws moisture out of the air to hydrate skin, leaving complexion soft and smooth – essential when dealing with acne breakouts! Adding honey directly onto food will add another level of protection from dryness which often comes hand in hand with inflammation and itching that comes from dry skin conditions like acne.
Furthermore, it acts as a natural exfoliant that works by clearing away dead cells and debris that clog your pores, leading to acne breakouts and other skin conditions. Furthermore, it also reduces inflammation and speeds wound healing.
Best of all, it can be used as a cleanser, face mask or spot treatment for those pesky blemishes. As a cleanser it effectively removes makeup, dirt and other grime left on your skin throughout the day – perfect for cleansing!
As a mask, this treatment can be left on for several minutes before rinsing off to cleanse your skin and rid it of excess oil that contributes to pimple formation. Furthermore, it can be used as spot treatments on any existing blemishes as it will prevent further flare ups by killing off bacteria that could be the source.
Apply a thin layer to pimples or acne scars to help fade them; too much may sting and even become painful if applied over too large an area.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil derived from Melaleuca alternifolia plants is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory essential oil with proven effectiveness against acne. It works by killing off bacteria that cause breakouts, reducing redness and swelling and helping prevent scarring of existing blemishes – qualities which make it a popular ingredient in over-the-counter acne remedies.
Tea tree oil’s antiseptic properties help fight off Propionibacterium acnes bacteria that causes pimples. Applying it directly can reduce inflammation and speed healing time while fighting excess oil production- a common source of acne breakouts.
Simply dab some pure tea tree oil onto your skin using cotton swabs or dilute it with organic jojoba oil before applying with pure tea tree oil alone; be aware that undiluted pure tea tree oil may irritate sensitive skin. In addition, long-term topical use may lead to dermatitis in some people; always test a small amount first before making this part of your routine care plan.
Witch hazel, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, can also provide natural treatment of pimples. When combined with water as an astringent it can be applied directly onto any blemish or combined with some drops of tea tree oil for an acne spot treatment solution.
Diet is key when it comes to fighting acne, and eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables can help. Beware dairy products which may lead to hormonal imbalance and lead to breakouts; try adding foods high in zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids into your diet for increased sebum production and soothe acne-related inflammation.
While research on holistic treatments for acne is limited, anecdotal evidence and feedback from patients suggest that herbs, oils, vitamins and natural supplements could help improve complexion and promote healthy skin. Many of these ingredients can be found in your kitchen cupboard; including them into your daily routine could make a big difference to its appearance. Before trying any new treatments or products on yourself be sure to discuss it with a dermatologist first and always patch test samples on the back of your hand first before putting anything directly on your face.
4. Green Tea
Green tea is an effective anti-inflammatory that reduces swelling caused by pimples and soothes irritated skin, while simultaneously fighting oxidative stress and protecting against acne-inducing free radical damage. Plus, catechins – a type of polyphenol with antibacterial properties – make green tea an invaluable asset in skincare regimens ranging from serums and face masks to scrubs and toners; additionally you can take a concentrated dose of antioxidants directly through your bloodstream into the skin for even greater benefits!
Green tea can be used as an effective natural pimple healer by drinking one or applying directly onto the skin. Boiling and cooling liquid tea leaves makes an effective toner that can remove sebum from pores without overdrying or irritating skin, while its leaves may also be used as facial masks, toners or exfoliators. Furthermore, products containing green tea can easily be found for application directly onto problem areas as needed.
Another effective solution is creating a mask from dried green tea leaves. Simply mix one tablespoon of dry green tea leaves in warm water, massage it into your skin in small, circular motions and leave for at least five minutes before rinsing away with more water – this treatment can be repeated multiple times weekly to help control oil production and prevent pimples.
Green tea contains several phenolic compounds with antibacterial properties, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), that have been demonstrated to prevent P. acnes bacteria growth that causes acne lesions, as well as modulate sebaceous gland activity to control excessive oil production – two contributing factors to acne outbreaks.
Dandelion tea is an excellent source of vitamin A, known to support healthy skin and help treat acne. Brew yourself a pot daily or apply directly with cotton ball; alternatively purchase extract/tincture of herb to create natural yet effective astringents using antibacterial tea tree oil as part of a mix with water for topical application.
