Acne is usually caused by over production of sebum (oil that is secreted by sebaceous glands in your skin), irregular shedding of dead skin and/or the buildup of bacteria. Acne occurs when hair follicles become plugged by oil and dead skin cells.
Are you prone to acne breakouts? Does your skin look blotchy and scarred because of you popping your pimples? Natural should be on your mind. Holistic medicine can be just as effective as chemicals and expensive scrubs and much safer to use. When using natural treatments, it’s important to use organic and raw products to maximize the best results. Here are 6 natural acne treatments you can substitute for chemical products.
Honey
Not only is honey excellent for your body overall, it has great acne treatment properties. Honey is natural and anti-bacterial. Honey is also a moisturizer and can help your body naturally retain moisture. However, honey will not cure severe acne, and is best used with other natural products – such as cinnamon, milk/yoghurt and even strawberries. To make a cinnamon/honey mask:
- Take 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Cinnamon is not only antibacterial, but antimicrobial (which further kills and prevents bacteria as well as other microbes such as fungi, yeast, and some viruses).
- To make the yogurt or milk with honey mask, mix 1 tablespoon of full fat yogurt/milk with 1 tablespoon of honey. While many people say that dairy can cause acne, it only causes acne due to the hormones in it, which happens when you ingest it. But if used topically, it soothes irritating skin and clears up the redness.
- Lastly for the strawberry/honey mask, mash 3 fresh strawberries and add to 2 teaspoons of raw honey. Strawberries contain salicylic acid, which is also usually found in chemical based acne treatments. Salicylic acid allows the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) to shed its cells quicker, open up clogged pores and neutralize the bacteria. You can use either of these combinations, but apply and leave them on your face for at least 15 minutes a day.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has strong antibacterial properties and kills off bacteria that may be causing the trouble. Through the active process of becoming making your face alkaline (less acidic) it balances out the pH of the skin, which makes it harder for bacteria to survive. It’s also an astringent and will help dry up excess oil from the skin, at the same time cleansing and closing the pores allowing your skin to breath properly.
- To use apple cider vinegar, take a ratio of ½ water and ½ vinegar and apply to your face, leaving it on for 10-15 minutes.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera can either be used by itself or with other natural treatments. Aloe vera is a natural plant found with a gel-like consistency inside the plant. If you’re going to use a gel found in stores, find one that has the least amount of additives. Aloe is soothing, has antibacterial properties, can be used as an anti-inflammatory and decreases redness and swelling. You can use enough aloe vera to spot treat the problem areas or your entire face.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil acts as a solvent which that cuts through the extra sebum (oil that is naturally secreted by the glands) as well as the dead skin and unblocks the pores. It also has antibacterial properties and prevents further outbreaks. Tea tree oil needs to be diluted before you can use it.
- Mix 1 part oil with 9 parts water and use a q-tip to apply to problematic areas.
- Never ingest tea tree oil and always dilute.
- You can even use aloe vera as a substitute to water for sensitive skin.
Lemons
Lemons are natural disinfectants and can help fade away acne scars. Lemons are rich in vitamin C which is always good for the skin and it has citric acid which helps to exfoliate the skin. It is also an astringent similar to apple cider vinegar and will help dry out the blemish.
- Squeeze out the juice in 1 fresh lemon and apply using a q-tip.
- If it stings, mix it in with a little bit of yogurt.
Natural Oils
Applying natural oils to the skin can also be beneficial. They do not contain any irritating ingredients, will not remove the skin of its natural oil and nourishes as well as moisturizes the skin. Some oils you can use include jojoba oil, castor oil, avocado oil and grape seed oil. Jojoba oil may be the best option as it copies the sebum production, allowing the skin to produce less sebum. Make sure you choose organic, cold-pressed and unrefined oil.
Stay Healthy
It’s without a doubt that a healthy living will produce good skin. So make sure you exercise and eat healthy such as fruits and vegetables. Use any of these natural treatments or a combination to get rid of acne. As always, make sure you talk to your dermatologist for any underlying conditions that could be causing your acne outbreak.