Many home remedies have properties that help treat acne. However, it is best to consult with a dermatologist about treating severe acne.
Certain foods can also help prevent and reduce acne. For example, eating a diet low in glycemic index can balance hormones and promote healthy skin. Echinacea purpurea extract is another good remedy, as it kills the bacteria that causes acne.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a natural antiseptic. It kills bacteria that cause acne and also kills fungi that cause infection. It may also reduce the redness and swelling of pimples.
A study comparing tea tree oil to benzoyl peroxide found that both treatments reduced the number of inflamed acne lesions but that tea tree oil took longer to work. It is a good idea to use only pure essential oil products.
Choose a cleanser that contains tea tree oil and other ingredients that help to unplug pores and remove dead skin cells. For best results, choose top acne products specially formulated for acne.
Green Tea
Almost every health guru, Instagram yogi and beauty vlogger swears by green tea. It’s the jack-of-all-trades ingredient with anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce skin damage.
Its polyphenols, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), have been proven to reduce oil production in the skin and prevent acne lesions from forming. Green tea also contains vitamin B2 and vitamin E to soothe and moisturize.
While home remedies are mild acne cases, combining them with other scientific ingredients is important. This will ensure your skin gets the full treatment without an increased risk of irritation. This is why you should always do a patch test when trying new home remedies.
Aloe Vera
The cactus-like aloe vera plant stores water in its stiff, triangular leaves and has been used since ancient Egypt for medicinal purposes. It has anti-inflammatory properties, and its gel-like substance is 99 percent water and packed full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Applying aloe vera directly to your acne helps hydrate the skin and promotes faster healing. It also contains chemicals called glycoproteins and polysaccharides that can help reduce inflammation and encourage skin growth and repair.
However, using pure aloe is important since commercial products might contain added ingredients that could irritate your skin. And though it can fade dark spots left by pimples, it isn’t as effective for banishing lingering scars once the blemish has cleared up.
Honey
Honey has been used for centuries to soothe and heal skin. It also has antibacterial properties. It can also help reduce the redness and inflammation associated with acne.
Honey may also have mild lightening properties, which can help fade scars. However, it’s important to note that honey is a byproduct of bees and can’t be used by vegan people.
A study found that adding 90% medical-grade kanuka honey and 10% glycerine to a triclocarban-based antibacterial soap was not more effective than the antibacterial soap alone for treating facial acne. This was a randomized controlled trial.
Egg Whites
Egg whites are a natural way to add nutrients and tighten skin. They also have antibacterial properties and can speed wound healing, which is important because acne lesions are essentially small wounds. Egg whites can be used to remove blackheads, and they have also been found to reduce the discoloration of blemishes caused by acne.
Egg whites are full of vitamins, amino acids and proteins that help clarify pores by soaking up excess sebum (oil) that can cause acne. They can also firm and shrink pores, which can reduce acne scarring.
Additionally, they can help reduce puffiness under the eyes, giving one a tired look.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are rich in vitamin C, caffeic acid and folic acid, which help rejuvenate the complexion and prevent premature aging. They are popular in many skincare products like serums and face masks.
They are also known for soothing puffy eyes and reducing dark circles. The high water content of cucumber helps to hydrate tender skin around the eyes and reduces inflammation.
Moreover, cucumber has natural lightening and cooling properties that help to whiten the skin. It is also used to get rid of blackheads and acne. Cucumbers can be used as a facial toner or as an eye gel. Read more exciting articles on Smartmetaclicks
