Every woman wants glowing, beautiful and healthy skin. Whether you suffer from mild to severe acne, if left untreated, it can lead to diminished self-esteem and scarring. According to the London Dermatology Centre, acne can be caused by a number of factors, including: improper care, lack of hydration, oxidative damage, poor nutrition and hormonal imbalances.
Prescription drugs and topical medications can be dangerous and cause more damage in the long run. It is possible to treat acne with natural home remedies, which will give you the added benefit of minimizing acne scars. Let’s examine the top 7 natural remedies for acne:
1. Gentle Cleansing
Gentle cleansing is our first recommendation to be a part of your daily skin care regimen. For an all-natural, chemical-free face wash, mix together honey, apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, probiotics and essential oils (like tea tree oil). Dampen the skin with warm water, and massage onto face and neck. Rinse well and pat dry. This should be done every morning and evening, and it is best to refrain from over-cleansing, as this can irritate the skin and cause an overproduction of oil. Honey, with its antibacterial properties, helps to soothe the skin, while coconut oil helps to fight bacteria and fungus, and tea tree oil can be used to invigorate the skin.
2. Toning
Many do not understand the importance of toning the skin in their fight against acne. Toning helps to remove any residue left after cleansing, and helps to restore the skin’s natural pH levels.
Pure apple cider vinegar (with the mother) can be used as an all-natural, evening and morning toner. Simply smooth over skin with a cotton ball, and concentrate on active breakouts and acne-prone areas. ACV is packed with magnesium, potassium, acetic acid and various enzymes that kill acne-causing bacteria on the skin.
3. Moisturizing
Believe it or not, acne-prone skin still needs to be moisturized. Topical treatments tend to dry out the skin, causing it to produce more oil, thereby increasing acne. Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer. Studies have found that the lauric acid in coconut oil is tough and effective in the battle against acne. Antioxidant rich and high in medium-chain fatty acids, coconut oil is one of the most versatile oils on the market, as it is used to hydrate and restore moisture to skin and hair. Warm ¼ teaspoon of coconut oil in the palms of your hands, and smooth over your face and neck. Allow it to soak into the skin for five minutes, then gently wipe off the excess oil with a dry cloth.
You can also use coconut oil as a sunscreen. Sun exposure can stimulate pigment-producing cells, and increase the risk of acne scarring. Studies have found that both coconut oil and olive oil have an SPF value of 8. Simply apply a moderate amount to exposed skin every few hours.
4. Facial Masks
Use facial masks to hydrate and heal your skin, and fight common causes of acne. Here are two types of masks that you can apply to your skin every week, using natural ingredients:
(i) Yogurt and Honey Mask: Mix one tablespoon of honey with one tablespoon of yogurt. Apply to face, and pay particular attention to your hairline, jawline and other acne-prone areas. Leave it on for 10 minutes and gently wipe off with a damp cloth.
(ii) Cinnamon and Honey Mask: Mix two tablespoons of honey, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and one teaspoon of coconut oil. Apply to face, and keep away from your eyes, because the cinnamon can irritate them. Leave this mask on for 5–10 minutes and gently remove with a damp cloth. When used together, honey and cinnamon form a powerful combination in your acne-fighting arsenal, because of their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. You can even add a couple drops of tea tree oil to the masks for its additional benefits.
5. Spot Treat with Tea Tree Oil
You can also use tea tree oil to spot treat and fight acne. According to medical research, over-the-counter gels containing just 5 percent of tea tree oil may be as effective as medications containing 5 percent of benzoyl peroxide. Here is a home remedy that you can use to heal your skin: Mix 4–8 drops of tea tree oil and one teaspoon of coconut oil or jojoba oil. Dab lightly onto problem areas. If you feel a slight tingling sensation, don’t worry; this is normal. Remember to always use a carrier oil, because tea tree oil can be too harsh to skin when applied directly.
6. Regular and Gentle Exfoliation
Acne can be caused by clogged pores and build-up of dead skin, oil and dust. Therefore, it’s conducive to your skin’s health to exfoliate on a regular basis. Instead of risking more damage with chemical-based scrubs, opt for healthier ingredients that you can find in your kitchen. To create a homemade scrub, you need something gritty. Good choices are: sea salt, brown sugar and ground oatmeal. Then, you need to find a base for your scrub. You can use coconut oil, kefir or honey. Mix the ingredients together and rub into the skin in a circular motion. Pay attention to problem-areas. When you’re done, gently remove with a damp cloth, and rinse well.
7. Eat Healthy Foods
It’s vital to take an inside out approach when treating acne-prone skin. You can do this by eating healthy foods, such as such as green, leafy vegetables, berries and clean protein. Healthy fats are also essential to promoting good skin and treating acne breakouts at home, and you can find them in omega 3-rich foods, like wild-caught salmon and soybeans.
According to a recent study published in BioMed Research International, a correlation has been found between low zinc levels and the severity of acne. To increase your zinc intake, consume foods such as kefir, lamb, yogurt, pumpkin seeds and chicken.
Finally, it’s best to avoid food such as hydrogenated oils, wheat, gluten, refined sugar and dairy. Stay away from allergens if you have any, such as peanuts, shellfish and gluten.
Use these tips to help you to fight acne right at home with natural ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to bright, clearer, and healthier skin!