Natural Treatments To Eliminate Acne
Acne is a persistent challenge for many people of all ages. Pimples are not just a condition that effects teenagers, but can also be caused by hormonal imbalances, dietary factors or more commonly (and a lesser know cause) is as a result of a reaction to commercial skincare products.
A lot of people don’t realize that they have sensitivities to the ingredients in skin care product ingredients, and especially acne washes or treatments which can dry and irritate skin.
Fortunately these are not your only option. Many of the active ingredients in these products can be found in natural ingredients like fruits, oils and spices. These elements are equally as effective in targeting acne related skin problems while soothing and repairing many of the other effects of acne like scarring and inflammation at the same time.
You can make a whole range of easy face masks, washes and more using these ingredients from your local supermarket, garden or essential oils store. They last a long time and can be used for many other skin conditions – or even for cleaning around your home making them a cost effective and versatile alternative to expensive or irritating commercial acne products.
So what ingredients are in acne products?
Here are some of the ingredients you are likely to see on acne product labels:
Salicylic acid:
This acid was derived from nature (as are most drugs). It is good for targeting acne bacteria. This “active ingredient” is naturally found in:
- apricots
- blackberries
- blueberries
- cantaloupe
- cherries
- dates
- fresh avocados
- guava apples
- mandarin
- red grapes
- spices
- strawberries
- tangelo
- willow bark
These ingredients can be used effectively as a base or added ingredient in a homemade acne facemask.
Sulphur:
Another ingredient in acne products. You can also find good concentrations of sulphur (that can be used in natural homemade acne facemasks) are:
- broccoli
- cabbage
- cauliflower
- dried apricots
- egg yolks
- kale
- kohlrabi
Antibiotics:
These are widely used today but can cause digestive issues, itchy skin and scalp disorders like dandruff and also immune problems. Natures answer to antibiotics are :
- honey (especially active UMF honey)
- colloidal silver (liquid extracted from water)
- yogurt (full of “good” bacteria
- tea tree oil (a powerful antimicrobial agent)
- neem oil (a very potent infection fighter)
- extra virgin coconut oil
These ingredients can all be used in natural acne facemask recipes. When combined with the ingredients above, you can see how these ingredients can work in a synergistic way to combat acne so effectively.
Isotretinoin:
This ingredient helps to reduce oil or sebum production, soothes pimple inflammation, pustules and cysts and helps to unclog pores. Use of this product can have side effects such as skin dryness and scaling, particularly on the lips. Natural acne treatment alternatives include:
- apple cider vinegar
- coconut oil
- safflower oil (taken internally)
- tea tree oil
- rosemary oil
- bergamot oil
- lavender oil
- turmeric powder
All of these ingredients not only have antibacterial properties but also help to regulate sebum production and shrink pores while healing and nourishing skin helping to prevent scarring
Benzoyl peroxide:
An antibacterial agent that dissolves comedones – the first signs of acne. Side effects can include dryness and scaling or redness and swelling. Natural alternatives include:
- tea tree oil
- rosemary oil
- lavender oil
- coconut oil
- neem oil
Benzoyl peroxide:
Astringents to close pores and reduce oil production. Natural alternative examples are:
- apple cider vinegar
- witch hazel
- lemon juice
- aloe vera juice
- green tea
- rose water
- mint leaves
Now if you are thinking these are may not be as effective as chemical derivatives , think again. These ingredients are not only proven be extremely effective when it comes to destroying acne causing bacteria, but are also known to offer preventative and healing benefits for stressed skin.
You can use them to make a simple recipe like the one below to combat acne. You can also use other bases like papaya or banana which help retard acne bacteria because they contain other fruit acids or potassium (in bananas) which slows down the growth rate of bacteria.
Acne Facemask:
1 fresh avocado or 2 tablespoons coconut oil
3 drops tea tree or neem oil
3 drops lavender oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon plain yogurt (optional)
Mix together well and apply to skin in a thick layer. Leave on for approximately ten minutes, then wash off. Apply this mask three times a week for best results.
You can also make acne serums using coconut oil and essential oils. You can also add turmeric powder and honey or many more like those found in Natural Homemade Skin Care Recipes book with over 200 recipes and 97 different ingredients to choose from.
Alternatively you can use our serum wizard to make a skin serum for your skin type or the ingredient wizard.
My personal preference is to make an acne facemask using a base of avocado, banana, yogurt and/or coconut oil (or a blend of these ingredients), then add other ingredients including spices and essential oils. If you don’t have access to these, you can use crushed herbs from your garden such as parsley and basil, then add lemon juice and baking soda as a gentler but still effective alternative to the most potent ingredients listed above.
Ingredients that contain essential fatty acids or “good oils” like avocados and coconut absorb quickly so help to moisturize skin without leaving it oily. Coconut oil also helps to lift blackheads and prevent scar formation. Avocados and other fruits are full of antioxidants that help to repair and rejuvenate damaged and inflamed skin. If want to correct hormonal imbalances, add some evening primrose oil or rosehip oil to reduce existing scars.
As you can see – there are many benefits and advantages to using natural ingredients in acne facemasks and as cleansers on skin. It’s easy and fun – and can save you a small fortune while preventing future breakouts. Enjoy trying these recipes and more in Natural Homemade Skin Care Recipes.
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