Acne is a common skin problem experienced by many people, especially teenagers and those with oily skin. In fact, it is reported that approximately 85% of the world's population has had this skin condition at least once in their lives. Well, except for the island of Kitava, located off the eastern coast of Papua New Guinea, where acne practically does not exist. How I envy them--but, they do have a very special diet that does not include foods that cause inflammation. If you also want to be like them, you can start by following the Paleolithic diet as it also limits your food intake similar to what the Kitavans eat.
However, if you are already experiencing a nasty case of acne breakout, you may be tempted to just go to a skin clinic and have it treated. The downside to this, of course, is that conventional acne treatments are expensive and often comes with negative side effects such as irritation, redness, and dryness. To avoid such problems, you can try these 6 inexpensive--yet effective--natural homemade acne remedies.
❅ Jojoba Oil ❅
Jojoba oil is a substance extracted from the seeds of the jojoba shrub. It has a natural, waxy texture that makes it good for repairing damaged skin as it encourages the speedy healing of wounds, such as acne lesions. Additionally, studies suggest that some of the compounds found in jojoba oil may help reduce skin inflammation around whiteheads, pimples, and other inflamed lesions.
Jojoba oil is also quite easy to use. You simply need to mix a few drops of jojoba essential oil with a cream, clay, or gel face mask and then apply it to the affected site. If you don't like using face masks, you can place a few drops of jojoba oil on a cotton pad then gently dab it over the acne sores.
❅ Tea Tree Oil ❅
Tea tree oil has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can kill P. acnes, the bacteria that cause acne. Likewise, its anti-inflammatory properties can also help reduce the redness and swelling of pimples. In a 2015 review study, it was found out that products containing tea tree oil may actually help reduce the number of acne scars in people with a mild to moderate case of acne. The study even suggested that tea tree oil may have the same effect as a 5% benzoyl peroxide, a common acne medication that may be obtained over-the-counter (OTC).
There are tons of products that contain tea tree oil. Such products include creams, gels, lotions, and even soaps. It also comes in the form of essential oils. However, if you're going to use an essential oil, make sure that you dilute it in a carrier oil first to avoid skin irritation.
❅ Honey ❅
Honey is a known antioxidant powerhouse which is why it has been used to treat many different kinds of ailments throughout the centuries. But, did you know that it can also help clear the skin by removing any debris clogged in the pores? Additionally, it has antibacterial and wound healing properties that make it perfect for quickly healing acne sores.
The simplest way of using honey to rub it directly on top of your pimple with either a cotton pad or your clean fingers. Another way to use it is to make your own face mask.
Option 1. Mix 1 cup plain oatmeal with 1/2 cup of honey. Apply it on the face for 30 minutes then rinse it off.
Option 2. Make a paste by mixing 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 2 tablespoons honey. Cleanse and dry your face then apply the face mask. After 10-15 minutes, thoroughly rinse it off and pat your face dry.
Both cinnamon and oatmeal are good for the skin, making the honey face mask more effective.
❅ Aloe Vera ❅
Aloe vera contains a lot of water which helps keep the skin hydrated, making it an excellent natural moisturizer. This is just one of the reasons why many skin and hair care products such as lotions, creams, gels, face masks, shampoos, and conditioners contain this ingredient. It also has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which makes it perfect for reducing the occurrence of acne breakouts.
For treating acne sores, wash your face first then apply a thin layer of a gel or cream with at least 10% aloe vera on the affected site. It's also possible to use it as a moisturizer. Simply apply a cream that contains aloe vera on your face.
If you want to make your own face mask, here's a recipe for you.
Ingredients:
- Aloe vera
- Banana
- Almond oil
Procedure:
Mash a banana in a mixing bowl then add 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel and 3 teaspoons of almond oil.
Mix thoroughly until you get a paste-like consistency.
Apply a generous amount on your face and neck.
Rinse the face mask after 15 minutes with lukewarm water.
After all the mask has been removed, wash your face on with cold water to close and tighten your pores.
Pat your skin dry with a clean, soft towel.
Make sure that you wash your face first before applying the face mask.
❅ Green Tea ❅
Drinking green tea is good for our health as it contains a rich amount of antioxidants. There aren't many studies that link drinking of green tea and acne prevention. However, applying it directly to the skin has proven to be an effective way of keeping a healthy skin. This is probably due to the flavonoids and tannins green tea contains which are known to help fight and reduce the two main cause of acne: inflammation and bacteria. Additionally, there are evidence to support that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)--the major antioxidant found in green tea--helps fight inflammation, reduce sebum production, and prevent the growth of P.acnes in individuals who have a skin type that is prone to acne. You can easily find lotions and creams with green tea in any supermarket or drugstore. However, you can always make your own mixture at home.
To make a green tea face mask, you will need to steep green tea in boiling water for about 3 to 4 minutes. Let it cool and then apply on your skin using a cotton ball. You can also spritz it on your face using a spray bottle. You can also use the remaining tea leaves if you don't want to drink green tea (although, I highly recommend that you do), you can add them to honey to make a face mask.
❅ Cucumber ❅
Cucumber has a rich source of powerhouse nutrients that are known to help heal acne sores which is why it has long since been used as a natural remedy to soothe skin. Some of these skin soothing nutrients are vitamins A, C, and E. With regular use, cucumber has the potential to prevent the development of oily skin, meaning no more acne breakouts. Here are 3 ways you can use cucumber.
Option 1. Grate or slice cucumber them apply it directly on the skin. Remove the cucumber and wash your skin after 20 minutes.
Option 2. Cut the cucumber into small pieces and let it soak in clean, potable water for about an hour. The nutrients in the cucumber--including chlorophyll--will eventually get tranferred to the water. Strain the water solution. You can either use it for drinking or for washing your face.
Option 3. You can also make your own facial mask by mixing grated cucumber with 1 cup of oatmeal. You can also add some yogurt to give the mixture a smoother consistency. Apply the mask and leave it on for 30 minutes then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
And there you go, 6 inexpensive and easy-to-make home acne remedies.
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