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Acne is among the most common skin conditions in the human race.
Although its manifestations may differ from one person to another, there is usually the appearance of blackheads or whiteheads that can sometimes persist and then give way to lesions that are characteristic of severe forms of acne.
These different lesions are the result of an inflammation of the pilosebaceous follicle caused by a dysfunction of the sebaceous glands. Depending on their development process and manifestations, many types of acne treatments exist.
However, certain parameters such as the cost of these treatments or even the inconveniences that may arise from them may cause some acne-prone individuals to prefer alternatives.
In many cases, these alternatives involve the consumption of foods or plants with natural anti-inflammatory properties that can counter the development of acne.
We present some of these natural acne treatments, one of which is more of a holistic, natural and scientific method.
Tea tree oil
One of the drawbacks of benzoyl peroxide is the irritation it can cause.
In the case of tea tree oil, the anti-inflammatory properties are natural and this solution proves less irritating than benzoyl peroxide.
To use it effectively, you can mix a few drops of this oil with witch hazel (30 to 40 drops) and use a cotton swab or cotton ball to apply the mixture to the parts of the body where acne has taken hold.
However, to avoid risks of drying out the skin (and thus worsening the acne), this remedy should not be applied more than twice a day. Witch hazel is an astringent that reduces skin blemishes.
Many different types can be found at very affordable prices on Amazon.
Lemon
Its use is very simple: just squeeze the lemon juice into a container and use, as in the previous case, a cotton swab or a cotton ball to apply it to the parts affected by acne.
Before applying the lemon, you should first exfoliate your face to get rid of dust, sweat or oil. Also, you should not use lemon juice on open lesions, as this may aggravate them.
Similarly, you should avoid using too much lemon on your face, especially when you have sensitive skin. After a lemon application, one should avoid exposure to the sun, as the lemon will make the skin hypersensitive to sunburn, which could cause the dermatitis to worsen.
Apple cider vinegar
To use apple cider vinegar, it is best to dilute it. Indeed, vinegar can burn the skin when it is not diluted; especially when the subject’s skin is sensitive.
For this reason, it is generally recommended to make a toning lotion by mixing the same amount of cider vinegar and water (mix well before applying).
The application of this mixture is done, as in the previous cases, with a cotton swab or a cotton ball.
It can be easily found in liquid form or even in capsule form on Amazon.
Green Tea
In addition to acting as an antibacterial substance, green tea decreases androgen hormone activity.
Since, it contains an antioxidant (epigallocatechin-3-gallate – EGCG), it helps prevent acne by fighting tissue and cell damaging free radicals.
Thus, a reduction of seborrhea, bacteria and therefore inflammation can occur.
Green tea can be used in the form of a paste. To do this, simply take, for example, two teaspoons of tea and mix them with a little water.
Then apply the resulting paste mixture to the body like an exfoliator and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing the face. You can also use a cup of cooled tea as a cleanser.
Oats
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, oatmeal helps to reduce swelling, redness as well as inflammation caused by acne processes.
Oats also contain an antimicrobial and a powerful antioxidant allowing the skin to maintain its full flexibility. We also find in oats various nutrients (among others zinc, manganese and magnesium) and many vitamins (B1, B2, B3 …) necessary for the proper functioning of the body.
To use oats against acne, it is generally recommended to add a little honey. To do this, you need to mix two spoonfuls of oatmeal with a spoonful of honey.
Sometimes you can also add baking soda or tomato pulp. When the mixture is good, use a brush to spread it on the acne-prone skin and leave it on for about twenty minutes before rinsing the skin.
Honey and Cinnamon
In this sense, it is a satisfactory remedy to prevent the appearance of acne pimples on the body. Without assaulting the body, honey takes care of purifying the pores and cleansing the skin by eliminating blackheads. It also has astringent properties allowing it to counteract excess sebum.
As for cinnamon, it also has antimicrobial properties allowing it to fight against bacterial proliferation.
The combination of these two elements helps the skin to get rid of all its lesions so that it can return to its normal state.
To do this, mix a spoonful of cinnamon with two spoonfuls of honey and stir well to obtain a mixture as homogeneous as possible. Apply this mixture to the areas where the acne pimples appear, then leave it on for about 20 minutes before rinsing the face.
Papaya
Papaya removes dead skin cells, cleanses clogged pores and promotes healing. To use papaya against acne, you simply need to crush a piece of it until you get a paste that you will then apply to your face.
As in the previous cases, it is necessary to let act during about twenty minutes before rinsing. Note that, for more effectiveness, papaya can be mixed with other elements such as oats, pineapple, mint…
Banana peel
This is because banana peel contains an antioxidant (lutein) and also carotenoids combined with vitamins. These elements have shown some effectiveness in reducing inflammation.
In addition to these elements, banana peel also contains many nutrients – iron, zinc, manganese – necessary for metabolic reactions. Its antiseptic properties can also help fight acne-causing bacteria.
Thus, there are many reasons that may prompt the use of such a remedy.
In order to apply such a remedy, all you need to do is cut a banana peel and rub its inner part on the areas affected by acne for about 10 minutes. Then leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
Aloe
Indeed, aloe vera has hydrating, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
Thus, no matter what stage the acne is in, aloe can be a great help remedy. It can relieve the burns caused by acne redness, fight infections, eliminate scars…
To use it, simply collect the aloe gel – you can use a spoon – and apply it directly to the acne area, taking care to massage gently, without pressing the pimples.
Baking Soda
Furthermore, baking soda can act as both a base and an acid. It is said to be amphoteric.
This quality therefore allows it to eliminate skin pH imbalances characteristic of acne. When you have sensitive skin, it is recommended to use it in combination with lemon juice and possibly cinnamon powder or honey to avoid the possible side effects that baking soda can cause.
Therefore, in a container, you can put two spoonfuls of baking soda, the juice of half a lemon, a teaspoon of cinnamon and five spoonfuls of honey. Then mix all these elements to obtain a homogeneous paste.
Apply the paste to the acne area and leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
It can be found in all sorts of different containers on Amazon.
Acne No More™
This is the natural, holistic method that Julia, our editor, used to get rid of her acne in just over 2 months. The person who designed it is a medical researcher and nutritionist who has been researching acne for over 7 years. It is a detailed, natural protocol over 200 pages focusing on 5 pillars. It involves no drugs or creams and is based on internal rebalancing.
You can get it from the Acne No More website.
In conclusion
Note that this list of natural remedies is not exhaustive. Indeed, there are many other home remedies that can be used against acne.
Also, let us specify that, for each of these remedies, two applications per day are enough and that it is necessary to first take care to well clear its face of any dirt: to do this, one can use soft make-up remover and rinse with cold water.
In the same way, after having left these natural treatments to act for the necessary time, always rinse the face with warm water and, if possible, apply a moisturizing and non-comedogenic cream.