Acne medications can certainly curb breakouts, but they can also cause dryness, discoloration, and skin irritation. In addition to the unwanted side effects, they are expensive. Try these scientifically proven natural remedies and save money by using ingredients you may already have at home.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Steam Facial Cleansing
Step 1. Prepare your face for steam cleansing
If your hair falls on your face, collect it and secure it with a rubber band, headband or bobby pins. Wash your face with a mild cleanser, which can be a product free from artificial oils or based on plant-derived oils. Many dermatologists recommend glycerin, grapeseed or sunflower oil, because natural oils are the best for absorbing and dissolving sebum.
- Instead of a cloth or sponge, which could further aggravate the condition of the skin, use your fingers.
- Massage the cleanser into your face for about a minute using a gentle, circular motion. You don't have to try to exfoliate, just let the product dissolve and absorb dirt and sebum.
- Rinse your face thoroughly with warm water.
- Pat your skin dry using a clean cotton towel. Never rub it on your face, as this could irritate the skin even more.
Step 2. Choose some essential oils
The oils listed in this article all possess antibacterial or antiseptic properties. This means they can eliminate acne-causing bacteria and prevent new impurities from forming. You can choose based on your personal preferences (for example by being guided by your sense of smell) or your specific situation. If you tend to suffer from anxiety or depression, use lavender. If you have some pimples (usually of bacterial origin) in addition to blackheads, go for an oil with antibacterial properties. If you're struggling with an upper respiratory tract infection, use thymus to both treat the infection and relieve congestion with heat.
- Peppermint or peppermint oils can be irritating to someone, so test your skin by pouring a drop on your wrist. Wait 10-15 minutes. If there is no irritation, you should be able to use it. Start with one drop per liter of water. Both mint and peppermint contain menthol, a substance with antiseptic properties that strengthen the immune system.
- Thyme strengthens the immune system and has antibacterial properties. It also increases arterial circulation by opening blood vessels.
- Calendula accelerates healing and has antimicrobial properties.
- Lavender is soothing, it can help fight anxiety and depression. In addition, it has antibacterial properties.
Step 3. Prepare the water for treatment
Fill a 1-liter saucepan with water and bring it to a boil for 1 to 2 minutes. After a couple of minutes, add 1-2 drops of any of the essential oils listed above.
- If you don't have an essential oil, replace it with half a teaspoon of the corresponding dried plant for a liter of water.
- Once the plants or oils are added, let the water boil for another minute.
- After a minute has passed, turn off the heat and move the pot to a comfortable place to do the treat. Make sure you don't hunch over the bowl uncomfortably, as you'll have to hold this position for a while.
Step 4. Take a test to examine your skin sensitivity
Always remember that you can become sensitive to an herbal oil. Even though you have used it without problems in the past, repeat the test each time you intend to use it for this treatment. Test each oil for about a minute, then take your face away from the steam for 10 minutes. If you don't sneeze and notice that your skin hasn't reacted badly, heat the water again and proceed with the treatment.
Step 5. Steam your face
Place a large, clean cotton towel over your head. You will use it to create a kind of curtain, in order to retain the steam around the face. Once you have the right conditions, lean towards the pot to let the skin absorb the steam.
- Keep your eyes closed during the process to protect them from steam and possible damage it could do.
- Keep your face at least 30cm away from the water so you don't burn your skin. The heat should dilate blood vessels and open pores, but it certainly shouldn't damage the skin.
- Breathe normally and relax. It should be a pleasant and relaxing experience.
- Keep your face folded over the pot for about 10 minutes.
Step 6. At the end of the treatment, take care of the skin
Rinse your face well with warm water and pat it dry with a clean cotton towel, remember not to rub your skin. Moisturize her with a non-comedogenic lotion or cream, which won't clog pores or make acne worse. Read the ingredients list to make sure it has these characteristics.
- Non-comedogenic products do not favor the formation of impurities such as blackheads, pimples, pustules or other imperfections. Any product you apply to your face (lotions, cleansers, make-up) probably has a non-comedogenic formulation designed for acne-prone skin.
- Coconut oil is a good moisturizer for the skin. You can use that pure or mixed with garlic. To prepare it, squeeze the juice of a clove of garlic into a jar of coconut oil and stir well. It lasts about 30 days and should be kept in the refrigerator. Massage it sparingly on your face 1 or 2 times a day. Both garlic and coconut oil kill germs that cause acne. Medium-chain fatty acids dissolve blackheads and open skin pores. The smell of garlic is perceived slightly - if you don't like it, you can use regular coconut oil instead.
Step 7. Repeat the process until you notice improvements
In the beginning, you can do the treatment 2 times a day: in the morning and in the evening. After about 2 weeks, you should see some changes on the skin. When this happens, reduce the frequency of treatment to once a day.
Method 2 of 4: Natural Masks
Step 1. Find out why natural masks work
The ingredients described in this article have astringent properties that purify, compact and promote skin healing while treating pimples. Astringents can dry out the skin, so don't apply them on already dry areas of them. However, if you have oily skin, an astringent mask will help normalize the skin's moisture balance.
Step 2. Prepare the base for the mask
In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 egg white, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. These ingredients have natural properties that help you heal your skin. For example, honey has antibacterial and astringent properties. The egg whites will not only thicken the mask, they also have an astringent function, while lemon juice is both an astringent and a natural whitening agent.
Step 3. Add an essential oil
Once you have prepared the base of the mask, pour in half a teaspoon of one of the following essential oils:
- Peppermint
- Mint
- Lavender
- Calendula
- thyme
Step 4. Apply the mask
Using your fingers, spread the mixture on your face, neck or wherever you have blemishes. The process can be messy, so be sure to do it in an area that you can easily clean, such as the bathroom. Don't overdo it with the mixture you apply to your face, or it will drip or take too long to dry.
If you don't want to apply the mask all over your face, you can use the compound to treat targeted areas. Simply use a cotton swab to pat it directly on the pimples
Step 5. Let the mixture dry
Depending on the amount you have applied to your face, drying times may vary. Either way, it should take about 15 minutes. Be careful not to let the mask drip everywhere while you wait for it to dry.
Step 6. Rinse your face
Once 15 minutes have passed, the mixture will have dried and done its duty on the skin. At this point, delete it. Rinse your face completely using warm water and using your hands. Do not use a cloth or sponge, as it may worsen skin inflammation due to acne. Dab your face with a clean cotton towel, try not to rub the skin, otherwise you risk irritating it.
Finally, apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer
Method 3 of 4: Using Sea Salt
Step 1. Find out how to treat acne with sea salt
Experts don't really know exactly how to alleviate the ailment. It may be that the high concentration of salt helps kill bacteria or that the sea salt replenishes the minerals that help heal the skin. This substance can also be useful for dissolving sebum.
- This method has helped many people with mild to moderate acne and does not interfere with any medications.
- However, if you are following a treatment prescribed by a dermatologist, it is always best to inform him of the attempts you want to do at home.
- Try not to overdo the use of salt - it can dry out the skin and stimulate the sebaceous glands, which can cause blemishes.
Step 2. Prepare the skin for treatment
First, always wash your face with a mild, alcohol-free cleanser. Pour the product onto your fingers, then use gentle, circular movements to loosen the dirt. Massage it for about a minute, then rinse it off with cold or lukewarm water. Blot with a clean towel and use one of the sea salt methods below for a post-cleansing treatment.
Step 3. Make a sea salt mask
It is a useful method if acne affects the face. Mix 1 teaspoon of sea salt with 3 teaspoons of warm water. The water should be hot enough to completely dissolve the salt as you stir the solution. Additionally, add 1 tablespoon of one of the following ingredients:
- Aloe vera gel (to promote healing).
- Green tea (contains antioxidants).
- Honey (has antibacterial properties and promotes healing).
Step 4. Apply the mask
Spread the mixture on your face with your fingers, making sure you don't get too dirty. Avoid getting it in the eye area. Leave it on for 10 minutes, no more. Sea salt absorbs water, so it can dry out your skin too much.
- After 10 minutes, rinse the mask with cold-lukewarm water, then pat your face with a clean towel.
- Finally, apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer.
- Use this compound to wash your body or face only once a day, don't be tempted to do it more often. Otherwise, you may be overdrying your skin, even if you apply a moisturizer.
Step 5. As an alternative to the mask, make a sea salt spray
The ingredients of this product are basically the same. However, use 10 teaspoons of sea salt, mix them with 30 teaspoons of warm water and 10 tablespoons of aloe vera gel / green tea / honey. Once the solution is prepared, pour it into a clean spray bottle.
Store the solution in the fridge to prevent it from spoiling
Step 6. Spray the solution on your face
Whenever you have a skin treatment, you should always wash yourself with warm water and a mild cleanser. Close or cover your eyes to protect them from burning salt water, then spray the solution on your face and neck.
- Just like with the mask, you shouldn't leave it on the skin for more than 10 minutes; at this point, you should rinse it thoroughly with cold-lukewarm water.
- Pat your skin dry with a towel, then finish with a non-comedogenic moisturizer.
Step 7. If you want a full body treatment, prepare a sea salt bath
In the event that the acne breakout affects large areas of the body, soaking in salt water may be preferable to a mask or spray. While the classic table salt does not damage the skin, it does not even offer all the benefits of the other minerals contained in the marine one: calcium, magnesium, sodium, chlorine, iodine, potassium, zinc and iron. If you use regular table salt, it won't be worth that much.
- Pour in 2 cups of sea salt while the tub fills with very warm or hot water. This favors the dissolution of the salt.
- Immerse yourself in the water for no more than 15 minutes. If you go further, you may overdry the skin.
- If you have pimples on your face, soak a sponge in salt water and place it on your face for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the sea salt with cold water.
- Pat your skin dry and apply a moisturizer to your body to prevent the salt from overdrying.
- Do not bathe in sea salt more than once a day.
Method 4 of 4: Use a Natural, Homemade Cleansing Solution
Step 1. Find out how acne is formed
Sebum is a fat that is naturally produced by the sebaceous glands. However, when the production is excessive, it clogs the pores, causing blackheads and white comedones. If the skin is also affected by the bacterium called Propionibacterium acnes, papules, pustules, cysts and abscesses appear.
Step 2. Learn more about the theory that it is possible to fight acne naturally
Sebum, the main cause of acne, is a greasy matter. According to the principles of chemistry, the best way to dissolve an oil (but also dirt, dead cells, bacteria, and so on) is by using another. You've probably always been led to believe that oil is bad for the skin, so you tend to use cleansers that contain (often) irritating chemicals. However, we forget that the sebum has the function of protecting, moisturizing and keeping the epidermis healthy. Not only can oils break down dirt and excess oil, they can also prevent your skin from becoming dehydrated, which happens when you use soap.
Step 3. Choose the main oil
Select it carefully, making sure to prevent sensitivities and allergies. For example, if you are allergic to nuts, you shouldn't use hazelnut oil. The following list of oils is varied - some are more expensive or easier to find than others. Either way, they're all non-comedogenic, so they won't clog pores or contribute to worsening acne:
- Argan oil
- Hemp seed oil
- Shea oil (shea olein)
- Sunflower oil
- Alternatively, you can also use olive and castor oil (they are non-comedogenic for most people). The latter is not effective for everyone: some find it dehydrating, others not.
- Coconut oil differs from others in that it contains medium-chain fatty acids. Eliminates bacteria, including Propionibacterium acnes. It counteracts the long-chain fatty acids of the sebum, which clog the pores.
Step 4.
Choose a second antibacterial / antiseptic oil.
The plant-based essential oils listed in this article are known to contain properties that help minimize the presence of P. acnes. Many of them have pleasant aromas, so you can choose one according to your preferences. Whenever you intend to apply an oil on the skin, always remember to try it on a small area (such as the wrist) before spreading it on the face. This will tell you if it causes skin sensitivity.
- Oregano: antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.
- Melaleuca: antibacterial, antifungal.
- Lavender: antibacterial, calming and soothing.
- Rosemary: antibacterial, specific in the treatment against P. acnes.
- Frankincense: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial.
Make an oil-based cleanser. You can make the desired quantity according to your needs. It may be more efficient to prepare several bottles and store them in a cool, dark place. The proportions you should keep for each bottle are as follows:
For every 30ml of primary oil, add 3-5 drops of secondary essential oil
Use natural cleanser. Pour a small amount of oil on the palm of your hand and apply it to your face. Never use a cloth or sponge, as it may make acne irritation worse. Using small, circular motions, gently massage the oil into your skin for 2 minutes.
Wash your face. In this case, a quick rinse is not enough, since the water does not dissolve the oil. To get rid of this oily cleanser, place a washcloth soaked in warm water on your face for 20 seconds. Slowly and gently wipe off the oil with the cloth, then rinse it off with warm water. Repeat this process until you have removed all of the product from your face.
- Pat your face dry with a cotton towel.
- Use this method twice a day and after sweating a lot.
Develop Good Cleansing Habits
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Cleansing should be a constant in your daily life. Wash your face at least twice a day: once upon waking (to remove the sebum that has accumulated during the night) and once before going to sleep (to remove the residues of the day). Also, always wash it after sweating heavily, for example after going to the gym or spending time outside on a hot day. Bathe at least once a day and try to take an extra shower after sweating a lot.
Get Rid of Acne Naturally Step 28 - Always use a non-comedogenic product or homemade oil-based cleanser.
- Use sea salt the right way. This dehydrating product can dry out the skin when used in excess, exacerbating acne.
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Use the right washing technique. You may be tempted to use an exfoliating sponge or glove to wash your face, but fingers are preferable. You shouldn't irritate your skin with abrasive materials, especially if your skin is affected by acne. Massage the cleansers onto your face with gentle, circular motions for about 10 seconds.
Get Rid of Acne Naturally Step 29 Do not exfoliate acne-affected skin, as this may remove cells that should not yet be removed. It would be like peeling off a scab just during the healing process, so this will cause scarring and discoloration
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Don't squeeze pimples. As unsightly as acne is, you need to understand that pimples and pustules actually help contain harmful bacteria. Pus that comes out after squeezing a pimple is filled with P. acnes. At the moment, it is satisfying to remove it from the skin, but in reality you would only expose the healthy epidermis to the bacterium, bordered by the very imperfection. This can cause an infection, it will certainly not cure you. Squeezing pimples can also cause scarring and discoloration.
Get Rid of Acne Naturally Step 30 -
Protect your skin from the sun. According to a popular belief, getting a tan can help treat and prevent acne, but scientists have no evidence to prove it. In fact, both the sun and tanning beds damage the skin and increase the risk of contracting cancer. Remember that some acne or other medicines can actually make your skin more sensitive to the sun. These drugs include antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, tetracyclines, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim), antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine, contained in Allergan), medicines used to treat cancer (5-FU, vinblastine, dacarbazine), drugs for heart disease (amiodarone, nifedipine, quinidine and dithiazem), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as naproxen) and anti-acne medicines (such as isotretinoin, which is contained in Roaccutan, and acitretin, which is found in Neotigason).
Get Rid of Acne Naturally Step 31 Change the Power
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Eat low-glycemic index (GI) foods. Dermatologists explain that nutrition doesn't directly affect acne, so ignore the stories you've heard about milk and chocolate. However, recent research has examined the nutrition of various indigenous populations worldwide in which the adolescent subpopulation is not affected by acne. When the diet of the US control groups (with a percentage of acne greater than 70%) was compared with that of indigenous adolescents (who do not suffer from it), an observation was made immediately. In the diet of adolescents without acne, there is no combination of milk derivatives and excess sugar, found in the US control groups. This explains why, in some cases, a diet rich in dairy, sugary and processed foods increases the risk of getting acne. These foods exacerbate inflammation and create a fertile environment for bacterial overgrowth. Some studies have indicated that low glycemic index (GI) foods decrease acne severity. In fact, they release blood sugars more slowly. Here are the foods with the lowest glycemic index:
Get Rid of Acne Naturally Step 32 - Bran cereals, muesli, rolled oats;
- Rye or wholemeal bread;
- Most vegetables, except red beets, squash, and parsnips
- Dried fruit;
- Most fruit, except watermelon and dates. Mango, banana, papaya, pineapple, raisin and fig have a medium GI;
- Legumes;
- Yogurt;
- Whole grains have a low to medium GI. The lowest is found in brown rice, barley and wholemeal pasta.
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Enrich your diet with vitamins A and D. In addition to eating low GI foods, you should also make sure you are getting the right nutrients for healthy skin. The most important vitamins for the skin are A and D. Include the following foods in your diet:
Get Rid of Acne Naturally Step 33 - Vegetables: sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, squash, broccoli, red peppers, summer squash
- Fruit: cantaloupe melon, mangoes, apricots;
- Legumes: black-eyed beans;
- Meat: beef liver;
- Fish: herring, salmon, cod liver oil, tuna;
- Dairy products: milk, yogurt, cheese.
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Get vitamin D by exposing yourself to the sun. Many foods are fortified with this vitamin, but it does not exist in abundance in food consumables. It is possible to try to increase its intake with food, but the best way to assimilate it is to expose the skin to the sun for 10-15 minutes a week. The sun's rays stimulate the production of vitamin D in the skin. Don't apply sunscreen and expose as much skin as you can.
Get Rid of Acne Naturally Step 34 Don't overdo it with unprotected sun exposure; it is very dangerous and could cause cancer
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Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids. According to some studies, these fats can benefit acne sufferers. They limit the body's production of leukotriene B4, which increases sebum production and causes inflammatory acne. Sebum is a fat that is naturally produced by the body to moisturize the skin. However, when it is generated in excess, it clogs the pores and causes acne. By increasing the amount of omega-3s in your diet, you can take an extra step to control the disorder. Here are the foods you should include:
Get Rid of Acne Naturally Step 35 - Seeds and nuts: flax seeds and linseed oil, chia seeds, almonds, walnuts;
- Fish and fish oil: salmon, sardines, mackerel, whitefish, alosa;
- Herbs and spices: basil, oregano, cloves, marjoram;
- Vegetables: spinach, radish sprouts, Chinese broccoli.
Advice
- Every night, place a clean towel on the pillow (or turn the same, so you have to do laundry less often). The sebum and bacteria from the face and hair remain on the pillowcase for a long time. Try to stop this bacterial spread: it is an effective method to be able to fight acne breakouts.
- Try to use only one treatment at a time to understand if it works and why. You will be able to gradually deduce which are the most effective methods for reducing the acne infection.
- Wash your face with a bar of soap, then apply a thick mixture of water and baking soda. Finally, rinse with water. Do this 2 times a week.
- Women with severe acne may have a hormonal imbalance underlying the disorder. For example, when women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergo saliva tests to check hormone levels, estrogen is generally too high and progesterone is too low. This imbalance is called "estrogen dominance" and is treated with a bioidentical progesterone cream. Experienced naturopaths may be able to treat it effectively. Women with this problem will notice that the associated acne will lessen by at least 50%, if not more, thanks to the progesterone cream. However, not all types of acne are due to a hormonal imbalance.
- If you've tried all of these methods and still don't notice any improvements, you should go to your GP for a referral to a dermatologist.
Warnings
Do not apply dry sea salt directly to the skin, as it can cause some burning; moreover, you would misuse an otherwise effective product
- How to Get Rid of a Pimple in One Night
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- How to Remove Blackheads (Water and Bicarbonate Method)
- How to Get Rid of Acne
- How to Get Rid of Acne Scars
- How to Make Aloe Vera Gel
- ↑
- ↑ Kamatou GP, Vermaak I, Viljoen AM, Lawrence BM., Menthol: a simple monoterpene with remarkable biological properties. 2013 Dec; 96: 15-25.
- ↑ Fournomiti M, Kimbaris A, Mantzourani I, Plessas S, Theodoridou I, Papaemmanouil V, Kapsiotis I, Panopoulou M, Stavropoulou E, Bezirtzoglou EE, Alexopoulos A. Antimicrobial activity of essential oils of cultivated oregano
- ↑ Efstratiou E, Hussain AI, Nigam PS, Moore JE, Ayub MA, Rao JR. Antimicrobial activity of Calendula officinalis petal extracts against fungi, as well as Gram-negative and Gram-positive clinical pathogens. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2012 Aug; 18 (3): 173-6.
- ↑ Sienkiewicz M, Głowacka A, Kowalczyk E, Wiktorowska-Owczarek A, Jóźwiak-Bębenista M, Łysakowska M The biological activities of cinnamon, geranium and lavender essential oils. Molecules. 2014 Dec 12; 19 (12): 20929-40
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- ↑ Bruce Fife, C. N., N. D.: "The Coconut Oil Miracle", 5th edition, 2013, Penguin Books, NY 10014
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- ↑ Quist, Sven R., et al. "Anti-Inflammatory Effects Of Topical Formulations Containing Sea Silt And Sea Salt On Human Skin In Vivo During Cutaneous Microdialysis." Acta Dermato-Venereologica 91.5 (2011): 597-599. Academic Search Complete. Web. 17 June 2015.
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- ↑ Murphy, K. (2010) Reviews of articles on medicinal herbs. Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism, 22 (3), 100-103.
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- ↑ Goldfaden, R., Goldfaden, G. (2011) Topical Resveratrol Combats Skin Aging. Life Ext. 17 (11), 1-5.
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- ↑ Hanley, K. (2010) Immunity superstars: the 10 best foods to fight off colds and flu. Nat. Solutions. 130; 50-54.
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- ↑ Wexler, S. Problem Solved !. Prevention [serial online]. 2014 Jan; 66 (1): 54-57.
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- ↑ Bruce Fife, C. N., N. D.: “The Coconut Oil Miracle”, 5th edition, 2013, Penguin Books, NY 10014
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- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2836431/# R5
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↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2836431/# R5
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