Acne isn’t only an adolescent concern for many; it’s a condition that lasts into adulthood. Those of us who still have acne-prone skin know that it’s a constant fight to not only cure the blemishes that have already appeared on our faces, but also to keep them from reappearing, whether by oral medicine or topical treatments that are either prescribed or over-the-counter.
But, when it comes to combating acne, sometimes going back to basics—or going natural—is the best option. Many home treatments might aid in the treatment of acne pimples and sores. Gentle herbal lotions and gels, essential oils, natural vitamins, and some easy lifestyle modifications are among the home treatments for acne.
Acne occurs when pores get blocked or contaminated by germs. Acne is the most prevalent skin ailment in the United States, affecting around 80% of people at some point in their lives.
Specific home treatments can be used to help balance the skin’s oil levels, decrease inflammation, kill germs, and prevent future acne outbreaks.
There isn’t much scientific data to back up the effectiveness of most home treatments right now. In this post, we will look at the current research on some of the home treatments that people may find beneficial.
Natural plant extracts, many of which traditional medicine practitioners have used for hundreds of years, are utilized in some of the most popular home treatments for acne. The greatest home treatments for acne, what the study says, and lifestyle modifications that might assist are discussed here.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil applied to the skin might help decrease swelling and redness. Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, which means it may destroy the bacterium that causes acne. Because of its anti-inflammatory qualities, tea tree oil can help decrease pimple swelling and redness.
A review research published in 2014 looked at the available data regarding tea tree oil and acne. Tea tree oil products, according to the experts, can lower the amount of acne sores in persons with mild to moderate acne. According to this study, tea tree oil may be as effective as 5 percent benzoyl peroxide, a typical over-the-counter (OTC) acne treatment. Tea tree extract can be used to acne in the form of lotions, gels, or essential oils. If essential oils are used, they should always be diluted in a carrier oil first. Online, you may get a variety of tea tree oil goods.
Baking Soda
Baking soda and water, in theory, dissolve blackheads and blocked pores in the skin. Baking soda is ideal for congested skin, which is prone to pore blockages. Doctors prescribe a homemade baking soda mask that you may apply for 10 minutes and then follow up with a moisturizer.
Baking soda may also be used to balance the pH of your skin. This is significant since an unbalanced pH can lead to acne outbreaks, dryness, and premature aging.
Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil is a natural, waxy material derived from the seeds of the jojoba tree. The waxy components in jojoba oil may aid in the restoration of injured skin, which means it may also aid in the healing of wounds, including acne lesions.
Some of the chemicals in jojoba oil may aid to reduce skin inflammation, meaning it may lessen redness and swelling around pimples, whiteheads, and other inflammatory lesions.
In a 2014 study, 153 individuals were given clay face masks containing jojoba oil. Participants confirmed a 54 percent improvement in their acne after 6 weeks of applying the masks 2 to 3 times per week.
Aloe vera
Because aloe vera is naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, it may help to decrease the look of acne and prevent outbreaks. Aloe vera has a lot of water and is a great moisturizer, making it ideal for those who suffer dry skin from other anti-acne treatments.
In a 2014 analysis, researchers offered patients with mild to severe acne aloe vera gel and tretinoin cream, a typical over-the-counter acne treatment, to use for 8 weeks. When compared to those who just used tretinoin gel, the respondents described a significant enhancement in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne. Try cleansing the acne lesions and then applying a thin layer of cream or gel with at least 10% aloe vera.
Alternatively, aloe vera gels and creams can be used to moisturize. These may be purchased at health food stores or online.
CBD Oil
Acne is a skin disorder that arises when pores get clogged by excess oil, debris, and dead skin cells. Propionibacterium acnes germs can accumulate in the pores, creating angry, red lesions. Keeping this in mind, acne treatment entails keeping the face clean and clear of acne-causing bacteria, as well as limiting excess oil that can clog the skin.
The majority of the study on CBD and acne is focused on CBD’s ability to inhibit the processes known to produce acne, such as excess oil accumulation. The Journal of Clinical Investigation presented one of the most promising research. In this study, researchers used a laboratory to assess the effects of CBD compounds on human skin samples and oil-producing glands.
Considering body acne is caused by the same processes as face acne, CBD-containing products may help decrease body acne. CBD is used in many skin care products, including as soap bars and body washes. Although CBD products are not explicitly promoted to persons suffering from body acne, its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities may be beneficial.
Acne scars form as a result of underlying skin disturbances caused by larger pimples and skin plucking. The research included 20 individuals who had scars from psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. For three months, the participants applied CBD-enriched ointment on damaged areas of skin twice daily. After three months, the researchers discovered that the CBD ointment substantially enhanced the skin’s look in areas such as elasticity and moisture.
Despite the fact that the study was limited and did not include people with acne scars, it does offer promise that CBD products might help lessen the appearance of acne scars.