Best Natural Ways to Cure Acne
Battling acne can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing. There are many treatments on the market for blemishes, but if you are looking for natural remedies for acne, it’s important to know which ingredients will work and which treatments to ask for at the dermatologist’s office. There are so many different alternative acne medications that have been written about on the web, it’s hard to know which ones actually work. There is a definite trend towards more natural skincare products, and thankfully there are some natural acne remedies that are showing promise. You might even be surprised to learn that traditional acne skincare ingredients, such as sulfur and salicylic acid, actually have natural origins. Here’s a look at the best natural remedies for acne treatment.
Tea Tree Oil for Acne Treatment
Tea tree oil is hardly a new ingredient for the topical treatment of acne, but it’s one of the few natural remedies that has actual science to back up its effectiveness in treating breakouts. Tea tree oil comes from the Australian tree of the same name. It contains terpinen-4-ol, which is an antibacterial substance that can be the archenemy of the p. acnes bacteria. It can also help keep pores clear of extra oil and stop acne from forming. In some studies, tea tree oil was shown to be just as effective as benzoyl peroxide, just without the irritating side effects. Tea tree oil did however take longer to work than benzoyl peroxide. You should never use undiluted tea tree oil on your skin. Always mix it with water or find over the counter products formulated with tea tree oil.
Manuka Oil for Acne Treatment
Relatively new on the natural ingredient scene is manuka oil, which derives from the native Manuka tree in New Zealand. Manuka oil is said to have wound-healing and antibacterial properties, making it ideal in treating acne. There are no studies to reference to date for this natural remedy for acne, but there are a slew of skincare companies on the market that are using it in their products.
Traditional Acne Medications with Natural Origins
When you think of sulfur and salicylic acid, it’s easy to assume they are made with synthetic ingredients and are loaded with chemicals. But the truth is that these proven acne fighters actually have natural origins. Sulfur is a naturally occurring substance found in the earth and it is also extremely effective at treating acne. Salicylic acid is derived from the Willowbark tree.
Natural Acne Solution: Green Tea
Green tea has countless health benefits, which can be derived from both drinking it and applying it onto the skin. The botanical ingredient green tea is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient. A study out of Egypt, published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, showed that 2% green tea lotion was effective in treating mild to moderate acne. The active ingredient in green tea is epigallocatechin-3-gallete (known as ECGC) and it can help modulate the production of the hormones that lead to acne. Another benefit of green tea is that it is well tolerated by the skin, unlike some synthetic and chemical ingredients.
