We all hope that when we turn 20, we’re done with pimples. For most of us, though, this is just a pipe-dream. No matter how much most of us hope, pimples are never quite done with us.
Acne vulgaris, a skin condition characterized by the formation of pimples, is a fact of life for everyone. Symptoms range from just a blackhead on the nose now and then to full-blown acne cysts all over the body. A pimple is an area of inflamed skin surrounding a blocked pore or hair follicle - the blockage causes bacteria to get trapped under the skin, and the body responds to the bacteria like it would for any other germs, causing swelling and whiteheads or blackheads.[relatedarticles}
Some of the best treatments for acne are preventative:
- drink plenty of water;
- eat a balanced diet full of fruits and veggies;
- get plenty of rest;
- wash your face daily with mild soap and water;
- do not touch your face (or other problem areas) unnecessarily; and
- avoid tight clothing (like hats), which can block pores and lead to breakouts.
In the event that you get a zit in spite of good hygiene and skin care, resist the urge to pop or scratch at a pimple as this can cause scarring. Instead, wipe blemishes out naturally with one of these remedies!
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural astringent. It contracts pores and helps to get rid of dead skin cells that might clog them. Additionally, a study published in 2011 in the British Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology shows that lemon juice (and peel extract) have antimicrobial properties that could help fight certain types of bacteria that may “grow in the presence of sebum.” The study notes that lemon juice may be helpful “in keeping a good and healthy skin.”[relatedarticles}
To treat a pimple with lemon, wash your face with mild soap and water and then use a cotton ball to apply just enough fresh lemon juice to cover the zit (just a heads-up: this may sting slightly!). After about 10 minutes, rinse away the lemon juice with warm water.
Tea Tree Oil
In 1990, researchers at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital found that tea tree oil works just as well for many acne sufferers as the traditionally prescribed remedy, benzoyl peroxide.
They found that “both 5 percent tea-tree oil and 5 percent benzoyl peroxide had a significant effect in ameliorating the patients' acne by reducing the number of inflamed and non-inflamed lesions.” There were fewer side effects with the tea tree oil, but “the onset of action” was slower.
Tea tree oil is extracted from the Australian tea tree, and many users say that they like the airy, natural smell (it certainly smells nicer than a tube of Oxy). Tea tree oil can be applied straight to a blemish as topical medicine, but pay attention to how your skin feels: while tea tree oil may be easier on skin than lemon juice, it may still cause irritation.
As with any natural acne medicine, if the tingling turns to burning, rinse your face with cool water, and pat dry.[relatedarticles}
Garlic
This delicious, if stinky, bulb may be one of the best acne fighters around, but the jury’s still out on how best to use it. What’s more, there are no formal studies to support most garlic enthusiasts’ claims.
Still, we know that garlic contains allicin, which is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals, which are unstable atoms or molecules that take electrons from other atoms or molecules. This may cause damage to cells and other structures.
A study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Vereology suggests a possible link between free radicals and skin inflammation. Though evidence of any direct link between acne and free radicals is not available, some speculate that antioxidants, like those found in garlic, may play a role in acne control.
Tea
Although most evidence in support of green tea is anecdotal, some studies have found its antioxidants may be beneficial. According to a study conducted by the Department of Nutrition and Food Science-Nutritional Physiology, University of Bonn, drinking 0.6 to 1.5 liters (or 3-6 cups) of green tea per day may increase antioxidant capacity and reduce lipid peroxidation, which is damage done to lipids by free radicals.
Just as some speculate that the antioxidants in garlic may help fight acne, some believe the antioxidants in green tea could have a similar effect.[relatedarticles}
Essential Oils
A number of scientific studies appearing in journals like the Mahidol University Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Letters in Applied Microbiology attest to the antimicrobial properties of some essential oils like:
- eucalyptus;
- clove oil; and
- kaffir lime leaf.
Some essential oils are believed to kill bacteria that may be associated with acne, such as Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes.
Ingredients like eucalyptus are found in many over-the-counter acne creams and cleansers like Noxzema, Sea Breeze, and their generic drug-store imitators. The study in the Mahidol University Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences found that “lemongrass oil and citronella grass oil had the highest inhibitory activity against P. acnes” and suggested further study of these oils as an alternative treatment for acne.
Be careful if using these essential oils on their own: essential oils can be irritating, even toxic, in too high a concentration. Be sure to check with and closely follow the directions provided by your doctor or dermatologist as well as any instructions or directions that come with your product. Rinse your skin well after use and stop using if irritation or discomfort is severe.[relatedarticles}
For light to moderate acne, you don’t have to shell out for expensive creams, ditto if you want to avoid artificial ingredients like perfumes and dyes! Remember that there’s no one magic cure-all for acne: diet, rest, and cleanliness are all important, and if your acne should ever become severe, see a doctor. But some of these natural treatments may be a great way to supplement or replace more traditional treatments for mild to moderate cases of acne.
