Struggling to find an effective acne treatment? We feel you. If you’re not having much luck with mainstream options, a natural remedy could be the answer.
According to Dee Zibara, founder and director of online female health empowerment clinic, Cell to Soul, natural skin care products can help to treat hormonal acne, as they’re free from the kinds of “chemicals and toxins” that cause some skin types to break out.
RELATED: Why am I breaking out?
Natural ingredients to fight acne and blemishes
Acne is “a bacterial issue more than anything else”, explains Dee, so if you’re suffering from the skin condition, look for natural skin care products containing antibacterial and antimicrobial agents. These include:
- Tea tree oil – an antibacterial ingredient Dee recommends applying to blemishes directly as a “spot treatment”.
- Witch hazel – a natural astringent that helps to combat excess oil production and reduce inflammation.
- Apple cider vinegar – not only can this help to clear acne-prone skin when taken orally on a daily basis, but it can also be applied topically to kill bacteria and germs while drawing out toxins.
- Organic aloe vera gel – Dee says this can be a great moisturiser for certain acne-prone skin types. It can be useful in fading acne scarring, decreasing inflammation and improving hydration.
RELATED: Is this ingredient the answer to your acne woes?
The benefits of using oils on acne-prone skin
While you may be wary of slathering facial oils across an acne-prone (and beautiful) face, certain types of oils may do your skin good. Dee says “lighter essential oils” such as jojoba oil, rosehip oil and almond oil can be effective at soothing problem skin. In addition, oatmeal is great at reducing the inflammation associated with pimples.
Along with helping to clear up spots in the short-term, using natural anti-acne products may have long-term benefits. As Dee explains, “harsh, rapid products” can strip the skin excessively, leaving it dry and rough, while natural alternatives are more likely to boost the skin’s “hydration and smoothness” overall.
5 OF THE BEST NATURAL ACNE TREATMENTS
Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Acne Face Wash
“I have been using this cleanser for a few months now and it has reduced my acne without over-drying my skin. Tea tree oil is such a good pimple-fighter!” – bh member Cath90xx
Anumi Blemish Treatment
“I really love this pimple gel – it’s both gentle on skin yet tough on blemishes. It has no scent and is soothing on the skin as well.” – bh member HuskyChub
Botáni Rescue Acne Cream
“After a few nights of using this cream, my cheeks cleared and my complexion was a lot clearer. My blackheads haven’t completely gone but they have reduced.” – bh member Loren148
Natralus 100% Pure Aloe Vera Gel
“This aloe vera gel is beautiful! It’s not sticky, nor does it leave an uncomfortable residue as it absorbs quickly. Highly recommend!” – bh member Jacquelinee
Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+
“I noticed my skin improved and I can see how it helped to fade my old pimple marks. I would happily go makeup-free!” – bh member stackcats
RELATED: What your breakouts are telling you
Have you had success with natural acne remedies? What other natural skin care products have you tried?
I haven’t heard of Apple Cider!
I’ve tried most of them but the only thing that has worked for me is Proactiv and zinc tablets