4 natural ways to get rid of acne as quickly as possible
Acne is a common skin disease, affecting 85% of the population at any point in their lives. While there are different methods to help with acne, they often come with side effects such as irritation and dryness. So what to do with acne? You can consider the following 4 natural acne treatments that will help get rid of acne quickly.
1. Dot acne with tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of the tea tree native to Australia, which is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Specifically, tea tree oil helps fight 2 types of bacteria that cause pimples: P. acnes and S. Epidermidis.
In one study, a gel containing 5% tea tree oil was shown to be as effective at reducing acne as a lotion containing 5% benzoyl peroxide, a common acne compound.
Treating acne with tea tree oil also results in fewer side effects such as dryness, irritation, and burning. However, if you apply pure essential oils directly to the skin, it can still cause redness and irritation. Therefore, you should dilute tea tree oil with carrier oil and test it on your skin before use.
How to treat acne with tea tree oil:
Mix 1 drop of tea tree oil with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil.
Dip a cotton swab in the mixture and apply it directly to the pimple.
Apply extra moisturizer after application (if desired).
Repeat the above steps 1-2 times per day as needed.
2. Acne treatment with other essential oils
In addition to tea tree oil, many other essential oils have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help clear up acne quickly. Several scientific studies show that the essential oils of cinnamon, rose, lavender, and clove fight acne-causing bacteria such as S. Epidermidis and P. acnes.
Rosemary and lemongrass essential oils have also been shown to inhibit P. acnes. One study compared the acne-fighting powers of clove oil, basil, 10% benzoyl peroxide, and a placebo. Both 2% and 5% clove oils are more effective at reducing acne than benzoyl peroxide.
Another study found that a gel containing acetic acid, orange, and sweet basil essential oils increased the healing rate of pimples by 75%. Like tea tree oil, these oils are very concentrated and can irritate if applied directly to the skin. Remember to dilute all essential oils with a carrier oil, do a skin patch test before regular use, and discontinue use if signs of irritation appear.
How to use essential oils for acne:
Mix 10 drops of essential oil with 30 ml of carrier oil.
Dip a cotton swab in the mixture and apply it directly to the pimple.
Apply moisturizer to the skin if desired.
Repeat the above steps 1-2 times per day as needed.
3. Apply green tea on the skin
Many people drink green tea for its health benefits, but green tea also has many benefits when applied directly to the skin. Green tea contains flavonoids and tannins, which are known to help fight inflammation and prevent bacteria that can cause pimples.
Green tea is also high in the antioxidant epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which has been shown to reduce sebum production, fight inflammation, and inhibit the growth of P. acnes in people with acne. Many studies also show that, when applying 2-3% green tea extract to the skin, people with acne will produce less sebum and significantly reduce acne breakouts.
Many skin care products contain green tea on the market, but you can make this simple concoction at home to save money.
How to use green tea to treat acne:
Soak green tea in hot water for about 3-4 minutes.
Let the tea cool.
Use a cotton ball to apply water to your face or use a spray bottle to spray your face.
Leave it on for 10 minutes or leave it overnight, then wash your face with water.
Use 1-2 times daily, if needed. You can store green tea in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
4. Moisturizing thanks to aloe vera
Aloe vera is a tropical plant whose leaves secrete a clear gel that, when applied to the skin, fights bacteria, reduces inflammation, and promotes wound healing. As a result, it’s a popular treatment for many skin conditions, including psoriasis, rashes, cuts, and burns.
Aloe vera contains lupeol, urea nitrogen, salicylic acid, cinnamic acid, phenol, and sulfur, all of which inhibit the bacteria that can cause pimples. Thus, the higher the aloe vera content in the lotion, the more effective it is to reduce acne.
Another study found that using 50% aloe vera gel with tretinoin cream (an acne medication derived from vitamin A) was significantly more effective at clearing acne than tretinoin cream alone. Although aloe vera gel can clear up acne on its own, it tends to be more effective when combined with other medications.
How to treat acne with aloe vera gel:
Use a spatula to scrape the gel off the inside of the aloe leaf.
Apply the gel to the skin after other acne treatments have been applied. Or you can mix it with other chemical treatments, then apply the mixture to your skin.
Repeat the process 1-2 times per day or as desired.
You can also buy bottled aloe vera gel online, but make sure to buy the right aloe vera that is pure and free of additives.
Aloe vera for acne
Aloe vera has a good moisturizing and acne-treatment effect
Pimples are a common problem and are not always easy to treat. Conventional treatments, if not used correctly, can cause redness, dryness, or irritation. This article lists 4 natural, arguably most effective ways to reduce pimples. These methods may not be suitable for everyone, or all skin types, but are very benign and worth a try, especially when cosmetic acne treatments have failed.
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