Natural acne remedies
Acne can be a source of frustration at any age, affecting 20 to 30 percent of adults and up to 80 percent of teenagers. What’s worse, it’s mainly caused by genetics and hormones—two things we have very little control over. But there is hope! Mother Nature has a few tricks up her sleeve for getting rid of pesky pimples.
What causes acne?
Acne develops when fluctuating hormones cause the skin to produce too much sebum, which clogs up the pilosebaceous follicles. This creates a perfect breeding ground for the bacterium C. acnes, which is naturally present in the skin microbiome and feeds on sebum. The bacteria release molecules that provoke inflammation, which causes red, swollen and painful pimples.
There are certain lifestyle factors that don’t directly cause acne but can aggravate its symptoms. Lack of sleep, UV exposure, and foods high in saturated fats and carbohydrates can all make breakouts worse. Stress is another major factor. When we experience stress, our bodies release cortisol (known as the stress hormone), which increases sebum production.
Even simply aging can make acne symptoms worse: as cell renewal slows down, more dead cells build up on the skin’s surface and lead to clogged pores.
Daily actions that help fight acne
There are things you can do on a daily basis to reduce acne symptoms, starting with hydration. Drinking plenty of water every day helps the body eliminate toxins and regenerate skin cells. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables and limiting your intake of processed foods, refined ingredients, and dairy products can also help reduce acne related inflammation. Stress management is another key way to keep acne at bay.
Stress management can include yoga, meditation, or simply taking time for yourself. All these forms of self-care can lower your stress levels and improve your sleep, which can both reduce acne. Regular exercise also improves circulation and increases oxygen delivery to the outer layers of the skin, giving it that “healthy glow.”
In terms of skin care, resist the urge to pop your pimples. This can cause long-lasting scars and also spreads the bacteria under the skin, making the infection worse. It’s also important never to go to bed without washing your face, as this leads to clogged pores and a buildup of acne-causing bacteria.
Best skincare ingredients for acne
Despite the heavy influence of hormones and genetics, it is possible to minimize the appearance of pimples with the right beauty routine. There are certain natural ingredients that can be highly effective, depending on your needs.
- To reduce sebum: Salicylic acid (a powerful astringent extracted from willow bark) and bakuchiol (a botanical equivalent of retinol) are effective at removing sebum, unclogging pores, and reducing inflammation. Charcoal is another essential ingredient due to its recognized purifying properties.
- To regulate sebum production and mattify the skin: Witch hazel, niacinamide (vitamin B), and green tea extract are particularly beneficial. They can be found as active ingredients in serums, creams and cleansers.
- To soothe irritation: Certain oils such as black cumin seed oil and rosehip seed oil offer antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties without drying out the skin. It may seem counterproductive, but these “good” oils nourish the skin and actually help prevent the overproduction of sebum—a defence mechanism that’s activated when your skin gets too dry.
- To reduce oiliness: Natural clays like kaolin and bentonite absorb excess sebum and minimize the appearance of pores. They are often found in masks and cleansers.
- To help pimples heal faster: Hydrocolloid patches can be a convenient solution to existing pimples. They create a moist environment that promotes healing while protecting the skin from bacteria and pollutants.
As a general rule,
choose beauty products with light textures, such as lotions and gels. Products with thicker textures can clog pores. Make sure you only use gentle exfoliants and fragrance-free formulas to avoid any irritation that could trigger a breakout.