Best Herbs For Acne: Benefits And How To Use Them?
Acne is something that most skin types worry about. It happens when your pores get clogged up with oil and bacteria (P.acnes), and it looks like red, painful bumps. Some of the most common ways to treat acne are with prescription or over-the-counter creams and pills. Some of the best ways to get rid of acne are with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, isotretinoin capsules, and even topical retinoids.
But these treatments might be too much for the skin of many people. This is why people with acne-prone skin still like to use herbal remedies. Even though there isn’t much science behind them, the stories about them have kept them alive. This is especially true when it comes to herbs for acne, which are made from plants and can help clear up acne as well as provide other benefits for the skin.
Benefits of using herbs for acne
So, why do some herbal treatments work to get rid of acne? Because they are made from plants, they already have properties that help fight acne. Some are antibacterial, which means they can stop bacteria that causes acne from growing on your skin.
Some herbs have anti-inflammatory properties that make your skin better able to handle damage from the outside and keep it from becoming too sensitive. Plus, herbs have fewer side effects than strong ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or retinoids when they are used the right way. When they come from organic sources, these natural acne treatments can really help your skin care routine. Here are some of the most common herbs used to treat acne, along with the best ways to use them.
Tea tree
The tea tree has been used in beauty products for a long time. It comes from the leaves of an Australian tree with the same name. It has both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that make it useful for medicine.
The herb can inhibit the growth of acne-causing microorganisms on the skin without being too harsh on it.This is why it has helped with inflammatory pimples such as acne, as well as blackheads and whiteheads caused by clogged pores.It can also help to shrink your pores and keep sebum under control in your skin.
How to use
- Tea tree essential oil is one of the best ways to use tea tree for acne.
- Dilute it with a carrier oil that is safe for your skin, like jojoba, and only put it on the spots that hurt.
- But if your skin is already oily, you can crush some tea tree leaves and mix them with aloe vera or propolis to make a spot treatment for blemishes.
Neem
Neem is an important herb in Ayurvedic medicine. It is well known for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. When you have acne, neem can help control how much oil your skin makes.
This helps reduce acne and inflammation caused by acne (PIH). Because it can help heal wounds, neem is a great choice for treating acne and reducing scarring afterward. Because it is high in vitamin C, neem can help fade acne scars and make your skin look brighter.
How to use
- The best way to use neem for acne is to make a face mask with it that controls oil and fights acne.
- Mix neem powder, gram flour (besan), and turmeric in equal amounts.
- Mix the ingredients together and add rosewater or cucumber water to make a paste.
- Give yourself a gentle exfoliating massage with the face mask, leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, and then wash it off with water.
- Use a moisturizer to rehydrate your skin afterward.
Witch hazel
Witch hazel, which is also called “nature’s astringent,” is becoming more and more popular as a way to treat acne. The herb has a lot of tannins, which can help get rid of oily skin. Witch hazel’s anti-inflammatory properties also help to calm irritated breakouts and keep the skin from getting bruised. A witch hazel toner that you make yourself can be a good alternative to alcohol-based toners that can make your skin dry.
How to use
Follow these easy steps to make your own witch hazel mix at home:
- Put some witch hazel bark and twigs in a large stainless steel pot with distilled water.
- Bring it to a boil by putting it on a high flame. When the water starts to boil, turn down the heat and let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Put the mixture somewhere safe to cool overnight. Make sure you carefully cover the pot so that air or dirt doesn’t get into the mix.
- The next morning, strain the mixture and put it in a glass jar. Keep it in the fridge if you want to keep using it.
- To use, put it on with a cotton ball where you have acne or where your skin feels oily most of the time.
Manjishtha
Manjistha, also called Indian Madder, is a popular herb used in Ayurvedic medicine. The natural blood purifier is known to stop acne-causing bacteria from growing and help keep your skin’s pores open. It also has a lot of antioxidants and, when put on the skin, can help calm inflammation, redness, rashes, and other skin problems caused by acne.
How to use
Follow these steps to use a manjistha solution for your acne:
- First, figure out how much manjistha powder you need to make a paste with the consistency you want. Usually, 1/2 teaspoon is enough.
- To make a paste, mix the powder with honey or rose water. Apply only to the painful areas and leave it on for 1-2 hours.
- Rinse with room temperature water when you’re done. Do this 1-2 times a week to keep your skin from getting pimples.
Lavender
Lavender is a popular calming ingredient in skin care, and it can also stop bacteria from growing. Toners with lavender in them have been shown to keep the skin’s pores healthy, calm irritated skin, and calm stressed oil glands to help control how much sebum is produced. It is also known to help calm pimples that look angry, ease the pain around them, and stop them from getting worse.
How to use
- Lavender essential oil is the best way to treat acne with lavender.
- You can use 1-2 drops of lavender oil mixed with a carrier oil to treat spots.
- You can also put the drops in your facial steamer and use it once a week to give yourself a facial that will clear up your skin.
Possible risks and side effects
Most herbal treatments for acne can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation as side effects. If you get redness, itching, or burning, stop using the product and talk to your doctor.
People have had blistering rashes after using tea tree oil. If you have sensitive skin or an allergy to plants in the myrtle family, you shouldn’t use it. Among these are eucalyptus, clove, and allspice.
Women who are pregnant, women who are nursing, and children shouldn’t use herbs to treat acne unless they are being watched by a trained professional.
Some people try to treat acne all over their bodies by putting herbs into their bodies. You shouldn’t do this unless a trained practitioner is watching you. Many herbs are safe to use on the skin, but when eaten, especially in large amounts, they can be dangerous.
If you swallow tea tree oil, it will kill you. You shouldn’t put it on the skin around your mouth, where it could get into your mouth by accident.
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