Acne…pimples…zits. Do those words just make you cringe even thinking about them? Sure, some people are fascinated with those pesky bumps. There are entire shows where all you do is watch someone remove pimples and clean people’s faces. But, when acne pops up on your own face, it’s not nearly as fascinating! Treating acne often involves products that are filled with harsh chemicals. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are some fantastic natural remedies that are not only effective, but also free from all those harsh chemicals. I’ll share some of my favorites below along with a couple fun recipes to put these ingredients to use! The thing I love about these alternatives is they’re simple and you likely already have the ingredients in your home.
What causes acne?
There are so many things that could be causing your acne problem, but the thing to realize is there is a root problem. I realize that treating the acne itself is necessary because no one wants pimples all over their face. But, it’s also important to consider what might be causing the acne. Treat the root cause as well!
As I mentioned, there are many different things that can cause acne, but the most common fall within these categories:
- dairy protein intolerance
- blood sugar spikes & crashes
- toxic skincare products
- hormone imbalance
- overworked liver or kidneys
Resolving the root of the problem
In addition to treating the symptom (the acne), it’s important to also address the root cause. Here are some easy ways to support your body and get rid of the acne for good:
- heal your gut – consider an anti-inflammatory diet and get on a good probiotic (read about my favorite one here)
- address any hormone imbalances (please note: birth control will do more harm than good in this department)
- stay hydrated
Natural Remedies
Apple Cider Vinegar
This multi-purpose product has antiseptic and antifungal properties that make it a great solution for the swelling, redness, irritation, and even pain that come with acne. Its acidity can also help fight many acne-causing bacteria.
To use, simply mix 1 part ACV to 3 parts water and apply to the affected areas. Leave for 10 minutes to overnight. Can be done multiple times a day.
Aloe Vera Gel
Another multi-purpose product that has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help with preventing bacteria, reduce inflammation and redness, and even help the pimple wound heal faster. Aloe vera gel also helps balance the pH levels of your skin and support healthy skin. It can also help remove excess dirt and oil along with dead skin cells that can often clog up your pores.
To use, apply to the affected area a couple times a week. Consider adding raw honey, lemon, turmeric, or tea tree oil to the gel for added support.
Raw Honey
Contains preservatives that help prevent bacterial growth in your pores. It also has anti-inflammatory properties to help with swelling, infection, and redness. Raw honey also helps preserve moisture in your skin, making it a great option to get rid of the dryness and peeling that can occur when trying to get rid of acne.
To use, apply to affected areas and massage into skin. Leave for 30 minutes and then rinse with warm water. Can be done 1-2 times every day.
Steam
Helps open pores and flush dead skin cells, oil, bacteria, and dirt out.
To use, heat some water to approximately 110 degrees. Pour water in a bowl. Wash your face and then place a towel over your head. Add essential oils to the water for added benefit or to make the steam fragrant. For oils with properties beneficial for facial skin, read My daily routine for healthy skin. Position your face about 12 inches from the water and stay there for 5-10 minutes. Do this once a week to help your skin stay hydrated.
An excellent antifungal and antimicrobial agent to fight acne-causing bacteria. Helps with redness and inflammation, and dries out the pimples to unclog the glands naturally.
To use, dilute with a carrier oil like jojoba or fractionated coconut oil, or apply directly to skin. Note that applying directly without dilution with have a greater drying effect to your skin. Combine with Lavender oil and/or Frankincense oil for additional support of healthy, clear, youthful skin. Just make sure whatever essential oils you use are 100% pure (and, just because the bottle says it is, doesn’t mean it’s true). For our home and my clients, I only use doTerra oils due to their reputation for both purity and potency.
If you like the idea of using essential oils to support health skin (and getting rid of pesky acne), here is a fantastic essential oil blend that will do just that. Apply to a freshly cleansed face in the morning and before bed.
4 drops Copaiba
4 drops Frankincense
3 drops Green Mandarin
3 drops Lavender
1 oz witch hazel
Here’s another recipe that not only helps fight acne, but also gives your skin some much-deserved love!
Healthy Skin Facial
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Mix ingredients together and massage onto skin. Let sit for 30 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
Feel free to play around with the essential oils. You’ll see I used both Tea Tree and Lavender. Any of the above listed oils would be good options to try.
For more ways to love your skin and help support healthy, youthful, and clear skin, check out My daily routine for healthy skin.
Whether you’re attempting to control acne, or simply want to support healthy skin, these are some fantastic natural solutions to give a try. Which one(s) will you try?
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