Acne is a common skin problem that affects approximately 85 percent of the population at some point in their lives. One of the symptoms is pimples, which can be unpleasant and difficult to treat. While standard acne treatments are effective, they have been known to induce adverse effects such as skin irritation and dryness. As a result, many people have resorted to natural therapies in order to swiftly eliminate pimples. While numerous natural acne treatments exist, only a few have been clinically proven to be helpful.
Although there is limited evidence to support their efficacy for this purpose, here are four natural ways for swiftly eliminating pimples.
Cleanse the afflicted area with tea tree oil.
Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, an indigenous Australian plant. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects are well-known. Tea tree oil, in particular, is beneficial in the fight against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis, two bacteria that can cause pimples. According to one study, 5% tea tree oil gel was almost four times more effective than a placebo at reducing acne lesions and nearly six times as effective at reducing acne severity than a placebo.
Another study discovered that a gel with 5% tea tree oil was just as good at reducing pimples as a lotion containing 5% benzoyl peroxide, a common acne medication. Additionally, there were less side effects associated with the tea tree oil treatment, including as dryness, irritation, and burning. Tea tree oil is highly potent and can cause redness and irritation when applied straight to the skin. As a result, a carrier oil is required to dilute it.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, only a little amount of research has been conducted on the topical use of tea tree oil for health concerns, and a small quantity of research indicates that tea tree oil may be useful for acne. If you decide to try it, go cautiously and always test a patch on your skin first, as tea tree oil can be irritating and should never be applied undiluted to the skin.
How should I use tea tree oil for acne?
- 1 tsp carrier oil + 1 tsp tea tree essential oil
- Utilize a cotton swab dipped in the mixture to apply straight to pimples.
- Use a moisturiser if desired.
- Repeat this therapy 1–2 times per day as needed.
Supplement with other essential oils to target certain regions.
Along with tea tree oil, numerous additional essential oils with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties might aid in the rapid resolution of pimples. According to a comprehensive scientific assessment, cinnamon, rose, lavender, and clove essential oils have been proven to be effective against the acne-causing bacteria S. epidermidis and P. acnes. Additionally, rosemary and lemongrass were reported to inhibit P. acnes.
A study tested the acne-fighting abilities of clove-basil oil, 10% benzoyl peroxide, and a placebo. Both 2% and 5% clove-basil oils were found to be more effective and faster at reducing pimples than benzoyl peroxide (9Trusted Source). Another study discovered that a gel containing acetic acid, orange, and sweet basil essential oils significantly enhanced the healing rate of pimples by 75%. (10Reliable Source). These essential oils, such as tea tree oil, are highly concentrated and may cause skin irritation if applied directly to the skin. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, conduct a patch test prior to routine use, and discontinue use if irritation occurs.
What is the best method for using essential oils to treat acne?
- 30 mL (1 oz) carrier oil + 10 mL (10 drops) essential oil
- Utilize a cotton swab dipped in the mixture to apply straight to pimples.
- Use a moisturiser if desired.
- Repeat this therapy 1–2 times per day as needed.
Apply green tea directly on your skin.
While green tea is frequently taken for its health benefits, it can also be useful when administered topically. Green tea contains flavonoids and tannins, which have been shown to help fight inflammation and pimple-causing bacteria. Additionally, it has a high concentration of the antioxidant epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which has been demonstrated to aid those with acne-prone skin in combating inflammation, reducing sebum production, and limiting the proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes. According to many studies, individuals with acne who apply a 2–3% green tea extract to their skin see significant reductions in sebum production and pimples.
While there are a few skin care products on the market that incorporate green tea, producing your own is simple and inexpensive.
How should green tea be used to treat acne?
- Green tea should be brewed in boiling water for 3–4 minutes.
- Allow time for the tea to cool somewhat before serving.
- Apply it to your face with a cotton ball or spritz it on using a spray bottle.
- Allow it to rest on your face for ten minutes or overnight before rinsing with water.
- Apply 1–2 times daily as needed. It will keep for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
