An effective skincare routine can dramatically increase your chances of avoiding breakouts. Use natural products that respect the natural pH balance and acid mantle of your skin for best results.
These natural skincare ingredients have been scientifically-proven to effectively address acne blemishes, scarring and pigmentation problems on acne-prone skin. Plus they’re less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions. Here are some of the top natural skincare ingredients for treating acne: 1. Cedarwood Oil
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an effective treatment for various skin issues, including acne. With natural anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties that help balance oil production while diminishing blemishes.
Aloe vera is an effective antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that damage skin. Additionally, its antiseptic properties kill bacteria and other microorganisms. Available as gel, powder, liquid and cream; Aloe can also be found in many skincare products including cleansers and moisturizers.
Aloe vera not only has many medicinal uses, but can also aid in healing blemishes and scars. Studies have demonstrated its ability to speed wound healing for humans as well as animals. Furthermore, when used alongside other skin care ingredients like retinoids it can further increase their effectiveness.
Aloe vera can help treat blemishes by applying a thin layer of its gel directly on the area affected. Alternately, combine it with lemon juice or oatmeal as part of a face mask recipe to further soothe redness and inflammation reduction and comfort your skin.
Make a face mask by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, and apply to skin. Leave to dry before rinsing off with water. You could also try adding tea tree oil for its astringent and antibacterial properties, although remember too much lemon can be irritating for some; use only small amounts.
2. Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid addresses various skin issues, including redness, clogged pores, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation and rosacea. As an antioxidant it helps improve papules (acne bumps) and pustules (acne breakouts). Furthermore, cell turnover promotes clear pores as well as its antibacterial properties which help fight infections such as acne or skin infections caused by bacteria.
L-Lactic acid belongs to the family of hydroxy acids but, unlike glycolic and salicylic acids, is less irritating and doesn’t lead to dryness. Furthermore, its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties help combat acne by blocking overproduction of oil by your skin, as well as helping fade dark spots caused by melisma as well as treating uneven skin tone or dullness.
Reduce brown spots and discolorations while lightening your complexion with this mild acid that’s ideal for all skin types – particularly sensitive.
Over-the-counter products with concentrations of 10 percent or greater and prescription-only options at 15 and 20 percent strength typically contain it, although higher concentrations may cause irritation – for this reason it is advisable to start with lower dosage levels before increasing as desired.
As it works well with other ingredients, Azelaic acid may also be included as part of your skincare routine alongside retinoids, hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide and vitamin C. Just make sure not to overuse it; too much could lead to dryness, stinging or burning sensations. If unsure on how best to integrate Azelaic acid into your routine consult with a dermatologist who will offer tailored advice based on your unique skin needs; they may even suggest which azelaic acid product would work best.
3. Niacinamide
Niacinamide, an extremely versatile form of vitamin B3, offers numerous advantages to skin. As an anti-inflammatory and barrier strengthener, niacinamide can reduce redness and irritation while smoothing texture and evening out skin tone.
Niacinamide works well when combined with other powerful ingredients, such as peptides, hyaluronic acid and AHAs/BHAs; therefore it’s often included in multi-active skincare products that combine all these actives. Furthermore, it is an excellent solution for acne-prone skin as it can reduce excessive sebum production that leads to blocked pores and mild breakouts.
Niacinamide also acts to defend against sun and pollution-induced damage to skin cells by countering free radical effects and protecting cell structures, according to Dr. Frieling. Environmental pollutants cause reactive oxygen species which damage skin cells; to combat this problem niacinamide helps neutralise free radicals which damage them while simultaneously shielding cell structures against further harm from free radical damage.
Niacinamide can be found in numerous skincare products, from cleansers and moisturizers to serums. For maximum efficacy, however, its best use should be in concentrations under 5 percent and in forms such as creams or serums that remain on the skin and thus can be absorbed directly.
As noted above, vitamin B3 can also be obtained through diet or supplementation under medical supervision; however, using skin care to obtain vitamin B3 is the most efficient way to ensure it reaches your specific acne concerns and side effects like dryness or sensitivity are avoided. When trying a new product with niacinamide it’s essential that sensitivity testing be conducted by applying a pea-sized amount on one forearm and waiting 30 seconds; any sign of redness, itching or swelling must stop using that product immediately and discontinue use immediately.
4. Green Tea
Green tea is an amazing botanical, packed with many skincare benefits. The EGCG present in green tea helps reduce inflammation and protect from future blemishes forming, as well as having diuretic properties which flush toxins out of your system naturally.
Green tea offers numerous skin benefits and should be included as part of a daily skincare regime, whether that involves drinking it directly or applying it topically as an anti-inflammatory ingredient and natural sunscreen. Green tea’s powerful anti-inflammatory effects soothe redness on the skin while simultaneously acting as a powerful natural sunscreen against UV rays from reaching its surface.
Green tea’s antioxidant-rich properties protect skin against free radical damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are responsible for everything from fine lines and wrinkles to acne and dullness – Green Tea naturally fights back against this damage to ensure bright and healthy looking skin!
Green tea contains antibacterial properties known as EGCG that help treat breakouts by fighting bacteria that become trapped in pores, leading to an overly reactive immune response resulting in breakouts on acne-prone skin and subsequent breakouts.
Green tea can make an effective addition to any acne-fighting skincare regimen because it is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores, and anti-inflammatory. As an anti-irritant it soothes irritated skin from those suffering with acne and rosacea. Green tea products with low pH levels, no parabens or mineral oil added, cruelty-free certification status and organic ingredients should all make for good buys; for DIY treatments pour cooled green tea into a spray bottle and mist it onto your face to calm skin, reduce redness and treat existing blemishes!
5. Sage
Sage is an effective natural antibacterial and astringent that can help combat acne breakouts and stop further breakouts. The oil extracted from its leaves and flowers contains powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which are great at relieving acne-related inflammation, while simultaneously balancing sebum production for healthy skin so as to avoid blackheads and blocked pores.
Sage essential oil can also help fight wrinkles and increase skin elasticity, while simultaneously improving tone, reducing redness and soothing irritated skin, thus helping calm acne lesions and rashes. Sage is particularly suited for oily or combination skin types as it balances sebum production while shrinking large pores to restore a soft matte skin finish suitable for applying makeup.
Herbs such as lavender are ideal for creating an easy DIY face wash suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Simply combine 1/4 cup herbs with one cup boiling water and steep for 10 minutes before cooling it and using as a toner by spraying directly on skin or applying via cotton round application – keeping this herbal solution in the refrigerator up to seven days later for storage!
Pinus massoniana’s (mastic gum) contains anti-inflammatory, astringent and antibacterial properties which help fight acne while shrinking large pores. Mastic can also help balance oil levels on skin to unclog pores faster while decreasing blackheads or comedones formation.
Black Paint’s Ostrich Balm provides an intensive treatment, packed with clarifying sage oil mixed with 20 ecocert organic plant oils and omegas that nourish and moisturize skin deeply. Salycilic acid (the naturally-derived form of Vitamin B3) in this luxurious facial cream also helps combat acne-causing bacteria while decreasing redness and inflammation.
