Acne is no exception.
Just Googling DIY treatments for acne left me with more questions than answers.
First, it’s crucial to know what is causing your acne before choosing a treatment.
However, diets high in dairy and carbohydrates can contribute to an acne problem.
It’s important to be cautious when making your own acne treatment.
“There is too little research and too much guesswork behind the claims.”
However, there isn’t a lot of evidence out there.
If you have any doubts about a particular treatment, run it past your doctor first.
They explained that these solutions can be very effective and cost-efficient.
“You may have to get it from behind the counter through the pharmacist.
A 10 percent concentration is usually by prescription only.”
Aspirin
If the OTC meds aren’t doing the trick, there are some natural ideas.
The main ingredient in aspirin is salicylic acid, which is the same ingredient found in many acne creams.
“Apply the paste directly to the pimple with a cotton swab and leave on for 10 minutes.”
Argan oil
There are also many essential oils that can help.
Many of the dermatologists I spoke with recommended oils, such as argan oil.
No tumeric on hand?
No problem; try substituting cinnamon instead.
“Combining it with coconut oil can be an effective drying agent for pimples.”
Because tea tree oil is antiseptic, it will take care of those bacteria causing issues on your skin.
It could also help with the inflammation.
“Leave it on for a few hours or overnight.”
Kauvar, MD told me.
“Some people develop an allergic rash to tea tree oil.
It is also toxic to the eyes and ears.”
Green tea oil
Green tea oil has also been found to be helpful for clearing up acne.
You could buy an over-the-counter acne product that already has the extract in it.
“Green tea extract lotion has been shown to reduce acne,” says Dr. Kauvar.
Check with your pharmacist for a lotion that contains green tea powder or extract.
Apple cider vinegar
There are many natural acne savers that you may already have in your cabinet.
One of them is apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar can be used as an all-over toner to both clear up and prevent acne.
Ice
An acne issue usually has several components, and one of them is inflammation.
A sure-fire way to get rid of inflammation is using ice.
“It will vasoconstrict the blood vessels and take down the redness and swelling.”
While this won’t get rid of the blemish completely, it will make it less noticeable.
“Some have used Vitamin C in a peel paste for similar reasons.”
This acidity will be irritating to your skin.
“The one that makes me cringe most: applying lime juice to pimples,” explains Dr. Bhanusali.
It took a long time and lots of treatment to get her back to baseline."
Lee uses a variety of ingredients you could find at your local grocery store.
She prefers a combination of food products and natural oils.
One mask combines lemon for its astringent properties, sugar for a gentle exfoliant, and green tea powder.
“Green tea powder is an antioxidant powerhouse,” Lee told me.
“It also acts as an anti-microbial agent and decreases inflammation.”
Egg whites
Next up on the list of grocery store secrets is egg whites.
“Egg whites are an age-old beauty secret,” Dr. KranttoldHealth.
You’ll get the same benefits without contaminating your kitchen counter.
When we wash too much, we’re taking away good oils from our skin.
“Avoid over-cleansing or scrubbing.
Use a gentle cleanser and wash twice daily,” says Dr. Kauvar.
“Don’t scrub your skin or use harsh soaps.
Irritation can cause inflammation and further aggravate acne.”
Stick to a once-a-day washing schedule, and ensure to avoid soaps with harsh ingredients or particles in them.
Overdoing them can have the opposite effect you’re going for.
Pay attention to how your skin feels when you’re trying these treatments.
Any burning or irritation is a sign that it’s time to stop.
“Many folk remedies are best avoided.
Remember that your skin is an organ.
Would you spray your heart with Windex?
“The makeup clogs the pores and leads to tough breakouts.
They are especially tough in our actress patients given the use of production makeup.”
Once you wash your face, ensure it’s hitting a clean surface every night.
“Clean your pillowcase and sheets.
Daily pollutants, dead skin cells, and oils can gather on your beddings,” explains Rebecca Lee.
So whatever substance you put on your pimple, you’re putting into your body.
Because you’re mixing up your own DIY treatments, it’s impossible to keep the mixture completely clean.
“Some ingredients, like raw eggs, are particularly dangerous to use.
Save yourself some time and go directly to the expert.
Dr. Sharyn Laughlin recommends seeing a doctor if you’ve noticed any scarring from your acne.
Your physician will most likely look at three options.
