Acne scars can be an extremely frustrating annoyance, yet they don’t need to be permanent. Many home remedies like green tea and aloe vera appear to help treat acne scars effectively.
Encourage your teen to select a cleanser containing 5-10% benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid as its active ingredient, followed by gel or cream tailored specifically for their skin type.
1. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice has long been touted as an effective skin care ingredient, from DIY face masks to miracle anti-ageing treatments. But can its reputation match reality?
Lemon has antiseptic and bactericidal properties which can help fight acne-causing bacteria, as well as skin lightening benefits that can treat hyperpigmentation such as dark spots left by pimples. Additionally, its lightening properties can also help treat hyperpigmentation caused by pimples.
But applying lemon directly to the skin may cause irritation and over-dry it, which could result in excess oil production and clogged pores, worsening acne symptoms.
Citrus fruit extracts can also increase skin sensitivity to sunlight exposure, known as phytophotodermatitis and leading to painful sunburns.
If you are interested in using lemon to treat acne, first consult with a dermatologist about how much and when to apply. Likewise, dilute lemon juice with water before applying as this will prevent skin irritation. Furthermore, always wear sunscreen when going outside!
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an acne-fighting natural beauty ingredient found in many natural beauty products. Derived from Melaleuca alternifolia plants native to Australia, Aboriginal people have used its leaves as part of traditional medicine for millennia as part of their traditional healing.
Distilled from the leaves, CBD oil offers many skin-health benefits to include being antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral and expectorant. Furthermore, this extract contains over 100 compounds believed to help alleviate factors that contribute to acne blemishes such as redness or swelling.
Tea tree oil can be a highly effective home remedy for acne when applied topically as it kills off the bacteria responsible (p.acnes). Before use, however, dilute it thoroughly as using too much could irritate and inflame skin conditions like itchy patches, burning sensations, and dryness. To dilute, mix 12 drops of carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba with one to two drops of tea tree oil before applying directly on face with cotton pad or Q-tip and dabbing any blemishes while following up with moisturizer as usual for best results.
3. Clay Mud
Bentonite clay is one of the most effective ingredients used in facial masks. It expands like a sponge to absorb oil, unclog pores, and give skin clarity. Plus, its antibacterial properties help kill acne-causing bacteria!
Mud and clay masks can be made using various ingredients. Some may be more gentle while others contain extra benefits such as hydroxy acids or soothing herbs. Which clay type to choose depends on what results are desired.
Some clays, such as kaolin clay and French green clay, are gentle enough to use on sensitive skin and provide essential hydration and circulation-enhancing benefits. On the other hand, powerful absorbent clays such as fuller’s earth or bentonite clay have strong absorbency powers which draw impurities out from pores while simultaneously having a bleaching effect.
Begin your skincare journey by creating a basic clay and mud mask recipe. Combine equal parts of raw clay powder (we recommend Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay) with lukewarm water until it forms a creamy consistency, then apply to skin. When applying masks with negative charge such as clay can attract metal particles that break down skin barrier integrity. When making the recipe, always use non-metal tools when mixing as these may attract metal ions which could compromise skin integrity further.
4. Cucumber Juice
Cucumber juice can help detox your skin while also keeping it hydrated, thanks to the abundance of Vitamin C found in it which is vital for fighting free radicals and protecting from cellulite formation. Furthermore, drinking cucumber juice regularly may even reduce cellulite while increasing elasticity for more flexible skin.
Cucumbers’ natural, mild astringent properties help remove excess oil from the skin’s surface and unclog pores to produce clearer and even-looking complexions. Furthermore, cucumbers contain silica which strengthens and firms skin tissue as well as antioxidants which can improve complexions while reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Make your own cucumber juice at home by blending unpeeled cucumber and filtering out any solids with a strainer. Or you could try using a cucumber face toner which will clear your pores, reduce excess oil production and eliminate acne-causing bacteria – not to mention hydrating skin, brighten complexion and reduce dark circles or puffiness under eyes! However, for optimal results use a specially-formulated cucumber face mask which contains additional ingredients tailored specifically for treating specific skin concerns.
5. Honey
Honey is widely celebrated as an all-natural sweetener, yet it also holds powerful skin healing properties. Honey contains antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and moisturizing agents which help combat acne breakouts while soothing redness. Furthermore, it stimulates fibroblast production which contributes to skin elasticity and regeneration.
Raw honey, especially Manuka honey, is often recommended to fight acne. Manuka honey is produced from bees feeding off of the Manuka tree which grows throughout Australia and New Zealand; studies have demonstrated its antibacterial and wound healing properties.
Mix one tablespoon of honey with one pinch of turmeric powder and apply this solution directly on affected areas for 20 minutes before rinsing off. This combination can help prevent acne breakouts while moisturizing skin and eliminating excess oil production, and prevent blackhead formation while diminishing their size and appearance. You may wish to repeat this treatment every few weeks for maximum effectiveness or add milk or aloe vera for added benefits.
