Struggling with acne throughout your lifetime? Acne isn’t just something that affects teenagers, it can continue well into adulthood. Primarily caused by bacteria, acne can also be affected by hormones, medications, excess oil and even some medical conditions. It can be painful, affect your confidence and severe acne can be off-putting.
We have some advice that can help. These natural ingredients and methods listed below have many known benefits in the fight against acne young and old without the harsh chemicals you may be used to!
Five Natural Solutions For All Your Acne Prevention Questions
Mānuka Oil For Acne
From the same family as tea tree oil, mānuka oil is even more effective than its Australian cousin. Otago University has carried out a study on the antibacterial prevention properties of mānuka oil. This antibacterial activity was also found in mānuka honey with the ‘Unique Mānuka Factor’ (UMF®) but when you compare mānuka oil vs. mānuka honey, it up to 1,000 times more powerful than mānuka honey. Smothering your skin in honey might not be practical, so apply mānuka oil using a carrier such as coconut oil.
Turmeric Oil For Acne
Turmeric is known in Ayurvedic practice for its health benefits, especially being antibacterial and that it helps prevent the spread of the bacteria linked to acne. Curcumin, the primary chemical in turmeric, has keratolytic effects. This reduces skin cells clumping and blocking pores, which is the root cause of acne.
Basil For Acne
Not just fantastic on pizza and pasta, basil also prevents the spread of Propionibacterium acnes, one of the bacteria that cause acne. Make a toner by boiling five to ten crushed leaves in a cup of water for 7-10 minutes. Strain, cool and apply to the skin with a cotton ball.
Apple Cider Vinegar For Acne
Vinegar is acidic and antibacterial. Make up a toner using one teaspoon of vinegar to two cups of water. Apply with a cotton ball.
Lemon & Sugar Scrub For Acne
Lemon is acidic, with anti-bacterial properties. It can help to chemically exfoliate your skin, removing the oil that blocks pores. It also is an astringent, which constricts and shrinks skin pores. Mix a tablespoon of sugar and lemon juice, and use your fingers to gently massage this onto your skin. Rinse and pat dry. This fantastic exfoliator is better for the planet because it doesn’t use microbeads.
If you're not satisfied with your acne skincare routine, look into our amazing East Cape Mānuka Oil Ultimate Blemish Control Routine to help fight your annoying acne better, naturally.