ALL teenagers will know that acne is a dreaded skin condition that affects their ‘good years’ while going through adolescence.
Acne affects an estimated 85% of people at some point in their lives.
While conventional treatments can be effective at getting rid of pimples, they are often associated with adverse effects, such as skin irritation and dryness.
Because of this, a lot of people have turned to natural alternatives.
Listed below are four natural remedies that will get rid of pimples fast.
1 Spot treat with tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of the tree Melaleuca alternifolia, which is native to Australia.
It’s well-known for its ability to fight bacteria and reduce skin inflammation.
Specifically, tea tree oil helps fight P. acnes and S. epidermidis, two types of bacteria that can cause pimples.
It’s important to note that tea tree oil is very potent and can cause redness and irritation when applied directly to the skin.
For this reason, it should be diluted with water or a carrier oil.
2 Spot treat with other essential oils
There are many other essential oils with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help clear up pimples quickly.
Essential oils of cinnamon, rose, lavender and clove fight acne-causing bacteria, S. epidermidis and P. acnes.
Rosemary and lemongrass were also shown to effectively inhibit P. acnes.
Like tea tree oil, these essential oils are very concentrated and can cause irritation if applied directly to the skin.
3 Apply green tea to the skin
Green tea is helpful when applied directly to the skin.
It contains flavonoids and tannins, which are known to help fight inflammation and bacteria that may cause pimples.
It is also high in the antioxidant epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which has been shown to fight inflammation, reduce sebum production and inhibit the growth of P. acnes in people with acne-prone skin.
There are a handful of skincare products on the market that contain green tea, but it is very simple and cost-effective to make your own mixture at home.
4 Moisturise with Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a tropical plant with leaves that produce a clear gel.
When applied to the skin, aloe vera gel has been shown to help fight bacteria, reduce inflammation and promote wound healing.
Because of this, it’s a popular treatment for a variety of skin conditions including psoriasis, rashes, cuts and burns.
Aloe vera contains lupeol, salicylic acid, urea nitrogen, cinnamonic acid, phenols and sulfur, all of which inhibit bacteria that might cause pimples.
Although aloe vera gel on its own was not effective at treating pimples, it enhanced the anti-acne effects of clove-basil oil and tretinoin cream.
While there’s a possibility that aloe vera gel could help clear up pimples on its own, it may be more effective when combined with other remedies or medications.
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