Acne, a prevalent skin condition affecting around 85% of individuals, presents with bothersome pimples that can be challenging to eliminate. Traditional treatments may lead to adverse effects like skin irritation and dryness, prompting many to seek natural alternatives for fast relief. Despite numerous natural remedies, only a handful have scientific support for their efficacy. In this article, we explore four scientifically scrutinized natural methods to expedite pimple removal. While these approaches may lack extensive research, they offer potential solutions for those seeking effective and gentler alternatives to conventional treatments.
1. Spot treat with tea tree oil
Tea tree oil, derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree native to Australia, is renowned for its antibacterial properties and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. Specifically targeting P. acnes and S. epidermidis bacteria, known culprits for causing pimples, tea tree oil has demonstrated its effectiveness in studies. Research revealed that a 5% tea tree oil gel significantly outperformed a placebo, reducing acne lesions four times more and severity six times more. Moreover, in comparison to a 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion, a common acne medication, a 5% tea tree oil gel exhibited comparable effectiveness in reducing pimples while causing fewer adverse effects like dryness, irritation, and burning.
Tea tree oil, renowned for its potency, requires cautious application to prevent skin redness and irritation. Diluting it with a carrier oil is crucial for safe use. Although limited research supports its potential benefits for acne, it’s essential to note that the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health highlights the scarcity of studies on its topical application.
How to use tea tree oil for acne
- Mix one teaspoon of carrier oil with one drop of tea tree oil.
- Use a cotton swab dipped in the mixture to dab pimples.
- If you would like, use a moisturizer.
- As needed, repeat this procedure one or two times daily.
2. Spot treat with other essential oils.
Apart from tea tree oil, several other essential oils possessing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can effectively address pimples. A comprehensive scientific review highlighted the acne-fighting capabilities of essential oils like cinnamon, rose, lavender, and clove against bacteria like S. epidermidis and P. acnes.
Rosemary and lemongrass were also identified for their ability to inhibit P. acnes. In a study comparing clove-basil oil, 10% benzoyl peroxide, and a placebo, both 2% and 5% clove-basil oils outperformed benzoyl peroxide in swiftly reducing pimples. This suggests the potential of essential oils as a promising and rapid solution for acne.
In a separate study, a gel incorporating acetic acid, orange, and sweet basil essential oils demonstrated a remarkable 75% increase in the healing rate of pimples. It’s noteworthy that, like tea tree oil, these essential oils are highly concentrated and may cause irritation when directly applied to the skin.
To ensure safety, always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, conduct a patch test before regular use, and discontinue use if any signs of irritation occur. This emphasizes the importance of proper application to harness the potential benefits without adverse effects.
How to use essential oils for acne
- Mix one ounce (30 mL) of carrier oil with ten drops of essential oil.
- Use a cotton swab dipped in the mixture to dab pimples.
- If you would like, use a moisturizer.
- As needed, repeat this procedure one or two times daily.
3. Apply green tea to the skin.
Green tea, known for its health benefits, extends its advantages to skincare. Packed with flavonoids and tannins, green tea’s anti-inflammatory properties combat bacteria-causing pimples. The antioxidant epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in green tea is potent, reducing inflammation, minimizing sebum production, and inhibiting P. acnes growth in acne-prone skin. Studies show a significant decrease in sebum production and pimples with a 2–3% green tea extract application. While commercial skincare products include green tea, crafting a simple and cost-effective homemade mixture is also an option.
How to use green tea for acne
- For three to four minutes, steep green tea in boiling water.
- Let the tea cool.
- Use a cotton ball to apply it to your face or a spray bottle to spritz it on.
- After using it for ten minutes or overnight, wash your face with water.
- Use one or two times daily, as required. It keeps for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
4. Moisturize with aloe vera.
Aloe vera, a tropical plant renowned for its clear gel, offers skin benefits when applied. Studies confirm its ability to combat bacteria, reduce inflammation, and facilitate wound healing, making it a popular remedy for various skin conditions like psoriasis, rashes, cuts, and burns. While research on aloe vera’s specific efficacy against pimples is limited, the existing findings are promising. The multifunctional properties of aloe vera make it a versatile and accessible option for skincare.
Aloe vera boasts compounds like lupeol, salicylic acid, urea nitrogen, cinnamonic acid, phenols, and sulfur, known for inhibiting pimple-causing bacteria. A study assessing aloe vera’s impact on acne utilized various concentrations in a clove-basil oil mixture.
Notably, higher aloe vera concentrations correlated with increased effectiveness in reducing pimples. This underscores the potential of aloe vera as a valuable ingredient in skincare formulations targeting acne.
In a significant study, the combination of 50% aloe vera gel with tretinoin cream demonstrated superior efficacy in treating pimples compared to tretinoin cream alone. Tretinoin cream, derived from vitamin A, is a recognized acne medication. While aloe vera gel alone didn’t show remarkable effectiveness against pimples, it notably amplified the anti-acne impact when combined with clove-basil oil and tretinoin cream.
This suggests that aloe vera gel could enhance its pimple-clearing potential when used in conjunction with other remedies or medications.
How to use aloe vera gel for acne
- Using a spoon, scrape the gel from the aloe leaves.
- After using other acne treatments, apply the gel to your skin. Consider combining it with another treatment before applying it to your skin. Alternatively, you might use the other acne treatment first, then cover it with aloe vera gel.
- Repeat 1-2 times daily, or as often as preferred.
The bottom line
Addressing pimples can be challenging, and conventional treatments often come with drawbacks like redness and dryness. Natural alternatives may not always deliver, but this article highlights home remedies with some limited studies supporting their effectiveness in reducing pimples. Essential oils, green tea, and aloe vera applied to the skin appear to be swift solutions, while supplements may necessitate more extended usage based on limited research. While these remedies may not be universally effective, they are worth considering. It’s important to note, however, that the American Academy of Dermatology emphasizes the lack of adequate research on the safety and efficacy of herbal and complementary therapies, encompassing the remedies discussed in this article.