Category: Acne

Acne

Thyme for Acne – a Natural Remedy

Author ByMoin Nex

thyme for acne

About 95% of people in the world will experience acne in some point of their life. It’s very common skin ailment in America with 50 million people suffering from this condition. (1)

Repeated washing, squeezing and high use of beauty creams will make lesions worse. If you’re concerned about your appearance, good news to you there is a natural inexpensive remedy – thyme for acne.

Researchers say that hormonal imbalance stimulate excess production of sebum, which gets blocked at skin pores. It’s a known fact that your skin sheds millions of dead cells that accumulate on the skin. Oil, dead cells and impurities all combine to pop-up blackheads/whiteheads/acne.

As mentioned above, pimples are most common skin issue faced by teenagers. Desire to resemble celebrity drives them to try different cosmetic creams, which normally include chemicals to increase the shelf-life of the product.

You won’t believe, due to excess use of beauty creams your skin can lose its elasticity and premature wrinkles may appear. (2)

On the other hand, natural remedies like thyme leaves or oil go smooth over the skin and have no or less side-effects.

Benefits of Thyme for Acne

This herb belongs to mint family and is extensively found in Europe. Known for its aromatic smell and earthy flavor, thyme leaves can be used to treat skin and health ailments.

Nutrients like vitamin A, B, E, C, K, folic acid, iron, selenium, potassium, calcium and manganese are packed in this herb. Other properties like antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral and expectorant enhance healing injuries.

  • Antioxidant activity of this herb will fight free radicals that can damage cell membrane.
  • Antibacterial agents stop P.acnes bacterial infection and thus reduce acne inflammation.
  • You can topically apply this natural remedy over minor injuries and burns, its antiseptic property will avoid infection and stimulate fasten healing.
  • Blend thyme leaves with other innate ingredients to make it effective. Thyme oil extracted from its leaves can moisturize and treat acne.

Seems excellent! Isn’t it?

But, wait. Before you proceed further, let’s see what researchers are saying about this herb.

Team from Leeds Metropolitan University (UK) carried a study by preparing tincture using thyme, marigold and myrrh. Three killed bacteria within 5 minutes, but thyme tincture stood out to be most potent.

When compared to benzoyl peroxide, thyme proved to be the better option. For those who experience irritation while using benzoyl peroxide may use this natural remedy.

However, experts don’t recommend direct use of thyme tincture at home. You must either reach an expert or try blending it with other natural remedies.

Note: I recommend to patch test on elbow or hand before rubbing thyme all over your face.

How to Use Thyme?

thyme oil to treat acne

Excellent thing about natural remedies is that you can blend them with other ingredients to suit your skin type. For those who want to save their skin from chemical ingredients can try this home available recipe to treat acne.

There are different ways to sue thyme leaves or oil. Select the one which goes well with your skin.

Method: 1 (Thyme Leaves and Witch Hazel)

  • Sterilize a small jar or bottle by placing it in boiling water for about 10 minutes.
  • When it’s done dry the bottle thoroughly.
  • Drop 1 tablespoon of dry thyme leaves and 4 tablespoons of witch hazel in the bottle.
  • Shake well and store the bottle in dark place for few days. You can also use it right away as soon as lotion turns to brown color.
  • Wash your face or affected part with lukewarm water and pat dry with clean cloth.
  • Apply this toner evenly using cotton ball or swab.

Regularly use this toner to treat acne.

Method: 2 (Thyme and Clay Mask)

  • Take 1 table spoon of bentonite clay (or kaolin clay or french green) in a bowl.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of above mentioned thyme witch hazel toner to it.
  • After mixing well, apply it over acne blemishes.
  • Rinse it off after 20 minutes.

Clay removes the moisture from the blemishes and thyme kills bacteria.

Method: 3 (Thyme and Lemon Juice Mask)

  • Blend 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves with 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of sour cream in a food processor.
  • Optionally add 1 teaspoon of raw honey.
  • Cleanse your face with lukewarm water or expose it steam to open blocked pores.
  • Apply the mask evenly all over the face and leave it to dry naturally for 15 minutes.

Excess use of lemon juice can make your skin sensitive. Use natural moisturizer like olive oil or jojoba oil regularly before going to bed.

You can replace dried thyme leaves with thyme oil to treat acne. Along with topical application, internally you must take vitamin rich diet and drink enough water.

Did you ever use thyme for acne? Please share your views about the herb.

Image source: 1, 2

Acne

Use Rosehip Seed Oil for Acne Scars

Author ByMoin Nex

It’s extremely sad that after a long battle with acne breakouts, the healed bumps leave red or brown spots over the face. Acne scars are formed due to the damage of skin’s upper structure leaving it jagged.

Roughness of the skin texture makes it difficult to heal. Skin lightening creams that reduce melanin production claim to fade acne scars, but they fail to work on red or pink scars as they aren’t related to melanin. But, people with dark skin tone may find it helpful.

However, the chemicals used in these creams may trigger allergic reaction. (1)

You must pamper your skin, as it plays a vital role for your enticing appearance. And I don’t see any other option than natural remedies for that. Unfortunately, there is no strong scientific evidence to prove the assumption that rosehip seed oil can fade acne scars. But, those who tried found it helpful with zero side-effects.

Because of its alluring nutritional properties, cosmetic industries incorporated rosehip oil in their products. Just have a glance over the ingredients list on beauty products and you’ll come across this name. Australian model Miranda Kerr revealed that she would like to wear rosehip oil before going to bed.

Rosehip Oil for Acne Scars

rosehip oil benefits for faceThis oil is extracted from the seeds of wild rose bush. For hundreds of years people from Chile used rosehip oil for cosmetic purposes.

Nutrients like vitamin C, A, antioxidants, lycopene and fatty acids combine to rejuvenate and enhance healing process of your skin.

Dr. Ariel Ostad says that assorted properties in rosehip oil can reduce scars, fine lines, fade dark spots, moisturize and rejuvenate the skin. He adds that its non-greasy property makes it perfect mask for sensitive skin.

Anti-inflammatory agents housed in this oil can effectively reduce acne inflammation. Apart from this, the moisturizing activity can relieve you from itching and dry skin.

Free radicals in cell membrane can damage it and lead to premature wrinkles. Antioxidant agents can effectively restrain these radicals and save your cell membrane.

P.acnes bacteria that are responsible for acne lesions are restrained by anti-microbial property of rosehip seed oil. Along with this, other nutrients can promote production of new healthy cells. Rosehip seed oil can fade acne scars, treat acne, fade wrinkles and exfoliate your skin.

But, wonder how to use it over my face?

  1. Initially, exfoliate dead skin cells piled over your face. You can use natural exfoliators like oatmeal or just wash with lukewarm water.
  2. Using a soft cloth to pat dry your face and apply rosehip seed oil on acne scars when the skin is still damp.
  3. Leave it to dry naturally, and then rinse it off.

I personally recommend trying this oil for 2-3 weeks to see positive results. Along with it, you must regularly wipe impurities and dead cells off the skin, have fiber rich diet and do regular exercise.

Important Points

  • Continuous exposure to sunlight will darken the acne scars.
  • Repeatedly washing with soap may irritant your skin and reduces elasticity.
  • Don’t scratch scars, bacterial infection may lead to larger scar.

Will you try rosehip seed oil for acne scars? Or are you already tried?

Acne

Neem Face Pack for Acne

Author ByMoin Nex

Neem taste bitter but it has got significant role in Ayurvedic medicines. Renowned as ‘One tree Pharmacy’, its leaves, bark and seeds exhibit abundant benefits for your skin and health. Indians use this herbal remedy to treat various skin aliments including chicken pox and measles. Hindu scriptures documented importance of neem and is scared in Hindu culture.

Momentous role of neem face pack in treating various skin ailments enticed cosmetic market to incorporate neem oil into their creams. However, they include processed and refined material which lacks nutritional value.

Prefer homemade neem face pack for acne blemishes. Pimples are common in teenagers and adults. Due to increasing pollution and unplanned diet, your skin is paying the price. Excess sebum gets produced due to hormonal imbalance and on the other hand your skin sheds millions of dead cells every day. With these impurities, your skin pores are blocked leading to blackheads.

Experts say that inflammation is the main cause of acne. Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial properties residing in neem restrains bacterial infection and reduces acne inflammation. Not just acne, topical application of neem face pack will rejuvenate your skin and thwarts infectious bacteria.

Benefits of Neem for Acne

neem and turmeric face pack

  • Dead cells and other impurities are exfoliated with nutrients residing in neem. It also tightens the skin pores making your skin firm.
  • Free radicals in your body damage cell membrane resulting in wrinkles and fine lines over your skin. Antioxidant activity of neem fights these free radicals and halts them from corrupting the membrane.
  • Anti-inflammatory agents housed in neem face pack can effectively reduce inflammation caused by acne.
  • Bacteria invade your skin to feed over excess sebum and dead cells over your skin. Antibacterial agents thwart these infectious bacteria and restrain them from multiplying.
  • Vitamin C helps to reduce aging wrinkles and enhance collagen production which improves elasticity of your skin.
  • Along with acne, topical application of neem face mask will treat chronic skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis.

How to Use Neem Face Pack for Acne?

One of the easiest ways to use neem leaves is, to boil 10-20 leaves in half liter of water till the leaves lose their color. Strain the leaves and collect water in a bottle. Using cotton ball apply the neem water over skin regularly.

As nutritional value of neem leaves are transferred to water it can soothe your skin, treat acne and reduce wrinkles.

I know you’re looking for something more effective and complex. Below are different face mask recipes using neem.

1. Neem and gram flour for acne

  • Grab some neem leaves from nearby garden and wash them. Mash neem leaves to form smooth paste. Alternatively, you can use neem powder available in market.
  • Mix 1 table spoon of gram flour and 1 table spoon of curd to the paste.
  • Wash your face and apply the face mask over pimples.
  • Leave it for 15-20 minutes and then rinse it off.

Gram flour has cleansing properties, which can remove impurities accumulated over your skin. Whereas curd regulate excess production of sebum.

Also read: 3 DIY Gram flour Face Pack Recipes

2. Turmeric and neem for Dry Skin

turmeric for stretch marks

Both ingredients in this recipe are renowned for antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Add some whipped cream to make it a moisturizing face pack.

  • Take dry neem leaves and ground them into fine powder. Add 1 table spoon of whipped cream and 1/2 tea spoon of turmeric powder to it.
  • Wash your face with lukewarm water to open blocked skin pores. Topically apply the neem face mask over the face evenly.
  • Let the nutrients starting working over acne. After 20 minutes rinse it off.

3. Rosewater and neem face pack for acne

  • Crush 2-3 table spoons of dried neem leaves into fine powder.
  • Add 2 teas spoons of rose water and mix well.
  • Optionally add few drops of lemon juice to the paste.
  • Rose water is renowned for antibacterial and antiseptic properties and can effectively reduce pimples.
  • Apply this face mask over prewashed face evenly and rinse it off after 20 minutes.

Before you add innate ingredients to neem face mask, make sure you aren’t allergic to it. If you see any allergic reactions consult your doctor immediately.

Acne

Red Clover for Acne

Author ByMoin Nex

red clover for treating acne

Acne is the most common skin disease affecting 80 percent of US population. Research reveals that 11 to 30 age group people will certainly have acne breakout at some point of their life. (1)

Often pimples are accompanied by mild to severe inflammation. Filled with blood and pus, pimples often invaded by bacteria to worsen the situation., treating acne is not tough, with lots of home available remedies you can cure them easily.

Red clover is an herbal remedy that can effectively treat acne and reduce inflammation to make your skin supple. It’s red and purple flowers are packed with medicinal properties, which has been used to treat different health and skin ailments. It is also known as cow clover, trefoil, meadow clover and purple clover. This herbal plant is commonly found in Britain, Europe, Asia and has been found in mountains. (2)

Benefits of Red Clover for Acne

Red clover contains rich nutrients that can improve immune system and overall health functioning. Skin ailments like acne, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea are commonly caused due to inefficiency of your skin. Red clover when consumed internally (in small quantities) can thwart toxins in the blood and flush them out through kidneys.

Notable nutrients residing in red clover are vitamin B, C, E, iron, calcium, choline and magnesium. Isoflavones housed in this herbal plant had shown significant effect in reducing menopausal in women. Coumarin is a compound in this herbal remedy that can make blood arteries flexible and avoid blood clotting.

  1. Acne is mainly triggered due to inflammation, which increases secretion of sebum. Excess sebum gets blocked with dead cells over skin pores.
  2. Assorted properties residing in red clover restrain toxins in blood and flush them out.
  3. Its anti-inflammatory activity reduces acne inflammation and effectively reduce acne bump.
  4. Resins in this herbal plant exhibits antimicrobial property that can relive you from respiratory, cough and gives warming effect.
  5. Isoflavones in red clover are changed to phytoestrogens that are similar to estrogen hormones. Studies show that estrogen relives acne blemishes.
  6. In simple words, Isoflavones bind itself to estrogen and reduce hormonal effect in the body reducing excess production of sebum.
  7. Chinese used this herbal remedy to treat expectorant (cough) and Russian used it to treat asthma.
  8. Topically application of red clover can effectively enhance healing of wounds and treat psoriasis. (3)

Though above listed benefits are enticing, most of them lack scientific evidence. Anyhow, under the supervision of physician you can try red clover for acne blemishes.

Pregnant and breast feeding women shouldn’t try this herbal tea as it may change hormonal effect in the body. Apart from consuming it with tea or in meals, you can topically apply red clover on skin.

How to Use Red Clover?

Either for acne or other skin ailments you can directly consume red clover tea regularly to benefit from its medicinal properties.

Else, mix it with honey or salads to consume it internally. Start with little quantity of red clover and increase as recommended by physician.

Apart from this, you can also try red clover capsules for treating acne.

Note:

Red clover is a natural remedy, but it wrong assumption that all natural products are free from side-effects. Excess intake of red clover may trigger abnormal functioning of your health.

Dosage depends on various factors like health, age and severity of the disease. As it’s not scientifically proven that red clover for acne or other ailments is effective, it’s recommended to consult doctor before consuming it.

Image source

Acne

Using Vitamin E Oil for Acne Scars

Author ByMoin Nex

Benefits of vitamin E enticed cosmetic industries to add it as a vital ingredient in their products. Assorted nutrients in vitamin E show significant effect on skin, hair and health.

Manufacturers make vitamin E oil from synthetic vitamin E drug or extract it from natural ingredients. As vitamin E oil is sticky and may have unpleasant smell, it is blended with other natural oils like coconut oil, olive oil or almond oil.

As mentioned above, most beauty care products include vitamin E oil has their vital ingredient. Vitamin E oil for acne scars is very effective home remedy, as the exceptional properties residing in this oil enhances collagen production and lightens the appearance of scars.

Acne or pimples is one of the most common skin disease infecting oil glands. Experts say inflammation is the main cause of acne. Excess sebum produced gets blocked at skin pores along with dead cells. P.acnes bacteria invade and feed on these accumulated impurities and in return worsen the acne situation. (Source)

Using cosmetic creams or natural remedies you can treat acne, but scars left behind. Repeated use of vitamin E oil can treat acne and fade acne scars. (Lacks evidence)

Though acne scars aren’t associated with serious health issues, they ruin your physical appearance.

Can Vitamin E Oil Fade Acne Scars?

Though vitamin E is packed with nutrients that can improve your skin texture, lack of scientific evidence holds experts from recommending it for healing. A study in carried out in 1999 concludes that topical application of vitamin E oil caused contact dermatitis.

However, another study in 2010 shows, topical application of vitamin E oil lightens wound scars. So, it’s a controversial state. As vitamin E oil is incorporated with abundant nutritional properties, you can use it for healthy skin.

Note: Consult your doctor or patch test before trying it over the skin.

Below are brief nutritional benefits of vitamin E oil for healthy skin.

  • Vitamin E oil has antioxidant characteristics that aid to neutralize free radicals. These free radicals damage cell membrane and decreases efficiency of your skin.
  • Anti-inflammatory process in vitamin E can reduce acne inflammation.
  • Moisturizing properties in this innate remedy will hydrate your dry skin and lighten the appearance of scars.
  • Add this oil to your beauty regimen to make your skin supple and healthy.

How to Use Vitamin E Oil for Acne Scars?

Acne breakouts stripes moisture from the skin and leave it dry. Topical application of vitamin E oil improves blood circulation and hydrates the skin, thus helping your skin to naturally heal scars.

Apart from fading acne scars, vitamin E can protect your skin from UV rays, enhance collagen production, postpone aging wrinkles and avoids dry skin.

Vitamin E oil consists of other natural oil like coconut oil or olive oil along with vitamin E, because sticky property of this oil makes it difficult to apply over the skin.

  • First method, you can take vitamin E supplement after consulting dermatologist.
  • Second method; apply vitamin E oil directly over prewashed acne scars.
  • Third method, consider vitamin E rich diet.  U.S. Food and Nutrition Board recommends to avoid excess intake of vitamin E drugs as it may increase the risk of bleeding.

Take pure vitamin E oil from store and apply regularly over acne scars. Repeated application will show positive results. Stop using vitamin E oil, if you experience allergic reaction.

Acne

Cinnamon and Honey for Acne

Author ByMoin Nex

Even after using different topical creams, still most of us face this problem. Zits, pimples or blemishes whatever you call it, it’s very annoying and sometimes extremely painful. As cosmetic creams fail to treat acne permanently, beauty experts recommend trying natural home remedies for acne treatment.

Unlike chemical added creams innate remedies penetrate deep into the skin and thwart infectious bacteria. Cinnamon and honey for acne is one such home available remedy that can effectively stop bacteria and enhance healing.

Research concludes that acne is mainly caused by inflammation. Due to hormonal imbalance, sebaceous gland secrets excess sebum which gets clogged at skin pores along with dead cells. A blackhead is formed over the skin with impurities and excess sebum. P.acnes bacteria feed on sebum and in return gifts you inflammatory waste that increases the infection.

How Cinnamon and Honey Can Treat Acne?

cinnamon and honey for acne

  • Cinnamon is a spice normally used in cooking. It has wonderful aroma and packed with exceptional nutritional values.
  • Cinnamaldehyde, a chemical compound in cinnamon has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.
  • Anti-bacterial properties in cinnamon thwart acne causing bacteria.
  • Cinnamon improves blood circulation and brings oxygen to acne bumps to kill bacteria. (Oxygen provides unfavorable condition for bacteria)
  • Topically applying cinnamon face mask will unclog skin pores and dries pimples.
  • Antioxidants in this remedy kill free radicals that damage cell membrane.
  • Honey is humectant, means it holds moisture around the skin.
  • Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties in honey reduce acne inflammation.
  • Water molecules in honey inhibit bacterial growth and low pH level of honey makes it difficult for bacteria to multiply.
  • Exceptional vitamins residing in honey can enhance healing of pimples and its bleaching property lightens the acne scars.

To make it more effective, combine these two innate ingredients and apply it over acne blemishes. Don’t expect instant results as it may take 1-2 weeks to see positive results.

For serious bumps use this remedy as spot treatment.

Using Cinnamon and Honey for Acne

You can apply raw honey directly over prewashed face to treat skin ailments. To make it more effective add cinnamon powder. Assorted nutrients in these ingredients penetrate into the skin and improve its functionality.

  • Blend 1 table spoon of cinnamon powder and 1 table spoon of raw honey.
  • Wash your face with lukewarm water or expose it to steam.
  • Pat dry and apply the mask over face evenly by avoiding eye and nostrils.
  • After 20 minutes rinse it off.

You can replace raw honey with manuka honey, as it is packed with more nutrients that can treat acne.

Nutmeg, Honey and Cinnamon Face Mask for Acne

benefits of nutmeg

Nutmeg has anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents reduces inflammation. Blend 1 table spoon of raw honey, 1/2 table spoon of cinnamon powder and 1/2 table spoon of nutmeg powder in a bowl.

Wash acne affected face with lukewarm water and pat dry. Evenly apply the mask all over the face and leave it to dry naturally.

Optionally, add lemon juice to above face mask. Bleaching property in lemon can effectively fade acne scars, but excess use can make your skin dry. If you experience dryness over the face, then apply natural moisturizer like olive oil or jojoba oil after wiping face mask.

Note: If you see any redness or allergic reaction after using cinnamon and honey face mask stop using it and consult dermatologist. It is best to patch test before trying it over face.

Image source: 1, 2, 3

Acne

Honey and Baking Soda Face Mask

Author ByMoin Nex

Everyone yearns to have smooth and glowing skin. Girls are more concerned about their looks than boys. Cosmetic world knew this open secret, so they’re striving to come up with an effective cream. But unfortunately they add chemical ingredients to preserve and for aroma.

These chemical ingredient products may turn dangerous to your sensitive skin, so beauty experts prefer natural remedies as they don’t have any side-effects. Honey and baking soda face mask is one such innate home remedy that is cost effective and makes your skin supple.

The earth’s oldest sweetener honey is renowned for its healing properties. Even religious books include exceptional benefits of honey. Apart from consuming it, you can topically apply it over face or skin to enhance its healthy functioning.

Honey and Baking Soda

honey and baking soda face mask

Raw honey alone is sufficient to make your skin free from skin ailments; but you can optionally add baking soda for serious skin disorders. Abrasive property of baking soda helps to clean dirt and dead cells piled over the face.

While humectant properties in honey lock moisture around the skin, nutrients in baking soda or sodium bicarbonate exfoliates dead cells.

Approximately, you shed one million dead cells in 24 hours. All these cells accumulate over your skin along with other impurities from the surrounding. Excess sebum gets clogged with these impurities to form blackheads. So, baking soda face mask helps to exfoliate your skin.

As properties residing in baking soda can wipe moisture around the skin and make it dry, its recommend to limit its use or apply natural moisturizer after treating with this face mask.

  • Exfoliants in baking soda removes dirt (oil, dead cells and pollutants) accumulated over your face.
  • Moisturizing agents in honey hydrates your face and enhances collagen production. It also helps to get rid of dry itchy patches over the skin.
  • Antiseptic agents residing in raw honey fight bacterial and fungal infection.
  • Antioxidants in honey thwart free radicals and anti-inflammatory properties reduce acne inflammation.
  • Assorted properties packed in honey stimulate fast healing of minor burns, injuries and other skin ailments.
  • Baking soda regulates pH level of the skin and controls excess production of sebum.
  • Together baking soda and honey can exfoliate your skin and treat acne blemishes.

How to Make Honey and Banking Soda Face Mask at Home

Ingredients in this face mask are available right now in your kitchen. Regularly using this face mask can make your skin free from infections. Apart from treating acne and other ailments, this face mask turns your dull skin to bright. All these benefits come for very cheap price.

Prefer raw or organic honey over processed honey and limit baking soda as it may make your skin sensitive.

  • Take 4 table spoons of pure baking soda in a clean container.
  • Add 1 table spoon of raw honey to it and mix thoroughly.
  • Optionally add water to make paste like consistency.
  • Wash your face and pat dry before applying this mask.
  • Using your clean fingers topically apply the face mask avoiding eye and nostrils.
  • Let it dry for few minutes and then rinse it off or wipe with wet cloth.

Optionally, apply natural moisturizer like olive oil or jojoba oil to hydrate the skin.

Honey and Baking Soda for Acne

Antimicrobial and bleaching properties housed in lemon juice can restrain P.acnes and lighten acne scars. Acidic nature of lemon can make your skin dry, so limit its use if you see dry skin.

  • Pour 2 table spoon of baking soda in a small bowl.
  • Mix 1 table spoon of honey and 2-3 drops of lemon juice to it thoroughly.
  • Now, wash acne affected area with lukewarm water or expose it to steam. Clogged acne pores open up.
  • Apply the face mask over the skin and leave it for 15-20 minutes.

Apply this face mask 2-3 times a week. Stop using this mask if you see allergic reaction over the skin.

Acne

Is Honey Good for Acne?

Author ByMoin Nex

Benefits of honey are documented in many religious books. Though it is mostly considered for losing weight, raw honey can make your skin glow and supple when used topically.

Its nutritional benefits enticed cosmetic world to incorporate it into their pricey products. However, most of them are processed or refined. Experts recommend raw honey because it is packed with high nutritional values. So next time you visit a store, see for raw labeled on the bottle.

Honey is good for acne because of its antiseptic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These agents restrain bacterial growth, controls excess sebum production and stimulate fast healing. There is no single honey mask recipe for acne; you can add different natural ingredients to raw honey.

Before dwelling deep into benefits of honey for acne, lets checkout the causes of acne.

What Causes Acne?

honey for stretch marksMostly the age groups between 12 – 25 are seen with acne vulgaris. Experts hold inflammation to be main cause behind these lesions. Sebaceous glands secrets sebum (natural oil) to keep the skin moist and smooth, but due to hormonal imbalance in puberty excess sebum is produced that clogs at pores with dead cells accumulated over it. Bacterial infection takes this to next level by increasing inflammation.

So, excess sebum production, bacteria and dead cells are main causes of acne or pimples.

Cosmetic creams include chemical ingredients, which may stripe natural oil covering your skin and they can’t reach the root level of acne vulgaris.

Whereas, on the other hand natural remedies are inexpensive and they can penetrate deep into the skin to treat acne. It may take more time when compared to creams, but the result last for long time.

Why Is Honey Good for Acne?

Raw honey is packed with assorted nutrients that make it an excellent remedy for acne. This is why many anti-acne products include honey as vital ingredient. Apart from treating acne, humectant property in honey locks moisture over your skin.

  • Antioxidant activity of honey kills free radicals that damage cell membrane.
  • Antibacterial property restrains acne causing bacteria and condemns its infection.
  • Inflammation around acne lesions can be reduced by anti-inflammatory activity of honey.
  • Further, its antiseptic property stops fungal and bacterial infection over busted pimples.
  • Sticky nature of honey face mask attracts dead cells and impurities piled over your skin.
  • Probiotic agents in this remedy stop further acne breakouts.
  • Humectant property prevents excess production of sebum and hydrates the skin from outside.
  • Vitamins like B2, B3 and C residing in this homemade honey face mask can stop wrinkles and enhance collagen production.
  • Minerals including Calcium, Zinc, Iron and Selenium works to improve your skin texture. (source)

You can eat honey to treat acne and other skin ailments. Apart from this, internal use of honey can decrease cholesterol level, as minerals in this innate remedy improve digestion and metabolizing fatty acids.

Sugar in honey can be easily absorbed in blood, thus it improves digestion. Although it has many health and beauty benefits, you’re advised to take not more than 10 table spoon of honey every day.  (However, the quantity may alter depending on your life style.)

How to Use Honey for Acne?

There are different types of honey available in the market, prefer raw honey or manuka honey to treat acne. As they are packed with more nutrients compared to other types.

You can directly apply honey over acne lesions but to make it more effective you can optionally add other natural ingredients. Let’s now check out various recipes that prove honey is good for acne.

1. Raw Honey

  • Wash affected area with lukewarm water so that clogged pores open up.
  • Pat dry and topically raw honey using cotton ball.
  • Apply evenly all over the face and on forehead.
  • Leave it to dry naturally for 15-20 minutes and then risen it off.

Best time to apply honey is before going to bed.

2. Honey and Nutmeg Face Mask

  • Mix equal quantity of honey and powdered nutmeg in a clean bowl.
  • Expose your face to steam or wash it with lukewarm water and pat dry.
  • Apply the mask over affected part and leave it to dry naturally.
  • Rinse it off after 15-20 minutes.

3. Cinnamon and Honey Face Mask for Acne

Cinnamon powder has wonderful aroma and packed with antibacterial properties. It’s helps to dry acne lesions and unclogs clogged pores.

  • Mix equal quantities of honey and powdered cinnamon in a bowl.
  • After mixing thoroughly apply it over washed acne blemishes.
  • Rinse the mask with water after 20 minutes.

4. Honey and Oatmeal for Acne

Oats can be used to exfoliate dead cells and impurities accumulated over face. It also helps to control excess production of sebum.

  • Mix finely grounded oatmeal with 2 teaspoons of honey and 1/4 cup of water.
  • After washing the face with lukewarm water apply the face mask.
  • Leave it for 15-20 minutes and then rinse it off with water.

Optionally, you can apply natural moisturizer after face mask treatment to hydrate your dry skin.

5. Lemon juice and Honey for Acne Scars

Lemon is renowned for antibacterial properties and lightens dark spots. Scars left after treating acne blemishes fades if treated regularly with this face mask.

  • Take 2 table spoon of raw honey and add 2 drops of lemon juice.
  • Mix thoroughly and apply it over prewashed face.
  • Rinse it off after 20 minutes.

6. Honey and Turmeric Face Mask

Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric powder can help to treat and fade acne scars.

  • Mix 1 table spoon of raw honey to 1 pinch of turmeric powder in a clean bowl.
  • Wash your face and pat dry.
  • Now, apply the face mask evenly using your clean fingers.
  • Rinse it off after 20 minutes.
  • Decrease the quantity turmeric powder if you want to avoid yellow stains. Anyhow, those stains fade in few hours.

7. Honey and Sugar Face Scrub

  • Mix raw honey with brown sugar thoroughly.
  • Apply this mask over face to remove impurities and shed dead cells.
  • Rinse it off with water.
  • Avoid this mask if your pimples are painful.

You can use honey and olive oil for fading acne scars and avoid further acne lesions. Olive oil has abundant nutrients that can make your skin functioning healthy.

Avoid pressing or scratching on pimples, it may increase the infection. Once you see positive results, don’t stop using the honey for acne. Massage your face with olive oil or jojoba oil before going to bed.

  • Honey good for acne only when you decided to use it consistently and follow a healthy lifestyle. Drink as much water as you can and give yourself good sleep.
  • Stay away from chemical filled soaps and creams.
  • All the home remedies take long time to see positive results.
  • Avoid foods that can trigger acne inflammation, like sugar, dairy products, coffee, soy, bread, coconut oil and peanuts. (source)
  • Cleanse your face twice to wipe impurities and millions of dead cells piled over your face.

Is honey good for acne, what’s your take on this article? Share your valuable views in comments.

honey good for acne