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“Wash Your Hands. Soap is to the body what laughter is to the soul!”
— Unknown
There are a variety of ways to combat acne and improve your skincare routine, but not all of them are natural and healthy in the long run. Natural acne remedies can cure your acne without introducing synthetic chemicals to your skin. Homemade face masks, choosing the right skincare products, diet, and lifestyle factors are 4 natural acne remedies that actually work.
Face Masks
Cleansers, masks, and moisturizers, oh my! Along with scrubs and toners, these are among the cosmetic products that are formulated with botanicals to meet the needs of different skin types. In fact, Mother Nature provides an abundant variety of flowers, roots, seeds, pulp, and essential oils which can be used to create natural face masks and other beauty products.
Face masks are easy to apply and a great way to nourish different types of skin and address specific skin concerns (dry, oily, acne-prone). The general purpose of a mask is to provide a deeper cleanse, drawing out impurities such as toxins and excess oil that can be missed with routine cleansing. Additionally, adding a face mask to your skincare routine is hydrating for the skin, relaxing, and tonifying for the skin.
Some of the most common botanicals used in masks include:
- Aloe vera
- Chamomile
- Pumpkin
- Cucumber
- Apricot
- Calendula
- Apple cider vinegar
- Citrus fruits
- Lavender
- Clay
- Coconut
- Frankincense
- Oat
- Rose
- Turmeric
- Witch hazel
- Honey
Ideally, you want a mask that is made of primarily natural and organic (when possible) ingredients. You can also make effective masks at home.
Homemade Mask for Oily and Acne-prone Skin
A bentonite clay face mask is excellent for acne-prone skin and you can make it at home! Bentonite clay, sourced from Benton, Wyoming and Europe, is a highly absorbent natural clay that has been used for centuries to draw impurities out of the skin and hair. Bentonite is excellent for deep-cleaning the pores. When combined with enzyme-rich raw honey and pH balancing apple cider vinegar, you’ve got a mask that’s gentle yet potent for zapping zits and brightening the complexion.
Recipe for 1 Bentonite Clay Anti-acne Mask
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 teaspoons (7.5 mL) warm water
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 mL) manuka honey (the honey can be eliminated if preferred)
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (4 to 5 g) bentonite clay
Instructions
- Stir the water, vinegar, and honey together in a small dish. A small whisk or a stirring stick works well.
- Once the honey has dissolved into the water and vinegar, sprinkle in the clay, whisking as you go. Bentonite is prone to clumping, so add the clay in small bits at a time, stirring thoroughly between additions. The addition of vinegar to the liquids also helps prevent clumping. The final product should be a thick, frosting-like paste.
- Spread the paste on your face, avoiding your eyes, lips, and nostrils, and paying special attention to any zitty problem areas.
- Let the mask dry for 10 to 15 minutes before washing it off – it should feel a bit tight on your skin. You can leave it longer if you’d like, but 15 minutes is plenty of time to get the benefits of the mask.
- To remove the mask: Soak a washcloth or soft sponge in warm water and hold it to your face for a few moments to rehydrate the mask. Rinse out the cloth/sponge and gently wipe the clay from the skin using lukewarm to cool water.
- After rinsing off the mask, moisturize your skin.
Other Skincare Products
Along with facemasks, you should use other skincare products, such as a face wash or moisturizer. If you’re wondering what facial products are right for you, it could be time to make an appointment with a dermatologist.
When choosing your skincare products, try to choose more natural and organic ones. Products which include natural ingredients, such as essential oils or clay, are often better than highly synthetic skincare products. One natural ingredient of many natural skincare products is nuts. Believe it or not, nuts are for more than eating, though they are good for your health when added to your plate as well. Nuts can help give you glowing skin too!
To see how natural a product is, check out the list of ingredients on the skincare product’s packaging. If you’re confused, consult with your dermatologist to determine what each ingredient is and how it might interact with your specific skin type.
Dietary Changes
Along with topical products, such as face masks and moisturizers, diet can also play a role in the healthiness of your skin.
A 2020 study found that diet can impact acne. High glycemic load diets are more likely to cause acne. Refined carbohydrates, such as cookies or sweetened dairy products, are considered high glycemic.
This study suggests that the best diet for acne is a low glycemic load diet which can include:
- Fish
- Omega-3 Fatty Acid
- Healthy Oils
- Probiotics
Low glycemic load diets can eliminate your acne, while also promoting good physical health overall.
Hormonal Imbalance
Another major cause of skincare conditions, especially acne, is hormonal imbalance. When hormones are imbalanced, it’s less likely that your skin will be glowing and healthy. Hormonal imbalance isn’t just a factor for teenage acne, but for adult acne as well.
A 2017 study looked at risk factors for adult acne and found women were much more likely to suffer from adult acne than men. This is due to hormonal imbalances from stress, birth control, and other environmental factors. The study suggests a holistic approach to adult acne by implementing dietary changes, taking a water pill to balance hormones, and participating in therapy.
Acne is more than surface deep. Oftentimes, its roots are found in diet, hormones, or lifestyle factors. That’s why it’s important to not only invest in your skincare routine, but to invest in a holistic health regimen too. A holistic health regimen incorporates physical health, mental health, diet, and time in nature to ensure you’re healthy and happy.