While acne is most common in your teens, it’s a frustrating fact of life that it can continue into your 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond. No matter which stage of life you’re in, acne occurs when pores in the skin clogs, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Sebum clogs pores in the skin, resulting in a pimple (or two, or three). The overproduction of sebum is particularly common during times of hormone fluctuations, including during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. (It’s one of the unfair facts in life that many women in perimenopause simultaneously deal with wrinkles and pimples.) If you have minor acne breakouts, you can buy different over-the-counter treatments, such as washes and creams that contain the ingredients benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. But increasingly, patients may be reaching into their pantries for solutions to help with minor breakouts. “Many patients are turning more towards ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ skincare products and acne treatments, but there is a lack of strong scientific evidence for many of these ingredients,” says Yunyoung Clair Chang, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Dermatology in New York City. “The natural ingredients that may have some benefit for acne include green tea and tea tree oil.”
Some Natural Ingredients to Consider for Acne
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) Oil “[Tea tree oil] has broad-spectrum antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties with studies demonstrating efficacy against Propionibacterium acnes,” says Dr. Chang. “There are a few studies demonstrating the safety and efficacy of tea tree oil for acne. A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study of 60 patients showed that tea tree oil gel is effective for treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Another comparative study showed that both tea tree oil and benzoyl peroxide were effective in improving inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne, with tea tree oil being gentler than benzoyl peroxide.”Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) “Green tea contains polyphenols (mainly catechins), which have been shown to have beneficial effects on the skin,” says Chang. “Specifically, medical literature suggests that green tea has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, as well as decreases sebum production. Several small studies have shown that topical green tea resulted in improvement in acne, but larger studies are needed to corroborate this.”Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) Witch hazel also contains a high level of polyphenols and tannins, Chang says. “It has been used for its antibacterial, antioxidant, and healing properties. Despite its growing use and its theoretical benefits, there is a lack of any scientific studies that actually shows its efficacy for treatment of acne.”Honey Honey may have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, but patients should be aware there are no scientific studies demonstrating the efficacy of honey for the treatment of acne, says Chang.Omega-3 Fatty Acids Chang says oral dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid and gamma-linolenic acid has been suggested in small studies to improve acne vulgaris For example, a small study published in December 2012 in Lipids in Health and Disease suggests that some individuals with acne who took 3 grams of fish oil containing 930 milligrams of EPA, a type of omega-3, for 12 weeks saw improvements in their skin. But not everyone saw that result. In fact, some saw their symptoms worsen. Therefore, the authors note more research is needed.
In general, Chang recommends people with acne consult their dermatologists to determine the best skincare routine, given there are many types and levels of severity in acne. But home remedies can also be a helpful addition to a skincare routine. “Acne home remedies may be a good alternative or adjunct to prescription acne medications,” says Chang. “Products with tea tree oil or green tea extract tend to be gentler compared to prescription or other over-the-counter acne products.” Would rather buy your natural products than whip up a concoction yourself? Read on for some products with natural ingredients.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil
See price on The Body Shop
Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner
See price on Walmart
Sunfood Superfoods Matcha Green Tea
See price on Walmart
Wedderspoon Raw Monofloral Manuka Honey K Factor
See price on Wedderspoon
MegaRed 350mg Omega-3 Krill Oil
See price on Jet.com
