Looking for a natural way to treat your acne? We've comprised a list of natural treatments advocated by doctors and dermatologists. Avoid harsh ingredients that may harm your skin and cause side effects.
- Tea tree oil. Gels containing 5 percent tea tree oil may be as effective as are lotions containing 5 percent benzoyl peroxide, although tea tree oil might work more slowly.
- Hydrocolloid dressings. The gel is usually on self adhesive sheeting (sticks to the skin) and must be used regularly. It is unclear exactly how it works, but the sheeting increases the amount of moisture (hydration) of the wound, which helps it heal. This is also effective in reducing the appearance of scars.
- Alpha hydroxy acid. This natural acid is found in citrus fruit and other foods (i.e. lemon, oranges). When applied to your skin, alpha hydroxy acid helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. It may also improve the appearance of acne scars.
- Zinc. Zinc in lotions and creams may reduce acne breakouts.
- Green tea extract. A lotion of 2 percent green tea extract helped reduce acne in two studies of adolescents and young adults with mild to moderate acne.
- Aloe vera. A 50 percent aloe vera gel was combined with a conventional acne drug (tretinoin) and tested for eight weeks on 60 people with moderate acne. The combination approach was significantly more effective than tretinoin alone.