Dermatologists Doubt DIY Acne Treatments

It can be difficult to determine if natural remedies are safe and effective for your condition. Acne is not an exception. We found more information by searching for DIY acne treatments online than we could find answers. This is why we are grateful to so many dermatologists who have shared their knowledge on natural acne treatments.

Before you can choose a treatment, first it is important to understand what causes your acne. Dr. Jonathan Wolfe from Einstein Healthcare Network in Philadelphia said that acne is a complex problem with many home remedies and misunderstandings. First, it is important to know what is true and false so you can choose the best treatment for your skin. Dr. Wolfe said that acne is not affected by the usual culprits, such as chocolate, greasy food, and stress. A diet high in carbohydrates and dairy can lead to acne problems.

• Always be careful

A treatment that is natural does not necessarily mean it is safe or effective. Make sure you are careful when treating your acne. Dr. Janet Prystowsky is a board-certified dermatologist who founded Livad Skincare in Manhattan. She said that while a few treatments may work, she doesn’t recommend DIY acne treatments. There is not enough research behind these claims and it’s too risky to make assumptions. Dr. Prystowsky said that, if DIY treatments are so effective, there should be research supporting them. There isn’t much evidence. Ask your doctor if you are unsure about any treatment.

• Begin with an OTC treatment

Many dermatologists that we spoke to recommended using an OTC (over-the-counter) acne treatment instead of making your own. These solutions can be extremely effective and economical, they said. Dr. Sharyn L. Laughlin, a board-certified dermatologist at Laserderm who is also the founder of Cyberderm, said that the best DIY or OTC solution was to use benzyl peroxide. You may need to purchase it behind-the-counter from a pharmacist. A prescription is required to obtain a 10 percent concentration.

• Aspirin

Natural remedies are an option if the OTC medications aren’t working. A bottle of aspirin is a great spot treatment that can be used to treat a few pimples. Aspirin’s main ingredient is salicylic acid. This ingredient is also found in many acne creams.

Crush one teaspoonful of aspirin in water. Make a paste. Debra Jaliman MD, a New York City dermatologist and author of Skin Rules, explained how to use it.. Apply the paste directly to the affected area with a cotton swab. Leave it on for 10 minutes.

• Argan oil

Essential oils can also be helpful. Although this may seem counterintuitive since acne can be caused by too much oil, don’t be afraid to try it. A lot of dermatologists that we spoke to recommended argan oil.

Dhaval Bhanusali MD, FAAD, Manhattan dermatologist, said that you should add argan oil to your nightly skin care routine one to two times per week. “Although it’s an oil, it regulates your sebum and helps prevent breakouts. It is also a great moisturizer.”

• Honey and tumeric

Honey is a natural treatment for acne because it kills bacteria that causes the condition. Dr. Laughlin says that a paste made of honey and turmeric can be used as a spot treatment for lesions. This is a good treatment for both of these factors because of the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric and the anti-microbial qualities of honey. You don’t have tumeric? It’s no problem. You can substitute with cinnamon. Dr. Wolfe says honey and cinnamon can lower bacteria. They have been used as a mask to reduce skin bacteria.

• Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is another essential oil that has been gaining attention because of its ability to treat acne. However, it must be used correctly. Dr. Wolfe said that tea tree oil is an antiseptic and can be used to treat acne. Combining it with coconut oil could be a good drying agent for pimples.

Tea tree oil is an antiseptic and will treat any bacteria that may be causing skin problems. It may also reduce inflammation. Health reports that tea tree oil can be used as a mild antiseptic, mild anti-inflammatory, and adjunct clinical professor of dermatology at SUNY Downstate. You can leave it on for several hours or overnight.

Tea tree oil is effective in treating acne. However, it can also be harmful if used incorrectly. The New York Laser & Skin Clinic director, NYC dermatologist Arielle N.B., said that tea tree oil might be as effective as benzoylperoxide. However, it should be applied topically. Skin Care Arielle N.B. Kauvar, MD said “Tea tree oil can cause an allergic reaction in some people. It can cause toxicity to your nervous system, decreases in white blood cells and stomach problems, as well as growth of breast tissue in males. It can also be toxic to the eyes, ears, and skin. Apply tea tree oil only a thin layer on your skin. Do not rub your eyes, nose, or mouth.”

• Green tea oil

It has been shown that green tea oil can be used to treat acne. An over-the-counter product may already contain the extract. Dr. Kauvar says that green tea extract lotions have been shown to reduce the appearance of acne.

Ask your pharmacist if you need a lotion that contains green Tea Powder or Extract. Mayo Clinic doctor Brent Bauer said that a lotion containing two percent green tea extract reduced acne in two studies on adolescents and young adults with moderate to severe acne.

• Apple cider vinegar

You may already have natural remedies for acne in your home. Apple cider vinegar is one of these natural acne preventers. Dr. Wolfe explains that apple cider vinegar can be scientifically proven to lower skin bacteria and alter the skin’s pH.

To prevent and clear acne, you can use apple cider vinegar as an all-over moisturizer. You can find many testimonials on the internet from users who cannot stop raving about the results of this kitchen staple.

Mind Body Green’s Erica Scime, a wellness blogger, said that the apple cider vinegar toner had changed her skin. “My skin felt smoother, my pores were smaller and my scars had faded. My skin tone was even better, and I didn’t have a single pimple. It took only a few weeks for my skin to change. My apple cider vinegar toner was organic, natural, and only one ingredient.”

• Ice

A number of components make up acne. One component is inflammation. Inflamed skin can look red and swollen like a pimple. Ice is a great way to reduce inflammation. Dr. Jaliman explained that ice is a great way to reduce inflammation. “Wrap an ice cube inside a washcloth, and place it on the pimple for about a minute.” It will vasoconstrict blood vessels, reduce swelling and redden the skin. Although it won’t completely eliminate the blemish, it will make it more noticeable.

• Take a look at the produce aisle

Vitamin C is found in many fruits that can be beneficial for your skin. Dr. Wolfe says that papaya, found in many over-the-counter products, is an all-natural acne remedy that removes skin cells and excess oil. For similar reasons, some have also used Vitamin C in a paste peel.

Although a small amount of fruit may seem harmless, you should be careful not to eat too many. Your skin will be sensitive to this acidity. Dr. Bhanusali says, “Applying lime juice to pimples is the one that makes me cringe.” You can get a photosensitive reaction to sunlight and lime which can cause blistering or scarring.

• Make your own mask

Rebecca Lee, a New York City-based registered nurse and founder of Remedies for Me, recommends creating your own natural facial masks to combat acne. Lee uses many ingredients that you can buy at your local grocery shop. Lee prefers to use a mixture of natural oils and food products. One mask contains lemon to help with astringency, sugar to gently exfoliate, and green tea powder. Lee explained to me that green tea powder is an antioxidant powerhouse. It also acts as an antimicrobial agent and reduces inflammation.

• Egg whites

Egg whites are next on the grocery store secret list. Health’s Dr. Krant said that egg whites are an old beauty secret. Egg whites contain protein and vitamins that help tighten the skin and draw out oils. This may reduce inflammation and unclog pores. Pasteurized egg whites packaged in cartons are a better choice to avoid salmonella and other diseases caused by raw eggs. The same benefits will be enjoyed without contaminating your kitchen countertop.

• No harsh soaps, scrubs, or detergents

The dermatologists were very clear about the dangers of over-washing your skin. Overwashing your skin can cause damage to the skin’s natural oils. This causes acne by the skin sensing that it is too dry. Avoid over-cleansing and scrubbing. Dr. Kauvar recommends that you use a mild cleanser and wash your skin twice daily. Avoid using harsh soaps or scrub your skin. It can lead to inflammation, which can further aggravate acne.

Keep to a one-a-day wash schedule and avoid soaps containing harsh ingredients or particles. Dr. Laughlin says that harsh scrubs containing physical particles such as sugar, salt, or abrasive material should be avoided. It is blind because it removes the surface cells, both dead and ready to be exfoliated.

• Too much of a good quality thing

All natural remedies can be beneficial, but you cannot have too many good things. You might end up with the opposite effect if you overdo them. Dr. Wolfe says that excessive use of home remedies can lead to more problems than goods. “Compounds such as banana peels and sodium bicarbonate, lemon, steam baths, and garlic can irritate skin so be careful.” When you try these treatments, pay attention to the way your skin reacts. If your skin is feeling irritated or burning, it’s probably time to stop.

• Windex

Avoid DIY acne remedies that sound too strange or harsh on your skin. Avoid folk remedies. Dr. Laughlin says that spot treatment with toothpaste or Windex (popularized in the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding), is too harsh and drying. This can cause skin damage and an inflammatory response that could lead to a scar or brown spot. Your skin is an organ. Windex would be a good choice to spray your heart.

• It’s the basics that work

It’s the simple things that are often forgotten when it comes to natural treatments. If you have a new problem with acne, you should wash your makeup every night. Dr. Bhanusali says, “Have makeup near your bed. It’s one reason why women breakout.” “The makeup can clog pores, leading to hard breakouts. These breakouts are particularly severe in actresses, due to the production makeup.”

After washing your face, ensure that it touches a clean surface each night. Clean your pillowscases and sheets. Rebecca Lee explains that your bedding can be contaminated by pollutants, oils, and dead skin cells. Your skin’s daily contact with dirt and dirty pillows can cause irritations to your delicate skin.

• Be careful

A lesion is any skin blemish that appears on your skin. This means that your skin’s barrier or skin is damaged. You are putting whatever substance on your pimples into your body. It’s difficult to maintain a clean mixture when you make your own DIY remedies. Dr. Prystowsky says that it is possible to contaminate a recipe because many of these recipes involve household and kitchen ingredients. Some ingredients, such as raw eggs, can be dangerous to use. It’s not worth spending $5 on beauty products only to end up paying $200 at the doctor.

When should I see the doctor?

Your dermatologist should be consulted if you’re not able to manage your skin with any of the over-the-counter or DIY products. You can save yourself time by going straight to the experts. Dr. Kauvar recommends that you make an appointment with your dermatologist if it has been six weeks since you tried your own treatments.

Dr. Sharyn LLaughlin recommends that you see a doctor if there is any scarring on your skin. Scarring can’t be treated with OTC or DIY remedies, so make sure to consult a dermatologist immediately.

What should you expect?

Expect to be asked questions by your dermatologist about how the acne developed, what is making it worse, and what treatments have worked for you. Most likely, your physician will consider three options. “Acne can also be treated in three different ways,” Dr. Neal Schultz of NYC, who is a dermatologist and host of DermTV.com. He also created BeautyRx by Dr. Schultz. The topical products are the first. Second, with the oral medications that are often prescribed by your dermatologist. These include antibiotics, birth control pills, and Accutane. Finally, you can actually clean the pores and get rid of the clogs. This is usually done by a dermatologist or a facialist.