With millions of people all over the world looking for a cure to their pimple problems, we are always on the lookout for the Next Big Thing in anti-acne treatments. There has been a shift in consumer preference towards nature-based ingredients, with the idea that these are gentler and are associated with less side effects. Among the many, there are a few that have cemented their place in our collective consciousness as the go-to solution for treating breakouts.
More often than not, these are the ingredients that have some sort of research to back them up. They may be used as the prime acne-fighting component in the over-the-counter products, or may be combined with other ingredients, including those used in prescription pimple treatments.
If you want to incorporate natural ingredients into your skincare routine, here are some popular choices to consider.
Tea tree oil
Among the natural remedies for zits, the oil from Melaleuca spp. trees is one of the most popular. This genus of plants is native to Australia, and has long been used in traditional medicine for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It has been proven to work against Propionobacterium acnes, the bacteria most associated with pimples, in both in-vivo and in-vitro studies.
Exactly how tea tree oil works against bacteria is still being studied, but most of the evidence points to interference with the cell membrane. Treatment leads to leaking of materials from inside the bacteria, which makes it difficult for it to maintain proper functions.
While many people swear by tea tree oil for its zit zapping properties, it is difficult to predict if it will work for each individual. Tea tree oil products can use oil from different species of the genus Melaleuca at varying concentrations. Proper storage is key, as oxidation of the substance can lead to increased chances of skin irritation and decreased efficacy.
Zinc
Zinc has been used orally or topically in the treatment of acne since the 1970s. The mechanism of action is not completely understood, but we do know that 6% of zinc in the body is concentrated in the skin, making it an important factor in skin health. It is thought that zinc has anti-inflammatory properties, interferes with the growth of Propionobacterium acnes, and improves absorption of systemic antibiotics. Since zinc is a mineral that is required by the body, there are few adverse effects associated with its use. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful--the improper dose may lead to gastrointestinal upset, and some topical zinc solutions have been known to cause skin irritation and redness.
Witch hazel
Witch hazel comes from the plant Hamamelis virginiana which can be found in America and Asia. It contains a high level of tannins, a compound that has strong astringent properties. These can help counter the oiliness of the skin and minimize the appearance of pores. Given that oil can clog up pores, witch hazel may seem like a good way to control the early steps in pimple formation.
However, tannins also tend to irritate the skin. The high amount can dry up the skin to the point that the body overcompensates by producing even more oil. In addition, most witch hazel formulations also have a high alcohol content that exacerbates this issue. While some people find that witch hazel works for them, be wary of skin irritation issues.
Honey
The use of medical-grade honey for the skin, particularly for wound healing, is well-documented and often practiced in hospitals and clinics. But it seems that wounds aren’t the only skin issues honey can help soothe. Inflammatory acne, triggered by the growth of P. acnes, can be soothed using its antibacterial properties. As both an emollient and a humectant, it helps reduce transepidermal water loss, resulting in hydrated, supple skin. If your skin has been compromised by popped pimples, honey may also help speed up healing.
When used in the laboratory under specific conditions, the effect of honey on the skin is very promising. However, this does not always translate into tangible results when used in real life. There’s no harm in trying though--with honey safely being used on broken skin, there is very little chance it will cause a reaction when used on intact skin.
Aloe vera
The aloe vera used in cosmetics is composed primarily from the inner, fleshy layer of the aloe vera plant leaf. Ancient civilizations from Egypt, India, Mexico, Japan and China have long used this succulent to treat a variety of conditions.
In the modern world, aloe vera is incorporated into skin care products for its hydrating, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. This can be helpful for people suffering from acne and post-acne hyperpigmentation. It can soothe and plump up the skin, which helps repair the skin barrier damaged by zits.
But take these claims with a grain of salt--aloe vera has also been known to trigger allergic reactions when administered topically.
Conclusion
Using complementary treatments for acne is an attractive prospect for many who want a more natural approach to improving the skin. Oftentimes, these products are thought to be more gentle, lead to less side effects, and generally cost less than prescription medicines. However, it is important to note that these ingredients, especially when used in over-the-counter products, do not undergo as rigorous a screening process as dermatologist-dispensed drugs. As such, there is not too much known about their effects (whether desired or adverse) on the skin. The evidence is primarily anecdotal rather than scientific.
That being said, there are instances when people suffering from acne have cleared their face using products that incorporate these ingredients. If you want to know whether it works for you, make sure to do a patch test on your wrist first before going all in. Observe for 24 hours to determine if it is causing your skin to react. This way, you minimize the risk of dermatitis from trying on a new product.
This content is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
References:
Burlando, B., & Cornara, L. (2013). Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 12(4), 306–313. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12058
Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., & Riley, T. V. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical microbiology reviews, 19(1), 50–62. https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.19.1.50-62.2006
Eady, E. A., Layton, A. M., & Cove, J. H. (2013). A honey trap for the treatment of acne: manipulating the follicular microenvironment to control Propionibacterium acnes. BioMed research international, 2013, 679680. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/679680
Gupta, M., Mahajan, V. K., Mehta, K. S., & Chauhan, P. S. (2014). Zinc therapy in dermatology: a review. Dermatology research and practice, 2014, 709152. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/709152
Surjushe, A., Vasani, R., & Saple, D. G. (2008). Aloe vera: a short review. Indian journal of dermatology, 53(4), 163–166. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.44785
