Acne
What Causes Acne
The main culprit behind the acne is excess production of oil which clogs the pores. The clogged pores trap the impurities and encourage the bacterial growth causing the inflammation. Excess oil production can be triggered by hormonal changes, stress, improper diet and hygiene.
How To Get Rid Of Acne
The right way to control acne in long term is to maintain proper hygiene and diet. But for treating the present acne, simple home remedies like honey, lemon, aloe vera and apple cider vinegar can be effective.
Honey for Acne
Do you know honey is one of the ingredients of many anti-acne products? This is why today we will discuss on honey for acne in this article.
Is Honey Good For Acne?
Benefits Of Honey For Acne Treatment:
- Honey removes excess oil and leaves skin smooth and moisturized.
- Honey has an osmotic effect; it absorbs water in the wound and releases hydrogen peroxide, a great antiseptic which kills bacteria and clears acne.
- Honey contains anti-inflammatory properties which reduce the swelling and redness associated with acne.
- Honey is rich in natural antioxidants which prevent damage caused by free radicals.
- Honey’s sticky consistency pulls out dirt and grime from the skin pores.
- Natural probiotic and antibacterial properties of raw honey effectively reduce breakouts and prevent acne formation.
How to Use Honey for Acne?
Honey can be used in different ways like as a scrub, mask or internal consumption. Various methods of the same are mentioned below. Try any method as per your preference. To increase the effectiveness of the honey, you have to wash the affected area with warm water and face wash. This opens up the pores and makes it easy for honey to cleanse deeply. Make sure to use a face wash which contains acne fighting ingredients for added benefits.
How To Get Rid Of Acne With Honey?
Below are some effective home remedies in which honey is used as main ingredient, which will not only help you get rid of acne but also nourish your skin giving you a bright and clean, soft skin.
Home Remedies For Acne
1. Honey
Method 1: Topical Application
- Use a cotton ball to apply a small amount of raw honey to the affected area.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse with warm water followed by cold water.
- Repeat the process regularly for best results.
Alternative Method: Apply raw honey to the affected area and cover it with a bandage. Leave it overnight and rinse with water the next morning. Repeat the process daily before going to bed.
Method 2: Internal Consumption
- Add 1 tablespoon of honey and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice into a glass of warm water.
- Drink it. This helps to detoxify the body and boost your metabolism.
2. Honey and Nutmeg Powder
The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of nutmeg powder reduce the swelling and redness caused by acne.
- Mix equal quantities of honey and powdered nutmeg.
- Apply the mixture to the affected area.
- Leave it on for 1 hour and rinse with water.
- Repeat regularly for best results.
Note: This process may not suit for sensitive people so it is better patch test before applying it on the affected area.
3. Honey and Strawberry
Strawberry contains natural salicylic acid which is very effective in treating acne. The acidic nature of strawberries removes the excess oil from the skin.
- Cleanse your face and pat dry with a towel.
- Combine 3 mashed strawberries and 2 teaspoons of honey.
- Apply the paste to the affected area.
- Leave it on for 20 – 25 minutes and rinse with warm water.
- Apply moisturizer.
- Repeat twice weekly for a month or more until you notice the results.
4. Honey and Cinnamon
The cinnamaldehyde present in cinnamon contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which reduce the swelling and treat acne.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of honey and a teaspoon of cinnamon powder.
- Apply the paste to the affected area.
- Leave it on for 10 – 15 minutes (if possible, leave the mixture overnight)
- Rinse with warm water and apply toner of your choice.
- Repeat the process regularly for the best results.
5. Honey and Sugar Scrub
The gritty nature of sugar exfoliates the excess oil, impurities and accumulated dead skin cells.
- Combine 1 tablespoon honey and 1 teaspoon brown sugar.
- Apply the scrub to the affected area and gently massage for 3 – 4 minutes.
- Rinse with water.
- Repeat the process regularly until you achieve the results.
6. Honey and Oatmeal
The saponins present in oatmeal contain cleansing properties which remove the impurities, oil and dead skin cells that clog the pores.
- Blend ½ cup of oatmeal, ¼ cup of warm water, and 2 teaspoons of honey.
- Apply the paste to the affected area and gently massage for 3 – 4 minutes.
- Leave it on for 10 – 15 minutes and rinse with warm water.
- Repeat the process regularly.
7. Honey and Turmeric
Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and disinfectant which kills bacteria and soothes pain and redness.
- Combine 1 tablespoon of honey and 1/8 teaspoon of turmeric powder.
- Apply the paste to the affected area.
- Leave it on for 20 – 25 minutes and rinse with warm water.
- Apply moisturizer.
- Follow the process regularly without fail.
8. Honey and Aspirin
Aspirin dries out the pimples, unclogs the pores and shrinks the open pores. It contains salicylic acid which cleanses pores.
- Crush 3 – 5 uncoated aspirin pills and mix it with a teaspoon each of water and honey.
- Apply the paste to the affected area.
- Leave it on for 10 – 15 minutes and rinse with water.
- Repeat the process regularly to achieve the desired results.
Note: If you can handle, you can leave the application overnight.
9. Honey and Apple Mask
- Blend half an apple (without seeds) into a paste.
- Add 2 tablespoons of honey into the apple paste and mix well.
- Apply the paste to the affected areas.
- Leave it on for 15 – 20 minutes and rinse with water.
- Repeat regularly for best results.
10. Honey and Sea Salt
The gritty nature of sea salt exfoliates the impurities and dead skin cells. The mild alkaline nature help to reduce the oil production in the skin.
- Combine 2 teaspoon of hot water and 1 teaspoon each of honey and sea salt.
- Apply the mixture on the affected areas.
- Leave the application for 10 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
- Repeat the process regularly.
Note: This process may leave the skin very dry. A super dry skin can encourage excess oil production. So, apply moisturizer which doesn’t clog the pores after the following the process.
11. Honey and Coconut Oil
Coconut oil brings balance in the oil production of the skin. Apart from that, it fights with acne causing bacteria and moisturizes the skin without clogging the pores.
- Combine 1 teaspoon each of honey and coconut oil.
- Apply the mixture on the affected areas.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water.
- Follow the process regularly.
12. Honey and Tea Tree Oil
The antibacterial and antiprotozoal properties of honey kills the bacteria causing acne. It also speeds up the healing process.
- Add 1 – 3 drops of tea tree oil into a tablespoon of honey.
- Spread a thin layer of the mixture on the affected areas.
- Let it rest for 12 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water after 10 – 12 minutes.
- Repeat the process regularly.
Note: Avoid following this process, if you are allergic to tea tree oil.
13. Honey and Garlic
The allicin present in garlic contains antibacterial properties which kills the bacteria causing acne.
- Crush 3 garlic cloves into paste.
- Combine garlic paste, 1 ½ teaspoons of honey and a pinch of turmeric.
- Apply the mixture on the affected areas.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
- Follow the process regularly till you get rid of acne.
14. Honey and Green Tea
The antioxidants, tocopherols, carotenoids and ascorbic acid present in green tea prevent the excess oil production and hydrate your skin.
- Add 1 green tea bag into a cup of water and let it steep for few minutes.
- Take out the green tea bag and remove the content from it.
- Combine green tea leaves and 1 teaspoon of honey.
- Apply the mixture on the affected areas.
- Leave it on for 15 – 20 minutes. Meanwhile you can drink the prepared green tea and relax.
- Rinse off the application with warm water and pat dry.
- Follow the process regularly.
15. Lemon and Honey
The acidic nature of lemon removes the dead skin cells, controls the oil production and unclogs the pores. The vitamin C present in it promotes healing process.
- Grate the skin of the lemon to get lemon zest.
- Combine 1/8th teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1/2 teaspoon of lime juice and 1 teaspoon of sugar.
- Apply the mixture on the affected areas and gently massage in circular motions.
- Leave the application for 15 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.
Note: You can use lime instead of lemon.
16. Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar
The mild acidic properties of apple cider vinegar balances the skin’s pH levels. The astringent properties of apple cider vinegar shrinks the open pores.
- Combine equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water. Soak a cotton ball in this mixture.
- Wet your face and affected areas.
- Gently massage the honey for 5 minutes.
- Leave the application for 30 – 40 minutes.
- Rinse off the application with water and pat dry.
- Take out the soaked cotton ball from the acv – water mixture.
- Wring out the excess and gently swipe the cotton ball on the affected areas in upward direction.
- Let it dry completely and apply moisturizer meant for acne prone skin.
17. Honey and Tomato
The antibacterial properties of tomato kill the bacteria causing acne. It also contains antioxidants which heal the skin damage.
- Combine 1 tablespoon tomato juice and 2 tablespoons of honey.
- Apply the mixture on the affected areas and massage for few minutes.
- Leave the application for 10 minutes and rinse off with water.
- Repeat the process regularly.
18. Honey and Neem
The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of neem help to treat acne effectively.
- Dry handful of neem leaves under the sun.
- Crush them into a fine powder.
- Combine enough amounts of neem powder and 1 – 2 tablespoons of honey.
- Apply the paste on the affected areas.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water.
- Repeat the process regularly.
19. Honey and Red Sandalwood Powder
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of red sandalwood powder reduce the inflammation and redness.
- Combine 2 teaspoons each of red sandalwood powder and honey.
- Add 1 teaspoon of water and mix well.
- Apply the mixture on the affected areas.
- Leave the application for 10 – 15 minutes.
- Rinse off the application with water and pat dry.
- Repeat the process regularly.
20. Honey and Milk
The lactic acid and antibacterial properties of milk gently exfoliate the skin.
- Combine 1 tablespoon of honey and 1/2 tablespoon of milk.
- Apply the mixture on the affected area.
- Gently massage in circular motions for few minutes.
- Let it rest for another 20 – 30 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
21. Honey and Aloe Vera
Aloe vera contains healing and antimicrobial properties which help to treat acne. It also soothes the inflammation and reduces the redness.
- Mix 1 tablespoon each of aloe vera pulp and honey.
- Apply the mixture on the affected area.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes and rinse it off with lukewarm water.
22. Manuka Honey and Parsley
- Into a blender, add 1 cup of fresh parsley leaves (remove the stems), lemon juice and manuka honey.
- Blend the ingredients to get a thick paste.
- Apply the paste on the affected areas.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse it off with water.
- Repeat the process regularly.
Tips and Precautions:
- If you are allergic to pollen, then please avoid using honey.
- If the application of honey is causing breakouts then stop using it and try a different remedy.
- Make sure to patch test any application before trying out the process. If you observe any negative reactions, then avoid using it.
- Avoid squeezing, scratching, pricking or rubbing pimples as it can worsen and leave a scar behind.
- Avoid using greasy cosmetics or creams as they may clog the pores.
- Reduce the amount of exposure to the sunlight as it can worsen the acne.
- Always use a mild soap and warm water to wash your face. Avoid using soaps that contain harmful chemicals like paraben and laureth sulphate.
- Scrubbing harshly can damage your skin. So make sure to do it as gentle as you can.
- Take a shower as soon as you can after a workout.
- Make sure to remove the makeup before going to the bed.
- Consume nutritional food to strengthen your immune system.
- Do yoga or meditation to reduce the stress levels.