6 Natural Remedies for Clear Skin

Acne is not something anyone enjoys dealing with—adults and teens alike. And yet, it can emerge no matter how old you are. If you prefer to avoid medicated treatments, that doesn't mean you have to be stuck feeling insecure or covering your blemishes with layers of makeup. There are plenty of natural remedies for clear skin that can help you feel comfortable and confident again.

1. Use Gentle Cleansers

If you suffer from adult acne, you've probably tried many cleanser products to banish those blemishes. While keeping your skin clean is important, you also want to make sure it's hydrated, as overly washed skin can become dry and worsen the problem. According to the Mayo Clinic, dry skin can be caused by harsh, drying soaps, and it may lead to itchy, cracked skin that can become inflamed and infected. The Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center suggests washing your skin only once or twice a day with a mild cleanser—washing more often may worsen your acne.

2. Avoid Comedogenic Cosmetics

You might be inclined to cover up your acne with makeup, but before you do, be sure to check your labels. While cosmetics can offer a temporary solution to hiding blemishes, certain products might make the problem worse. As Tufts Medical Center explains, it's essential to select non-comedogenic cosmetics when you're looking for natural remedies for acne. Comedogenic ingredients may block your pores, which can lead to the formation of acne. Become a label reader and look for natural cosmetics and skin care products that are non-comedogenic, water-based, or oil-free.

3. Try Products with Tea Tree Oil

If you prefer using skin care products that contain naturally derived ingredients, look for ones that contain tea tree oil. A study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology found that a topical 5 percent tea tree oil gel was effective at treating mild to moderate acne.

4. Minimize Stress

According to Tufts Medical Center, stress and lack of sleep can also lead to breakouts. While it's not always easy to eliminate the things that stress you out, there are many techniques you can try, such as deep breathing, to help you de-stress. If you're not sleeping well, try taking a warm shower or bath and use a lavender soap to relax before bed.

5. Hydrate

If your skin is visibly oily, your may be surprised to hear that dryness may be your issue. As the Tufts Medical Center explains, your skin could be overproducing oil to make up for dryness that results from excessive washing. To avoid this vicious cycle, it's important to hydrate. As a study published in Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology concludes, higher water intake in your regular diet could positively impact normal skin physiology—so make sure you're getting plenty of H₂O!

6. Keep Your Hands Off

It can be very tempting to pick at zits and blemishes on your skin, but this can actually make the problem worse. As Harvard Medical School notes, squeezing or picking at acne lesions can worsen discoloration and scarring. It's also important to avoid touching your face in general, as pore-clogging bacteria can easily be transferred from your hands to your face.

You might also be tempted to try some highly touted yet unusual remedies for blemishes, such as applying toothpaste on pimples, but it's important to know that these skin care "hacks" don't always work and can sometimes cause more harm than good. Stick with tried-and-true, scientifically proven methods. Before you begin any new type of treatment or natural remedies for clear skin, it's important to seek advice from your physician or dermatologist, especially if your acne worsens.

Want to discover more natural skin care ideas? Check out the DIY Naturally board by @tomsofmaine on Pinterest!

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