Acne is the most common skin problem in the world. It is estimated to affect nearly 9.4% of the world’s population. The latest miracle home remedy for acne may already be very close to you whether in your kitchen or purchasing them in the market. With the urge of  DIY Skincare (Do-It-Yourself), it’s getting easier and easier to create a routine with just a few ingredients. However, when used with little care, some home remedies can trigger inflammation or irritation. Yes! this has happened to me many times. While well-chosen ingredients can provide temporary relief, according to a famous dermatologist,  there are some home remedies you need to stay away from if you have a very oily skin.

HOME DIYs THAT ARE NOT APPROVED BY DERMATOLOGISTS:

SAY NO TO TOOTHPASTE IN YOUR DIYs:

This popular home remedy contains harsh ingredients designed to clean teeth like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and fluoride. When left on the skin for too long, it can cause irritation , dryness, and open the door to potential burns. I don’t personally know who came out with this type of DIY acne care lol.

SAY NO TO GARLIC IN YOUR DIYs:

DIY skincare

Although garlic has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, little to no scientific research has been conducted to support its use as a standalone acne treatment. When applied directly to the face in an undiluted form, it can further irritate and inflame the skin. So please, if you got some garlic with you, be sure to make some soups, sauces or spaghettis with them. Don’t use it in your DIY skincare regimen. 🙂

SAY NO TO LEMON IN YOUR DIYs

DIY skincare

The almighty lemon has been a popular DIY skincare spotting for a very long time when it comes to using it on the face as a spot treatment for acne. Don’t do it! The citric acid present in lemon has certain anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. However, applying it directly to acne-prone skin can do more harm than good, as it is naturally very acidic and can upset the skin’s natural pH balance, leaving behind redness, irritation and even intense burns. Also, lemon juice can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, which can further damage it.  So when you get some lemons, make some lemonade with it and don’t use on your face!

SAY NO TO  CINNAMON IN YOUR DIYs: 

DIY skincare

With a scientific reputation for acne relief, cinnamon is best avoided for breakouts. Its use can cause skin sensitivity, redness and even burning. Applying cinnamon directly to your acne or pimples can also make it worse instead of healing it. 

NO EGG SHOULD BE IN YOUR DIYs : 

DIY skincare

There are many DIY videos on YouTube and tiktok that feature using raw eggs on the face for treating acne. Eggs may contain protein and other skin-beneficial nutrients, but applying them in raw form poses a risk of bacterial contamination, which makes acne-prone skin prone to infection and inflammation . Also, the high cholesterol found in eggs can clog pores and make existing pimples worse. So no, don’t follow this trend to end up destroying your skin.

BEST DIYs YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR ACNE

DIY skincare
DIY skincare

While home remedies can’t replace a tailored skincare regimen and preventative routine, dermatologists believe some home ingredients can ease an acne breakout:

ALOE VERA

A powerful source of salicylic acid , aloe vera can help unclog pores and reduce inflammation with a cooling effect that can soothe irritation and redness. The gel extracted from a fresh aloe vera plant can be applied in a thin layer to the face and rinsed off with lukewarm water after 10-15 minutes. It can also be used as a spot treatment by applying a small amount directly to pimples or blemishes.

Have you tried fresh aloe vera gel on your face before? How was your result? 

*** Start with 2 tablespoons of pure honey and mix in 1 tablespoon of pure aloe vera. Gently spread on  clean face for 10 minutes and cleanse off with clean lukewarm water. Apply your preferred moisturizer as usual. For maximum results, continue for at least 4 weeks.

GREEN TEA

I love green tea. As a matter   of fact, I’m literally obsessed with green tea, eg. Matcha tea for me. Known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, the polyphenols found in green tea can reduce sebum production and inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Start by steeping a cup of green tea and letting it cool. Then, using a cotton ball, apply the tea to the skin or use it as a toner after cleansing your face. You can also use it as a mask by mixing it with honey or aloe vera gel and then applying it for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing it off.

This 100% works for me. Give it a try and let me know how it went!

TEA TREE OIL

 

Derived from the tea tree native to Australia, this product is a popular natural remedy for acne due to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is advisable to dilute it in a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or almond oil before applying the mixture to the area using a cotton ball or cotton ball. 

I’ve personally used it few times and I think It was a good thing I did for my skin, helping my acne heal slowly. Yes! stay away from certain DIYs found on YouTube and TikTok that are not skin-friendly. They might end up destroying your skin in real life. 

LOVE, XOxo… Carly

I love my skin like I love my friends. Non-toxic

Carly J. Quaye