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I've had acne for the better part of my life and am concerned about products that are irritating to my skin. Do you know of any natural alternatives that are safe and effective?
Most acne medications, which often contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, leave faces dry and chapped. "Using topical solutions like that sets you up for failure," says Warren Brander, the head of research and development at plant-based therapeutic company Théra Wise. "Those ingredients strip the skin of its hydrolipid barrier, compromising the skin's natural defenses and often prompting future breakouts."
What you want to look for are topical treatments that will help balance and strengthen the skin as well as reduce redness, inflammation, and bacteria. Two very good treatments made from naturally derived ingredients are Théra Wise Ac+ Natural Acne Ointment and Burt's Bees Herbal Blemish stick. Both have Salix nigra (willow bark) and Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil), which are particularly good at fighting inflammation and bacteria, respectively. If you have mild acne, you can also try pure tea tree oil. It has a similar drying effect to benzoyl peroxide, but it doesn't leave your skin flaky.
If you're looking for a home remedy for pesky pimples, try this recipe designed for localized areas and small blemishes: Mix the juice of three cloves of garlic with equal parts rosehip seed oil and white vinegar. Dab concoction onto a swab and apply to the affected area several times a day. The garlic and vinegar is antibacterial and antiseptic, whereas the rose hip seed oil decreases redness and soothes the skin.
To clean your face, use gentle cleansers and exfoliants, and avoid chemical additives such as sodium lauryl sulfate, which can dry out skin. I recommend Miessence Soothing Cleanser, Miessence Gentle Exfoliant, and skincare brands based on marine ingredients, such as Osea, which can help stimulate cell renewal.
Summer Rayne Oakes is Planet Green's fashion and beauty expert. Read her her other columns here.
