Natural Topical Ingredients for
Acne-Prone Skin
There's a growing list of trendy topical ingredients that we're advised to include in our skincare routines, but, if you're dealing with hormonal breakouts, it's important to choose ingredients that are beneficial for acne-prone skin. In addition, choosing all-natural options has many advantages. These products are non-toxic, so are less likely to throw your hormones, and skin, out of balance, and produce fewer side effects, such as irritation.
Topical treatments on their own are unlikely to eliminate persistent hormonal acne in the long-term because they don't address the internal root cause. Determining what imbalance in the body is creating acne and then delving into the reasons for that imbalance is the first step in achieving healthy skin. That said, topicals do play a role in helping to clear up breakouts, even out skin tone, and give a healthy glow. A solid topical regimen, in addition to proactive management of internal imbalances, such as supplementation, will provide optimal results.
Here are some natural topical ingredients that can help ensure you're treating your acne both safely and effectively.
Salicylic Acid gently exfoliates the skin to encourage dead skin cells to shed so they don’t build up and clog pores. It can also used to help prevent or treat the early signs of breakouts.
Niacinamide helps control excess oil. It also reduces inflammation, redness, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps clear acne by reducing inflammation. It also brightens skin, boosts collagen (which accelerates healing) and protects from environmental stressors.
Kojic Acid has antimicrobial properties (protection against bacteria) that help detoxify pores. It also helps fade acne marks and brighten skin.
Licorice Extract has antimicrobial properties, helps fade acne marks, and protects the skin against UV-induced damage.
Aloe Vera Gel has natural bacteria and inflammation fighting properties, and can help speed up the healing process. DIY tip: Buy an aloe vera plant and scrape out the gel inside to use in place of a cleaner, spot treatment, or mask.
Tea is rich in polyphenol antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and reduce sebum production. DIY tip: Apply cooled, steeped green tea as a facial toner.
Apple Cider Vinegar targets blemish-causing bacteria, reduces hyperpigmentation, and boosts skin's radiance.
Other beneficial natural topical ingredients include: hyaluronic acid, azelaic acid, kaolin clay, witch hazel, tea tree oil, evening primrose oil, rose water, honey, lemon, spearmint, echinacea, eucalyptus, and vitamin E.
The efficacy of these ingredients will vary from person to person, so experiment with a few different products to find what works best for your skin. They could also require some time to take effect. Patience and persistence will go a long way.
Most importantly, remember that caring for your skin starts from within. While these natural topical ingredients can help heal existing breakouts and scars, they can’t address internal root causes of acne. Without internal changes, chances are, your breakouts will continue. Food and lifestyle changes are great ways to help restore hormonal balance in the body and achieve lasting results. If you’re looking for a little extra support, try our estrogen-balancing supplement, BALANCE.
Take our quiz to see if BALANCE is right for you.
