Teens, most of us have been there... the spotty stage. Yes, the dreaded spots. Well, here are some main herbs us herbalists use to sooth, prevent and help get rid of spots/acne. When I was a teen, I found they actually worked!
Please note that the essential oils of these plants are also just as effective, and easier to dab on the affected area. Make sure that the mix is slightly diluted, as EE's can cause irritation to the skin.
1. Green Tea
Green tea is a herb very commonly found in 'spot zappers' and all these 'helps get rid of spots!' lotions, treatments, ect these days. Why? It is a great herb for soothing, reducing redness, and lots of other things associated with spots. It contains natural vitamin C, salubrious polyphenols, catechins, antioxidants, tocophenols and other stuff that is great for your heath and your skin. Its a great skin clearer, and its methods ranges from the odd spot to severe acne.
-Do not drink Green Tea if you are pregnant!-
2. Chamomile
Chamomile is a great stress reliever and great for soothing the skin. Stress = spots.
-Do not take while pregnant; stimulates the uterus, causing miscarriages, poor lactation, ect.-
This flower reduces inflammation of the skin; which is why it is so great for spots! It sooths the redness, which makes them less noticeable.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel reduces, sooths, and shrinks spots. It has astringent leaves/bark, and this extract is also used for insect bites and bruises. A remedy is to dab witch hazel on the affected area with a cotton bud each morning and each night, and after two days your acne should have noticeably improved.
It is also often used and a cleanser/toner, which as you guys know, is great for your skin. Cleanser cleanses, toner seals pores to prevent dirt getting in. Dirt = spots.
A review from a method using witch hazel:
'My solution was some cotton balls/pads, and a bottle of witch hazel. That was it. At night, I washed my face with soap, water (and often a cheap cleanser.) Then, I would squirt a bit of the witch hazel oil on to the ball/pad and thoroughly dab my face with it. It feels cool, tingly and refreshing. I immediatly noticed a difference- not just in my acne, or the lack of acne should I say, but the texture of my skin also.'
It dries out surface pimples, cleans pores and reduces redness. It also wont overdry your skin, as it is often used as a treatment for dry, itchy skin. It also disinfects, removing any bacteria that is clogging pores.
It is easy, quick and cheap to buy, though the smell is quite pungent!
The Vinegar and Toothpaste remedy
This is a remedy that I have found myself, when I was around 13, just going in to the slightly spotty stage (although my acne wasnt very severe at all). I dont know much science behind it, so this will only be short.
Vinegar, all types, is a great toner and cleanser. It kills bacteria; and tightens your pores fantastically. Toothpaste dries out spots and acne, but doesnt affect the skin around it.
Wash your face, first. After that, make a 8/10 solution of vinegar and water, 8 parts being vinegar. Dab that on your face using cotton wool, leave for 5 mins, and then wash off. Dont worry, the smell isnt that bad. When the vinegar is washed off, dab some toothpaste on the area affected. Leave it on overnight, and wash it off in the morning. You should find that your redness is gone, and the spots have majorly decreased in size.
Hope this helps you teens! (And even if your not a teen.)
Thank you for sharing this. Also, you might want to try the EE deluded on the back of your hand or a small spot on your arm before you try it on your face. You could have a reaction to it. I have sensitive skin so I don't put much on my face. lol
Witch Hazel worked great for me when I get spots! My mom told me about it when I was like 12-13 and have used to every since.. Its very cheap and you can find it at most drug stores.
After applying any astringent to your body make sure to replenish the oil with olive oil because u will dry your skin and will cause cracks using olive oil will help replenish and you body won't have to replenish with its own because this will cause you to break out more...
And actually Kalen, not all astringents dry out your skin (especially if used in the EE form). Most do, but not all. Witch hazel only takes effect on the area applied to, and your body's sebaceous glands will naturally supply your skin with its sebum anyway. Also, a little bit of sweat will prevent your skin from drying out too.
Fallen,
what a wonderful...post! I conquer :)
even know im not a Teen i still use witch hazel
I also created an oil of
chamomile
lavender
calendula
organic cocoanut
and Vit E oil.
I sell them at our local farmers market.
Love the concoction.
It helps refresh, sooth and moisturize my skin.
helps heal impurities and helps the red flush dissipate.
I was rambling, I enjoy your knowledge, we have much in common sister :)
I understand I used witchhazel when I was a kid and it dried out my skin that is the reason I started using olive oil it worked great and you have to remember everyones skin is different fallen that is the only reason I posted ;)
But theres a difference in saying all astringent products dry out people's skin and saying all astringent products dry out my skin ;) As you said, its a personal thing :).
The olive oil method is a great technique though- great idea.
