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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry: Suppression Effect of Cinnamomum Cassia Bark-Derived Component on Nitric Oxide Synthase
- Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry: Suppression Effect of Cinnamomum Cassia Bark-Derived Component on Nitric Oxide Synthase
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science: Effect of Konjac Glucomannan Hydrolysates and Probiotics on the Growth of the Skin Bacterium Propionibacterium Acnes in Vitro
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science: Effect of Konjac Glucomannan Hydrolysates and Probiotics on the Growth of the Skin Bacterium Propionibacterium Acnes in Vitro
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Natural Relief for Painful and Itchy Acne
Acne -- the most common skin condition in the United States, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center -- often includes symptoms such as clogged pores, inflammation and pimples 1. In some cases, acne can be painful and itchy. Many over-the-counter and prescription topical medications can help treat acne, but natural remedies also can help relieve the skin condition.
Herbs
Some herbal remedies can help treat painful and itchy acne. Tea tree oil may help reduce bacteria and relieve inflammation. You can apply tea tree oil topically to treat your acne, often without side effects. Guggul is another herb that can help reduce acne symptoms. Taken orally, guggul may be as effective as tetracycline, a prescription medication used for acne. Guggul can interact with other medications, so check with your doctor before you start to take it or any other herbal remedies.
- Some herbal remedies can help treat painful and itchy acne.
- Guggul can interact with other medications, so check with your doctor before you start to take it or any other herbal remedies.
Aloe Vera
How to Get Rid of the Itchiness of Pimples
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Aloe vera is a plant that produces a clear gel that has been used as a topical treatment for a variety of skin conditions. Aloe gel has immunomodulatory properties that can aid in healing wounds, and it helps to reduce skin inflammation. Often added in many over-the-counter remedies, aloe vera also may have antibacterial properties, which can help speed up healing time when you are suffering with painful and itchy acne. You can buy aloe vera gel in any drugstore and apply it directly to your acne.
- Aloe vera is a plant that produces a clear gel that has been used as a topical treatment for a variety of skin conditions.
- Aloe gel has immunomodulatory properties that can aid in healing wounds, and it helps to reduce skin inflammation.
Honey and Cinnamon
A combination of honey and cinnamon is another natural remedy for painful and itchy acne. Honey has antibacterial properties. Cinnamon can inhibit the effects of nitric oxide, a component of the inflammation that contributes to painful acne, according to a 2002 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 3. Mix 3 tbsp. of honey with 1 tspn. of cinnamon powder. Dab the paste on your acne before you go to bed. Wash it off in the morning.
- A combination of honey and cinnamon is another natural remedy for painful and itchy acne.
- Cinnamon can inhibit the effects of nitric oxide, a component of the inflammation that contributes to painful acne, according to a 2002 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 3.
Yogurt and Oatmeal
Home Remedy for an Infected Pimple
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The probiotics in yogurt can help inhibit acne-causing bacteria, according to a 2010 study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science 4. The cool yogurt also soothes inflamed, painful and itchy skin caused by acne. You can apply yogurt directly to your skin or mix the yogurt with another acne-fighting natural remedy to make a mask. Oatmeal is a natural exfoliant that has a drying effect, which can help relieve clogged pores in acne. Mix a small amount of oatmeal with plain yogurt and apply directly to acne. Leave the mixture on for 20 to 30 minutes.
- The probiotics in yogurt can help inhibit acne-causing bacteria, according to a 2010 study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science 4.
- Oatmeal is a natural exfoliant that has a drying effect, which can help relieve clogged pores in acne.
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References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Acne
- Best Acne Treatments: Home Remedy for Acne
- Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry: Suppression Effect of Cinnamomum Cassia Bark-Derived Component on Nitric Oxide Synthase
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science: Effect of Konjac Glucomannan Hydrolysates and Probiotics on the Growth of the Skin Bacterium Propionibacterium Acnes in Vitro
- Sutaria AH, Masood S, Schlessinger J. Acne Vulgaris. [Updated 2019 Dec 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459173/
- Kraft J, Freiman A. Management of acne. CMAJ. 2011;183(7):E430-5. doi:10.1503/cmaj.090374
- Sutaria AH, Masood S, Schlessinger J. Acne Vulgaris. [Updated 2019 Dec 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan-.
- American Academy of Dermatology. WHAT CAN CLEAR SEVERE ACNE?
- Cleveland Clinic. Rosacea (Adult Acne). Last reviewed October 10, 2019.
- American Academy of Dermatology. IS SPORTS EQUIPMENT CAUSING YOUR ACNE?
- American Academy of Dermatology. I HAVE ACNE! IS IT OKAY TO WEAR MAKEUP?
- Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, Alikhan A, Baldwin HE, et. al. "Guidelines of Care for the Management of Acne Vulgaris." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology; 2016. 74(5):945-73.
Writer Bio
Ireland Wolfe has been writing professionally since 2009, contributing to Toonari Post, Africana Online and Winzer Insurance. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in psychology and Master of Arts in mental health counseling. She is also a licensed mental health counselor, registered nutritionist and yoga teacher.