The Magic Cyst
Chamomile for acne, does it really work? The herbal plant is well known around the world for its calming power, and it has been used throughout centuries to cure many common ailments. But more recently, research has found out that Chamomile is actually good for acne too.
The plant is usually consumed as a tea but nowadays there are plenty of topical treatments specifically designed for acne containing this miracle plant. In case you didn’t already know, Chamomile has powerful sedative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties, all of which can help with acne breakouts.
Chamomile for Acne Actually Works
A few of the common culprits behind extreme pimple breakouts include inflammation, stress, and free radical damage on the skin. If you had one weapon that could eliminate all of these three root causes of zits, then it would be none other than chamomile. Here’s how.
Chamomile Has Powerful Calming Properties
Chamomile is known throughout the world for its sedative and calming effects. A lot of people drink a cup of chamomile tea before going to bed because it calms their nerves and eliminates stress.
Speaking of stress, it is one of the root causes of acne. When you are stressed out, you’re not only getting very little sleep, but it also affects your digestion system. And we all know that the digestion system is directly linked to acne breakouts.
How?
When your digestive tract is unable to break food properly, it not only becomes incapable of absorbing valuable nutrients from the food you eat, but it also can’t get rid of the toxins in your body.
When toxins stay in your body, they cause inflammation and this results in dull skin, redness, and of course acne.
By drinking chamomile tea, you can help relieve stress and kill one of the root causes of acne. Hence proven, chamomile for acne is effective.
Anti-Inflammatory Powers
I’ve already discussed the effects of inflammation on acne breakouts above. Some studies show that chamomile has a positive effect on all sorts of inflammatory conditions of the body due to flavonoids present in it. And since pimples are typically an inflammatory condition, drinking chamomile tea or applying it topically helps reduce the appearance of spots.
In fact, chamomile has also been used clinically to treat many bigger inflammatory conditions like ulcers, eczema, gout, and even rheumatic pains.
So if you have a reason to believe that your acne problem is due to inflammation, try adding chamomile tea to your diet and you’ll see wonders happening.
Powerful Anti-Oxidant Properties
A compound known as chamazulene in chamomile gives the plant super anti-oxidant properties. When our bodies metabolize oxygen for energy, it goes through a process known as oxidation. This also creates free radicals which damage our skin cells.
Oxidation increases by a lot when we are stressed or our body has too many toxins in it. In order to counteract the damage oxidation does to the body and skin, we need to introduce things that have powerful antioxidant properties. And as it turns out, chamomile has them.
Try using chamomile for acne if you believe your skin suffers from oxidation.
Other Uses of Chamomile
Chamomile can be used for a variety of other common ailments. Here’s how you are supposed to use it for specific problems.
Take it Orally for –
- Inflammation
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Digestive problems
Apply Topically for –
- Eczema
- Pain
- Burns
- Psoriasis
For best results, drink chamomile tea as part of a healthy diet. Have at least two cups a day. Avoid drinking the tea early morning because of its sedative effects. Only drink in the day if you want to calm your nerves. For perfect results, have a cup of tea before going to bed.
For acne related problems, chamomile tea can be combined with topical treatments. I highly recommend finding yourself natural products that have chamomile extract in them. Since you don’t want the skin to be exposed to harmful chemicals, natural products work best.
If you’re unable to find a natural topical treatment, feel free to use whichever is available. Try and test and see if it does any better for your acne problem.
- 9 Unexpected Causes of Acne in Adults
Thought acne breakouts and blemishes left you after your college? Think again. Acne in adults is more common than you think.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, nearly half of women over 25 still suffer from acne breakouts.
And shockingly, if you never had them as a teen, it doesn't mean you are safe from breakouts.
Although the acne breakouts may look the same in adults, they're a bit different from the ones you may have had in teens.
Acne in adults usually appears on the lower half of the face. And they usually appear as cysts or under the skin which is impossible to drain.
So what exactly are causing acne breakouts in your 30s? One culprit is changing hormone levels. Others include premenstrual dips or fluctuations during perimenopause.
But did you know, there are many other unexpected causes of acne in adults? Sometimes your skin-care regimen is to blame, and sometimes your lifestyle plays a major role.
If you're confused about why acne breakouts are still frequent in your adulthood, here are 9 unexpected reasons you may be getting them.
Top 9 Unexpected Causes of Acne in Adults
Believe it or not, sometimes getting facial hair removal, or using excessive hair products can cause a breakout. If your hormonal balances are perfectly fine, then perhaps its time to revisit and reshuffle your beauty drawer a bit. Here are some common culprits.
Facial Hair Removal
Tweezing, waxing, shaving can all cause the skin tissue to swell. This opens up the way for acne-causing bacteria to enter deeper into skin pores.
Sometimes even topical products applied to your skin before hair removal can clog skin pores and promote a breakout.
To make sure this never happens, simply use 1% hydrocortisone cream before you remove facial hair.
Try to kill off some bacteria too by cleaning the hairy area thoroughly.
Makeup Removers
Cosmetics are notorious for clogging skin pores. They can combine with natural skin oil and cause breakouts.
But the real problem always doesn't lie with the product themselves. It has more to do with the way you remove the makeup too.
Oil and dirt can easily buildup on makeup after a long day. This can trap acne-causing bacteria within the skin that results in acne.
After removing your makeup, make sure to wash your face thoroughly. If the problem persists, try washing your face before removing makeup as well.
Stress
If you can't sleep all night because of a deadline or an important meeting the next day, you're probably stressed out. Although stress alone can't cause an acne breakout, it can accelerate the process.
Stress causes the body to release inflammatory chemicals and changes some hormonal balances. This triggers a breakout. So if you're experiencing huge cyst-like pimples that are redder, bigger, and painful, they are probably there because of stress.
The best way to deal with such pimples is to use products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
Sometimes cyst-like pimples can leave scars. Try these effortless home remedies to treat acne scars.
Sunscreens
Some sunscreens promote acne in adults Most sunscreens are made with two active ingredients. The first is a long list of chemical agents that protect your skin from ultraviolet rays. The second is physical agents that basically sit on your skin surface and create an invisible barrier.
This barrier is bad news for your skin.
Sunscreens that contain titanium or zinc oxide can promote excessive sweating underneath them which can cause acne.
So next time you are about to apply sunscreen, make sure to read what ingredients you're dealing with. Try to avoid sunscreens with pore-clogging physical agents.
Dry Skin
If you think oily skin is the only culprit behind breakouts, think again. Dry skin can cause tiny cracks in the skin which can open doors for acne-causing bacteria to enter and multiply, resulting in a breakout.
Make sure to gently exfoliate the skins at least 2-3 times a week. Some moisturizers can clog your pores, so be careful what you're applying. Always apply noncomedogenic moisturizers on dry skin.
Hair-Care Products
Hair spray can cause acne breakouts too Haircare products meant for styling commonly cause acne. These products increase oil in your scalp and forehead trapping acne-causing bacteria in skin pores.
Clogged pores can easily become inflamed and result in a breakout.
When applying hair styling products, make sure that you are applying it with your hands. Avoid using hair sprays because most of the times these products end up on your forehead.
After application, use a facial cleanser to remove any traces of the styling product from your forehead and face.
Skincare Products
Skincare products are made to provide nourishment and care for your skin, right?
The truth is many skincare products are made with synthetic chemicals and other harmful ingredients that promote acne breakouts.
If there's any skincare product that causes irritation, stop using it immediately.
Avoid switching too many skincare products rapidly. When you try a new skincare product, you are also providing your skin with new active ingredients, chemicals, and preservatives. These can irritate the skin which leads to acne.
Excessive Traveling
Traveling a lot means changing environments and new challenges for the skin.
Every city, or country has its own humidity, weather, and water elements. Environmental changes can sometimes trigger acne breakouts since your skin is not used to the new atmosphere.
Expert travelers recommend washing your face with bottled water. They also recommend avoiding hotel soaps.
Diet and Lifestyle
If you thought eating chocolate and Mcdonalds no longer messes with your skin, you may be in for a surprise.
The diet-related causes of acne are still true to your age. A recent study found that carbohydrates that have a high glycemic index can increase the severity and development of acne in adults.
So do your best to cut back on junk food such as burgers, pizzas, fries, and other fried food. Instead, make a switch to veggies, fruits, grains, and high protein foods. But do this gradually to give your skin enough time to deal with the changes.
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