Dr Ella and Cystic Acne

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.