Basil for Acne

This is one of the newer home remedies in acne treatment and prevention.  Basil has long been used in cooking, but few know about it's powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Since acne is primarily caused by an overgrowth of bacteria, any remedy that contains antibacterial properties should be helpful; however, basil has extremely powerful antibacterial properties in comparison to other home remedies. In fact, it has been shown to stop the growth of some bacterias that have become resistant to antibiotics (such as staph infections).  Due to it's strong antibacterial properties, it is a very effective method of treating and preventing acne breakouts. It's anti-inflammatory properties help keep down swelling of pimples, especially cystic acne. The antioxidants provide excellent benefits for overall skin health.  Basil really is an all around great natural remedy for acne.

Does using basil for acne actually work? The International Journal of Cosmetic Science has conducted a study on the effectiveness of basil for acne and pimples.  The study concluded that the antibacterial properties of basil are very effective in eliminating acne causing bacteria.

There are various ways that you can use basil to treat your acne.  You can simply purchase fresh basil (organic, if possible) and use those to make your own basil toner or you can purchase an all natural basil essential oil.  If you're interested in using basil for acne, here's a few easy home remedies using basil:

• Boil 6-10 basil leaves in 1 cup of water for about 5 minutes.  Allow it to cool completely and then strain out the basil leaves. Apply the basil liquid with a cotton ball all over your face as you would with any other toner. This basil and water mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for 1 week. (To make this method more effective, pack the basil leaves into a small bowl and use the round end of spoon to mash up the leaves until they are bruised.  This will help them release more of the oils while boiling.)
• Boil 2-4 teaspoons of dried basil in 1 cup of water for 8-10 minutes. Strain out the basil particles and store in a glass container in the refrigerator, use as you would any other toner. The mixture will keep in the fridge for 1 week.
• Use basil essential oil to make your own toner.  Mix 8-10 drops of basil oil into 1/4 cup of water.  Use this mixture as a toner, store in fridge for about 1 week.

If you liked this article on using basil oil for acne, be sure to browse this blog for other great natural remedies for acne!

Aloe Vera Acne Solution

It is not at all a secret that this is a wonderful plant that provides a wide range of medicinal benefits, one of which is acne/pimple relief.  It has anti-bacterial properties, which are beneficial because acne is associated with the presence of bacteria which live on the oily sebum that clogs the pores of people with acne-prone skin. The aloe gel is also an astringent, which can help counteract excessive oiliness, as well as being an anti-inflammatory, with a very soothing effect on the inflammation that acne can cause. The gel inside the plant acts as a moisturizer as well as cleanser so that dead cells, dirt, and oil are removed effectively thus preventing the recurrence of red bumps.

Fresh Extract versus Ready to Use Products

While it is perfectly safe to use natural and freshly extracted aloe gel, you might want to consider purchasing an aloe based product instead as it is more convenient.  There are a number of good products in the market which are concocted using concentrated aloe gel which means you will be getting the most benefits and you will not have to pick out the plant yourself.  When purchasing an aloe gel make sure the label clearly states 100% aloe gel.  You want something that is as close to the raw aloe gel as possible.

How to Use Aloe Vera for Acne Problems

Once you have the Aloe Vera gel, all there is left to do is to properly apply it onto affected areas. Some products are meant to be used 3 times a day while others only need to be applied once, usually before going to sleep at night. Gel is not the only form that aloe based skin products take as there are also facial cleansers, moisturizers, and even scar removers.

Aloe Vera for Acne Scars

Another important residual problem that needs to be dealt with when you have this skin condition is scarring.  Acne scars are just as unsightly as the pimples, perhaps even more so because they are usually dark indentations on the skin.  The good news is that Aloe Vera can also help reduce the appearance of scars so if you are already on this particular regimen, you might as well get the scar remover solution as well.