Trying to get rid of acne? Try these 10 ingredients...

Acne is one of the most common skin ailments, affecting approximately 90% of people at some stage during their lifetime. Although acne most commonly occurs during adolescence, it can also trouble people well into their 20s, 30s or 40s.

Most people are misinformed on how to properly treat acne and believe it will go away on its own. However, it is important to tackle it early on to help prevent cosmetic damage and psychological anguish.

What exactly is Acne?

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition where oil, dead skin cells or in-grown hair(s) cause blockage in the hair follicles and give rise to red spots or pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads on parts of the face, neck, back and shoulders. Most acne is not dangerous (unless it turns into a large cyst, also referred to as “cystic acne”) and usually disappears on its own within a few days.

Acne needs to be dealt with gentle hands and the right ingredients to not worsen the situation and spread it to other parts of the face or leave behind unsightly scars. This is usually caused by picking or popping pimples, which is one of the worst skincare habits.

In today’s post we will be listing and describing 10 useful ingredients to help you prevent and target acne and banish it for good. Look for skincare products that contain the following as their main active ingredients.

1. Heartleaf houttuynia

Scientifically known as Houttuynia cordata, the Heartleaf houttuynia is a South-Asian medicinal (and edible) herb that gives off a beautiful aroma. It has long been used for the treatment of diseases like pneumonia, hypertension, constipation by detoxifying the body and reducing diuretic action.

How it can help clear your skin:

Further research on this herb has shown it to be an effective treatment for acne, since all the main constituents of heartleaf (polyphenolic flavonoids) have anti-inflammatory properties. The four main types of flavonoids in the plant are Quercetin, Quercitrin, Hyperoside and Rutin. These compounds all possess similar properties of being anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial, which make them potent for treating acne effectively. Studies have shown that Heartleaf houttuynia is particularly suitable for sensitive, oily-dehydrated and acne-prone skin.

Research has found that Houttuynia houttuynia extract contains polysaccharides (complex sugars) that serve as wonderful humectants, which are skin hydrators that bind and retain moisture levels of the skin, keeping it plump and dewy.

Furthermore, the extract from Heartleaf houttuynia possesses astringent properties, allowing it to gently deep-cleanse pores and regulate sebum production.

2. Camu camu

Native to the Amazon rainforest, Camu camu or Camo camo has the scientific name Myrciaria dubia and is a sour berry with a cheeky red colour. Traditionally, its fruits and leaves were used to treat a variety of gum, eye, skin, and immune system-related diseases. It is considered a superfood, due to its high content of nutrients and powerful compounds.

How it helps in your fight against acne:

1. Banishes pigmentation: Camu camu is rich in Vitamin C and niacin, both of which are potent in fading away pigmentation from acne scars (due to their amazing ability to inhibit melanin-producing cells). This will rapidly lighten and remove acne scars in no time. In addition, Camu camu contains 30x more vitamin C than oranges! It is known as the King of Vitamin C.
2. Heals the skin barrier: Camu camu contains antioxidants (coming from vitamin C and flavonoids, including anthocyanins and ellagic acid) which can help to treat acne, since they neutralise free radicals and help to repair the skin barrier.
3. Reduces inflammation: It is effective in fighting inflammation, also due to ellagic acid, which has been shown to inhibit the enzyme responsible for triggering inflammation, namely aldose reductase. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory properties can help to eliminate the painful redness and swelling caused by acne.
4. Exfoliates the skin: Not only does Camu camu fade away pigmentation caused by acne scars, it also exfoliates the build-up dead skin cells that are responsible for a dull complexion. The result is a healthy, radiant glow!

3. Propolis

Propolis is a resin-like substance formed from a mixture of various resins from plants (tree sap) and bee’s saliva. It is a healing substance often applied to wounds and places with bacterial infection.

How it can help to clear your acne:

Propolis is known for its ability to fight bacteria, infections, and inflammation, all of which give rise to acne. This makes it a suitable treatment for acne. It also hydrates the skin leaving it well-moisturised. Some studies have shown that propolis is rich in flavonoids, as detailed for Heartleaf houttuynia and Camu camu above. Look out for products that contain propolis the next time you shop for skincare products!

4. Azulene/guaiazulene

Azulene is an aromatic hydrocarbon that has a beautiful blue colour. It is a naturally occurring substance that is extracted by distillation from chamomile.

How it can help to clear your acne:

Azulene is known for its wonderful ability to calm the skin. It also possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly used in after-wax lotions as it soothes the skin and prevents in-grown hair. Frequent use of azulene can prevent blemishes, as well as fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation.

5. Tea tree

Tea tree is one of the most well-known and popular natural treatments for acne. It is extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, commonly known as tea tree, a small tree native to Australia. This wondrous ingredient repairs damaged skin and nail cells and is also used in cough medicine.

How it can help to clear your acne:

Abundant in antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, tea tree oil/extract is used as a pimple spot treatment and is also commonly added in various skincare products which makes it one of the best treatments for acne out there. One study showed a significant difference between tea tree oil gel and a placebo when treating acne. It also helps to lighten acne scars.

6. Mugwort

Native to Asia and Europe, mugwort is often seen as a ragweed, while this could not be further from the truth. Its roots have been used to make medicine for centuries and it serves to remedy many intestinal and fertility problems.

How it can help to clear your acne:

In the past, soldiers used to insert mugwort as soles into their shoes to help with the fatigue and soreness during war times. It is believed that mugwort stimulates the autonomic nervous system and induces relaxation and calm. It is also anti-inflammatory and reduces the redness and swelling of pimples. As used in China for “warming the blood” and inducing energy, this herb is also great for treating acne scarring and for promoting a natural, healthy glow.

7. Centella asiatica

Centella asiatica is widely known in the K-beauty community for its healing, soothing and antibacterial properties. It goes by a variety of different names such as Brahmi, Tiger grass, Asiatic pennywort, gotu kola or cica. Although it has had both culinary and medicinal uses, only recently it is gaining worldwide attention as a star skincare ingredient.

How it can help to clear your acne:

Studies have shown that Centella asiatica has antioxidant properties due to its main active ingredient, madecassoside. It is also a rich source of amino acids and there’s evidence to suggest that it can repair the skin’s protective barrier, mitigating the visible effects of damage induced by the sun (hello anti-aging) and acne. Research has also shown that it is great at hydrating and soothing angry, irritated skin.

8. Sulfur

We’re sure you’ve heard of By Wishtrend’s 3% Sulfur Gel, which is marketed as a spot treatment and is all the rage right now. So how does sulfur achieve such amazing results for acne-prone skin?

How it can help to clear your acne:

Sulfur is an excellent ingredient for the treatment of acne and is like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. However, sulfur is unlike these ingredients in that it is gentler on the skin. It helps to dry out the skin surface by absorbing excessive oil (sebum), which is the major cause of acne. It also helps to unclog pores by loosening dead skin cells. It is also known to help reduce pigmentation caused by acne scars thus leaving your skin fresh and clear.

9. Chemical exfoliants

Exfoliation is an integral part of every skincare regime, as accumulated dead skin can cause discolouration and congestion which in turn leads to dull skin or acne. Although skin cells typically regenerate every month, sun exposure and aging can slow down this natural process making regular exfoliation necessary. Chemical exfoliants can serve this purpose quite well.

How they can help to clear your acne:

Chemical exfoliants are gentle acids that help you get rid of acne and dead skin cells. Since physical exfoliation can be harsh, especially on acne prone skin, chemical exfoliants work as the best treatment for acne in such cases. Some of the common gentle chemical exfoliants are AHAs (Alpha hydroxy acids), BHAs (Beta hydroxy acids) and PHAs (Poly hydroxy acids). AHAs may include glycolic, lactic and citric acid; all of which are naturally found in fruits. BHAs are oil soluble acids that penetrate skin pores, making them suitable for clearing out blackheads. In addition to exfoliation, chemical exfoliants can help to remove excessive oil from the skin.

10. Hydrocolloid (pimple patches)

Hydrocolloid patches have been widely used for decades in the medicinal community for the purpose of wound healing and they are used for fighting off painful acne as well.

How it can help to clear your acne:

Hydrocolloid patches simply absorb the excessive fluids like pus and sebum from your pimple and simultaneously provide a barrier to your fingers (so that you don’t touch your acne and make it worse). It basically boosts the healing process and lets the pimple heal in a protected environment, considerably reducing the chances of scarring. The most considerable advantage of hydrocolloid as a treatment of acne is that it helps you prevent from popping or picking your zits/pimples which is a common habit among those who suffer from acne.

We hope you gained some valuable insight on the incorporation of effective ingredients into your acne skincare routine. Which ones will you be incorporating into your regimen?