Acne Face Wash

Can this acne face wash recipe really help get rid of these blasted face bumps?

Acne is caused by a bacteria that festers in blocked skin follicles and results in ugly embarrassing blemishes.  This recipe contains mild and effective ingredients to help clear the bacteria out of the pores and moisturize the skin without being comedogenic.

Pictured: Safflower Oil

Here are a few pointers to help reduce acne:

• Keep the face clean, but don’t over-wash.
• Don’t touch the face with unclean hands and spread the bacteria.
• Apply an ice cube on a pimple for a minute or two to reduce swelling.
• Lightly moisturize over-dry skin with a non-clogging, “noncomedogenic” oil such as jojoba, safflower, sunflower, or grapeseed oil.
• Do not over-makeup with a heavy foundation and blush; choose oil free make-ups.
• Avoid eating too much greasy junk food.
• Reduce stress, which may flair up acne.

Try this gentle Acne Face Wash recipe to help clean and gently moisturize the skin.

Pictured: Tea Tree Oil

Acne Face Wash Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp of safflower oil
• 1 Tbsp of aloe vera gel
• 1/2 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar
• 10 drops of tea tree essential oil OR 10 drops of citronella essential oil

Acne Face Wash Instructions

In a small glass jar, add the safflower oil and 20 drops of tea tree oil.  Mix.  Add in the aloe vera gel and apple cider vinegar and mix again.  Put about a teaspoonful on a wash cloth.  Gently scrub face clean and rinse with warm water.  Wash face twice a day.  Do not get in eyes.  Discontinue use if there is any irritation.  Keep recipe in a sealed jar.  Do not get water or other contaminants in the jar.

Pictured: Aloe Gel

Acne Face Wash Research

• Safflower oil had an antimicrobial affect against acne bacteria in vitro.  From:  Park, Y. H., & Lee, C. S. (2011). Efficacy of safflower on the acne skin and its application for facial cleansing biomedical material. Journal of the Korean Chemical Society, 55(3), 400-404.
• Rosemary essential oil was effective against acne skin bacteria.  From:  Fu, Y., Zu, Y., Chen, L., Efferth, T., Liang, H., Liu, Z., & Liu, W. (2007). Investigation of antibacterial activity of rosemary essential oil against Propionibacterium acnes with atomic force microscopy. Planta medica, 73(12), 1275-1280.
• Against skin pathogens, U. barbata (beard lichen) extract and usnic acid were the most active; rosemary, sage, frankincense, and devil’s claw extracts also proved to be effective against a variety of bacteria.  From:  Weckesser, S., Engel, K., Simon-Haarhaus, B., Wittmer, A., Pelz, K., & Schempp, C. M. (2007). Screening of plant extracts for antimicrobial activity against bacteria and yeasts with dermatological relevance. Phytomedicine, 14(7), 508-516.
• In a review of research for tea tree in the treatment of acne, it was considered effective and well tolerated.  From:  Hammer, K. A. (2015). Treatment of acne with tea tree oil (melaleuca) products: A review of efficacy, tolerability and potential modes of action. International journal of antimicrobial agents, 45(2), 106-110.
• Seven essential oils were tested in vitro for their activity against acne bacteria, and citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) showed the greatest potential, and may also help reduce scarring.  From:  Lertsatitthanakorn, P., Taweechaisupapong, S., Aromdee, C., & Khunkitti, W. (2006). In vitro bioactivities of essential oils used for acne control. International Journal of Aromatherapy, 16(1), 43-49.
• A solution with 5% tea tree oil was effective in treating acne.  From:  Enshaieh, S., Jooya, A., Siadat, A. H., & Iraji, F. (2007). The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology, 73(1), 22.
• A randomized trial of 124 patients with 5% tea-tree oil and 5% benzoyl peroxide had a significant effect in reducing patients’ acne lesions.  From:  Bassett, I. B., Pannowitz, D. L., & Barnetson, R. S. (1990). A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne. The Medical Journal of Australia, 153(8), 455-458.
• Hops extracts of xanthohumol and the lupulones showed in vitro activity against bacteria that cause acne.   From:  Yamaguchi, N., Satoh-Yamaguchi, K., & Ono, M. (2009). In vitro evaluation of antibacterial, anticollagenase, and antioxidant activities of hop components (Humulus lupulus) addressing acne vulgaris. Phytomedicine, 16(4), 369-376.
• Safflower oil had an antimicrobial affect against acne bacteria in vitro.  From:  Park, Y. H., & Lee, C. S. (2011). Efficacy of safflower on the acne skin and its application for facial cleansing biomedical material. Journal of the Korean Chemical Society, 55(3), 400-404.
• Herbs used to treat acne were discussed.  From:  Kanlayavattanakul, M., & Lourith, N. (2011). Therapeutic agents and herbs in topical application for acne treatment. International journal of cosmetic science, 33(4), 289-297.
• In this clinical study of 84 subjects with acne, a blend of aloe gel and basil oil reduced acne.  From:  Orafidiya, L. O., Agbani, E. O., Oyedele, A. O., Babalola, O. O., Onayemi, O., & Aiyedun, F. F. (2004). The effect of aloe vera gel on the anti-acne properties of the essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum Linn leaf–a preliminary clinical investigation. International Journal of Aromatherapy, 14(1), 15-21.
• Skin redness in those having acne was reduced with the topical use of aloe vera and tretinoin.  From:  Hajheydari, Z., Saeedi, M., Morteza-Semnani, K., & Soltani, A. (2014). Effect of Aloe vera topical gel combined with tretinoin in treatment of mild and moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind, prospective trial. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 25(2), 123-129.
• Benefits of apple cider vinegar were reviewed.  From:  Bragg, P. C., Patricia Bragg, N. D., & Bragg, P. C. (2003). Apple Cider Vinegar Miracle Health System. Health Science Publications, Inc.
• Seven essential oils were tested in vitro for their activity against acne bacteria, and citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) showed the greatest potential, and may also help reduce scarring.  From:  Lertsatitthanakorn, P., Taweechaisupapong, S., Aromdee, C., & Khunkitti, W. (2006). In vitro bioactivities of essential oils used for acne control. International Journal of Aromatherapy, 16(1), 43-49.

By: Kathy Sadowski, MS in Aromatherapy, Registered Aromatherapist, LMT

4/11/18

This categorized compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use. These statements are not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any diseases. The information at this page has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Consult a Doctor before using herbs and essential oils if you have medical conditions, are taking medications, or have questions.