Acne results from blocked skin follicles, encouraging bacteria, and resulting in infection and pimples. During puberty, hormonal changes result in increased sebum production that can cause the blocked pores. Here are a few basic suggestions:
- 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 its size.
- Lightly moisturize over-dry skin with a non-clogging, “noncomedogenic” oil such as jojoba.
- Do not over-makeup, such as with heavy foundation, blush; choose oil free make-up.
- Avoid eating too much greasy junk food.
- Reduce stress, which may flair up the skin.
Recipes to Help with Acne
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RESEARCH
The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description of each article/study. This compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use of any herb listed.
GENERAL
- 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 review of research, different essential oil blends were found in studies to by synergistically effective against the acne pathogens Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes. Blends that included manuka, vetiver, patchouli, cinnamon, and sandalwood were mentioned. From: Orchard, A., Van Vuuren, S. F., Viljoen, A. M., & Kamatou, G. (2018). The in vitro antimicrobial evaluation of commercial essential oils and their combinations against acne. International journal of cosmetic science, 40(3), 226-243.
ALOE & BASIL
- In this clinical study of 84 subjects with acne, a blend of aloe gel and basil oil reduced the condition. 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.
- In a study of 126 subjects with acne, a 2% Ocimum oil was more effecive than benzoyl peroxide in treating acne. From: Orafidiya, L., Agbani, E., Oyedele, A., Babalola, O., & Onayemi, O. (2002). Preliminary clinical tests on topical preparations of Ocimum gratissimum Linn leaf essential oil for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Clinical Drug Investigation, 22(5), 313-319.
- In a controlled comparison study of 51 people with acne, applying crushed basil leaves to the face twice daily for 8 weeks was just as effective as the group that took tetracycline (500 mg, 2 times per day) and a facial sulfur lotion at reducing acne. From: Balambal, R., Thiruvengadam, K. V., Kameswarant, L., Janaki, V. R., & Thambiah, A. S. (1985). Ocimum basilicum in acne vulgaris–a controlled comparison with a standard regime. The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India, 33(8), 507-508.
- In a 30 day study of 60 patients with acne, a cream containing propolis, tea tree oil, and aloe vera was better than erythromycin cream in reducing scars, lessions, and acne severity. From: Mazzarello, V., Donadu, M. G., Ferrari, M., Piga, G., Usai, D., Zanetti, S., & Sotgiu, M. A. (2018). Treatment of acne with a combination of propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera compared to erythromycin cream: two double-blind investigations. Clinical pharmacology: advances and applications, 10, 175.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
- 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.
CANNABIS
- A cannabis seed extract reduced sebum production and the acne erythema in a study of healthy males over 12 weeks. From: Ali, A., & Akhtar, N. (2015). The safety and efficacy of 3% Cannabis seeds extract cream for reduction of human cheek skin sebum and erythema content. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 28(4).
CEDARWOOD
- In a reported case study, the use of cedarwood essential oil was useful in treating acne. From: Hassoun, L. A., Ornelas, J. N., & Sivamani, R. K. (2016). Cedarwood Oil as Complementary Treatment in Refractory Acne. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 22(3), 252-253.
CINNAMON
- Manuka, ylang ylang, vetiver, patchouli, cinnamon, and sandalwood essential oils provided varying noteworthy synergistic activities with other essential oils against microbes that cause acne in vitro. From: Orchard, A., van Vuuren, S. F., Viljoen, A. M., & Kamatou, G. (2018). The in vitro antimicrobial evaluation of commercial essential oils and their combinations against acne. International journal of cosmetic science, 40(3), 226-243.
CITRONELLA
- 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.
GINGER
- In a study of 32 participants with acne, intake of ginger reduced lesion count. From: Miglani, A., & Manchanda, R. K. (2014). Prospective, non‐randomised, open‐label study of homeopathic Z ingiber officinale (ginger) in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies, 19(4), 191-197.
- Three ginger varieties showed antibacterial activity against acne in vitro. From: Indrawati, I., & Miranti, M. (2017). Antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts of rhizome from three ginger varieties against acne isolated bacteria. Nusantara Bioscience, 9(1), 92-96.
GERANIUM
- This human study showed that a tonic with 0.25% Pelargonium graveolens essential oil was effective in reducing sebum production on face skin. It further stated that excessive sebum production can contribute to skin disorders such as acne vulgaris or seborrheic dermatitis. From: Kozlowska, J., Kaczmarkiewicz, A., Stachowiak, N., & Sionkowska, A. (2017). Evaluation of Sebostatic Activity of Juniperus communis Fruit Oil and Pelargonium graveolens Oil Compared to Niacinamide. Cosmetics, 4(3), 36.
HOPS
- 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.
MANGOSTEEN
- In this study, 94 subjects with acne were involved in ingesting mangosteen daily for three weeks. Acne lesions were reduced more with mangosteen than with the placebo. More research is needed. From: Sutono, T. (2013). Efficacy of Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen rind extract) to reduce acne severity. Medical Journal of Indonesia, 22(3), 167-72.
MANUKA
- Manuka, ylang ylang, vetiver, patchouli, cinnamon, and sandalwood essential oils provided varying noteworthy synergistic activities with other essential oils against microbes that cause acne in vitro. From: Orchard, A., van Vuuren, S. F., Viljoen, A. M., & Kamatou, G. (2018). The in vitro antimicrobial evaluation of commercial essential oils and their combinations against acne. International journal of cosmetic science, 40(3), 226-243.
MORINGA
- A 3% moringa leaf extract was applied to the face to 11 healthy males ages 20-35 twice daily for 12 weeks. Results showed reduced undesirable skin sebum secretions. From: Ali, A., Akhtar, N., Khan, M. S., Khan, M. T., Ullah, A., & Shah, M. I. (2013). Effect of Moringa oleifera on undesireble skin sebum secretions of sebaceous glands observed during winter season in humans.
PALMAROSA
- Palmarosa essential oil showed antibacterial activity against the bacteria that can cause skin acne with geraniol as the most likely active constituent. More research is warranted. From: Andrade, B. M. T., Barbosa, L. N., Alves, F. B., Albano, M., Fernandes, R. K., Gorgulho, C. M., … & Brüggemann, H. (2016). Cymbopogon martinii essential oil: chemical characterization, effects on Propionibacterium acnes and immune response in lymphocytes. Planta Medica, 82(S 01), P185.
- The affect of palmarosa oil against Cutibacterium acnes bacteria on shoulder skin was assessed. From: Murbach Teles Andrade, B. F., Nunes Barbosa, L., Bérgamo Alves, F. C., Pereira Marques, A. F., Albano, M., Mores Rall, V. L., … & Fernandes Júnior, A. (2018). The impact of Cymbopogon martinii essential oil on Cutibacterium (formerly Propionibacterium) acnes strains and its interaction with keratinocytes. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 70(12), 1688-1699.
PATCHOULI
- Manuka, ylang ylang, vetiver, patchouli, cinnamon, and sandalwood essential oils provided varying noteworthy synergistic activities with other essential oils against microbes that cause acne in vitro. From: Orchard, A., van Vuuren, S. F., Viljoen, A. M., & Kamatou, G. (2018). The in vitro antimicrobial evaluation of commercial essential oils and their combinations against acne. International journal of cosmetic science, 40(3), 226-243.
ROSEMARY
- 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.
SAFFLOWER
- 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.
SEA CLAY & JOJOBA
- A face mask with sea clay and jojoba reduced acne marks in participants. Meier, L., Stange, R., Michalsen, A., & Uehleke, B. (2012). Clay jojoba oil facial mask for lesioned skin and mild acne–results of a prospective, observational pilot study. Complementary Medicine Research, 19(2), 75-79.
TEA TREE
- 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.
- In a double blind clinical study with 60 patients with mild to moderate acne, 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.
- A tea tree product was applied to the face twice daily for 12 weeks by 18 participants. It resulted in improved skin with no adverse events. From: Malhi, H. K., Tu, J., Riley, T. V., Kumarasinghe, S. P., & Hammer, K. A. (2017). Tea tree oil gel for mild to moderate acne; a 12 week uncontrolled, open‐label phase II pilot study. Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 58(3), 205-210.
- In a 30 day study of 60 patients with acne, a cream containing propolis, tea tree oil, and aloe vera was better than erythromycin cream in reducing scars, lessions, and acne severity. From: Mazzarello, V., Donadu, M. G., Ferrari, M., Piga, G., Usai, D., Zanetti, S., & Sotgiu, M. A. (2018). Treatment of acne with a combination of propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera compared to erythromycin cream: two double-blind investigations. Clinical pharmacology: advances and applications, 10, 175.
VETIVER
- Manuka, ylang ylang, vetiver, patchouli, cinnamon, and sandalwood essential oils provided varying noteworthy synergistic activities with other essential oils against microbes that cause acne in vitro. From: Orchard, A., van Vuuren, S. F., Viljoen, A. M., & Kamatou, G. (2018). The in vitro antimicrobial evaluation of commercial essential oils and their combinations against acne. International journal of cosmetic science, 40(3), 226-243.
YARROW
- The usefulness of yarrow in treating acne is reviewed. From: Shah, R., & Peethambaran, B. (2018). Anti-inflammatory and Anti-microbial Properties of Achillea millefolium in Acne Treatment. In Immunity and Inflammation in Health and Disease (pp. 241-248). Academic Press.
YLANG YLANG
- Manuka, ylang ylang, vetiver, patchouli, cinnamon, and sandalwood essential oils provided varying noteworthy synergistic activities with other essential oils against microbes that cause acne in vitro. From: Orchard, A., van Vuuren, S. F., Viljoen, A. M., & Kamatou, G. (2018). The in vitro antimicrobial evaluation of commercial essential oils and their combinations against acne. International journal of cosmetic science, 40(3), 226-243.
By: Kathy Sadowski, Last Updated 2/5/2020
