If you’ve ever struggled with acne, you know how frustrating and stubborn it can be.
We’ve all been there, trying product after product in the hopes of achieving clear, glowing skin.
Often, conventional acne treatments come with a long list of chemicals that can sometimes do more harm than good. That’s where natural-based skincare comes in as a gentler, effective alternative to the harsher treatments on the market.
Switching to natural-based skincare can be a game changer. Whether you’re looking to soothe inflammation, fight acne-causing bacteria, or hydrate your skin without clogging pores, Mother Nature literally has you covered.
What exactly makes natural skincare so special when it comes to treating acne? And how can switching to these products benefit your skin?
1. Gentler on Your Skin
One of the biggest advantages of using natural-based skincare products is that they are much gentler on your skin.
Unlike some traditional acne treatments that can leave your skin dry, red, and irritated, natural ingredients work in harmony with your skin. Think of things like tea tree oil, aloe vera, and witch hazel—they all have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, but without the side effects that can come with synthetic chemicals.
A Recommended Product:
Esmi Charcoal Serum | Congested Skin Treatment RRP $65
This is a gentle exfoliating serum to gently buff, detox & purify congested skin for a clearer, smoother complexion.
It uses plant-based Fruit Acid Combination AHA’s to help speed up the cell renewal process, helping to maintain a soft and smooth youthful looking complexion. It also contains luxurious 24K gold flakes which provide skin plumping and regenerative action – boosting skin elasticity, improving blood circulation and slowing the depletion of collagen.
Harsh chemicals like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, while effective, can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to irritation and even more breakouts. Natural alternatives tend to maintain your skin’s delicate balance, allowing it to heal in a way that’s both gentle and nourishing.
2. Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation is one of the primary causes of acne. When your skin gets inflamed, it can become red, swollen, and tender, leading to those pesky pimples we all dread. Natural skincare ingredients like chamomile, green tea, and calendula are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. These botanical powerhouses help calm the skin and reduce inflammation, making breakouts less severe and easier to manage.
Recommended Product:
Weleda Purifying Gel Cleanser RRP $28.95
The gentle gel cleanser has been specifically formulated to help combat oily, problematic skin.
Combining the ingredients of Liquorice, (known for its soothing, anti-microbial qualities), Willow Bark, (which is anti-bacterial) and Witch Hazel (known to be a mild astringent, and helps tighten pores), this cleanser tackles oily build-up on your skin for a deep clean cleanse, to help reduce pimples and blackheads. It also has a calming, soothing effect and so helps to reduce redness.
Weleda also has a fabulous SOS Spot Treatment RRP $22.95 which perfect for drying spots fast by destroying germs and drying up the spot fast.
Many natural oils—such as Jojoba and Rose Hip oil which mimic the skin’s natural sebum (oil), helping to regulate oil production and soothe inflammation at the same time. This balancing act can be a game changer for those with acne-prone skin.
3. Antibacterial Powerhouses
Bacteria is a major player in acne development. One of the reasons why many conventional treatments work is because they target the bacteria that lead to breakouts. Luckily, nature has its own set of antibacterial heroes. Ingredients like tea tree oil, manuka honey, and neem oil are incredibly effective at fighting acne-causing bacteria, but they do so without disrupting your skin’s overall health.
Recommended Product:
Dopeskin.co Exfoliating Skin Care Purifying & Nourish Kit RRP $95.88
Using organic hemp, this is a simple three-step purifying face routine packed with gentle exfoliants, skin nourishing botanical antioxidants and vitamin goodness to gently exfoliate and draw out impurities to reveal a softer, smoother, more radiant complexion.
Hemp is known for it’s skin benefits when dealing with inflamed, blemish and acne prone skin, as it uses cannabinoids and CBD to calm irritated skin, balance sebum production, provide relief for acne, sooth sensitive skin, and rejuvenate.
For example, tea tree oil is often touted as one of the best natural treatments for acne. It has powerful antibacterial properties that target the bacteria deep within your pores, helping to reduce pimples and prevent future breakouts. And the best part? It does this without causing the stinging, burning sensation that sometimes comes with harsher treatments.
4. Hydrating and Nourishing
A lot of acne treatments tend to dry out the skin in an attempt to zap excess oil, but over-drying can actually make things worse. When your skin feels dry, it often produces more oil to compensate, which can lead to—you guessed it—more acne. Natural-based skincare is packed with hydrating ingredients that nourish your skin while treating breakouts.
Recommended Product:
Woohoo Sunrise Over C Mattifying Facial Oil RRP $39.95
Made with vitamin C and turmeric, this light yet luxurious oil is heaven for oily and blemish prone skin, sinking right in without any oily residue or shine. It’s also non-comedogenic, which means it won’t cause breakouts.
It focuses on reducing the appearance of redness and imperfections and harnesses the anti-inflammatory powers of the ayurvedic superhero, turmeric aka “liquid gold” which help to visibly reduce pigmentation, lighten, and brighten the appearance of your skin.
Aloe vera, honey, and cucumber extract, for example, are deeply moisturizing without clogging pores. They work to replenish your skin’s moisture barrier, leaving it soft and hydrated, which is crucial when treating acne. Proper hydration helps your skin heal faster and reduces the risk of irritation and future breakouts.
5. Free From Harmful Chemicals
One of the best things about natural skincare is that it tends to be free from potentially harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances. These common ingredients can clog pores, irritate sensitive skin, and exacerbate acne. When you opt for natural-based products, you’re typically choosing something that’s free from harsh additives, giving your skin a much-needed break from all the artificial stuff.
Instead, you’re using plant-based, organic ingredients that nourish and heal your skin without causing harm. And with the clean beauty movement in full swing, it’s easier than ever to find effective, natural acne treatments that actually work.
Recommended Product:
Zilch Formulas Acne Formula RRP $149
Depending on the type of acne you have, and you may need to see a specialist to find out whether your acne is a result of genetics, or you have Cystic acne (which comes from the deep layers of your skin), or surface acne caused from chemical irritations and even makeup, you may need to look at internal treatments to help you fight acne.
This Acne Formula is patented technology from Zilch, and is an all natural Chinese Medicine based formula, in herbal tablet form, designed by Dr. Vivian Tam. Zilch has been known to assist in the management of mild to moderate acne. Ingredients in this formula have been traditionally used to clear toxicity and reduce heat in the body, reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation.
6. Long-Term Skin Health
While conventional acne treatments can provide quick fixes, natural-based skincare offers long-term benefits. By feeding your skin with vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids found in nature, you’re not just treating the symptoms of acne—you’re improving your overall skin health. Over time, this can lead to clearer, stronger, and more radiant skin that’s better able to fight off breakouts on its own.