At the first sign of a pimple, our reaction is to pile on the lotions and potions to try to make it disappear. But commonly used acne products can be filled with chemicals that may do more harm than good. Dr. Mariesette Santiago, a Toronto-based naturopathic doctor and green beauty expert explains, “When your skin is acne-prone, it tends to be inflamed and irritated, so staying away from chemical and synthetic ingredients can be helpful at not overstimulating it.”

Take benzoyl peroxide, for example, a chemical found in many acne-fighting products. This powerful ingredient helps kill bacteria, but in doing so, it can irritate and dehydrate skin. “Benzoyl peroxide is actually forbidden in Europe,” states Mathilde Thomas, co-founder of French skincare brand Caudalie. “We believe it is actually extremely strong and should only be used under [a dermatologist’s] control.” Santiago adds that these chemicals eventually end up in our bloodstream and can have negative effects on our hormones and overall health.

The good news is that there are natural alternatives to these popular pimple-banishing chemicals that can work wonders on skin, without having serious side-effects on your health or the environment. Without further ado, meet five ingredients that battle breakouts the gentle, natural way.

Tea Tree Oil

What it is: Derived from the leaves of tea tree plants, which are native to Australia, this essential oil (also referred to as melaleuca oil) is touted for its strong antibacterial properties.

How it works: This antiseptic oil is a medicine cabinet staple and has more than 100 compounds that work to battle acne-causing bacteria found on skin. “Because it’s so effective at destroying bacteria,” Santiago says, “it’s a great alternative to benzoyl peroxide.” Plus, it’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t gunk up pores.

Downsides: Pure tea tree oil can be harsh on the skin if not diluted in a carrier oil or mixed with other ingredients. “Using only pure 100 per cent tea tree essential oil on your skin is very potent and can aggravate your skin,” Santiago explains.

Product picks:

The Body ShopThe Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Body Wash, $16, thebodyshop.com
VitruviVitruvi Tea Tree Essential Oil, $15, vitruvi.ca
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Manuka Honey

What it is: Native to New Zealand and Australia, manuka honey comes from bees that pollinate manuka plants, jelly bushes and golden tea trees. Compared to regular honey, like the kind found in grocery stores, it’s packed with way more nutrients, says Julie Clark, a holistic aesthetician and founder of Province Apothecary. Its medicinal use can be traced all the way back to Ancient Egypt, where it was used to treat infections, ulcers and burns because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

How it works: This soothing multi-tasker works efficiently to reduce redness and congestion. Plus, it is a gentle exfoliator, which “promotes skin regeneration, repairs cellular damage and minimizes scarring,” Clark explains.

Downsides: Since it’s naturally hydrating, you don’t need to worry about this ingredient drying out your skin, but you do need to be mindful of possible allergies. Make sure to do a spot test and watch for swelling, redness or itchiness before slathering it on your face.

Product picks:

OsmiaOsmia Detox Exfoliating Mask, $63.40, thedetoxmarket.ca
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AntipodesAntipodes Juliet Skin-Brightening Gel Cleanser, $29, beautybay.com

 

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Salicylic Acid

What it is: Derived from willow bark and wintergreen plants, natural salicylic acid is an alternative to synthetic salicylic acid, one of the most popular and effective skin-clearing ingredients.

How it works: According to Thomas, natural salicylic acid has the same effects as the lab version, meaning it will successfully unclog and clear pores as well as stimulate cell renewal. Thomas claims, “It’s great, but for me it is not enough,” going on to say that it’s even more effective when combined with other powerful ingredients such as antioxidants and antibacterial essential oils.

Downsides: Like its synthetic counterpart, it can be drying, so it’s best to look for products that combine it with hydrating ingredients. For example, Caudalie’s Vinopure collection, where salicylic acid from wintergreen is a star ingredient, uses moisturizing grape water to combat dehydration.

Product picks:

CaudalieCaudalie Vinopure Skin Perfecting Serum, $59, caudalie.com
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OdaciteOdacite Mint + Green Tea Hydra-Purifying Treatment Mist, $65, thedetoxmarket.ca
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Bentonite Clay

What it is: “Bentonite is a volcanic ash deposited in sea water,” explains Clark. It has been used as a beauty treatment for centuries. Legend has it even Cleopatra was a fan, concocting face masks out of clay from the Nile River.

How it works: “Bentonite clay draws toxins out of the skin,” Clark says, adding that, when combined with water to create a mask, this clarifying and anti-inflammatory ingredient “binds to bacteria within pores, thus extracting it from the deeper levels of the skin.”

Downsides: When left on too long, the clay can irritate or dehydrate skin. Like with any product, Santiago encourages you to follow the directions on the package and only leave it on for the suggested amount of time.

Product picks:

Aztec SecretAztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, $9.39, walmart.ca
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Province ApothecaryProvince Apothecary Detoxifying + Clarifying Clay Mask, $48, thedetoxmarket.ca
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Cod Liver Oil

What it is: Like the name suggests, cod liver oil comes from the liver of cod and is high in good-for-you omega-3 fatty acids as well as antioxidants and vitamins A and D. Not a fish eater? This ingredient is commonly consumed in liquid or capsule form.

How it works: This nutrient-rich oil serves up many benefits for the skin. Clark shares that the omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, vitamin A works to restore healthy skin cells, vitamin D regulates sebum production and the antioxidants fight free-radical damage. The combination of these, she says, “reduces scarring, inflammation and balances oil secretions.”

Downsides: If you take this product according to guidelines, there are no significant drawbacks. However, some people may be put off by the strong taste and the fact that it can cause gas!

Product picks:

Webber NaturalsWebber Naturals Cod Liver Oil Softgels, $10, well.ca
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NutraSea+DNutraSea Cod Liver Oil With Vitamin D, $23, vitamart.ca
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Main photography by Oana Cazan

 

 

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