Chamomile from acne on the face: decoctions, infusions, lotions, masks

An effective remedy for fighting skin problems is chamomile. For acne, it is used in the form of solutions, lotions, infusions, masks and even ice cubes.

Improper nutrition, polluted environment, medications and many other factors actively affect our skin. They increase the period of activity of the sebaceous glands, subjecting the skin to additional stress. Because of this, people of any age face acne, but most often teenagers during hormonal changes.

Acne is a non-medical term, as the meaning of this problem is too vague. The following types of acne (pimples) are distinguished:

• A comedone (white pimple) is a sebaceous plug that has clogged a pore and caused an inflammatory process. Comedones are often called blackheads, as the black color indicates oxidized sebum on the surface of the pimple. If it appears at the top of the pore, it is an open comedone, while closed comedones are located deep in the pores. If an infection penetrates a closed comedone, it leads to the development of a papule.
• A papule is an inflammatory and painful growth. Its color ranges from red to bluish, but when pressed, it turns pale.
• Pustule - contains purulent contents, which appear as a white dot on the surface of the formation.
• Nodular cystic acne is one form of pustules. They penetrate deep into the dermis and form conglomerates. They are connected by fistulous ducts.
• Fulminant is a severe form of acne. It manifests itself in large areas with acne, hyperthermia, pain in bones and muscles, and changes in the leukocyte form. The disease has several stages.

Chamomile (Matricaria) has pronounced anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Due to this, it copes well with acne on the face and body. The plant disinfects and stops inflammatory processes, improves metabolic processes in tissues, saturates the skin with useful substances, moisturizes, stimulates the regeneration of damaged tissues.

Does chamomile help with acne?

The effectiveness of chamomile in treating acne is based on its beneficial properties:

• Antibacterial – In most cases, acne is caused by germs and bacteria. The plant destroys pathogens and reduces skin rashes.
• Anti-inflammatory – acne and purulent formations are accompanied by inflammatory reactions. Chamomile relieves inflammation, soothes and brightens the skin.
• Regulates sebum production – increased sebum synthesis leads to acne and pimples. The plant normalizes secretion and reduces the number of pimples.
• Detoxifying – a herbal remedy that absorbs cellular metabolic products and toxins.
• Regenerating – accelerates the processes of restoration of damaged tissues. Stimulates local metabolic processes, facilitating the healing process.

In most cases, acne is caused not by dermatological problems, but by various diseases of the body. For complex treatment of a cosmetic defect, not only external influence is indicated, but also the elimination of internal problems. The latter include endocrine pathologies, gynecological, gastroenterological disorders.

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Indications daisies

Only the inflorescences of the chamomile are used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes. The chemical composition of the herb has many medicinal components.

The plant contains carotenoids, organic acids, coumarins, essential oils, vitamins, glycosides and other substances. Such a unique composition makes chamomile an indispensable remedy in the treatment of various inflammatory processes of the skin, including acne.

The main indications for the use of chamomile-based preparations:

• Normalization of sebaceous glands.
• Normalization of metabolic processes.
• Destruction of germs and bacteria.
• Stimulation of regeneration processes.
• Eliminates swelling and redness.
• Soothes the skin.
• Moisturizing and nourishing.
• Fights pigmentation, whitens skin.
• Improves complexion.
• Improving blood microcirculation.

The herbaceous plant is excellent for the care of any type of skin and has a minimum of contraindications for use.

Release form

Chamomile is produced in the form of dry crushed raw materials, liquid extracts and tinctures (including alcohol). There are also essential oils, creams and ointments with a herbal component.

In cosmetology, dry raw materials are most often used and decoctions, infusions, lotions and other skin care products are prepared on its basis.

Chamomile decoction for acne

The chamomile-based decoction contains many useful substances that have a complex effect on the skin. Indications for use of the decoction:

• Acne treatment.
• Inflammation and irritation of the skin.
• Swelling.
• Rejuvenation and restoration of skin.
• Whitening of pigment spots.

Methods of preparing the decoction:

1. Take 1 tablespoon of dried flowers and pour 250 ml of boiling water. Put in a steam bath for 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and let it brew until cool. Before use, strain the product and add boiled water to obtain the initial volume.
2. Pour a glass of cold water over a tablespoon of inflorescences and set on low heat until boiling. After cooling, strain the mixture and add boiled water. Instead of inflorescences, you can use grass packaged in filter bags.

In the fight against acne, chamomile decoction is used as a means for washing, as well as as lotions. Washing perfectly tones the skin, improves its color and structure, gives a feeling of vigor. Also, the decoction can be used as a tonic for daily face cleansing and prevention of skin rashes.

Chamomile infusion for acne

Matricaria herb has disinfectant and regenerative properties, so it is excellent for eliminating such a dermatological problem as acne.

Useful properties of chamomile infusion:

• Gently disinfects.
• Tightens and cleanses pores.
• Normalizes sebum secretion.
• Relieves inflammation and redness.
• Accelerates regenerative processes.

To prepare the infusion, take a tablespoon of the herb inflorescences and pour 250 ml of boiling water. After cooling, strain and use for skin treatment.

Chamomile tincture for acne

Preparations based on medicinal herbs contain the entire complex of useful substances of the plant:

• Essential oils.
• Organic acids.
• Vitamins and minerals.

Chamomile tincture effectively combats skin rashes and irritations, and relieves inflammation.

The tincture is especially effective for comedones and acne. Take 250 ml of alcohol or vodka and 4 tablespoons of dried herb flowers. Pour the herbal raw material with alcohol, pour into a container that closes tightly. Shake thoroughly and put in a dark place for 10-14 days. Shake the tincture daily.

It is recommended to strain the finished product and use it as a skin care lotion. This tincture will normalize sebum secretion in a short time, tighten pores, relieve irritation and redness, and eliminate any signs of acne.

Chamomile compress for acne

Another way to use chamomile for acne treatment and facial care is compresses. Fresh decoctions and infusions of the herb are best suited for compresses. To prepare them, pour a tablespoon of dried flowers with a glass of boiling water and boil until boiling or let it brew until it cools.

Soak a cotton pad or a small piece of gauze/bandage folded several times in the prepared herbal solution. Apply the compress to the problem areas of the skin for 1-2 hours, secure with a bandage if necessary. Compresses are recommended to be done 1-2 times a day, and best of all before bedtime.

To enhance the beneficial properties of the compress, add 2 crushed aspirin and analgin tablets, 1 teaspoon of boric acid and 100 ml of alcohol to 300 ml of chamomile solution. The finished product effectively copes with subcutaneous pimples and stagnant acne, abscesses. Such compresses are used 1-2 times a day for 5 minutes.

Chamomile decoction against acne

The most universal option for using chamomile to treat acne is to use decoctions. The decoction is suitable for all skin types and people of any age. The product has a wide range of action:

• Eliminates pimples and acne breakouts.
• Soothes irritated skin.
• Moisturizes and prevents flaking.
• Whitens pigment spots.
• Reduces puffiness and dark circles under the eyes.
• Smoothes out fine wrinkles.
• Promotes tightening of aging skin.

To prepare the decoction, take a tablespoon of dried or fresh chamomile flowers and pour 250 ml of water. Place in a water bath on low heat and cook until boiling. After cooling, strain thoroughly.

The finished decoction is great for washing and wiping the face, for compresses, as a spray, toning ice cubes, and also as part of masks. Regular treatment of the skin with a plant remedy not only eliminates various rashes, but also prevents their occurrence.

Chamomile solution for acne

Another effective method of using chamomile to eliminate skin rashes and acne is a herbal solution or hydrolate.

• Chamomile water is a secondary distillate formed by steam distillation of the herbal remedy.
• The concentrated liquid is formed by passing steam through plant material.
• This solution (hydrolate) has the properties of essential oils, but is gentler in its action, so it is perfect for the treatment and care of sensitive skin.

To prepare the solution, you will need a steamer and fresh chamomile. Place the steamer with the herb in a pot of water. Place any container on the chamomile to collect the condensate. Cover the pot with an upside-down lid and place on low heat.

In order for the steam to quickly turn into liquid and flow into the container, cold water should be poured into the lid. Preparing such a solution is a labor-intensive process and takes 2-3 hours.

The finished product is poured into a glass container with a tight lid and stored in the refrigerator for 4-6 months. For acne, chamomile hydrolate is suitable for wiping the skin, compresses and lotions. It can be added to lotions and ready-made creams.

Pharmacodynamics

The mechanism of action and pharmacological properties of chamomile are determined by its composition. The plant contains a high concentration of various chemical compounds:

• Coumarins.
• Bioflavonoids (apigenin, luteolin, and in small amounts quercetin).
• Polyyne compounds.
• Organic acids (isovalertic, caprylic, actiminic).
• Ascorbic and nicotinic acids.
• Carotenes.
• Polysaccharide compounds.
• Protein and tannin substances, etc.

The interaction of the components of the herbal remedy provides a wide range of its application and unique medicinal properties.

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Pharmacokinetics

Chamomile has a rich chemical composition, which provides a wide range of its application. The main medicinal properties of the plant:

• Antibacterial.
• Anti-inflammatory.
• Choleretic.
• Mild sedative.
• Antibacterial.
• Hemostatic.
• Vasodilator.
• Regenerating
• Deodorizing and antipruritic.

Decoctions, infusions, solutions and other preparations based on chamomile show their activity immediately after application. A pronounced therapeutic effect on acne is noticeable after 3-5 days of regular treatment of the affected tissues.

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Dosing and administration

Many different preparations are prepared on the basis of chamomile: decoctions, infusions, tinctures, ice cubes, masks and other means. Let's consider the most popular recipes from chamomile for acne, dosage:

• Washing – washing with running water is not recommended for acne; fresh chamomile decoctions and infusions are excellent for these purposes. The medicine tones, relieves swelling, prevents inflammation and irritation. Washing with decoctions promotes faster maturation of acne and accelerates regenerative processes.
• Rubbing - for these purposes it is better to use herbal infusions. Regular skin treatment allows you to get rid of various rashes, both on the face and on other parts of the body.
• Compresses – promote deeper penetration of medicinal components of chamomile into the pores of the skin. Helps with inflamed pimples. To alleviate the painful condition, it is enough to apply a cotton pad or a piece of gauze soaked in the decoction to the problem area.
• Steam bath – prepare a chamomile decoction and pour it into a basin. Bend your head over the basin and cover yourself with a towel. Hold your head under the steam for 5-10 minutes. Make sure that the steam does not burn your skin. Steam baths steam the dermis and open the pores, help cleanse the skin of sebum, dirt and microbes.
• Lotion - suitable for people with oily and oily skin. This type of skin is characterized by severe pore contamination, acne, blackheads, and pustules. Chamomile-based lotions dry out skin rashes and cleanse from impurities.
• Ice cubes are great toners, relieve irritation, redness, and rashes. Ice helps with acne. Rubbing your face with ice cubes is best done in the morning.
• Masks are effective in combating acne and other dermatological problems. Their action is aimed at cleansing the face, destroying bacteria and microbes, and restoring the skin. Masks with chamomile and potato starch, oatmeal have healing properties.

In addition to the above methods, chamomile for acne can be taken internally. Chamomile tea, a weak herbal decoction with the addition of fresh mint and lemon are suitable for these purposes.

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Use daisies during pregnancy

Hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy are one of the reasons for acne. The hormone progesterone maintains pregnancy and promotes active sebum production. Because of this, the pores of the dermis become clogged, and purulent and acne rashes appear. As the concentration of progesterone increases, skin rashes intensify.

It is impossible to change the hormonal background during pregnancy and eliminate acne, since the process is natural. To reduce the production of sebum and improve the condition of the dermis, it is necessary to regularly cleanse and scrub the tissues from excess fat. Daily wiping of the face with ice cubes based on a chamomile solution and washing will be useful.

For severe rashes, you can use masks with clay/oatmeal and grass. Chamomile gel or herbal cream is suitable for skin care. Before using the plant, make sure there is no individual intolerance or allergic reaction.

Contraindications

Chamomile is a hypoallergenic plant with a mild effect. It is excellent for the care of the most sensitive and delicate skin. The main contraindications to its external use are due to individual intolerance to plant components.

Chamomile-based alcohol tinctures should not be used to care for problem skin with a large number of pimples and abscesses. This is due to the fact that alcohol is an active substance that damages the natural protective cover of exhausted tissues. Ice cubes from a solution/tincture are prohibited for spider veins, a tendency to blood flow to the face, and rosacea.

Internal use of chamomile is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, in cases of bladder and kidney diseases, tendency to diarrhea, mental disorders, stomach ulcers, allergic reactions to plant components.

Side effects daisies

External and internal use of preparations based on chamomile flowers is effective for dermatological problems, especially acne. Matricaria extract is included in various ointments and creams that are prescribed for the treatment of acne, eczema, dermatitis of various etiologies and skin pathologies.

But despite all the beneficial properties of chamomile, before using it, you should make sure that there is no individual intolerance to the substances that make up the herbaceous plant.

Side effects of chamomile when used externally are manifested by allergic reactions of varying severity. If the herb is taken internally, it can cause attacks of nausea, vomiting and pain in the epigastric region. There is also a risk of increased blood pressure, bronchospasms, hyperemia.

Overdose

The risk of overdosing on chamomile is minimal, as the plant is hypoallergenic. Side effects when applied externally develop with individual intolerance to chemical compounds and active substances contained in the herb. In this case, hypersensitivity reactions occur:

• Itchy skin.
• Irritation.
• Increased dryness of the skin.

To treat it, it is enough to stop using chamomile. In particularly severe cases, it is possible to take antihistamines.

If Matricaria is used for acne in the form of decoctions and infusions for internal use, the risk of overdose is higher. The herbal remedy can cause the following symptoms:

• General weakness.
• Depression of the nervous system.
• Headache and dizziness.
• Hoarseness and cough.
• Nausea.
• Conjunctivitis.

Long-term use of chamomile preparations may cause increased irritability, fits of unreasonable anger. If such reactions occur, the dosage of the herb should be reduced or its use should be discontinued. A doctor's consultation is mandatory.

Interactions with other drugs

According to studies, external use of chamomile in the treatment of acne and other cosmetic problems does not have significant drug interactions with other drugs.

Taking chamomile decoctions and infusions internally is contraindicated simultaneously with sedatives. It should also be taken into account that herbal tea can thin the blood, so it cannot be used with medications that have a thinning effect.

Storage conditions

Dry raw materials of chamomile flowers should be stored in the original packaging, protected from moisture and sunlight and out of the reach of children. The optimal storage temperature is from 15°C to 25°C.

Prepared decoctions and infusions are stored at a temperature of 8°C to 15°C and for no more than 48 hours. It is best to prepare a fresh solution before each use. As for ice cubes from a herbal remedy, they should be kept in the freezer, in a container protected from foreign odors.

Shelf life

Dried chamomile flowers can be stored for 24 months from the date of collection and packaging, which are indicated on the box containing the product.

Ready-made decoctions, infusions and other plant-based products have a shelf life of no more than 48 hours and only if stored in the refrigerator.

Reviews

Chamomile for acne has many positive reviews confirming the effectiveness of this plant in eliminating cosmetic problems. A properly prepared preparation based on Matricaria perfectly tones, cleanses and cares for sore skin. The herbal remedy has a minimum of contraindications and side effects. Another advantage of chamomile is its low cost and hypoallergenicity.