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Title : Why and How to Use Thyme for Acne Treatment
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Why and How to Use Thyme for Acne Treatment

There are many medical treatments and home remedies for pimples, all with different levels of efficacy. Also, none of them works universally for all acne patients. Today we explore the question, “Is thyme good for acne?” This article will not only highlight the scientific background behind it but also share with you different ways in which you can use thyme for acne treatment.

What Is Thyme?

Widely available in the food section of most supermarkets in both fresh and dried form, thyme is an evergreen, aromatic herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae).

Scientifically known as Thymus vulgaris (the most common thyme variety out of the over 400 subspecies), thyme has long history of culinary, ornamental, and medicinal uses.

For medicinal purposes, the leaves, flowers, and oils are used. It is also common to use thyme alongside other herbal remedies.

According to the WebMD, thyme is traditionally used topically and orally (taken by mouth) to treat medical problems such as bronchitis, arthritis, diarrhea, whopping cough, bedwetting, bad breath, and sore throat, but thyme is fast gaining popularity for its ability to treat acne and high blood pressure according to the HealthLine.

Thyme Acne Studies

Much studies around acne treatment test the ability of various substances and medications to treat the acne causing bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) and relieve the associated symptoms e.g. inflammation.

One study of particular interest to thyme acne treatment was conducted in 2010 by Chinese Scientists where ten essential oils (including thyme oil) were tested for their ability to kill acne bacteria. Of the essential oils tested, thyme, cinnamon, rose, and lavender oils were found to have the strongest acne bacteria-killing ability. These were found to completely kill P. acnes bacteria in 5 minutes at concentration of 0.25%.

A similar study was conducted in 2012 at Leeds Metropolitan University, UK, and presented at the Society for General Microbiology’s Spring Conference in Dublin.

Providing grounds for a major paradigm shift in favor of using thyme for acne treatment, this study compared tinctures of thyme, marigold and myrrh - prepared by steeping these 3 substances in alcohol - for their ability to kill the bacteria that cause acne (P. acnes).

All the researchers found each of these tinctures to have potent antibacterial action, all killing the acne causing P. acne bacteria after 5 minutes, thyme tincture was reported as the most effective. In fact, the thyme was reported to have a significantly stronger antibacterial effect than standard preparations of benzoyl peroxide, the most popular acne treatment medication found widely in creams and face washes.

Also, being a natural treatment, thyme is seen as a great alternative for benzoyl peroxide since benzoyl peroxide is associated with side effects such as irritation and burning sensation. As the NHS Choices however says, further research is still needed to determine human skin tolerance of thyme at the concentrations that kill acne causing bacteria. Only then can thyme be declared clinically safe a natural alternative to benzoyl peroxide and other acne medications.

How to Use Thyme for Acne Treatment

Does thyme work for acne? Well, preliminary research studies have suggested thyme as one of the herbs that can help to clear acne. The WebMD attributes this initial research finding to the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of the chemicals found in thyme; especially thymol and carvacrol.

At this early stage, dermatologist still advice being cautious when using thyme-based home treatments. With that said, below are some of the ways in which you can use thyme for acne treatment.

1. Thyme and Witch Hazel for Acne

Due to its astringent properties, witch hazel is a great skin toner and natural acne remedy. It is especially great for people with oil acne prone skin. Witch hazel is also a great natural antioxidant.

Requirements

Directions

1. Sterilize a small glass jar in boiling water for 10 minutes.


2. Add 1 tablespoon of dried thyme into the glass jar.


3. Pour in 3-4 tablespoons of witch hazel.


4. Shake the mixture well and then allow 20 minutes for the thyme to steep.


5. Dab the now light brown-colored toner onto your skin with the help of a cotton ball. Pour the toner onto the cotton ball rather than dip it in the mixture. 


6. After 20 minutes, wash it off with warm water.


7. Keep the remaining witch hazel-thyme acne toner covered in a cool, dark place for up to a month; shake it frequently, preferably once daily. 


8. Strain the thyme leaves off after some days and use the solution remaining as a toner (after cleansing your face) once or twice daily.

Tip: You can make several small batches of the thyme-witch hazel toner and store them separately.

2. Dried Thyme and Essential Oil Toner for Acne-Prone Skin

Rather than witch hazel, you can as well infuse thyme with an essential oil of your liking as explained in the following recipe:

Requirements

• Dried thyme


• Argan/tamanu/jojoba/sesame oil

Directions

1. Sterilize a glass jar by placing it in boiling water for 10 minutes.


2. Add in 1 tablespoon of dried thyme.


3. Pour in enough oil of your choice to cover the thyme.


4. Let thyme steep for a couple weeks in a cool, dark place. Shake the glass jar daily.


5. Strain the thyme leaves off and use the remaining solution as a pimple-busting moisturizer each night.

3. Thyme Facial Scrub for Acne

Brown sugar is widely used as a natural at-home exfoliant – to get rid of dead skin cells and other impurities on the skin.

1. To 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, add 10 drops of thyme oil


2. Stir the mixture thoroughly to mix the ingredients.


3. Apply the resulting paste on your face.


4. Massage on your face gently in circular motions for 5 minutes.


5. Rinse your face with warm water.


6. Repeat once daily for a week or two to get the desired results.

After a week or so, you may want to switch to one of the thyme toner recipes outlined above.

4. Thyme and Clay Facial Mask for Acne

The healing benefits of healing clay is well documented in many online skin care and acne fighting blogs.

Any of the various healing clay varieties e.g. kaolin clay, calcium Bentonite (green) clay, and rhassoul clay will work fine but you may in particular find Aztec Healing Clay (a Bentonite variety) a good starting point.

With the much acclaimed health benefits of healing clay, why not use it to augment the effectiveness of thyme for acne? Here is how:

1. To 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, add 3-4 tablespoons of witch hazel and mix thoroughly.


2. Add a tablespoon of healing clay and stir to form a paste with fine consistency.


3. Apply the paste to all the parts of the face affected by pimples and blemishes.


4. Allow it to work in for 20 minutes (or overnight if you like), then rinse it off with water.

5. Thyme-Lemon Juice Face Acne Mask

Requirements

• 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves (no stems)


• ½ teaspoon of freshly prepared lemon juice


• 1 tablespoon of sour cream


• 1 teaspoon of raw, organic honey.

Directions

1. With the help of a blender or food processor, blend the ingredients to attain a paste with uniform consistency.


2. Cover your entire face with the paste.


3. Allow the mask to stay on for 15 minutes, then rinse it out. Avoid direct exposure to the sunlight after a couple hours of using this acne home treatment since lemon juice is known to make the skin photosensitive and thus prone to damage by the UV radiation.

6. Thyme and Baking Soda Cream for Acne Prone, Oily Skin

Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) is well known for its acne pimples and scars removal and a great companion for thyme. Wondering how to use baking soda and thyme for acne treatment? Below is a brief guideline:

Requirements

• Thyme essential oil


• Argan/tamanu/jojoba/sesame oil – or any other non-clogging essential oil of your choice.


• Baking soda

Directions

1. In a small glass jar or bowl, combine 2 drops of thyme essential oil with a teaspoon of the essential oil of your choice.


2. Add 2 teaspoons of baking soda and stir thoroughly with a clean spoon.


3. Apply the paste on the areas of the face affected by pimples, cysts, whiteheads, blackheads etc. in gentle circular motions (after cleansing your face).


4. Rinse the paste off after 3 minutes or so.


5. Use this natural acne treatment once or twice daily until the acne breakout gets cleared.

Tip: Store any remainder in a clean, sterilized (placed in boiling water for 10 minutes) glass jar for use on the next day.

7. Thyme Tea for Acne

Another way to use thyme for acne is in the form of tea (drinking or topical application). Below is how to go about it:

Requirements

• Fresh Thyme leaves


• Green tea leaves

Directions

1. Pour 2 cups of water into a small pot.


2. Chop ½ cup of thyme leaves and then pour it into the pot of water.


3. Add in 2 teaspoons of green tea leaves.


4. Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil.


5. Turn off the heat and allow the tea time to cool down while still covered.


6. Strain the tea and apply it all over your face with a cotton ball. 


7. Repeat this home treatment once daily until the acne pimples, cysts, and scars heal.

Tip: Store the remaining tea in your refrigerator for use over the next one week.

If you prefer to drink the tea rather that applying it on the face, follow the steps below:

1. Place one tablespoon of dry thyme or chopped fresh thyme leaves to a small pot.


2. Pour in a cup of boiling water.


3. Cover the pot and leave it alone for 30 minutes (to cool down).


4. Add honey to sweeten the tea then drink the tea. 


5. Repeat 3 times each day.

Precautions and Possible Side-Effects to Know before Using Thyme for Acne 

Since thyme acne treatment has not been studied extensively, it is advisable to be cautious when using it for the purpose. You will in particular want to keep the following side-effects and safe-use considerations in mind:

• According to Mercola.com, “Pregnant women should steer clear of thyme oil because it can stimulate menstrual flow.”


• Always perform a patch test on a small area of your skin e.g. the inside of your arm, before applying thyme acne treatment remedies – or any other home remedies on your face.


• Reconsider using thyme for acne treatment if you are allergic to rosemary, mint and other plants in the family.


• Stay away from thyme products if you have high blood pressure since it is known to enhance circulation.


• Although cooking with thyme is an old, widespread, and safe culinary venture, thyme oil is regarded not safe for oral intake. According to Mercola.com, drinking thyme oil can cause various health problems including diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, muscle problems, and nausea not to mention that it can worsen hyperthyroidism.

Where To By Thyme Acne Products

Thyme is readily available in the fresh produce section of most supermarkets and food stores. Thyme oil may also be found in your local supermarkets. If that doesn’t yield you results, you may then order a bottle online on amazon, Walgreens etc. Here are some products worth checking out on Amazon:

References

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