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Pimples, acne, zits - call them what you will, but one thing's for sure, dealing with them is never fun. If you've ever had pesky acne, you've probably tried every possible remedy you could get your hands on, often losing and rarely winning along the way.
However, the best remedy for acne is opting for a targeted approach that works on the root cause; clogged pores. Many ingredients help unclog pores and clear off dead skin cells, preventing recurring acne.
Out of them, two contenders that stand out are green tea and salicylic acid for skin.
But which one is better to treat acne and is also suitable for your skin?
Let’s find out.
Green tea for skin
Green tea, your staple morning beverage has been revered for centuries for its numerous health benefits. However, this natural ingredient, has gained widespread recognition for its potential benefits for skin, particularly, oily skin.
Green tea contains bioactive compounds like polyphenols and catechins that reduce skin irritation and redness while preventing premature aging.
Moreover, the many advantages of green tea for skin make it suitable for fighting pimples naturally.
Green tea benefits for skin
1. Green tea works is a powerful antioxidant:
Oxidative stress can lead to inflammation, premature aging, and acne. Green tea is a potent antioxidant that can help protect your skin from oxidative stress.
Including green tea in your skincare routine can help reduce the effects of oxidative stress and prevent acne.
2. Green tea is anti-inflammatory:
You tend to get acne breakouts when your skin is inflamed.
The anti-inflammatory properties of green tea help soothe redness and irritation associated with pimples.
Preventing inflammation in your skin helps reduce the appearance of acne and pimples naturally.
3. Green tea has antimicrobial properties:
Bacteria and clogged pores contribute significantly to acne breakouts.
The antimicrobial properties of green tea help inhibit the growth of these acne-causing bacteria on the skin, which reduces the likelihood of pimple formation.
Thanks to the many advantages of green tea for skin, it is often regarded as one of the best natural ingredients for oily acne-prone skin.
Salicylic acid for skin
Before we look at salicylic acid benefits for skin, it is crucial to understand what salicylic acid is.
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) derived from willow bark. It is a scientific formulation that is widely recognized in the skincare universe for its ability to penetrate the pores and exfoliate the skin from the inside out.
It is also regarded as one of the best acne treatments by dermatologists due to its unique properties.
Salicylic acid benefits for skin
1. Salicylic acid exfoliates the skin:
Salicylic acid helps clear dead skin cells and other impurities from the skin that causes acne.
It penetrates the oil-filled pores and dissolves excess sebum, preventing clogged pores and thereby acne breakouts.
2. Salicylic acid treats blackheads:
Due to its exfoliating properties, salicylic acid is effective in treating blackheads and whiteheads too.
3. Salicylic acid combats active acne:
Salicylic acid works wonders in combating active acne.
This BHA (beta hydroxy acid) helps unclog pores which usually leads to the development of active pimples.
Encapsulated salicylic acid takes this effectiveness a step further. Encapsulation ensures a gradual and controlled release of salicylic acid, keeping the acid active for longer on the skin!
What should you pick: salicylic acid or green tea?
There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to this question.
While treating acne with green tea is natural and traditional approach, salicylic acid is a scientific formulated, modern approach towards fighting acne breakouts.
However, choosing between green tea and salicylic acid for pimples largely depends on your skin type and needs.
Here are some aspects you must consider while choosing between the two:
If you have oily-but-sensitive skin:
If you have sensitive skin, you must look for gentle products in your skincare routine that don't irritate your skin further.
Green tea for skin could be a better option to prevent breakouts as it reduces inflammation and provides antioxidant benefits without causing excessive dryness or irritation.
If you are dealing with blackheads and whiteheads:
If you have oily acne-prone skin and are dealing with blackheads and whiteheads, salicylic acid for skin can help you treat these types of acne, effectively.
If you have oily, acne-prone skin and are looking to prevent breakouts:
If you have acne-prone skin and tend to develop acne breakouts, you can add green tea in your skincare routine.
With its anti-microbial and anti-inflammation properties, it can help prevent breakouts and clear your skin.
If you have active acne:
Salicylic acid for skin is a valuable weapon against existing acne & inflammations. By penetrating the pores, it works where the problem originates, actively addressing the root causes of acne.
Plumsters' tested & recommended routines:
While you consider your concerns and skin suitability to choose the best, we would suggest incorporating both ingredients in your routine for a holistic approach towards treating acne.
To help you do so, here is a tailored skincare routine basis your skin type and concern -
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Skincare routine for your skin concern |
| Excessively oily skin | Clogged pores, whiteheads & blackheads | Inflamed skin & acne formation |
Active acne |
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| Step 1 | ||||
| Step 2 | ||||
| Step 3 | ||||
| Step 4 | ||||
| Step 5 |
Green Tea Renewed Clarity Night Gel
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Green Tea Renewed Clarity Night Gel
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Green Tea Renewed Clarity Night Gel
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Green Tea Renewed Clarity Night Gel
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FAQs
1.What does salicylic acid do to the skin?
Salicylic acid penetrates the skin cells and gently exfoliates to remove dead skin cells and impurities. It unclogs pores and reduces inflammation and redness. Salicylic acid is especially good for acne oily prone skin that has active acne and clogged pores.
2. Which acid is best for acne?
Salicylic acid is the best active ingredient for acne. It unclogs pores and breaks down dead skin cells that are the major cause of acne. It also reduces sebum production, leading to fewer breakouts.
3.What causes acne on your face?
Acne is caused when your hair follicles get blocked due to sebum (natural oils and dead skin cells). Moreover, three major reasons for acne are excess oil production in the skin, buildup of dead skin cells, and growth of acne-causing bacteria.
4.How to use salicylic acid serum on face?
Take 2-3 drops of salicylic acid serum on your cleansed skin Apply the serum evenly to your face & dab it using gentle tapping motions. Don’t forget your neck area! Follow up with an oil-free moisturizer and sunscreen
5. How to apply green tea for face?
You can look for skincare products that are infused with green tea, for example, green tea face wash, toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen. For best results, you can also use green tea night gel for overnight care and hydration.
6. How to prevent pimples?
If you tend to get pimples regularly, you need to adopt a holistic approach to prevent pimples.
Keep your skin clean and use a moisturizer to control your sebum production. Watch out for what you eat as excess oily and spicy food is responsible for breakouts.
Use good quality beauty products that suit your skin type.
Moreover, use ingredients like green tea and salicylic acid for the skin and follow a targeted skincare routine.
