Chamomile extract may help relieve the inflammation and irritation of infected acne on your face or other areas of your body. Along with a good skin care regimen and any other treatments prescribed by your doctor, chamomile extract may help you resolve acne problems. Although a variety of chamomile skin treatments are commercially available, there is no conclusive clinical evidence on the effectiveness of chamomile extract to treat acne or other skin problems. Talk to your doctor before using chamomile extract on your acne.
Properties
According to "The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants," medicinal use of chamomile is centered on the plant's purported soothing anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile is available in a variety of forms to take internally and externally. It works on all tissues of the body, especially the skin and mucous membranes. Chamomile is especially useful for dry, itchy or inflamed skin. Chamomile extract may help calm the inflammation and irritation associated with acne, but there is not conclusive clinical evidence to support medicinal use of chamomile.
Azulenes
Chamomile contains a high levels of azulene, special compounds that have strong soothing action. According to "The Practice of Aromatherapy," azulenes are common ingredients in commercial skin creams that may help relieve allergic and other inflammatory responses in the skin. There are several varieties of chamomile and, according to "The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants," German chamomile is the variety with the highest azulene content. Chamomile extract contains concentrated levels of azulenes, so you'll only need a little to treat skin inflammation such as acne. There is not enough clinical evidence to support use of chamomile extract for inflammation and other conditions.
Chamomile and Hydrocortisone
Hydrocortisone creams are effective treatment for skin inflammation of all kinds, but they have some possible side effects--including thinning of the skin, increased inflammation, soreness, blistering or dry skin. Mayoclinic.com reports that skin treatments containing chamomile are as effective for fighting skin inflammation as .25 percent hydrocortisone cream. Ask your doctor if chamomile skin products may be a possible alternative for you. Don't use hydrocortisone or chamomile cream without consulting your doctor.
Application
To treat inflamed or infected acne with chamomile extract, add a few drops of the extract to a hypoallergenic unscented facial cleanser or moisturizer. Apply it as instructed on the cleanser or moisturizer. Create your own facial astringent to clean acne-prone skin by adding a few drops of chamomile extract to distilled water. Apply it with a cotton ball after using cleanser and before using a moisturizer.
Precautions
Chamomile is very gentle and safe for most people, including children and pregnant women. Always dilute the extract in water, moisturizer or carrier oil before applying it to your skin. Although it's gentle, chamomile may cause allergies for some people. Test your skin for allergic response by applying a diluted extract to a small patch of skin. Wait 24 hours. If you have no allergic reaction, it's probably safe for you to use.
References
- "The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants"; Andrew Chevallier; 1996
- Hydrocortisone (Topical Application Route)
- mayoclinic.com Dermatitis: Alternative Medicine
- "Organic Body Care Recipes"; Toureles, Stephanie; 2007
- "The Practice of Aromatherapy"; Jean Valnet; 1989
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