Grape fruit is one of the largest citrus fruits around and the extract of the grapefruit seeds are believed to be effective in treating acne. However, as far as scientific proof of the action of grapefruit seed extract on the acne is concerned there are various opinions. According to many, this extract can be highly effective to treat both pimples and acne that commonly bother all of us. At the same time there are also claims that say grapefruit seed extract can be effective only to treat a particular type of acne, known as rosacea, which is not caused due to closed pores and can be treated with antibiotics. So, while the effectiveness of this home remedy remain debatable, the use of grapefruit seed extract as a home remedy for treating acne has only increased with time.
If you have been trying to cope with acne for quite a long time and things seem not to workout as expected, grapefruit seed extract can be a good option for you. According to many manufacturers of grapefruit seed extract, it has both antibacterial and antifungal properties that kill the bacteria infecting the clogged pores and also offers a cleansing effect to the skin, which helps in quick drying out of the pimples and acne. The grapefruit seed extract is also known for its pore tightening abilities which helps in stopping further acne breakouts.
However, in order to get the best results of using grapefruit seed extract it is important that you use it in the right way. This article will present you with a clear idea of how to use it to get the best results. The grapefruit seed extract is available in the market under different brand names, and often with a number of additives, like glycerin and others. When you are buying grapefruit seed extract commonly known as GSE for treating pimples, it is best that you buy a pure and highly concentrated GSE solution, that comes without any additives.
Grapefruit seed extract can be taken internally or used topically for treating acne and other skin conditions. This extract is believed to offer other health benefits as well. We will start with a few suggestion of using it for curing pimples, and then will move to how to use it for curing acne.
How to use grapefruit seed extract for treating pimples
For spot treatment with grapefruit seed extract you can surely opt for a more concentrated formulation but never use the extract directly on your face without diluting it with any other ingredients. Follow the below mentioned ways for treating pimples with grapefruit seed extract,
Using the grapefruit seed extract directly
You can use the grapefruit seed extract directly on the pimple as a spot treatment to dry it out quickly. Just make sure that this concentrated solution does not cover much of the area of the skin. Here is how to use it,
- Take 1 spoon clean water and add 8-10 drops of grapefruit seed extract to it
- Mix the two well with the help of a cotton swab
- Apply this mixture directly onto the pimples with the cotton swab
- Let it stand for 10 minutes and then wash off with water
- You can repeat this treatment 2-3 times in a day
Using grapefruit seed extract with lemon and manuka honey
Manuka honey is known for its natural anti-bacterial and healing properties. It is also highly nourishing for the skin. Lemon can be effective to remove the dead cells from the skin helping in clearing out the pores and drying out the pimples. Here is how to use these two with GSE,
- Take 1 spoon Manuka honey in a clean small bowl
- Add 2-3 drops of lemon juice to the honey and mix well
- Now add 5-6 drops of the grapefruit seed extract with the mixture of honey and lemon and mix well
- Apply the resulting thick pack onto the pimples directly and let it get dry for 5 minutes
- Now apply another layer of the pack and let it dry for 10 minutes
- Wash off with plain water
- Repeat twice in a day
Grapefruit seed extract with honey and cinnamon for treating pimples
Cinnamon has natural anti-bacterial properties and can treat pimples efficiently. A pack made from GSE, honey and cinnamon dust can work effectively to cure pimples. However, as it is a very strong formulation, it is best to use for spot treatments only.
- Take 1 spoon honey and mix 1 spoon of the cinnamon powder to it
- Add 8-10 drops of the grapefruit seed extract to this mixture
- The resulting mixture should be thick and sticky enough
- Apply the pack directly onto the pimples and let it set for 15 minutes
- Wash off and pat dry
- Use only once in a day
Treating acne with grapefruit seed extract
When you are planning to use grapefruit seed extract treatments for acne, it is important that you make sure that the formulations are not very strong. As acne usually spreads to a wider area of the skin, it is best to apply the treatments only to a limited area of the face at first for minimum time, and if things seem to suit, you can cover the whole affected area with the pack and keep it on for the full span of the time suggested.
Grapefruit seed extract with aloe vera for acne treatment
Aloe Vera has natural anti-bacterial properties and it offers a soothing effect on the skin, which also helps in reducing the inflammation and redness caused due to the acne. Moreover, Aloe Vera nourishes the skin, helping it to regenerate quickly. Here is how to use grapefruit seed extract with Aloe Vera,
- Collect a fresh Aloe Vera leaf, slit it open and scrape out the pulp from the leaf
- Smash the pulp in a mortar and pestle to form a gel
- Now take 4 spoons of this freshly prepared Aloe Vera gel and add 20 drops of the grapefruit seed extract to it
- Mix the two well and smear onto the acne affected skin
- Let it stand for 15 minutes and then wash off with plenty of water
Grapefruit seed extract with sandalwood for treating acne
GSE can also be used along with sandalwood paste for treating acne quickly. Sandalwood paste is known for its calming effect on the skin and it helps in drying out the acne quickly. Here is how to use sandalwood paste with GSE to get quick relief from acne,
- Prepare a thick sandalwood paste by rubbing the sandalwood stick on the sand stone
- Take 1 spoon of this paste and add 8-10 drops of grapefruit seed extract to it
- Mix the two well and smear the affected area of the skin with the resulting mixture
- Let the pack get completely dry and then wash off with plenty of water
- Repeat this treatment twice a day for the best results
Grape fruit seed extract and white tea wash for acne treatment
White tea is quickly becoming very popular for health as well as for skin care. White tea has more chlorogenic acid than green tea and more antioxidants. You can use a wash made with grape fruit seed extract and white tea concoction to get quick relief from acne. Here is how to make this wash,
- Take 1 cup of water and bring it to boil
- Now remove the pot from the heat and as the temperature comes down slightly, add 2 spoons of white tea leaves to the warm water and close the lid
- Let it steep for 10 minutes
- Once the temperature of the tea comes down, add 10 drops of the grapefruit seed extract with this white tea concoction
- Store this mixture in the fridge in an airtight container and use it as a wash, twice in a day to get the best results
Grapefruit seed extract with neem leaf concoction for acne cure
Neem is known for its effective antibacterial and antiseptic effects. Neem leaf extract can easily cure any skin infections, including acne. Use neem leaf extract with grapefruit seed extract for the best results. Read on to know how to prepare and use this formulation,
- Take 20 number of green neem leaves and boil them in 2 cups of water until the water becomes half
- Now let the solution come down to the room temperature and then strain the leaves to collect the concoction
- Add 20 drops of grapefruit seed extract to this neem concoction and store it in the fridge
- Use this mixture for washing your face at least 2 times a day and you are sure to see the acne drying out quickly
Many also prefer using the grapefruit seed extract mixed with their regular facial cleanser. If you are sure that your cleanser suits your skin and it is not the reason behind the acne breakout, you can also use the extract with your regular cleanser. Having the extract mixed with tea is another preferred choice of many.
