Pimple creams and remedies are everywhere, and yet nothing seems to fix your acne problem. If the usual synthetic formulas and DIY options won’t get the job done, maybe it’s time to change tacks. Could plant science creams be the answer to your skincare sorrows? Let’s explore whether these upstarts could change the game for blemishes and problem skin.
First things first: Plant-based skincare is nothing new
Moms and grandmoms in India have always turned to ingredients from the pantry or garden to rev up their skin: Cucumber slices for puffy eyes. Honey as a natural moisturizer. Neem and turmeric to fight blemishes. The list goes on and on…
But homemade treatments have their limitations, which is why plant science creams are such a welcome development. What are plant science creams? These are creams that combine the goodness of plants with the power of science, potentially offering the best of both worlds.
(Explore the differences between plant-based and natural skincare.)
Are plant science creams worth the hype?
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that plant science creams have entered the skincare fray. Now that they’re here, let’s unpack whether they can upstage plant-based remedies and synthetic skincare.
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Plant science creams use the best-quality botanicals.
The jar of turmeric and bottle of honey in your kitchen do double-duty as cooking ingredients and part-time skincare supports. The problem is that you don’t have much control over the ingredients you buy available. You don’t even know how the ingredient has been grown or produced.
That’s true for not only turmeric and honey but also other skincare favourites such as aloe vera, neem leaves, amla, and so on. Something as gentle as fresh aloe vera gel could irritate your skin if the plant was exposed to harmful pollutants.
At least, you don’t have that worry with genuine plant science creams. Botanical ingredients are sourced and processed with the utmost care to avoid contamination and ensure quality.
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Plant science creams are designed to be effective.
The formulas for plant science creams are developed based on their use. During the research and development phase, scientists may place emphasis on easy absorption into the skin. For example, if they are working on an anti-blemish plant science cream for acne care, they will be looking to balance ingredients that fight acne bacteria with ingredients that soothe the skin, reduce redness, and bring down inflammation.
What’s important here is not just the list of ingredients but how they are combined. When you’re applying a random mix of pantry ingredients, you don’t have that kind of control. The exact concentration of potent ingredients can only be ensured in a laboratory setting.
Besides, plant science creams have another advantage over homemade anti-blemish creams. They are backed by research to ensure the formula remains potent and does not spoil. This makes plant science a more convenient (and often less messy) option than DIY face packs.
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Plant science creams make safety a priority.
Have you been dealing with acne for a while? If so, you’ve probably run through your fair share of products containing synthetic ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Although both ingredients are mainstays of anti-acne products, they can irritate your skin. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide tend to dehydrate the skin and leave it red, inflamed, and even more acne-prone.
Also harsh on the skin are parabens and phthalates. But it’s not just the lab-based ingredients that you should be wary of. Even pure essential oils can cause allergic reactions in some cases. Some people are sensitive to tea tree oil, which is an active acne-fighting ingredient in many skincare products.
This is where anti-blemish plant science creams like Clearica Anti-Acne Cream have an edge. Being free of parabens, phthalates, and toxins, the lightweight cream is designed to be tough on pimples but gentle on your skin.
(Read our guide to plant-based vs. chemical-based skincare.)
Best practices for using plant science creams
Different creams will call for different application regimens. So, rather than use guesswork, begin by reading the instructions on the packaging. Most skincare products explain how to use the formula for the best results.
- Prepare your skin before applying the product
Prepping the skin is an important step for some products. For example, if you’re using Clearica Anti-Acne Cream, this means cleansing to eliminate dirt, debris, and excess oil, followed by toning to rebalance the skin’s pH level. Then, once you’ve applied the anti-blemish cream, massage in some moisturiser (preferably something with SPF for the day).
But not all plant science creams will call for toning before application and some products may be effective moisturisers on their own. That’s precisely why you should read the instructions when using something new.
- Apply the product properly and effectively
Usually a pea-sized amount of product is enough to cover the face and neck. You don’t want to overload the skin because that could leave you with clogged pores.
One easy approach is to dot the product all over the face and neck region. Then starting from the neck, blend the cream into the skin by massaging gently. Just ensure that it doesn’t get into the eyes or mouth.
While you’re at it, check the packaging for instructions on how often to use the cream. Some products may need to be used twice a day, while others may be formulated for use just once every day.
Also important is having a consistent skincare routine. If you are using a new product and it suits your skin, then give it around two to three months to show results. The benefits of many plant science creams become evident only after you have used the formula for some time. So, resist the urge to jump from product to product.
Tips to choose the right anti-blemish plant science cream for acne-prone skin
- Start with the ingredient list. Look for any ingredients that you may be allergic to.
- Check that the product suits your skin type and is non-comedogenic.
- If you want to be sure that the plant science cream has no side effects, do a patch test first. Apply the product on a coin-sized area along the inside of your arm or elbow. If there is no reaction after a few applications, the cream should be good to go.
There can be a price difference between regular creams and plant science creams. The latter tend to be a little pricier, but you shouldn’t have to break the bank. A plant-based product like Clearica Anti-Acne Cream is effective, affordable, and can easily be incorporated into your regular skincare routine.
Disclaimer: This page is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a recommendation or for diagnostic purposes. Please consult your dermatologist or doctor before acting on any of the information provided here.