Can Vicks VapoRub Help Treat Acne? Benefits, Risks and More

Treating Acne with Vicks VapoRub

Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog hair follicles, leading to bumps, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, and nodules forming on the face, back, chest, shoulders, and upper arms. Acne can range from mild to severe, and while it primarily affects teenagers and young adults, it can persist into adulthood as well. There are many over-the-counter treatments available for acne, but some people are turning to home remedies as safer, more affordable options. One home remedy that has gained popularity recently is using Vicks VapoRub to treat acne.

What is Vicks VapoRub?

Vicks VapoRub is a topical ointment that has been around since the early 1900s. Its main ingredients include camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol. It is commonly used to temporarily relieve cough and congestion symptoms associated with colds and flu. The menthol in VapoRub provides a cooling sensation, while the camphor and eucalyptus oil help open up nasal passages and airways. When applied to the chest and neck area, VapoRub releases vapors that make breathing easier.

How Vicks VapoRub May Help Treat Acne

There are a few ways that applying Vicks VapoRub to acne-prone skin may help:

• Reduces inflammation - The camphor in VapoRub has anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce redness and swelling of acne bumps. This can help diminish the appearance of breakouts.
• Exfoliates - The menthol in VapoRub provides a slight cooling effect that creates a micro-circulation effect to help gently exfoliate dead skin cells and excess oil from clogged pores. This helps prevent new pimples from forming.
• Dries out acne - The camphor also acts as a mild astringent that helps dry out existing acne bumps.
• Prevents infection - Eucalyptus oil and camphor have antimicrobial properties that may prevent bacterial growth and infection in existing acne.
• Improves blood circulation - Improved circulation from applying VapoRub can bring more blood and nutrients to acne-prone skin to speed healing.

How to Use Vicks VapoRub for Acne

If you want to give this home remedy a try, here are some tips on using Vicks VapoRub for acne treatment:

• Cleanse face - First, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Make sure there is no makeup, dirt, or oil left on your skin.
• Apply thin layer - Scoop out a small amount of VapoRub with your fingertips and dab it lightly onto affected areas. Avoid getting too close to your eyes.
• Leave on overnight - For best results, leave the VapoRub on your face overnight and rinse off in the morning.
• Repeat daily - Apply this process daily, ideally before bed, until acne has cleared.
• Spot treat - Consider only applying VapoRub as a spot treatment to individual pimples rather than all over the face.
• Use lesser amount if irritation - If your skin becomes irritated, try reducing the amount of VapoRub used or frequency of application.

Benefits of Using Vicks for Acne

Some potential benefits of using Vicks as an acne treatment include:

• Low cost - At around $5 for a 1.76 ounce jar, VapoRub is very affordable compared to prescription acne medications.
• Easily accessible - It can be found at most drugstores, grocery stores, and mass retailers.
• Natural ingredients - The camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil in VapoRub are from natural sources.
• Low risk - Using small amounts of this topical ointment as acne treatment comes with little risk of side effects for most people.
• Can prevent acne - Antimicrobial effects may prevent new breakouts from developing.
• Quick results - Many see improvements in their acne within a few days of initial use.
• Also relieves congestion - The menthol can also provide relief from congestion if you have a cold.

Risks and Considerations When Using Vicks for Acne

While using Vicks VapoRub for acne comes with minimal risk for most, there are some precautions to keep in mind:

• May cause irritation - Menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil can cause stinging, burning, itching, and redness in some people with sensitive skin. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.
• Avoid contact with eyes and mouth - Take care not to get VapoRub near eyes, lips or mouth, as it can cause irritation. Do not ingest.
• Not a cure - VapoRub can help manage minor acne, but likely won't cure more severe cases of inflammatory cystic acne.
• May dry out skin - The drying effects of the camphor can potentially cause flaking, peeling, redness, and discomfort from very dry skin for some acne-prone individuals.
• Not clinically proven - While anecdotes of success are common, VapoRub's effectiveness as an acne treatment has not been widely studied.
• Results vary - Works better for some people compared to others. Multiple factors can affect results.

Other Home Remedies for Treating Acne

While Vicks VapoRub is gaining popularity as a home fix for acne, it's not the only natural remedy people are using to treat breakouts. Some other home remedies for acne you can try include:

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel has soothing, anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce acne redness and inflammation when applied topically. It may also help heal acne scarring. Apply pure aloe vera gel from the leaf of the plant directly onto clean skin, or opt for a bottled gel labeled for face use.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Diluted apple cider vinegar, dabbed onto pimples with a cotton ball, may help eliminate acne-causing bacteria. It also contains mild exfoliating acids that can remove dead skin. Mix 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water before applying.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is another essential oil with antimicrobial effects. Dab a drop directly onto individual pimples. Take care to dilute with a carrier oil like jojoba oil if you have sensitive skin, as it can cause dryness.

Green Tea

Green tea contains antioxidants that fight inflammation and free radicals. Drink 1 to 2 cups per day, or apply cooled green tea or a DIY mask directly to acne to help speed healing.

Natural Clay Masks

Masks made with healing clays like bentonite or kaolin can draw out impurities as they dry on the skin. When rinsed off, they remove dirt, toxins, and excess oil clogging pores. Use once or twice a week for clearer skin.

Spot Treat with Hydrocolloid Bandages

Hydrocolloid bandages help drain fluid out of existing zits while keeping bacteria out. This can shrink pimple size overnight without picking or popping. Cut small circles and apply onto clean skin overtop whiteheads or popped pimples.

When to See a Dermatologist for Acne Treatment

Home remedies like Vicks VapoRub may help many cases of mild to moderate acne. But for more severe, inflammatory acne, it's best to see a board-certified dermatologist for treatment and management. Symptoms that warrant seeing a professional include:

• Large, painful cysts and nodules forming deep under the skin
• Acne concentrated mainly along jawline and chin
• Disproportionate acne concentrated in

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.