Acne develops when pores become clogged or infected with bacteria. Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting around 80 percent of people in their lifetimes.
People can use specific home remedies to help balance the skin’s oil levels, reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, and prevent future acne breakouts.
Home Remedies for Acne
Some of the most popular home remedies for acne involve the use of natural herbal extracts, many of which traditional medicine practitioners have used for hundreds of years.
- Tea Tree Oil
Applying tea tree oil to the skin can help reduce swelling and redness. Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, which means that it might kill P. acnes, the bacteria that causes acne. Tea tree oil’s anti-inflammatory properties mean that it can also reduce the swelling and redness of pimples. People can apply tea tree extract to their acne in creams, gels, or essential oils. If people use essential oils, always dilute them in a carrier oil first.
- Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is a natural, waxy substance extracted from the seeds of the jojoba shrub. The waxy substances in jojoba oil may help to repair damaged skin, which means it may also help speed up wound healing, including acne lesions. Some of the compounds in jojoba oil might help to reduce skin inflammation, which means it may reduce redness and swell around pimples, whiteheads, and other inflamed lesions. Try mixing jojoba essential oil with a gel, cream, or clay face mask and applying it to acne. Otherwise, place a few drops of jojoba oil on a cotton pad and rub this gently over acne sore.
- Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, meaning it may reduce the appearance of acne and prevent acne breakouts. Aloe vera contains lots of water and is an excellent moisturizer Aloe vera also contains salicylic acid and sulfur, which are both used extensively in the treatment of acne. Try cleaning the acne sores and then applying a thin layer of cream or gel with aloe vera.
- Honey
Honey has been used to treat skin conditions, such as acne, for thousands of years. It contains many antioxidants that can help to clear waste and debris from clogged pores. Doctors use honey in wound dressings because of its antibacterial and wound-healing properties. Using a clean finger or cotton pad, rub a little honey into pimples. Otherwise, add honey to a face or body mask.
- Garlic
Many traditional medicine practitioners use garlic to treat infections and boost the body’s ability to fight germs and infections. Garlic contains organosulfur compounds, which have natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Organosulfur compounds can also help to boost the immune system, which helps the body fight infections. To fight the inflammation and infections caused by acne, people can add more garlic to their diet. Some people chew whole garlic cloves, rub it on toast, or make it into a hot drink.
- Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains several organic acids that have been shown to kill p.acnes.In particular, succinic acid has been shown to suppress inflammation caused by P.acnes, which may prevent scarring is important to note that applying apple cider vinegar to your skin can cause burns and irritation, so it should always be used in small amounts and diluted with water.
- Cinnamon
cinnamon has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. Because of this, they may be beneficial for acne-prone skin. Mix 2 tablespoons honey and 1 teaspoon cinnamon together to form a paste. Apply for 10-15 minutes. Wash off with water.
- Green tea
Green tea contains high concentrations of a group of polyphenol antioxidants called catechins. Antioxidants help the body break down chemicals and waste products that can damage healthy cells. Green tea may help clear out some of the debris and waste that has built up in open acne sores & controls sebum production. Green tea might help either when people drink it or use green tea extract on their skin.
- Rosemary
Rosemary extract, or Rosmarinus officinalis, contains chemicals and compounds that have antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties…. rosemary extract can reduce inflammation from the acne-causing bacteria P. acnes.
- Coconut oil
Like other natural remedies, coconut oil contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds. These properties mean that coconut oil may destroy acne-causing bacteria and reduce redness and swelling of pimples. Coconut oil may also speed up healing in open acne sores.
Along with home remedies, specific lifestyle changes can have a powerful effect in reducing acne flare-ups.
Lifestyle Changes to Improve Acne Include:
- Never Touching Pimples
It can be very tempting, but touching acne sores will irritate the skin, may make the pimple worse, and can spread pimples to other areas. Touching, rubbing, squeezing, or popping acne sores can also introduce more bacteria into the lesion, causing further infections.
- Choosing the Right Cleanser
Many regular soaps have an acidity, or pH, that is too high and can irritate the skin, making acne worse. Choose cleansers, rinses, and washes with a pH closer to the skin’s natural pH of around 5.5.
- Using Oil-Free Skincare
Oil-based or greasy products can block pores, increasing the risk of them becoming clogged and forming acne sores.
- Staying Hydrated
Staying hydrated is extremely important because it makes it easier for acne sores to heal and reduces the overall risk of outbreaks. When the skin is dry, it can easily become irritated or damaged, resulting in pimples. Being hydrated also ensures new skin cells develop correctly assures heal.
Tips for Managing Stress Include:
- Talking to family, friends, a doctor, or other supportive people
- Getting enough sleep
- Eating a healthful, balanced diet and avoiding skipping meals
- Exercising regularly
- Limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption
- Practicing deep breathing, yoga, mindfulness, or meditation
People can choose from a wide range of home remedies to treat their acne. Not all remedies will work for everyone or in every case, However always consult a doctor before using natural remedies for severe, chronic, deep, or painful acne.