NATURAL HOME REMEDIES FOR ACNE


Acne is known to be a common skin condition that is associated with the development of whiteheads, blackheads, pustules as well as pimples on the surface of the skin. This condition is known to occur as a result of the accumulation of sebum, which clogs the pores of the skin. The production of sebum is said to be affected by the changes in hormone levels, the diet of the person as well as the build-up of stress. 


Causes of Acne

There are several factors that are known to play a crucial role in the occurrence and spread of acne. High levels of hormones such as androgen as well as testosterone are known to increase the production of skin oils, thereby triggering the development of acne on the skin. Certain bacteria are also known to cause acne. Health experts have stated that although bacteria are present on the surface of the skin, they thrive when the skin begins to secrete high amounts of oil. Health experts have stated that there are also various medications that can trigger the occurrence of acne among certain individuals. This is due to the fact that consuming certain medications can cause hormonal fluctuations in the body, thereby triggering the excess production of sebum, which in turn causes the problem of acne.


Types Of Acne

There are several types of acne and they include blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules as well as cysts. Whiteheads and blackheads are known to be flesh-coloured bumps, which are raised, whereas papules are small and tender, and do not possess a head. Pustules are the pimples that are filled with pus and are known to be extremely painful and sensitive. Nodules occur in the hair follicle and develop as large bumps on the skin's surface. In certain cases, nodules can even cause scarring and long-term damage to the skin.


Home Remedies for Acne

Egg whites

A mask made from egg whites is considered to be beneficial in unclogging the pores of the skin as well as reducing the redness that often occurs due to acne. The egg white mask is known to play the role of an astringent as well as that of an anti-inflammatory agent, thereby proving to the beneficial in the treatment of this condition.




Honey

Honey is known to possess a sticky texture, which helps in pulling out the dirt that might be present in the pores of your skin. Honey is known to play the role of an antimicrobial and helps to destroy bacteria, which is a major cause for developing acne. It is important that you choose natural honey over the processed variety as the antimicrobial properties are preserved in the natural variety. To use honey in the treatment of acne, apply some honey evenly, all over your face and leave it there for at least fifteen to twenty minutes. Wash your face thoroughly after this and repeat the procedure as many times as you want.


Lavender

Lavender is an herb that is helpful in treating acne as it plays the role of an antibiotic. The topical application of this herb is effective in treating the problem of acne. However, it is important to note that consuming lavender tea is also beneficial in reducing the spread of acne. You can make lavender tea by steeping the lavender petals for several minutes and then consuming the tea. You can use lavender tea bags to prepare this tea if you do not have access to the fresh herb.


Oatmeal

Oatmeal is known to be an effective remedy for treating cases of acne. Oatmeal is known to be dry and possesses an absorbent quality that helps in soaking up all the excess oil from the skin. This remedy helps in treating as well as preventing the occurrence of acne. In order to treat acne by using oatmeal, you should add the oatmeal to some warm water and form a thick paste with it. Following that, apply the paste to the affected areas of the skin and leave it there for at least twenty to thirty minutes. Use warm water to rinse off the oatmeal mask once it dries.


Baking Soda

Baking soda can be used effectively in order to treat acne. In order to use baking soda to treat acne, you must mix a heaped tablespoon of baking soda with a sufficient amount of water so as to form a thick paste. Following that, apply it to your skin and leave it there till it begins to harden. Wash it off after that and repeat it several times a week, for best results.


Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has been used extensively in order to treat wounds as well as infections. According to a research study conducted at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney in the year 1990, the effectiveness of tea tree oil and benzoyl peroxide in treating acne was compared. It was observed that five per cent of tea tree oil in an acne product was just as effective as the same amount of benzoyl peroxide. The research study showed that although tea tree oil was slower in treating the condition, it did not cause any harmful side effects, which are often associated with benzoyl peroxide. You can apply small amounts of tea tree oil to the affected area with the help of a sterilized cotton bud.


Papaya

Papaya is known to possess an enzyme named papain, which is helpful in treating minor wounds as well as conditions such as acne. In order to treat acne by using papaya, you can make a paste of the fruit and apply it to your skin. This will help in treating as well as preventing the recurrence of acne as it gets rid of the lipids from the skin, thereby preventing the clogging of the pores.


Flaxseed

Flaxseed is known to possess a high amount of omega 3 fatty acids as well as fibre. The presence of omega 3 fats in flaxseed is helpful in reducing the inflammation that is associated with the development of acne. Flaxseeds must be consumed on a regular basis by those who tend to develop acne on their skin.


Guggul

Guggul is an herb that has been used extensively in the field of medicine due to the fact that it helps in treating conditions such as osteoarthritis as well as high cholesterol. According to a research study published in the Journal of Dermatology, it was noted that those who consumed guggul experienced quicker healing from acne than those who took tetracycline, which is a well-known antibiotic that helps in treating acne. In order to treat acne by using guggul, it is recommended that you consume around 500 mg of this herb in the capsule form each day.


Avocados

Avocados are known to be rich sources of fibre as well as unsaturated fats. Avocados are also known to possess the properties of an antioxidant and are helpful in the treatment of acne. These fruits must be included in your diet on a regular basis. They can be consumed along with other fruits in the form of a fruit salad.


Lean Poultry

Lean sources of poultry such as skinless chicken or turkey may prove to be beneficial in the treatment of acne due to the fact that they possess a high amount of zinc. However, it is important that you avoid consuming chicken or turkey with fat as it can worsen the problem of acne.


Evening Primrose

Evening primrose is considered to be an effective remedy for various kinds of acne due to the fact that it possesses a high amount of essential fatty acids that help in reducing the inflammation, which is present on the skin. It is important to note that consuming high amounts of evening primrose capsules can result in side effects such as stomach upset and nausea. Health experts strongly advise against consuming this herb along with any blood-thinning medicines. It is advisable that you consult your doctor before consuming this herb.


Garlic

Garlic is also considered to be effective in the treatment of acne. This is due to the fact that it possesses anti-microbial properties. Garlic is also known to contain a high amount of vitamin C, which is also beneficial in treating acne due to its antioxidant properties. In order to use garlic in the treatment of acne, crush a few flakes of garlic and apply them to your skin in the form of a paste.


Peppermint

Peppermint is considered to be an effective herbal remedy for treating acne. This is due to the fact that peppermint is known to possess anti-inflammatory properties, which helps in reducing acne. In order to use peppermint in treating acne, extract the juice from the peppermint leaves and apply it to the affected areas of your body. You should leave it on there for at least fifteen to twenty minutes. After that, wash it off thoroughly and dry your skin.


Olive Oil

The development of acne is known to cause the surrounding skin to become hard. Therefore, it is important that you first soften the skin when desiring to get rid of acne. You can do this by making use of any non-comedogenic oil such as olive oil. Olive oil does not clog the pores of the skin and has been used for hundreds of years in order to treat skin conditions. Massage 1 tablespoon of olive oil each day into your skin in order to reduce the problem of acne.


Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is known to play the role of an anti-bacterial agent that helps in getting rid of the bacteria. These bacteria normally cause an outbreak of acne. It is also considered to be beneficial in balancing the pH levels of the skin. It also helps in absorbing the excess oil that is present on the surface of the skin. In order to use apple cider vinegar to treat acne, it is important that you dilute the apple cider vinegar by adding one part of it to four parts of water. Use a cotton ball in order to apply this diluted solution to your skin. Following that, wash it off your skin after around fifteen to twenty minutes. If your skin is not sensitive, you could also leave it on overnight.


Other Home Remedies for Acne
  • Make a paste from fenugreek leaves and apply it to your skin. Leave it on for around 10 minutes and wash it off.
  • Make a paste from tomatoes and apply it to your skin. Wash it off after around 45-50 minutes.
  • Mix a few drops of rose water and sandalwood and apply it your skin. Wash it off after around 10-15 minutes.
  • Make a paste from neem leaves and turmeric powder. Apply it to your skin and leave it for around 15-20 minutes.
  • Extract the juice from a few grapes and apply to your skin to treat acne effectively. Wash it off after around 10 minutes.

Diet for Acne

Consume Low Glycaemic Index Carbohydrates

One of the best ways to treat as well as prevent the occurrence of acne is to avoid foods that have high glycaemic index carbohydrates. Common foods that contain a high amount of high glycaemic carbs are white rice, whole wheat bread, potatoes, cakes, pastries, granola bars as well as other sugary foods. You should replace these high glycaemic carbs with low glycaemic carbohydrate foods such as oats, legumes, barley, sweet potatoes, fruits as well as whole grain pasta. Low glycaemic foods are helpful in reducing the insulin levels as well as prevent the sebaceous glands from producing excess sebum, which results in acne.


Avoid Dairy products

Health experts have stated that consuming dairy products might prove to be detrimental for those who suffer from acne. Even though foods such as cheese, yogurt, whey, cream, milk or butter do not contain a high amount of carbohydrates, they are known to increase the levels of insulin in the blood, thereby causing acne. It is recommended that you eliminate dairy products from your diet for a period of time in order to reduce acne.


Consume Fatty Fish

Fish such as codfish, salmon, sardines and halibut are known to contain a high amount of omega 3 fatty acids, which are considered to be helpful in reducing the inflammation that is associated with acne. Health experts recommend that you should bake the fish instead of frying it, as oil can trigger an outbreak of acne.


Consume Fruits and Vegetables

Health experts have pointed out that a deficiency of vitamin A and C is known to be a common cause of acne. There are several fruits and vegetables that contain a high amount of these vitamins and they include carrots, kale, papaya, spinach, red pepper as well as spinach. You should consume these fruits and vegetables regularly in your diet and avoid the highly processed foods as they worsen this condition.


Drink enough Water

It has been stated that acne is known to develop as a result of the accumulation of toxins in the body, which triggers inflammation. Water is considered to be extremely beneficial for your health as it helps in digestion, absorption of nutrients, blood circulation and the elimination of waste from the body. Water is known to be helpful in flushing out the toxins present in the body, thereby reducing the inflammation that is associated with acne. You must avoid consuming aerated drinks as they contain a high amount of sugar, which is also known to cause acne. Instead, you must carry a bottle of chilled water wherever you go and keep sipping on it. It is highly recommended that you aim at drinking at least 10-12 glasses each day of water in order to experience relief from this problem.

Acne Prevention

Cosmetics

It is highly recommended that you use only oil-free cosmetics, also known as non-comedogenic cosmetics, due to the fact that they do not clog the pores. This helps in preventing the recurrence of acne. It is important that you check the label of the product before buying it so as to check whether or not it is non-comedogenic. Mayo clinic highly recommends that those who use make-up should wash it off before they go to bed. If you do not wash off the make-up, it can clog the pores of your skin, thereby resulting in acne. AcneNet.org recommends that if you are using any acne medications, you should apply them to your skin prior to applying make-up.


Skin Care

In order to prevent the occurrence of acne, it is highly important that you take good care of your skin. It is also recommended that you avoid trying pick or squeeze the acne as it can worsen the acne and delay the process of healing. It is recommended that you wash your face several times a day, especially after being exposed to the sun. AcneNet.org recommends that you wash your face regularly by making use of a mild cleanser as well as lukewarm water. Avoid using abrasive soaps, toners, astringents and facial scrubs as they are harsh for the skin and can trigger an outbreak of acne. It is advisable that you use a soft cloth to dry your face in order to prevent the occurrence of skin irritations.


Loose Clothing

Mayo clinic has stated that wearing tight clothes can be a major reason for developing acne, especially during summer. Tight fabric is known to trap the moisture as well as the heat of the skin, thereby causing irritation. Wearing tight clothes is known to increase the growth of bacteria on the skin as well. Therefore, it is advisable that you wear loose clothing as it permits better circulation of air, thereby keeping the skin dry as well as cool.


Other Treatment Options

Vitamins

Vitamin A is known to play the role of an antioxidant and so it is helpful in getting rid of harmful free radicals that cause acne. There are several foods that contain a high amount of vitamin A and they include eggs, dairy products and fortified cereals. Health experts have stated that a deficiency of vitamin B5 is known to be one of the most common causes of acne. This is due to the fact that vitamin B5 is required to maintain the proper levels of the hormones in the body. It is beneficial in regulating stress as well. Vitamin B5 is found mostly in foods such as peanuts, soybeans, liver as well as split peas.


Over The Counter Remedies

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is known to be one of the most common types of over-the-counter remedies for treating acne. Benzoyl peroxide is available as a cream, lotion, gel, as well as in the form of cleansing pads. Benzoyl peroxide helps in destroying the bacteria, which are responsible for acne breakouts. Sulphur is one of the best remedies for getting rid of blemishes and it also helps in improving the texture as well as the tone of the skin. There are several products that contain salicylic acid and alcohol, while having sulphur as a major ingredient. This is because of the fact that sulphur possesses a very unpleasant smell.


Zinc Supplements

Zinc is known to possess anti-inflammatory properties, which are considered to be helpful in the treatment of acne. These supplements combat the inflammation that is present in the affected areas of the skin. As a result of this, the problem of acne is brought under control. Within a short span of time, the scars left behind from the acne also start diminishing. Zinc supplements must be taken on a daily basis in order for them to be effective in the treatment of this condition. It is highly recommended that you speak to your physician regarding the dosage of zinc that suits your body. These supplements generally do not cause any major side effects in the body, but can trigger mild side effects such as stomach upset or nausea, when consumed in large doses. If you do not want to consume a zinc supplement, you could easily meet your daily needs of zinc by consuming foods such as pork, chicken, peanuts and legumes.



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