To reduce
inflammation, balance the skin’s oil levels, and prevent future breakouts,
people can use these remedies. However, it's important to note that there is
limited scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness. Therefore, caution
is necessary before trying any home remedies.
It is important to
discuss the symptoms with a doctor and explore treatment options before using
any home remedies. As the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not test the
safety and effectiveness of home remedies, relying solely on them in place of
professional medical care can be risky.
Causes of Acne
- Hormones: Hormonal changes,
especially during puberty, can cause acne. Androgens, which are male hormones
also present in females, can increase the production of sebum, leading to the
development of acne.
- Bacteria: The bacterium
Propionibacterium acnes, which normally resides on the skin, can cause acne
when it multiplies rapidly and leads to inflammation.
- Inflammation: Inflammation is a
natural response of the body to injury or infection. In acne, inflammation can
lead to redness, swelling, and the formation of painful cysts.
- Certain medications: Certain
medications, including lithium, steroids, and anticonvulsants, can cause acne
as a side effect.
- Restrictive clothing: Wearing
tight or restrictive clothing, such as shoulder pads, backpacks, underwire
bras, and headbands, can trap sweat and oil on the skin, leading to acne.
- Endocrine disorders: Hormonal
imbalances, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), can cause acne.
- Genetics: Acne can be inherited
from family members who also have a history of the condition.
- Smoking: Smoking can damage the
skin and lead to premature aging, including the appearance of acne in older
individuals.
Effective Home Remedies to Treat Acne
In this article, we
will explore the top home remedies for acne and their effectiveness based on
research. We will also provide lifestyle tips that can assist in managing acne.
However, it's
crucial to exercise caution when trying new topical remedies. We recommend
consulting with a dermatologist before using any topical treatments or
conducting a patch test by applying a small amount to the wrist or hand to
check for skin reactions.
1. Tea Tree Oil for Acne Treatment:
How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Acne Treatment:
Tea tree oil can be
applied to the skin in various forms, including creams, gels, or essential
oils, to treat acne. However, it is essential to note that tea tree oil can
cause allergic reactions in some individuals, and products containing it should
have a concentration under 5% to avoid skin irritation. Additionally, it is
important to consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils, as
they are not regulated by the FDA, and research the quality of the brand's
products. Before trying a new essential oil, it is always recommended to
perform a patch test.
2. Jojoba Oil:
Tips on Using Jojoba Oil:
One way to use
jojoba oil is by mixing it with a gel, cream, or clay face mask and applying it
directly to the acne. Alternatively, you can put a few drops of the oil on a
cotton pad and gently rub it over acne sores. This will aid in the reduction of
skin inflammation, redness, and swelling, which are common symptoms of acne.
3. Aloe Vera for Acne-Prone Skin:
Tips on Using Aloe Vera Gel for Acne Treatment:
To use aloe vera
gel for treating acne, begin by cleaning the affected area. Then, apply a thin
layer of the cream or gel twice a day, after washing with soap. In a recent
study conducted in 2021, researchers found that combining aloe vera with
ultrasound and soft mask applications significantly reduced the number of
bumps, lesions, and dry skin. Therefore, for maximum benefits, consider
combining aloe vera with other treatment methods.
4. Honey for Skin Care:
For numerous centuries, honey has been a popular remedy for various skin conditions due to its rich antioxidant content, which can effectively unclog pores.
Nonetheless,
although honey has been shown to possess antimicrobial properties, a review
conducted in 2016 found insufficient evidence to support its effectiveness in
treating acne specifically.
Tips on Using Honey for Skin Care:
To apply honey, use
a clean cotton pad or finger to gently rub it into pimples. Alternatively, mix
honey into a face or body mask for a rejuvenating treatment.
5. Zinc for Reducing Acne Lesions and Redness:
Zinc is commonly
praised for its anti-inflammatory properties, which make it a potential
solution for reducing the appearance of acne lesions and redness. Despite
conflicting research on its effectiveness, applying zinc directly onto the skin
may yield better results compared to taking it orally. When ingested, some of
the supplement may be degraded during the digestion process, which can reduce
its efficacy.
Methods of Using Zinc:
Zinc can be used in
two ways: topically on the skin or as a supplement taken orally. When using
zinc to reduce acne lesions and redness, applying it directly onto the skin may
produce more favorable outcomes compared to taking it orally. This is because
some of the supplement may be broken down in the digestion process, diminishing
its effectiveness.
6. Benefits of Green Tea for Acne-Prone Skin:
How to Use Green Tea for Acne:
Green tea can be used
in two ways to potentially improve acne-prone skin: by drinking it or applying
green tea extract topically. Green tea extract may be more effective in
reducing acne because of its high concentration of antioxidants. While green
tea is readily available in most food stores, green tea extract can be harder
to find and may require a visit to a health store or online purchase. While
research on green tea's effectiveness in treating acne is limited, a 2017 study
showed that using a polyphenol green tea extract for 8 weeks led to a
significant reduction in whiteheads and blackheads.
7. Echinacea's Potential Benefits:
How to Use Echinacea:
Echinacea is
available in the form of creams and supplements, which can be found in health
stores or online. People can apply echinacea creams to areas with acne lesions
or take echinacea supplements to reap its potential benefits.
8. Rosemary Extract:
9. Purified Bee Venom:
10. Coconut Oil for Acne Treatment:
How to Use Coconut Oil for Acne Treatment:
To use coconut oil
for acne treatment, rub pure virgin coconut oil directly into the affected
area. You can find coconut oil in the natural foods section of grocery stores
or online.
Lifestyle Changes to Manage Acne
1. Avoid Touching Pimples: It can be tempting to
touch or pop acne sores, but doing so can irritate the skin and spread pimples
to other areas. Touching acne sores can also introduce more bacteria, causing
further infection. Talk to a doctor about treating large or deep sores safely.
2. Choose the Right Cleanser: Regular soaps
with high pH levels can irritate the skin and make acne worse. Choose mild
cleansers, rinses, and washes to reduce the risk of acne flare-ups and let
sores heal.
3. Use Oil-Free Skin Care: Oil-based
or greasy products can block pores and increase the risk of clogged and growing
acne sores. Look for skin care products and cosmetics labeled as “oil-free” or
“noncomedogenic,” which allow pores to breathe.
4. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can make acne
worse by causing dry, irritated skin. Staying hydrated also ensures new skin
cells develop correctly as sores heal. Make a concentrated effort to drink more
water during the day.
5. Reduce Stress: Stress can cause acne
flare-ups by increasing hormone levels that stimulate hair follicles and oil
glands in pores. Tips for managing stress include talking with supportive
people, getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and
practicing deep breathing, yoga, mindfulness, or meditation.
Medical Treatments for Acne
Over-the-counter
treatments with active ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide,
and alpha hydroxy acids are commonly used to manage mild to moderate acne
sores. In contrast, doctors may prescribe more potent medication such as
tretinoin gels and creams, clindamycin gels and creams, oral antibiotics, oral
isotretinoin, or birth control medication for severe acne cases.
When to Seek Medical Help for Acne
Hormonal Acne
Hormonal acne is a
type of acne that results from imbalanced hormones in the body. It can be
caused by a variety of factors, such as consuming foods that contain hormones,
experiencing premenstrual hormone fluctuations, feeling high levels of stress
that trigger hormone production, or having polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Consumption of
dairy products, for instance, can contribute to hormonal acne due to the
presence of hormones. Premenstrual hormone fluctuations can also cause acne
flare-ups. Stressful emotions, such as anger and anxiety, can increase hormone
production and trigger acne. Additionally, PCOS is a common endocrine system
disorder that can lead to hormonal acne during an individual's reproductive
years.
If you are
experiencing hormonal acne, it is essential to seek medical attention from a
doctor who can offer various treatment options and suggest ways to prevent acne
flare-ups associated with each type of hormonal acne.
Allergic Acne
It is important to
note that acne is usually not accompanied by itchiness. Therefore, if a person
experiences itchiness along with acne-like symptoms, it could be an indication
of another condition that resembles acne.
One such condition
is allergic dermatitis and hives, which can cause symptoms similar to those
caused by an allergic reaction to medications, foods, or certain skin care
products. In some cases, these allergic reactions can lead to severe symptoms
that require medical attention.
In addition, gluten
sensitivity can lead to dermatitis herpetiformis, which may look like acne due
to the presence of a pruritic rash and blisters. If an individual is
experiencing gluten sensitivity, it may be necessary to make changes to their
diet and take medications to manage the symptoms.
