Best Natural Treatments for Acne
Most people have experienced the horrors of acne at some stage in their lives. Generally, it occurs during the teenage period when hormonal changes occur. For males, acne goes away by the time they become young adults, but for women, acne can continue in their adult life as well. Before dwelling on acne treatments, let us understand what acne is.
Acne is a skin condition that happens when the hair follicles become clogged. The skin has pores that open up onto hair follicles that lie just under our skin. Often sebum and dead cells clog these hair follicles, and then bacteria attack these clogged pores, resulting in pimples, zits, or blemishes.
Acne is the most common skin condition in the world. Approximately 10% of people suffer through it. It varies in its severity. Though it does not affect overall health, it can get painful and uncomfortable and might even cause scarring. They usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. They can cause skin discoloration, tenderness, swelling, and pain.
Though the doctors have still not understood why acne occurs, they have identified what can trigger an acne breakout. These are hormonal changes, especially during puberty and pregnancy, stress, polycystic ovarian syndrome, cigarette smoking, poor sleep, beauty products high in oil, medicines containing lithium and steroids, and genes.
Acne doesn’t go away, but the good news is it is treatable. There are several home remedies as well that can help you in controlling acne. And you can get over-the-counter ointments and medicated creams to treat it.
Natural Acne Treatments for Sensitive Skin
Natural remedies and herbal solutions are gaining popularity because they have no side effects. Herbs have been used as medicines for centuries. The allopathic medicines came into being much later, and though they provide relief quickly, often, it is temporary. Herbal medicines and natural remedies do not provide instant relief, but their effects are longer-lasting than synthetic medicines. There are few soaps that help you clear acne within days. All you need is to consult your problem with your doctor and start using he recommended soaps.
So now let us discuss some natural remedies for acne. The treatments depend upon the severity. Here is how you can react to acne naturally:
Mild Acne
Mild acne can be treated by drinking plenty of water, washing your face at least four times a day, and using medicated soap to help remove excess oil without drying the skin.
Moderate Acne
For moderate acne, you need something extra. Researchers have pointed out that Salicylic Acid and Sulfur are good for treating acne. Both are found in Aloe Vera. You can combine it with Tea tree Oil which contains tretinoin cream, which is also good for acne.
Severe Acne
Severe acne is much harder to treat. It requires different treatments simultaneously. But try simple treatments like applying diluted apple cider vinegar to your skin. It contains organic acids which help fight bacteria, especially the P. Acnes. It works best with Zinc which is found in meat and poultry. Avoid fine carbs and sugar at all costs as they flare up inflammation.
Best Skin Treatment for Acne
There are several treatments for acne in both conventional and alternative medicine. But, due to side effects, many people go in for alternative medicines or more popularly known as “home remedies.” These include the use of herbs and other ingredients. Here are a few home remedies you can try for your acne. Try to do a patch test on the back of your head before applying it to the affected area. It can help you in a better way.
Honey and Cinnamon Mask
- One teaspoon cinnamon
- One tablespoon honey
- Mix the above two to form a thick paste. Cleanse your face and apply the mask. Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse your face with cold water. Pat dry.
Tea Tree Oil Mask
One of the best masks for treating mild to moderate acne.
- One part tea tree oil
- Nine parts of water
- Mix the two and apply. You can leave it overnight.
Acne doesn’t go away, but the good news is it is treatable.
Best Natural Acne Treatment for Teenagers
Mostly acne appears in the teenage due to hormonal changes. These hormonal changes can cause an excess of oil which clogs the pores. Here are a few natural treatments for teenagers. Please keep in mind that these home remedies are not backed by science.
Apple Cider Vinegar mask
- One part Apple Cider Vinegar
- Ten parts of water
- Mix both and apply on the skin with a cotton ball. It will help to balance the Ph Level.
Lemon Juice
Apply freshly squeezed lemon juice directly on the skin for a few minutes. Wash with cool water.
Honey
- Apply thinly over the face.
- Honey plays a great role in rejuvenating the skin. Apply for a few minutes.
Natural Treatment for Severe Acne
Science doesn’t verify the abovementioned remedies, but they have been used for centuries. You can use these remedies a couple of times but not daily. Here are a few tips to help you manage severe acne along with the masks mentioned.
- Cleanse your face daily. Use natural soaps.
- Do not use a scrub. Vigorous scrubbing can pop a pimple which leaves a scar, and the spilling bacteria will cause even more pimples.
- Never pop a pimple.
- Use sunscreens as sunlight contain free radicals that can cause further inflammation.
- Eat carefully. Avoid sugar and oil as much as you can.
- Avoid cosmetics that contain topical oils and chemicals.
- Take zinc supplements. Zinc is good for treating acne. Omega 3 helps in nourishing the skin.
- Be patient. Acne takes time. Once the breakout occurs, the clearing-up process is long. It will not disappear overnight; the breakout will keep appearing.
- Apply ice on the zits. Ice helps with inflammation, itching, and redness. It even kills the life cycle of the zits.
- Try taking probiotics.
- Use aloe Vera as it contains all the minerals necessary to fight acne. It clears up the pores that are blocked without excessive rubbing.
- Use the masks mentioned above. All are made of natural ingredients and will benefit you.
Bottom Line
Everybody has acne problems especially at the younger ages. This problem is seen common in people who go out in the sun a lot or work in areas where dust is prominent. If you are facing such issues you need to get rid of acne. Above mentioned techniques are the best ways to get rid of acne, follow these and see the improvement.