Acne is a common problem and sometimes it becomes so frustrating. At one point in their life, everybody passes through a stage when they have a patch of pimple or acne on their face and they just refuse to leave you alone.
Because this problem is very common, there are hundreds of home remedies for acne which are even scientifically proven.
Acne develops when the pores of the skin are clogged or get infected with bacteria. It is due to the hypersensitivity of the sebaceous glands of the skin. There can be many causes of acne –
- Medicines like lithium, steroids, etc
- Clothes like shoulder pads, backpacks, underwire bras
- Genes inherited from family members
- Smoking
- Disorders like polycystic ovarian syndrome
The skin repairs continuously and regenerates itself through the process called skin cell turnover. During this process, the skin sheds its old cells and replaces them with new ones. But sometimes, these old skin cells build over the surface of the skin.
At the same time, the sebaceous glands present inside the pores produce an oily substance called sebum which helps in protecting the skin. Sebum retains water and helps in protecting the skin from the elements.
Sebaceous glands may produce too much sebum or too many dead skin cells build up over the surface of the skin. The combination of these two can accumulate inside the pores causing them to become clogged, and creating acne.
Although there are many remedies available, here are some of the most effective ones –
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a very popular natural health product that is promoted for the treatment of many ailments, from high cholesterol to the common cold. It is made from fermented apples and is available at your nearest grocery store. There is some scientific evidence present that shows the presence of antimicrobial properties in it.
But there is some evidence of the ingredient harming the skin due to its highly acidic nature. Some people have even suffered from burns after applying apple cider vinegar directly to their skin. So before taking any action, do consult your dermatologist.
- Tea Tree Oil
It is a natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient which kills the bacteria that cause acne. The anti-inflammatory properties help in reducing the swelling of the skin and the redness caused by pimples.
It was scientifically proven that tea tree oil reduces the number of acne sores in people due to its antimicrobial properties.
It can be added to acne creams, gels, or essential oils. It was suggested that people use tea tree oil products under the concentration of 5% as it can cause irritation and allergic reaction.
- Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is a natural, waxy substance extracted from the seeds of the jojoba shrub. The waxy substance in the oil is used to repair damaged skin which speeds up the process of wound healing.
Jojoba oil also contains some substances which help in reducing inflammation. Redness and swelling caused by pimples, whiteheads, etc.
You can use jojoba oil by mixing it with gel, cream, or clay face mask or you can place a few drops of jojoba oil on a cotton pad and rub gently over the acne sores.
- Green Tea
Green tea and topical acne products that contain green tea are recommended for use to treat acne. Green tea has been shown to provide health benefits. It was found in a study in 2013 that green tea contains a compound called epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG which plays an important role in reducing sebum production in the skin.
People who use green tea have less oily skin after using it for about eight weeks.
- Coconut Oil
There is no doubt that coconut oil has unlimited health benefits. It is praised for the benefits it provides to not just the skin but also the heart. It is used as an alternative to many acne creams and gels.
There are still some contradictions about the usefulness of coconut in treating acne. Some studies have shown that it contains medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) which help in killing bacteria that cause acne.
The fatty acids present in coconut oil are also used to fight inflammation which is a major factor in acne. But contradicting the positive sides of coconut oil, some studies show that coconut oil may contribute to the clogging of pores causing acne, and does not contain any anti-microbial properties. People with oily skin should avoid using it as it can make the skin oilier.
- Zinc
Zinc is a supplement that is widely available and is often recommended as a treatment for acne. It does not require any prescription and so it is easily accessible. Unlike many other products, zinc is a supplement that is consumed through the mouth. It is one of those solutions that is backed up by scientific proof.
In a study conducted in 2010, it was found that people who consume zinc and other antioxidants three times a day had a reduction in acne formation over 12 weeks.
It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Honey
Honey, which is free of any added ingredients, is recommended as a natural remedy for almost all types of skin issues, especially acne.
But it was found in a study that honey encourages the growth of a certain type of bacteria including the one which causes acne.
But honey has been used for thousands of years and it contains many antioxidants that help in clearing clogged pores. It is just that there is no strong evidence for backing up its efficiency.
You can use honey by pouring it either over a clean finger or a cotton pad and rubbing it on the pimples. You can also add honey to your face and body mask.
Wrapping Up
There are many solutions available, some backed by scientific evidence, while some have been practiced for the past hundred years. Apart from these, people can always go for the best cleansers for acne. There are many md cleansers available in the aisles of the market which can reduce your acne to a great extent.