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How to Treat Acne: 20 Home Remedies for Acne Treatment

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Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the world with close to 85% of young people affected by it. When it comes to acne, there are some things that you can try to treat your condition at home. This includes using a combination of juiced lemon and mint leaves. Apply and leave on the affected area for 20 to 30 minutes before washing it off with water. 

Acne can be disastrous on your self-confidence and the scars that acne leaves behind could remain as a permanent reminder of your condition. In many people, the condition remains ongoing with new acne spots developing with time. 
 
Acne can develop in all parts of the body, not just in your face. It is caused when the hair follicles in your skin get plugged with dead skin cells and oil. Though it affects people of all ages, it is most common in teenagers. If you suffer from acne, you will start to see whiteheads, blackheads and pimples on your skin.
 
When you consider the question of how to treat acne, most conventional means to treat acne include applying gels or creams which contain 5% benzoyl peroxide. Alternatively, you can also use sulfur or resorcinol. For the purposes of exfoliation, use a pad containing 2% salicylic acid each morning. Use a light skin moisturiser and apply a spot cream containing sulfur at night on the affected regions. Niacinamide is another conventional treatment method that could help you treat acne. With whichever skin regimen you use, remember to clean your skin twice a day and gently pat dry with a dry towel. It usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks for your acne treatment to start showing results.
 
 
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The Cause of Acne

Acne is skin caused by skin pore blockage. The pores in your skin and your hair follicles get clogged with dirt, oil and dead skill cells. This causes the formation of bad bacteria in your skin, which leads to acne. 
 
The skin pores in your skin are connected to a sebaceous gland which is responsible for producing the oily substance sebum. Sebum is what makes your skin shine and glisten, the overproduction of which can clog the pores in your skin. This is common is teenagers who develop pimples as a result. The blocked pores in your skin cause the build-up of bad bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes, which guessing by the name is responsible for acne. 
 
When this bacteria develops in your skin, your immune system, aka your white blood cells start attacking this bacteria. This defence mechanism causes skin inflammation and acne. Some people develop more serious cases of acne, with pimples and blackheads as a symptom of acne in the early stages. If you notice the occasional pimple or blackhead, you should really make it a point to look after your skin better to prevent acne from developing. 
 
There are various things that cause acne. Studies have linked the following to acne development. 
 
  • infections
  • hormonal changes
  • stress
  • diet
  • genetics 
The conventional clinical treatment of acne is considered the most effective in reducing the condition. That being the case, there are some effective home remedies for acne treatment. 
 
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Home Remedies for Acne Treatment

 

When it comes to acne treatment, there are a few things that you can try and some elements you can incorporate into your daily life to reduce the effects of the condition. 
 
Here is a list of home remedies to treat acne. 

 

            1) Add a Fish Oil Supplement to Your Diet
            2) Use Aloe Vera as a Moisturiser
            3) Use Witch Hazel to Treat Acne
            4) Treat with Green Tea
            5) Reduce Spots with Tea Tree Oil
            6) Honey and Cinnamon Masks
            7) Treat with Zinc Supplements
            8) Apple Cider Vinegar Treatment
            9) Use Purified Bee Venom
           10) Rub Rosemary Extract
           11) Echinacea Products
           12) Apply Crushed Garlic
           13) Use Jojoba Oil
           14) Frequent Exfoliation
           15) Use a Combination of Mint Leaves and Lemon Juice. 
           16) Eat Low Glycemic Food
           17) Reduce Dairy Intake
           18) Reduce Stress
           19) Incorporate Regular Exercise
           20) Stay Hydrated

 

 

When it comes to these home remedies, it is important to remember that before you apply anything to your skin, make sure to clean it properly with water. This will ensure that your skin pores are open so that the active ingredients in these remedies can effectively be absorbed into your skin.

 

1) Add a Fish Oil Supplement to Your Diet

 
When it comes to the health of your skin, omega-3 fatty acids aid in the healthy development and maintenance of your skin. It is important to get ample amounts of these healthy fats to ensure that your skin is kept at its best. 
 
That being the case, a common nutrition flaw with most people who follow a western diet is the lack of omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. Research has shown that most people simply don’t get a sufficient amount of omega-3 fatty acid from their diet. 
 
Both eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are important fatty acids, high levels of which help in reducing skin inflammation. Lowered skin inflammation resultantly reduces the risk of developing acne. Both these fatty acids can be acquired through a balanced nutrition plan. It can also be supplemented into your diet to ensure that all essential fatty acids which your body requires are catered for by way of an oral supplement. 
 
Fish oils contain both EPA and DHA which enables you to reduce the symptoms of acne. Studies have illustrated the effectiveness of fish oils in fighting acne. Individuals who were given a supplement of fish oil containing both EPA and DHA noticed significantly reduced acne over a period of 10 weeks.
 
Though there is no hard and fast rule about how much omega-3 fatty acids you should be consuming, in general, it is noted that you require around 250 mg of combined EPA and DHA every day. 
 
If you seek to gain omega-3 fatty acids from a natural diet, then incorporate more salmon and fish in your diet, in combination with nuts and seeds, such as walnuts and chia seeds. 
 
 
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2) Use Aloe Vera as a Moisturiser

Aloe vera, the tropical plant is great for your skin. The gel that is produced in the leaves of this plant has so many soothing properties that it is often added to soaps, lotions and ointments. 
 
The plant is used to treat various skin conditions including rashes and burns. It is a great ingredient in fighting inflammation, the identified cause behind acne. 
 
As mentioned prior, salicylic acid and sulfur have been identified as clinical treatments for acne. Aloe vera contains both salicylic acid and sulfur, which is what makes it so great in treating acne. This home remedy for acne can surely produce some wonderful results. 
 
When combined with other ingredients such as tea tree oil, aloe vera can greatly improve your acne condition, both resolving symptoms and soothing your skin in the process. 
 
The fact that aloe vera contains salicylic acid and sulfur is the reason why aloe vera works well as a home remedy for acne.
 
Simply scrape the gel from the leaf of the aloe vera plant with a knife or spoon and apply the gel directly to your skin. Make sure your skin was cleaned prior to application and repeat once or twice a day, or more often if you prefer. 
 
 
 

3) Use Witch Hazel to Treat Acne

Witch hazel is extracted from the bark and leaves of the witch hazel shrub. Witch hazel contains a good amount of tannins. Tannins have both anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. 
 
The fact that it has both anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties is what makes it so useful in treating various skin conditions, including acne. 
 
Witch hazel also performs really well in reducing skin irritation. Coupled with skin inflammation, which is also reduced by using witch hazel, skin irritation is also one of the main causes of acne. 
 
Witch hazel treatment studies have illustrated a significant improvement in the skin conditions of people who suffered from acne.
 
Simply mix the witch hazel with a cup of water, allow the witch hazel to soak and then boil under heat. Reduce the contents to a simmer and allow to cook in a covered pan for 10 minutes. Once cooled, you can store the liquid in a container; just make sure to seal the container properly. Apply on your skin once or twice a day, more often if you prefer.
 
In order to conserve the amount of tannins in witch hazel, it is important to remember to prepare the liquid yourself. Commercial products undergo a distillation process and often do not have the same levels of tannins. 
 
 
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4) Treat with Green Tea

Drinking green tea is considered one of the best health practices for it is high in antioxidants. 
 
As previously mentioned, bad bacteria and skin inflammation are the two main causes of acne. Green tea contains polyphenols that help fight bad bacteria and reduce skin inflammation. 
 
Higher blood sugar levels and insulin levels could also be a reason for acne. Drinking green tea helps lower blood sugar levels and prevent insulin spiking. Both of these factors enable you to control the development of acne in your body. 
 
Studies have shown, that individuals who drank green tea extracts noticed reduced acne in their skin. Further to the benefits of drinking green tea, acne can be treated by simply applying green tea directly to the affected area. 
 
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is an antioxidant found in green tea. EGCG helps reduce sebum production. As mentioned prior, increased sebum production leads to both skin inflammation and the growth of bad bacteria in your skin. The presence of EGCG in green tea is what makes it ideal for treating acne. 
 
Though you can buy products that contain green tea extract, it may be more effective to simply make the mixture at home. 
 
Simply steep the green tea in boiling water for a few minutes. Allow the tea to cool before gently applying it to your skin. Once applied, wait for the tea to dry and rinse with water. 
 
 
 
 

5) Reduce Spots with Tea Tree Oil

The essential oil, tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of a small tree, Melaleuca alternifolia. Much like the other remedies mentioned previously, the oil works really well in reducing skin inflammation and fighting bad bacteria. 
 
Applying tea tree oil to your skin could help you resolve acne and treat the condition naturally. In comparison to conventional clinical treatments, with tea tree oil you experience reduced dryness and irritation. Plus, it is always more satisfying to treat any condition naturally. 
 
For people who prefer a more natural and holistic means of treating acne, tea tree oil can be a great alternative to conventional clinical treatments. The potency of tea tree oil is very high so remember to mix it with water before applying. 
 
Dilute the tea tree oil to a ratio of 1:9 water. Upon dilution, simply apply the mixture to the affected area on your body. There is no need to wash it off, simply allow it to dry. You should repeat this once or twice a day, or more often if you prefer.
 
 
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6) Honey and Cinnamon Masks

Much like the other remedies mentioned previously, a combination of honey and cinnamon works really well to reduce skin inflammation and fight bad bacteria. The combination has specific anti-bacterial properties against Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria which is responsible for acne. 
 
Honey acts as a great after treatment in the fight against acne. Using honey in the combination with cinnamon makes the treatment more effective. 
 
Mix honey and cinnamon at a ratio of 2:1 (2 parts honey, one part cinnamon). After cleaning your skin, apply the mixture to the affected area in the form of a mask. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes before rinsing off with water. 
 
 
 

7) Treat with Zinc Supplements

People who suffer from acne tend to have lower amounts of zinc in their blood in comparison to other people. Studies have proven that taking zinc supplements orally could help reduce acne and help you treat the condition. 
 
It is a recommendation to add zinc supplements for better chances of recovering from acne. Zinc is essential for healthy cell growth, which is important for your skin. It also works to stabilise your metabolism and hormone levels; uncontrolled levels of both being triggers for acne.
 
When taking zinc supplements, make sure to stay within the recommended upper limit of 40mg per day. If you exceed this amount, you may have adverse reactions to the added zinc in your body including stomach pains and gut irritation. 
 
 
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8) Apple Cider Vinegar Treatment

Apple cider vinegar is made from fermenting apple cider and much like other types of vinegar, it is good at fighting bacteria in your body. The vinegar contains citric acid which has been identified for its ability to kill Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne. 
 
Succinic acid found in the vinegar helps prevent scarring by reducing skin inflammation. When it comes to treating the scars, the vinegar also contains lactic acid which helps remove acne spots and scars. 
 
These compounds which are found in apple cider vinegar can help you treat acne at home. However, if you notice skin irritation caused by this remedy, you should avoid using it. 
 
Simply dilute the vinegar to a ratio of 1:3 water (1 part vinegar, three parts water), and apply gently on cleansed skin. Allow it to sit for no longer than 5 to 20 seconds before rinsing with water and patting dry. You can repeat this once or twice a day, more often if you prefer. 
 
Using vinegar on your skin causes skin irritation, hence remember to dilute it first with water. 
 
 
 

9) Use Purified Bee Venom

Purified bee venom has anti-bacterial properties which are great in your fight against Propionibacterium acnes, the bad bacteria which causes acne. Research has identified the ability of purified bee venom to destroy Propionibacterium acnes. 
 
The anti-bacterial properties of purified bee venom drastically reduced the severity of acne in adults who partook in the trial. 
 
Purified bee venom or products containing purified bee venom could help you treat your condition; identified as a key ingredient that can treat acne.
 
 
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10) Rub Rosemary Extract

Extracts of rosemary contain compounds that have antioxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This can help you control the levels of sebum accumulation in your skin pores, thus resolving acne at the root. 
 
The anti-inflammatory properties will prevent the spreading of acne, while the anti-bacterial properties will fight any bad bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) in your skin. 
 
Simply use the extract once or twice a day on affected regions of your skin. Leave on the skin for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing with water.
 
 
 

11) Echinacea Products

Known as purple coneflower, Echinacea contains compounds that help destroy viruses and bacteria including Propionibacterium acnes.
 
Further to boosting your immune system, Echinacea can reduce inflammation in your skin which will prevent the spreading of acne, thereby enabling you to treat it.
 
You can use creams containing Echinacea on the regions of your skin affected by acne. Simply apply to your skin and allow the cream to work for you. 
 
 
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12) Apply Crushed Garlic

This may cause skin irritation.
 
Garlic contains organosulfur compounds, which have natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Used in traditional medicine to treat infections, garlic does a great job at fighting away germs. 
 
Garlic can be a reliable home remedy to treat acne, that is if you don’t face skin irritation caused by the paste. Garlic can burn your skin, which is why you have to always be careful when you apply it to your skin. 
 
That being the case, if you would like to try this home remedy, simply crush some garlic into a paste and apply it to the affected regions of your skin. Leave on the skin for a few minutes before rinsing with water. It is recommended to try this remedy on a weekly basis to prevent skin burns and irritation.
 
 
 

13) Use Jojoba Oil

 
Extracted from the seeds of the jojoba shrub, jojoba oil can help repair damaged skin which can help you treat acne. Coupled with reducing skin inflammation, jojoba oil reduces swelling and redness of the skin around pimples, further soothing your skin. 
 
When used in a mask, there has been noticed results in people who suffered from acne. Simply mix the jojoba oil with any gel, cream or mask that you use and apply it to the affected areas. Use as often as you would like. 

 

 

14) Frequent Exfoliation

When you exfoliate, you remove the top layer of dead skin cells in your skin. There are many ways to exfoliate your skin including many chemical products. Otherwise, if you prefer, simply gently brush or scrub your skin to remove the dead cells. 
 
Exfoliation enables you to unclog blocked pores in your skin, by removing the dead skin cells. Exfoliation is best used in conjunction with another treatment on this list, for it allows the ingredients in the mixtures to penetrate deeper into your skin, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the remedy.
 
You can use sugar or salt to scrub your skin; they both work really well in exfoliating your skin. Remember to be gentle with your skin when you do scrub and brush. Harsh methods of exfoliation could irritate and damage your skin. 
 
If you prefer to choose a chemical product for exfoliation, use either a salicylic or glycolic acid based product. 
 
To make a scrub at home, simply mix equal parts of sugar (or salt) with jojoba oil and rub the mixture on the affected regions of your skin. Do this frequently, but remember not to exfoliate more than once per day. 
 
 
 
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15) Use a Combination of Mint Leaves and Lemon Juice. 

When it comes to treating acne at home, this remedy works really well to treat the condition. The citric acid in lemon juice makes a great weapon against the bacteria responsible for acne, Propionibacterium acnes.
 
The juice of mint leaves contains antioxidants; extracts of which help soothe skin inflammation. The combination enables the controlled production of sebum in your skin, which prevents the spreading of acne, thereby treating it. 
 
Simply grind the mint leaves and extract the juice and mix with an equal portion of lemon juice. Then apply the mixture to the affected regions of your skin and allow it to dry. After about 20 minutes, simply rinse with water and pat dry. Repeat once every two days for best results. 
 

 

16) Eat Low Glycemic Food

There is a link between what you eat and acne. This is because spikes in your insulin levels and insulin irregularity can also be another cause of acne. The glycemic index is the measure of how fast the food raises your blood sugar level. The higher the food is on the glycemic index, the faster the blood sugar levels will spike. 
 
The higher levels of blood sugar in your body tend to cause the excessive production of sebum. Thus, eating high glycemic food have the tendency to increase the severity of acne, and makes you more prone to the development of acne. 
 
High glycemic food includes processed food such as cakes, biscuits, candies, carbonated drinks and white bread. 
 
Instead, choose to eat a low glycemic diet, including more fruits and vegetables. Include nuts and grains for an overall balanced low glycemic diet.
 
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17) Reduce Dairy Intake

Dairy products contain hormones like IGF-1, a hormone that has been linked with acne. Dairy can causes changes in your hormone levels, which could lead to the development of acne. 
 
Studies show that people who drank milk on a more frequent basis were observed to have been linked to more instances of developing acne.
 
Reducing the amount of dairy in your diet could help you better manage your body’s hormone levels, thereby enabling you to take control of acne.
 
 
 

18) Reduce Stress

Stress can cause hormonal changes in your body. These changes have been associated with the increased production of sebum in your skin. As mentioned prior, the increased production of sebum is what leads to skin pore blockage and the development of bad bacteria. 
 
Stress can affect the gut bacteria in your body, which will cause inflammation all over your body, not just your skin. This has been linked to increased development of acne. 
 
Studies have shown, that incorporating certain relaxation techniques can help reduce stress, which has been proven to improve acne.
 
In order to reduce stress, try meditation and yoga. You can also engage in some healthy exercise, all of which will help you sleep better at night, thereby reducing stress even further. 
 
 
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19) Incorporate Regular Exercise

Exercise improves your overall wellbeing and health. It is the pedestal of a healthy lifestyle. The fact that it improves the efficiency of your bodily functions means it will help you treat your acne. 
 
Lack of exercise combined with bad nutrition could lead to increased development of acne. Exercise helps the promotion of healthy blood circulation which helps nourish your skin better. This may help you treat acne and help prevent it altogether. 
 
A healthy amount of exercise also helps regulate healthy hormone levels and helps reduce stress; stress and irregular hormone levels are both linked to the development of acne. 
 
You can either do yoga, go for a walk or run or simply get into weight lifting. The choice is yours. However, incorporating some form of exercise into your daily routine could really help you treat acne.
 
 
 

20) Stay Hydrated

Hydration is important when you have acne. Proper hydration helps you heal acne sores and prevent the outbreak and spreading of acne. 
 
Dry skin is caused by a lack of hydration. Dry skin can lead to increased irritation and damage, which results in the development of pimples. Proper hydration enables your skin to heal faster ensuring the development and growth of new skin cells. 
 
Hence stay hydrated as much as possible. This in combination with the other remedies will help you treat acne faster. 
 
 
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How to Treat Acne Scars at Home

When it comes to treating the scars left by acne, there are a few things that you can try. To remove acne scars from your skin at home, use
  • Aloe vera
  • Mint leaves (crush; use the paste)
  • Jojoba oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Black seed oil
  • Rosehip seed oil
  • Honey
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Onion extract
  • Essential oils
  • Shea butter
  • Turmeric powder (mix with water to make a paste)
 
Any or all of these ingredients can help you remove the scars caused by acne, allowing you to restore your skin and complexion. They work to naturally moisturise your skin and maintain a healthy glow, enabling you to treat the acne scars, naturally over time.
 
Remember to wash off the crushed mint leaf paste or the turmeric powder paste after leaving it on for about 20 minutes. You can try these remedies as often as you would like. 
 
 
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Skin Products and Makeup

When it comes to makeup, if you suffer from acne, it is best to avoid it altogether. If you do consider using makeup, make sure to use water-based makeup to prevent the spread of acne or issues caused by the over sensitivity of your skin. 
 
As for skin products, you may find it useful to use products that have one or more of the ingredients mentioned in this article. 
 
If you have acne-prone skin, you should make it a rule of thumb to not use coconut oil on your skin. This is because coconut oil is a comedogenic ingredient that clogs skin pores which could worsen your case of acne. However coconut oil has been proven to work to reduce acne for some skin types. Hence be careful! 
 
You should also be aware of any fragrances in your skin products that could cause an allergic reaction due to skin sensitivity (people with acne have more sensitive skin.) Try to use fragrance-free products. 
 
Alcohol found in your toner could dry your skin causing skin damage and irritation. If the alcohol is in a clinical treatment product, then it is fine. Use a cleanser that doesn’t have alcohol. Alcohol could irritate your skin, causing the over secretion of sebum, leading to the development of acne. 
 
Cocoa butter is another thing that could clog up your skin pores causing the worsening of your condition. Cocoa butter can also trap bacteria in the pores, which can lead to further worsening of your condition, hence avoid using it. 
 
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is commonly found in facial cleansers and body washes. It can damage the moisture barrier in your skin leading to more skin irritation. Hence reconsider using products that include SLS. 
 
 
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To Conclude

Remember to always clean your skin before using any remedy. This will greatly increase the effectiveness of the remedy. We hope this list of remedies are useful for you in treating your condition and pray that you manage to overcome the difficulties caused by acne. Healthy skin can be very important to self-confidence, so we hope reading this word to word provided you with some good insight on what to do and what not to do. 
 
 
Happy Living!

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