Millions of people are struggling to get rid of acne. It is formed when the skin pores get clogged. This causes oil not to discharge thus accumulate in the pores. As a result, whiteheads and black heads are formed. This environment is best for the bacteria
‘Propionibacterium acnes’ that grows and results in inflammation hence leading to the formation of pimples. Acne is a condition that gives people sleepless nights as they are worried about not knowing what to use to control acne. It’s now possible to do away with acne depending on the state of your condition.
What are the causes of acne?
Acne results when the skin pores are blocked with bacteria, oil, or dead skin. Every pore of your skin opens to a hair follicle. The follicle consists of the sebaceous gland and hair. Sebum is released from the oil gland, then to the pore, and finally to the skin. The sebum is useful to lubricate and soften your skin. Single or more problems during the lubricating process can lead to acne. This occurs when:
-dead skin accumulates in the pores
-excess oil is produced by the follicles
-bacteria forming in the pores
The above problems lead to the development of pimples. A pimple occurs when bacteria develop in clogged pores preventing oil from escaping. Certain things may worsen or trigger acne. For example, hormonal changes, a diet like foods rich in carbohydrates, certain medications like drugs containing testosterone, and stress, which worsens acne.
Best things for treating acne
Here are the home remedies to treat acne:
1. Make a honey and cinnamon mask
Cinnamon and honey are able to fight bacteria, also capable of reducing inflammation. These are the factors that trigger acne. A study done in 2007 found out that a combination of cinnamon and honey had antibacterial effects against prone acne. Also, another research found out that honey on its own can kill or stop the growth of acne. Though this finding does not suggest that honey kills acne.
A study done for 136 people who had acne found out that applying honey on your face after using an antibacterial soap was not as effective at treating acne as when only using the soap.
The procedure of making cinnamon and honey mask.
- You mix one teaspoon of cinnamon with two tablespoons of honey so as it forms a paste.
- When done cleansing, Evelyn applies the mask on your face leaving it on for ten to fifteen minutes.
- After that, wash the mask off and dry your face.
2. Apply apple cider vinegar
The apple cider vinegar is made by fermentation of the apple cider or from unfiltered juice from the pressed apples. Vinegar has the ability to fight fungi and bacteria. Apple cider vinegar has organic acid, e.g., citric acid, which kills acne. Researchers found out that succinic acid, which is an organic acid, suppresses inflammation that is caused by acne, which can prevent scarring.
Apple cider vinegar has lactic acid, which may enhance the appearance of acne scars. There are certain apple cider vinegar components that can help with acne though there is no evidence for the usage of it for such a purpose. Other dermatologist doesn’t support usage of apple cider vinegar as it may irritate the skin.
Using apple cider vinegar.
- Mix 1 portion of apple cider vinegar with three portions of water
- On cleansing, apply the mixture on your skin with a cotton ball
- Leave it for five to twenty seconds; using water rinse the area and dry it
- Repeat the process one to two times each day
You should know that applying apple cider vinegar to your skin can result in irritation and burns, so you should use it in small amounts.
3. Take a zinc supplement.
Zinc is an important nutrient for cell growth, metabolism, hormone production, and immune function. Research shows that people with acne have less amount of zinc in blood compared to those with clear skin. Studies show that intake of zinc orally reduces acne. A review done in 2014 shows that zinc is best in treating severe acne than treating moderate acne. Favorable dosage of zinc has not been established yet though older studies have noticed a reduction in acne usage of thirty to forty milligrams of zinc elements each day. Taking too much zinc may result in adverse effects like gut irritation and stomach pain.
Also, you should not know that applying zinc to the skin has not been proven to be effective.
4. Apply green tea to your skin
Green tea is high in antioxidants. Drinking this promotes good health. Also it can reduce acne because of the polyphenols found in green tea help fighting bacteria and reducing inflammation. A small study of eighty women who took 1,500 mg of the green tea extract on a daily basis for one month. When the study came to an end, those women who took green tea extract had less acne on their China, noses, and around the mouths. Research shows that green tea may lower blood sugar together with insulin levels that are the factors that can result in the development of acne.
Research indicates that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is the main antioxidant found in green tea, reduces the production of sebum, inhibits the growth of acne, and fights inflammation in people with acne skin.
You can purchase lotions and creams, which include green tea. Also, you can make a mixture of your own at home.
Using green tea.
- You soak green tea in boiling water for about three to four minutes.
- Let the tea cool.
- Apply the tea to your skin using a cotton ball.
- Allow the green tea to dry, then you rinse off with water and dry your skin.
5. Spot treatment with tea tree oil
This tree oil is an important oil that is extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, which is a small tree found in parts of Australia. This tree oil is capable of fighting bacteria and helps reduce inflammation. Furthermore, several studies have found out that this oil, when you apply to your skin, can reduce acne. Also, another study shows that compared to benzoyl peroxide, those individuals who used tree oil for treatment of acne experienced less irritation and dry skin.
You should dilute tea tree oil before applying it to the skin because it is extremely potent.
Using tea tree oil.
- Mix nine portions of water with one portion of tea tree oil.
- Using a cotton ball, dip it into the mixture, and apply it gently to affected areas.
- You can apply a moisturizer.
- You should repeat this process two to three times daily.
6. Moisturize with aloe Vera
The leaves of aloe Vera, which is a tropical plant, produces a clear gel. This gel from the leaves is added to soaps, lotions, creams, and ointments. Aloe vera is the treatment of burns, raises, abrasions, and additional skin conditions.
Aloe vera gel treats burns, heal wounds also fights inflammation when you apply it to the skin. Salyclic acid, together with sulfur, is found in aloe, which is used in treating acne.
Several studies done indicate that aloe vera gel, when combined with certain substances like tea tree oil or tretinoin cream, may be used to cure acne.
Using aloe vera.
- Grate the gel from the aloe Vera plant using a spoon.
- Cleanse your skin and apply the gel as a moisturizer.
- Repeat this process one to two times per day.
Also, you can get this aloe vera gel from the store, where you will have to buy it as long as you make sure it’s a pure gel with no added ingredients.
7. Apply witch Hazel
Witch hazel is usually extracted from leaves and barks of shrubs of North American Hazel, Hamamelis virginiana. It has tannins, which has strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This is why it is used in treating different skin conditions, including burns, acne, insect bites, bruises, dandruff, eczema, and varicose veins. In a small study that was found by a skincare company, thirty people who had moderate or mild acne used a treatment of three steps twice per day for six weeks. One of the ingredients in the second step treatment was witch hazel. As the study was coming to an end, most people experienced an improved change in their acne.
Using witch hazel
- Mix a cup of water with one tablespoon of the witch hazel bark in a saucepan.
- You should soak the witch hazel for thirty minutes, and then you start boiling the mixture.
- For ten minutes, cook the mixture while it’s covered.
- You remove the mixture from the heat and leave it for ten minutes.
- You strain and take the remaining liquid and store it in a container that is sealed.
- After cleansing, you apply it to your skin using a cotton ball person day.
8. Take a fish oil supplement
The omega-3 fatty acids are very healthy fats. They offer lots of health benefits. There are two types of omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils which are docosahexaenoic(DHA) and eicosapentaenoic(EPA). The high level of DHA and EPA indicates lower levels of inflammatory factors that reduce chances of acne. No intake of omega-3 fatty acid has been recommended. Dietary Guidelines for Americans of 2015-2020 recommends adults to consume 250 mg of both DHA and EPA per day.
