10 home remedies to treat acne

Acne is a skin condition that affects a major population of the world. An estimated 85% of people face acne. They can be caused due to a number of reasons. But it is easy to cure them in most of the cases by using simple home remedies. Therefore, here is a list of such homemade simple treatments which can cure the disease.

1. Apply apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting apple cider, or the unfiltered juice from pressed apples. It has the ability to fight many types of bacteria and viruses.

It can prove to be helpful in lighting the appearance of acne scars. Apple cider vinegar may help dry up the excess oil that causes acne in the first place.

• Mix 1 part of apple cider vinegar with 3 parts of water (use more water for sensitive skin).
• Cleanse your skin, and then gently apply the mixture to the skin with the help of a cotton ball.
• Let sit for 5-20 seconds, wash off with water and pat dry.
• Repeat the process 1-2 times per day, as per the requirement.

Be careful while using apple cider vinegar as it can also cause skin irritation or burns.

2. Make a honey and cinnamon mask

Honey and cinnamon are great sources of antioxidants. According to the studies, applying antioxidants to the skin is more effective at reducing acne than benzoyl peroxide and retinoids. The antioxidants studied vitamin B3, linoleic (omega-6) fatty acid and sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP), which is a vitamin C derivative are two common acne medications for the skin.

These particular antioxidants are not found in honey or cinnamon, but other antioxidants may have a similar effect. Honey and cinnamon can prove to be beneficial to fight bacteria and reduce inflammation.

• Mix 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon together to form a paste.
• After cleansing, apply the mask to your face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
• Rinse the mask off completely and pat your face dry.

3. Use tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil well known for its ability to fight bacteria and reduce skin inflammation. It is extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree native to Australia.

In studies, it was found that it also resulted in fewer severe effects like dryness, irritation and burning, compared to benzoyl peroxide. Tea tree oil is very potent, therefore always dilute it before applying it to your skin.

• Mix 1 part of tea tree oil with 9 parts of water.
• Dip a cotton swab into the mixture and apply it to the affected areas.
• Apply moisturizer if desired.
• Repeat this process 1-2 times per day, as per the requirement.

4. Apply green tea over the skin

Green tea has great health benefits as it is high in anti-oxidants. Though there aren't any studies that talk about the benefits of drinking green tea for reducing acne but applying it directly to the skin has found out to be helpful.

This is maybe because the green tea has flavonoids and tannins which are known to help fight bacteria and reduce inflammation. The major antioxidant in green tea - epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) - has been shown to reduce sebum production, fight inflammation and inhibit the growth of P. acnes.

Various studies have shown that applying a 2-3% green tea extract to the skin significantly reduces sebum production and pimples in those with acne. You can also go for creams and lotions that have green tea or try the easier method to make your own mixture at home.

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• Immerse green tea in boiling water for 3-4 minutes.
• Then, allow the tea to cool.
• Using a cotton ball, apply the tea to the skin or use a spray bottle instead.
• Allow to dry, then wash off with water and pat dry.

5. Apply aloe vera gel

Aloe vera gel is commonly added to lotions, creams, ointments and soaps. It's is used in treating abrasions, rashes, burns and other skin conditions. On its application; aloe vera gel can help heal wounds, treat burns and fight inflammation. Aloe vera contains salicylic acid and sulfur that are used extensively in the treatment of acne.

• Peel the aloe vera leave and scrape out the gel with a spoon.
• Apply the gel directly to clean skin as a moisturizer.
• Repeat 1-2 times per day, as desired.

You can also buy aloe vera gel from the nearby but check for its purity.

6. Consume fish oil supplement

Omega-3 fatty acids are a great source of healthy fats that offer multiple health benefits. Fish oils contain two main types of omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA benefits the skin in many ways, such as managing oil production, maintaining adequate hydration and preventing acne.

As there is no particular recommended daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids, but most health organizations recommend healthy adults consume a minimum of 250-500 mg of combined EPA and DHA daily.

You can also get omega-3 fatty acids by eating salmon, sardines, anchovies, walnuts, chia seeds and ground flaxseeds.

7. Exfoliate regularly

Exfoliation is the process of removing the layer of dead skin cells. It can be done manually by using a brush or scrub to remove the cells. Or, it can be removed chemically by applying an acid that dissolves them.

Some studies show that microdermabrasion, which is a method of exfoliation, can improve the skin's appearance.

In a small study, 25 patients with acne received eight microdermabrasion treatments at weekly intervals. Based on before and after images, there was an improvement seen in the acne.

There are a wide variety of exfoliation products available market, but it's easier to make a scrub at home using sugar or salt.

• Mix equal parts sugar (or salt) and coconut oil.
• Scrub skin with the mixture and rinse well.
• Exfoliate as often as desired up to once daily.

8. Reduce dairy products in the diet

Drinking milk and consuming dairy products can expose you to hormones, that may cause hormonal changes and lead to acne.

However, more research needs to done on the milk products and their association with the acne. Restricting the consumption of milk and dairy may work well for those with acne-prone skin.

9. Reduce stress

Stress releases hormones which may increase sebum production and skin inflammation, making acne worse. There are multiple studies that have linked stress to an increase in acne severity.

Stress can slow down the healing process by up to 40%, which may slow the repair of acne lesions.

Inculcating some exercises and change in routine can help in reducing stress thus improving acne. Tips to reduce stress:

• Get proper sleep
• Involve in physical activity
• Practice yoga
• Meditate
• Practice deep breathing

10. Exercise regularly

Exercise promotes healthy blood circulation in the body. The increase in blood flow helps nourish the skin cells, which may help prevent and heal acne.

Exercise also plays a role in hormone control. Several studies have shown that exercise can decrease stress and anxiety, factors that can contribute to the development of acne.

It is recommended that healthy adults exercise for 30 minutes 3-5 times per week. This can include activities like walking, hiking, running, swimming and lifting weights.

(Source: healthline)

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