When it comes to skin issues, I'm very sure people can relate to this. Acne is very well the most common skin problem ever. It has been reported that at least 85% of people will or have faced problems with acne.
There are some acne treatments available, but when it comes to treating acne it can be quite expensive. Not only that, but does come with some side effects that can become a discomfort for some people. Those side effects can usually come with dryness, redness and irritation.
This has led some people to look into other ways to treat or cure acne naturally. We all know that the internet is full of advices from many people around when it comes to treating acne naturally, but the overall question is, do natural treatments work?
In this blog post, I'm going to share with you 7 effective home remedies that you can try to treat acne, and will also share with you 2 products that has been proven and has worked for many that had been fighting acne for a long time.
But, before I begin…Let's dig in deep to attack the real issue of acne.
So What Actually Causes Acne?
Acne occurs when your pores in your skin are completely clogged with oil and dead skin cells.
Each of your pores is connected to a sebaceous gland. This is the gland that produces and creates an oily substance called sebum.
Extra sebum can plug up pores, causing the growth of bacteria, which is known as Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes.
The white blood cells in your body start to attach P. acnes, which then leads to skin inflammation and acne. There are some people that have more of a severe case than others.
The most common types include whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples.
Now keep in mind that there are other factors that can contribute to acne. Those include genetics, dieting, stress, hormone changes and infection.
What you're about to read now are the 7 most effective home remedies to cure or treat acne.
How To Treat Acne
Use Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is made by the process of fermenting apple cider. It's much known for its ability to fight off many types of bacteria and viruses.
Several organic acids that are found in apple cider vinegar has that been shown to kill P. acnes.
Succinic acid has in the past been show to suppress inflammation caused by P. acnes, which prevent scarring.
This is the most important factor to apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar may help dry up the excess oil that has contributed to acne.
Directions on how to use Apple Cider Vinegar to treat Acne
- Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar and 3 parts water (use more water for sensitive skin).
- After cleansing, gently apply the mixture to the skin using a cotton ball.
- Let sit for 5–20 seconds, rinse with water and pat dry.
- Repeat this process 1–2 times per day, as needed.
Keep in mind that while applying apple cider vinegar to your skin could cause burns and irritation. That's why it is important to use apple cider vinegar in small amounts and dilute with water.
Taking Zinc Supplements
Zinc is essential for cell growth, cell growth, hormone production, metabolism and immune function.
When it comes to natural treatments for acne, Zinc falls under the category as being the most studied. Many of research shows that people with acne problems tend to show lower levels of zinc in their bloodstream than those with clear skin.
Just by taking zinc orally helps reduce acne.
When it comes to the amount of dosage of zinc for acne, that amount has not been established as of yet, but several conducted studies has displayed that using 30-40 mg of elemental zinc per day would reduce acne.
Zinc oxide contains the highest amount of elemental zinc at 80%.
The recommended amount of zinc is 40 mg per day. Do not exceed that amount unless you're under the care of a physician. Taking way too much zinc can result to having stomach pains and gut irritation.
Make a Honey and Cinnamon Mask
Honey & Cinnamon has been proven to be perfect sources of antioxidants. Applying antioxidants to your skin has been proven to be more effective than apply peroxide.
Both honey and cinnamon have antibacterial properties that help with fighting off acne. Both have the ability to fight off bacteria and reduce down the inflammation.
Directions on Making A Honey & Cinnamon Mask
- Mix 2 tablespoons honey and 1 teaspoon 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.
Use Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that is extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree native to Australia.
Tea tree oil is very popular in its ability to fight bacteria and reduce skin inflammation.
Tea tree oil is very potent, so always dilute it before applying it to your skin.
Directions on using Tea Tree Oil
- Mix 1 part tea tree oil with 9 parts water.
- Dip a cotton swab into the mixture and apply it to affected areas.
- Apply moisturizer if desired.
- Repeat this process 1–2 times per day, as needed.
Use & Apply Green Tea to Your Skin
It's been proven that Green tea is very high in antioxidants. Drinking green tea can provide good health.
When it comes to treating acne, there are no evidence on the benefits of drinking green tea when it comes to acne, but applying it straight to the skin has been shown to help.
This is mainly because of the flavonoids and tannins that is found in green tea. These two elements are known to help fight bacteria and reduce inflammation, which are two main causes of acne.
You can actually buy creams and lotions that contain green tea, but it is just as easy to make your own mixture at home.
Directions on How To Use Green Tea
- Steep green tea in boiling water for 3–4 minutes.
- Allow tea to cool.
- Using a cotton ball, apply tea to skin or pour into a spray bottle to spritz on.
- Allow to dry, and then rinse with water and pat dry.
You can also add the remaining tea leaves to honey and make a mask.
Apply Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is the extract from the bark and leaves of the North American witch hazel shrub. Witch hazel contains tannins, which has proven to have strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Witch hazel is used to treat many skin conditions such as dandruff, eczema, varicose veins, burns, bruises, insect bites and acne.
Directions On Using Witch Hazel To Treat Acne
- Combine 1 tablespoon witch hazel bark and 1 cup water in a small saucepan.
- Soak witch hazel for 30 minutes and then bring the mixture to a boil on the stove.
- Reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and let sit for an additional 10 minutes.
- Strain and store the liquid in a sealed container.
- Apply to clean skin using a cotton ball 1–2 times per day, or as desired.
Use & Moisturize With Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a popular plant whose leaves produce a clear gel. Aloe Vera is usually found in lotions, soaps, ointments and creams, but is most commonly used to treat abrasions, rashes, burns, and other skin conditions.
When Aloe Vera is applied to the skin, it usually help heal wounds, treat burns, and fight inflammation.
Aloe Vera also contains salicylic acid and sulfur, which are both used extensively in the treatment of acne.
Directions On How To Use Aloe Vera For Acne
- Scrape the gel from the aloe plant out with a spoon.
- Apply gel directly to clean skin as a moisturizer.
- Repeat 1–2 times per day, or as desired.
Wrapping Things Up
There is no doubt that acne is a common problem with so many numbers of underlying causes. The good news is that there are natural remedies that can help and can be effective in treating acne.
Keep in mind that the remedies that are being offered here may not work for everyone, but maybe worth a shot.
Recommended Products That Help Treat Acne
For those that are having a real tough time with acne, here are three products I highly recommend. I highly recommend you to get started with these products.
Dream Clean Aloe & Soapberry Cleanser for Oily or Acne Prone Skin
This amazing cleanser gently foams as a result of its natural fruit extract, Soapberry. This ingredient also combats acne-causing bacteria and inhibits melanin production, reducing the appearance of age spots and sun damage.
The Aloe Vera in this cleanser creates a shield to keep moisture in and pollutants out, while Extract of White Tea adds antioxidant benefits and Spirulina Platensis Algae firms skin.
Cool Balm Aloe & Kendi Oil Gel Moisturizer for Oily or Sensitive Skin
This light moisturizer, made up of soothing Aloe, Cucumber, and a combination of restorative plant extracts, hydrates and calms your skin. The lightweight formula is gentle enough for sensitive skin and helps protect oily or acne-prone skin from breakouts and inflammation.
Masque of Zen Clay & Tea Tree Oil Face Mask for Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
This gentle, acne-fighting mask with Montana Clay, Tea Tree Oil, White Carrot Oil, and Cinnamon Bark, acts simultaneously against all the major causes of skin imbalance. Used regularly it will greatly improve the health of your skin, reduce acne outbreaks, and bring a youthful glow.