Acne is one of the most common skin conditions worldwide, affecting around 85% of people at some point in their lives.
Those seeking treatment for this skin condition may worry about the costs associated with dermatology treatments, with associated side effects of dryness, redness, and irritation.
Don’t worry! In this article, we provide an overview of what causes acne and a selection of natural home remedies that may be effective to help reduce the problem.
Read on to know more about the home remedies that work for acne.
What Causes Acne?
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting millions of people all over the world. Despite its prevalence, the exact cause of acne remains largely unknown.
Many factors have been suggested as possible contributors, such as hormone level changes, genetics, diet, stress, bacteria, and cosmetics.
Hormones
Hormones play a major role in the development of acne. During puberty, hormone levels fluctuate, leading to an increase in the production of the hormone sebum.
Sebum is the oily substance that moisturizes the skin and can create the conditions in which acne forms.
Hormonal imbalances such as those related to pregnancy or the menstrual cycle can also play a role in the development of acne.
Genetics
There is evidence to suggest that genetics may play a role in the development of acne.
Studies have shown that if one or both parents have a history of suffering from acne, their children are more likely to develop acne as well.
Diet
Diet is thought to be one of the potential contributors to the development of acne.
Diets high in processed and sugary foods, such as those that are high in carbohydrates, can exacerbate existing acne.
Research has also suggested that dairy products can contribute to the formation of acne.
Stress
Stress has been linked to the development of acne. Stress-related hormone changes can lead to an increase in sebum production, which can lead to the formation of acne.
Bacteria
The exact role of bacteria in the development of acne is not well understood, but it is thought that certain types of acne are caused by an overgrowth of bacteria on the skin.
In particular, the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes has been linked to the formation of acne.
Cosmetics
Cosmetics can exacerbate existing acne or contribute to the formation of new acne. Products that are oil-based, occlusive, or contain fragrances can cause an increase in sebum production, leading to the formation of acne.
It is important to be mindful of the ingredients in cosmetics when selecting products to use on the skin.
Natural Home Remedies for Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages. While there are many treatments available, natural home remedies can often be a safe and effective solution.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is one of the most widely used natural home remedies for acne. As a natural astringent, lemon juice has the power to reduce the appearance of acne, reduce inflammation, and even treat existing pimples.
Lemon juice is naturally high in citric acid, which is said to help dry out acne lesions.
It is a natural source of vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system, allowing the body to fight infection more effectively.
To use lemon juice as a natural home remedy, simply squeeze a small amount of fresh lemon juice onto a cotton ball and apply it directly to affected areas.
If you have sensitive skin, it is recommended that you dilute the lemon juice with water before applying it to the skin. For best results, use the remedy daily for at least two weeks.
Although there is no scientific evidence that lemon juice is effective in treating or preventing acne, it is a safe and natural remedy that many individuals have found to be effective.
It is important to note that lemon can cause skin irritation and dryness when used in excess, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and avoid using excessively.
Additionally, it is important to remember that lemon juice should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment, as it may not be effective enough to treat severe cases of acne.
Honey
When it comes to natural home remedies for acne, honey is one of the most popular and effective treatments.
Honey is known to have antibacterial and healing properties, which can help to promote healing of acne and reduce inflammation.
It also helps to reduce oil production, which helps to keep skin clear and reduce the appearance of irritated and red skin.
To use honey as a home remedy for acne, simply apply the honey directly to the affected area and leave it on for at least 10 minutes. Rinse the honey off with lukewarm water and apply a moisturizer if necessary. For best results, use natural, organic honey.
Its antibacterial and skin healing properties, honey also contains enzymes that help to promote healthy skin and reduce inflammation.
It also helps to keep skin clean and free of bacteria, which can lead to acne breakouts.
Honey can also be used as a natural exfoliant, which helps to remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts.
Additionally, honey contains vitamins and minerals that help to nourish the skin and give it a healthy glow.
Manuka honey is considered to be the most effective type for treating acne, as it has been found to have the highest level of antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
It is also important to remember that, despite its antibacterial and healing properties, honey can cause skin irritation and should not be used on those with sensitive skin.
Honey is an excellent choice when it comes to natural home remedies for acne.
Aloe Vera
One of the most popular natural home remedies for acne is Aloe Vera. It is an effective and cost-effective way to treat and manage acne.
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant with thick, spiky leaves that contain a gel-like substance.
It contains a number of different bioactive compounds, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, polysaccharides, and other bioactive molecules that may help reduce inflammation and treat skin diseases.
The gel contains a number of antioxidants, including Vitamin C and E, and it’s thought to help support cell growth and repair.
It is believed that Aloe Vera provides relief from acne by reducing inflammation and helping to reduce the build-up of sebum, a waxy substance produced by the body’s sebaceous glands.
It can also help reduce redness and irritation from acne.
Aloe Vera has been used as a home remedy for acne for centuries and has a long history of use for treating skin conditions.
It’s thought to help reduce sebum production, clear up blemishes, and reduce inflammation.
In addition to using it topically for acne, Aloe Vera is also thought to be beneficial when taken orally.
There are several ways to use this natural home remedy for acne. It can be applied directly to the skin as a gel or in lotions and creams. It can also be digested in capsules or taken as a drink.
There are also a number of commercial products that contain Aloe Vera, such as face washes, moisturizers, and facial masks.
Aloe Vera is a popular natural home remedy for acne and may provide some relief from the symptoms.
It’s important to consult your doctor before using Aloe Vera to ensure it’s appropriate for your skin type, and to be aware that it may take some time to see results.
Tomato Juice
Tomato juice has been long known as one of the natural home remedies that work effectively in the treatment of acne.
Tomato juice has antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help unclog pores and reduce the spread of bacteria, which are the main cause of acne.
By applying tomato juice directly to the affected area, the juice can weaken the bacteria that cause acne and reduce inflammation.
Application of tomato juice to an affected area can be done in different ways.
One of the easiest and most effective ways is to cut a tomato in half, rub it onto the affected area and leave it on for about 10-15 minutes before washing off with warm water.
Alternatively, tomato juice can be applied to the affected area using a cotton ball. When using this method, leave the juice on the skin for 5-10 minutes before washing off with warm water.
The acidic properties in tomato juice also help to reduce oil production in the skin, which is another major cause of acne. By reducing the oiliness in the skin, the chances of further breakouts are minimized.
Tomato juice can be used daily until the desired results are achieved. It is important to keep the area well hydrated after application to avoid any side effects.
Besides its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, tomato juice is also highly nutritious and packed with vitamins and minerals that can help to improve overall skin health.
Using tomato juice as a home remedy for acne is a natural and inexpensive solution. With regular use, it can help reduce the symptoms of acne, restore healthy skin and improve overall skin health.
Green Tea
Green tea is one of the most popular natural home remedies for acne that has been used for centuries.
Green tea has powerful antioxidant properties that can help slow down or prevent skin damage caused by oxidative stress.
Studies have also shown that green tea has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the inflammation associated with acne.
Additionally, green tea can help reduce the production of sebum, a fatty substance secreted by sebaceous glands which can cause acne.
When using green tea for acne, it is important to choose a high-quality product that is free of any additives or preservatives.
Green tea can be brewed into a concentrated tea solution or applied directly to the skin. When used topically, the tea should be allowed to cool before being applied to the skin.
This will provide a cooling and soothing effect to the skin and can help reduce inflammation. Green tea can also be consumed orally, either brewed or in the form of pills or tablets.
Green tea could be considered an effective natural home remedy for acne. It has powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and sebum-reducing properties which can help reduce the appearance of acne and improve overall skin health.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are an often overlooked, yet highly effective natural home remedy for acne.
Cucumbers contain an abundance of antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and flavonoids, which help to reduce inflammation and prevent the development of acne.
Additionally, cucumbers contain anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and serve as an excellent exfoliating agent.
To use cucumber as a natural home remedy for acne, simply cut a fresh cucumber into thick slices and apply them directly to your face.
Leave the slices on for up to 20 minutes, then rinse off with cool water. For an added boost, mix cucumber juice and mashed cucumber with a teaspoon of honey and apply to the skin. Leave the mixture on for 20 minutes before rinsing off.
Cucumber is also full of skin-soothing properties, which helps to reduce redness and swelling resulting from acne.
The high water content in cucumbers helps to keep the skin hydrated, preventing further breakouts.
Overall, cucumber is a highly effective and safe natural home remedy for acne that can provide long term relief and also help to reduce redness and irritation.
Adding cucumbers to your daily skincare regimen can help to provide long-term relief from acne, while also protecting your skin from future breakouts.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the oldest and most popular home remedies for acne. It is a natural astringent that can help reduce inflammation, fight bacteria, and balance skin pH.
Studies show that it can reduce redness and swelling associated with acne.
Apple Cider Vinegar might have antiseptic properties and can help dry out excess oil. It can even reduce the appearance of blemishes and scars when used regularly.
When applying Apple Cider Vinegar to the skin, however, it is important to dilute it with equal parts of water.
Undiluted Apple Cider Vinegar can be too harsh and burn skin.
Furthermore, it is important to use Apple Cider Vinegar with caution as it can cause irritation and strip skin of natural oils. It can also make skin more sensitive to sunlight.
To use Apple Cider Vinegar as a home remedy for acne, mix one part Apple Cider Vinegar with two parts of water and apply the solution to clean skin with a cotton ball.
Leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse it off. This can be done once or twice a day.
It is important to note that Apple Cider Vinegar is not a panacea for acne. It is important to combine it with a healthy diet, stress-reduction techniques, and other lifestyle modifications for best results.
If after using Apple Cider Vinegar for a few weeks results are not seen, it is best to consult a dermatologist for additional advice.
health care skin The Acne Problem
Last modified: February 9, 2023
