Acne is a
skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and
dead skin cells. Acne usually appears on your face, neck, chest, back and
shoulders. Effective treatments are available, but acne can be persistent. The
pimples and bumps heal slowly, and when one begins to go away, others seem to
crop up.
Symptoms
Acne signs
and symptoms vary depending on the severity of your condition:
- Whiteheads (closed plugged pores)
- Blackheads (open plugged pores — the
oil turns brown when it is exposed to air)
- Small red, tender bumps (papules)
- Pimples (pustules), which are papules
with pus at their tips
- Large, solid, painful lumps beneath
the surface of the skin (nodules)
- Painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the surface of the skin (cystic lesions)
Four main factors cause acne:
Oil production
Dead skin cells
Clogged pores
Bacteria
Acne typically appears on your face, neck,
chest, back and shoulders. These areas of skin have the most oil (sebaceous)
glands. Acne occurs when hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin
cells.
Hair follicles are connected to oil glands.
These glands secrete an oily substance (sebum) to lubricate your hair and skin.
Sebum normally travels along the hair shafts and through the openings of the
hair follicles onto the surface of your skin.
When your body produces an excess amount of
sebum and dead skin cells, the two can build up in the hair follicles. They
form a soft plug, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive. If the
clogged pore becomes infected with bacteria, inflammation results.
The plugged pore may cause the follicle wall
to bulge and produce a whitehead. Or the plug may be open to the surface and
may darken, causing a blackhead. A blackhead may look like dirt stuck in pores.
But actually the pore is congested with bacteria and oil, which turns brown
when it's exposed to the air.
Pimples are raised red spots with a white
center that develop when blocked hair follicles become inflamed or infected.
Blockages and inflammation that develop deep inside hair follicles produce cyst
like lumps beneath the surface of your skin. Other pores in your skin, which
are the openings of the sweat glands, aren't usually involved in acne.
Remedies
for Acne
We all want
clear face without any blemishes, but some or the other way, our skin gets
infected by bacteria and other exposures, resulting in acne. However, acne can
be treated with some home ingredients. Here are some natural and simple home
remedies for the treatment of acne.
1.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are
known for its antioxidant properties and are rich in Vitamin C, A and K. All
these properties help in drying out the acne. For healing acne, take one
tomato and slice it. Put one slice directly on the troubled area.
You can also
make a paste by grinding a tomato. You are required to apply the paste as a
facial mask. For better results, repeat the process as many times as possible.
2. Potato
Potato
possesses bleaching properties and is a natural remedy for acne on face. All
you need to do is to use a boiled potato on the infected area. This will not
only remove the hyper-pigmentation, but also prevent wrinkles and
make the skin brighter.
You can use
a raw potato also. Slice a potato and put one slice on the acne. Leave it for
10 minutes. The potato will act as an anti-bacterial agent and defeat the
infecting bacteria.
One of the
other ways to use boiled potato is to mash it and add 2 teaspoons of milk
powder to it. Mix it firmly to form a paste. Apply it on the face. After 15
minutes, clean the face with water.
To remove
the acne scars, massage some grated potato on the face.
3.
Cinnamon and Honey
Honey is
known as the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agent and is one of the best
home remedies for acne. It kills the infecting bacteria and prevents acne. For
effective results, use it with cinnamon. Take some cinnamon powder
and add honey to it to make a paste. Apply it on the face as a mask, covering
the infected area. Leave it overnight. Next morning, wash it off with water. It
will help in getting rid of pimples from its roots.
4. Lemon
Juice
Lemon is a
wonder solution for the treatment of acne. The citric acid present in lemon is
a natural cleanser that helps in opening the blocked pores and soothing the
skin. Take one lemon and squeeze it in a bowl. Now, take one cotton ball and
dip it in the lemon juice. Place it directly on the acne.
Alternatively, take a slice of lemon and rub it gently on the face. Leave it for a few minutes and then, rinse it off.
You can also use lemon juice with groundnut oil. Add a few drops of lemon juice in someone tablespoons of groundnut oil. Apply it on the blackheads.
Alternatively, take a slice of lemon and rub it gently on the face. Leave it for a few minutes and then, rinse it off.
You can also use lemon juice with groundnut oil. Add a few drops of lemon juice in someone tablespoons of groundnut oil. Apply it on the blackheads.
5. Apple
Cider Vinegar
Apple cider
vinegar is a very good solution for the treatment of acne. It helps in
balancing the pH of the skin. Apple cider vinegar is rich in malic and lactic
acids. It acts as an exfoliator and softener for the skin. Add vinegar in water
in the ratio of 1:3. With the help of a cotton ball, apply the solution on the
infected area. Leave it for ten minutes. Rinse the face thoroughly. For best
results, practice the method for several times a day.
6. Olive
Oil
Can olive
oil be a good home remedy for acne? Yes, olive oil is an effective home remedy
for healing acne. Olive oil is recognised for its anti-bacterial, antioxidant,
and anti-inflammatory properties. Olive oil is used with lemon juice for
removing acne. All you need to do is to add 1/8 teaspoon of lemon juice in ¼
teaspoon of olive oil. Apply the mixture on the face directly.
You can also
add a pinch of salt in some olive oil. Apply it on the face and wash it off
with warm water.
7.
Cucumber
Cucumber is
known for moisturizing and removing extra oil from the skin. It also helps in
removing the dead cells from the skin. Cucumbers can be used as a face wash.
Crush a cucumber and add some water to it. Mix it well and apply it
directly on the face.
Cucumber juice, mixed with carrot juice, can also be used to remove acne. Regular intake of these juices also helps in alleviating the problem.
Cucumber juice, mixed with carrot juice, can also be used to remove acne. Regular intake of these juices also helps in alleviating the problem.
8. Garlic
Garlic
consists of zinc, sulphur, allicin, and calcium, due to which, it acts as an
anti-fungal and antibiotic for cleansing the skin. For curing acne fast, crush
some raw garlic cloves and make a paste. Apply this paste directly on
the acne to see the results.
Garlic can
also be used as a facial mask. Add some egg yolk in the garlic juice. Stir it
well and apply it on face, covering the infected area. Leave it for twenty
minutes. Wash it off with clean water and dry your face with a clean towel.
9. Baking
Soda
Baking soda
acts as a natural exfoliator for the skin. It is known for removing the dead
cells and maintaining pH balance of the skin. With its anti-inflammatory and
antiseptic properties, it is one of the best remedies for healing acne. Take 2
tablespoons of baking soda. Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder and some drops of
lemon juice. Then, add 5 teaspoons of honey. Stir the mixture well. Apply the
mix directly on the face. Rinse it off after five minutes.
Baking soda
can also be used with water to treat acne. Add some water to baking soda and
apply it on the infected area. Leave it for five minutes and then, wash it off.
To see the difference, practice this method twice a week.
10.
Fuller’s Earth
Fuller’s
earth, commonly known as multani mitti, is known for absorbing extra oil from
the skin. It is a natural remedy for the treatment of acne. To start the
process, mix fuller’s earth, sandalwood powder and rose water in equal
quantity. Mix the paste well and apply the pack on the face. After it gets
dried, wash it off with clean water.
You can also use orange juice in multani mitti to cure acne.
You can also use orange juice in multani mitti to cure acne.
11.
Oatmeal
Is oatmeal a
good home remedy for acne? Well, yes! Oatmeal is an effective acne treatment at
home. It helps in cleaning the skin pores and absorbing extra oil. Cook some
oatmeal and take it out in a bowl. Add a teaspoon of honey and juice of half
lemon to it. Stir the mixture well and apply gently on the face. Leave it for
half an hour. After it gets dried, wash it off with lukewarm water.
12.
Toothpaste
This is a
wonderful fact that toothpaste is also useful in treating acne. It is one of
the best and simplest home remedies for acne. Simply apply some toothpaste on
acne and leave it overnight. The toothpaste will effectively reduce the
swelling of acne. It will also dry out the acne. For its effective results,
practise the method daily and see the difference in two or three days.
13. Tea
Tree Oil
Tea tree oil
is beneficial for treatment of several skin problems, including acne. Its
anti-bacterial properties help in cleaning clogged skin pores and helps in
preventing future outbreak. Mix tea tree oil and water in 1:9 ratio. Take a
cotton ball and dip it in the solution. Place the cotton ball on the
problematic area.
You can also directly put a drop of tea tree oil on acne.
You can also directly put a drop of tea tree oil on acne.
Note- Tea
tree oil should not be ingested.
14. Aloe
Vera Juice
Aloe vera
helps in reducing acne scars and acts as a pain inhibitor and a coagulating
agent. Take a leaf of aloe vera and cut it into two halves. Extract fresh juice
from it by squeezing the jelly-like pulp and apply it gently on the acne. You
can also add some lemon drops in the juice for effective results.
You can also use packaged aloe vera juice, which is available in the market.
You can also use packaged aloe vera juice, which is available in the market.
15.
Orange Peel
For the
treatment of face acne, orange peel can be an effective home remedy. Put some orange peels
in the sun to dry out. Grind these dried peels into powder. Add water in the
powder to make a paste. Apply the paste gently on the acne. Leave it for
fifteen minutes and wash it off with warm water. Vitamin C present in orange
helps in treating the acne on the face. It also helps in getting rid of
pigmentation, blackheads, wrinkles, and dark spots.
16.
Indian Lilac (Neem)
Indian lilac
or neem is known for its medicinal properties. It is an antifungal,
antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic herb. You are required to make
a paste of few neem leaves by adding a little quantity of water. Put some
turmeric powder in the paste and mix it well. Gently apply the paste on the
infected area. After it gets dried, rinse it off with warm water.
17.
Fenugreek (Methi)
One of the
best home remedies for severe acne is fenugreek. Both the leaves and seeds of
fenugreek are effective for the treatment of acne. Take some fenugreek leaves
and grind them. Add some water to form a paste. Apply it directly on the
affected area. After 10-15 minutes, wash it with clean water. For best results,
try the method thrice a week.
You can also
use fenugreek seeds. Take two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds. Wash it well and
soak it overnight in a glass bowl. Now, crush the seeds to form a thick paste.
Add some aloe vera gel in the paste. Stir it well and apply it on the acne.
Rinse it off with lukewarm water. Apply some moisturizer after the process
completes.
18. Mint
One of the
best home remedies to clear the severe acne is mint. Mint is effective on any
type of acne because of its medicinal properties. Take some fresh mint leaves
and crush them. With the help of a cotton ball, apply this paste on the acne.
Leave it for 20 minutes. Then, wash the face with cold water. Repeat the
process after every two days.
You can also apply mint juice with the help of cotton ball on acne.
You can also apply mint juice with the help of cotton ball on acne.
19.
Turmeric
Turmeric is
effective for multiple skin problems. It actually absorbs extra oil from skin
and fights against the infecting bacteria. Take some turmeric powder and add it
with crushed neem leaves. Apply the paste on acne for 30 minutes. When it gets
dried, wash it with water.
Else, put
four tablespoons of turmeric powder in a bowl. Add four tablespoons
of honey and one tablespoon of milk in it. Stir the mixture well and apply it
on acne in a circular motion. Rub it gently for 10 minutes. Leave it overnight
and rinse in the morning.
You can also
make a pack of half teaspoon of turmeric powder and 2 teaspoons of yogurt. Add
a very little quantity of honey and stir it well to form a smooth paste. Apply
the pack on the face. After 30 minutes, rinse it off with water.
20.
Nutmeg (Jaiphal)
Nutmeg
possesses anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It is a herbal remedy for
curing acne. Take a nutmeg and grind it into powder. Add unboiled milk or water
to form a paste. Now, apply it on acne and leave it for twenty minutes. Wash it
off when it completely gets dried.
To remove acne scars, nutmeg powder can also be used with honey. It will reduce the acne swelling.
To remove acne scars, nutmeg powder can also be used with honey. It will reduce the acne swelling.
21. Rose
Water and Sandalwood
The pack of
sandalwood and rosewater is considered to be very soothing for face. The
anti-microbial properties of sandalwood help in cleaning the face and maintain
its flawless glow. Put 2 tablespoon of sandalwood powder in a mixing bowl. Add
pure rosewater to make a pack. Mix it carefully to avoid lumps. Now, wash your
face with clean water and apply the pack, gently. Let it dry for 20 minutes.
Clean your face with cold water and pat with a towel. You can also pour a few
drops of glycerine to boost the curing process.
22. Ice
Rubbing ice
cubes on the face will decrease the size of acne and helps in healing the acne
pain. You are required to take a few ice cubes and wrap them in a clean cloth.
Now, rub it gently on the face, specially covering the infected area until the
area becomes insensitive. If you have a lot of acne, you can hold ice for five
minutes on the infected area. This will minimize the redness and inflammation
of acne.
23.
Herbal Tea
A cup of tea
is not only meant to relieve from stress, but also helps in treating acne.
Herbal tea or green tea has been proven to be the best remedy for several
health problems. Drink two cups of Chasteberry tea per day when acne pops up
before menstruation period.
Alternatively,
take some organic tea leaves and place them in a bowl. Now, add boiling water
in it and let the leaves steep for some time. After five minutes, when the
solution cools down at room temperature, dip a cotton ball in the solution.
Place it directly on the acne.
24.
Aspirin
Crush 2-3
pills of aspirin. Add some water in the crushed aspirin to make a paste. Now,
apply the paste on the acne. After it gets dried, wash your face with clean
water. The salicylic acid in aspirin helps in killing the acne-causing
bacteria. You can add honey or witch hazel to make the paste more nourishing.
Note- It
should not be applied frequently on face; else, it will dry out and irritate
the skin.
25. Alum
Alum is an
antiseptic agent, which acts as a styptic and natural deodorant. Take a piece
of alum and rub it gently on acne. This will effectively speed up the healing
process. Alum is beneficial for oily skin. Alum is one of the natural home
remedies, which is effective for back acne.
26.
Yogurt
Yogurt is
helpful in healing acne, naturally. Apply some yogurt on the affected area.
Leave it for 10-15 minutes. Yogurt contains lactic acid, which acts as an
exfoliator and rejuvenates skin in a natural manner. This remedy will reduce
the irritating acne breakouts.
Another remedy
is to add a little milk and a few drops of honey in yogurt. Stir the mixture
finely. Gently massage the mixture on the face for 20 minutes. After some time,
clean your face with water and dry it with a towel.
27.
Papaya
Papaya is a
natural remedy for the acne problems. It is an essential ingredient in various
beauty products. Raw papaya, when used on face, removes dead cells and extra
oil from the skin. The enzyme papain in papaya helps in preventing the
formation of pus. Mash some papaya pulp and apply it on the face. Leave it for
15-20 minutes. Rinse your face with clean water and pat dry. This is a good
acne remedy that work.
28. Egg
White
Egg whites
are a natural remedy for reducing excess oil from skin and draw out impurities
from the pores. Wash your face with lukewarm water. Crack one egg and separate
yolk from its white part. Take out the white part in a bowl and mix it firmly
until the bubbles are formed. Apply it on the face and cover it with tissue
papers. Let it dry for 20 minutes. Then, remove all the tissue papers. Wash
your face with water.
REMEMBER
These
factors can trigger or aggravate an existing case of acne:
- Hormones. Androgens are hormones that increase in boys
and girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and
make more sebum. Hormonal changes related to pregnancy and the use of oral
contraceptives also can affect sebum production. And low amounts of
androgens circulate in the blood of women and can worsen acne.
- Certain medications. Drugs containing corticosteroids,
androgens or lithium can worsen acne.
- Diet. Studies indicate that certain dietary factors,
including dairy products and carbohydrate-rich foods — such as bread,
bagels and chips — may trigger acne. Chocolate has long been suspected of
making acne worse. A recent study of 14 men with acne showed that eating
chocolate was related to an increase in acne. Further study is needed to
examine why this happens or whether acne patients need to follow specific
dietary restrictions.
- Stress. Stress can make acne worse.