Suffering with acne comes with more than just blemishes. Acne occurs when facial pores become clogged with oil and other debris. A number of people who deal with breakouts are more likely to have lower self-confidence and anxiety, which leads to more acne. Basically, acne-related anxiety causes a never-ending cycle of blemishes.
While there are commercial acne products available, many of them contain harsh chemicals that cause further damage to the skin. Depending on the severity of the acne, they can also be expensive. Luckily there’s another approach to getting rid of acne: natural remedies.
Natural remedies are beneficial in many ways. For one, the individual has control over what they put on their skin, making them less prone to allergic reactions. They’re also less expensive than over-the-counter and spa treatments. Best of all, many of these ingredients are in one's home. Here’s a list of natural solutions worth trying.
1 - Honey and Cinnamon
Honey and cinnamon make great acne treatments because they have antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties. When applied as a mask, they effectively control what triggers acne. For this acne treatment, it’s best to use raw organic honey, which has more nutrients than commercial honey. For this mask, combine two tablespoons of raw honey and one teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Apply this mask to a clean face and let it sit for up to 15 minutes. Afterwards, rinse and pat dry. It’s also wise to follow up with a facial toner and moisturizer, especially before bed. Use this mask up to twice a week. For hyperpigmentation, adding a pinch of turmeric to the mask helps fade acne scars.
2 - Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a staple in the natural hair and skin care community. Similar to honey and cinnamon, this oil fights inflammation and bacteria. Tea tree oil users noticed less irritation and dryness in comparison to topical and oral antibiotics. In many cases tea tree oil also worked better as a long-term acne treatment. Like any essential oil, tea tree oil must be diluted before it touches someone's skin. Mix together nine parts water and one part tea tree oil. To use this as a spot treatment, dip a cotton ball in the mixture and apply it to blemishes. Tea tree oil can be used twice daily.
3 - Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel has been used to heal skin conditions for centuries. Due to its acid and sulfur content, many commercial brands add aloe vera gel to their products. Applying pure aloe vera gel to acne reduces inflammation and other acne-related symptoms without drying out the skin. Pure aloe vera gel can either be harvested from the plant or purchased from a store. When buying it from the store, make sure there aren’t any added ingredients. Use this gel directly on clean skin to clear acne. This gel can be applied twice a day.
4 - Drink Water
In addition to using topical products, acne must be treated from the inside out. Drinking water naturally hydrates the skin, making it difficult for it to overproduce sebum, which clogs pores. To avoid dehydration, health experts recommend drinking between half an ounce to an ounce per pound of weight. For instance, people who weigh 120 pounds should drink 60-120 ounces daily.
5 - Minimize Stress
Another way to get rid of acne is minimizing stress levels. Stress leads to higher levels of inflammation. Excessive stress also slows the healing process. Common ways to reduce stress include exercising, getting adequate amounts of rest, and using deep breathing techniques.
6 - Eliminate Dairy
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt contain ingredients that influence hormonal changes. Acne-prone people should either avoid dairy products or consume less. Using alternatives like nut milks are also effective.