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Are you constantly cancelling plans because of inopportune breakouts? Do acne symptoms plague your life, despite every attempt to keep them at bay? Acne is everyone's enemy, but some have it worse than others. For the unluckier ones, there’s no better option than making a trip to the dermat for some heavy-duty acne treatment. But for those who suffer small, infrequent breakouts, caused due to diet, lifestyle, stress or just that time of the month – we’ve compiled a list of home remedies for acne and clinical acne treatment to help ward away that wayward zit.
First, let’s learn what acne is and a list of factors that cause acne.
What Is Acne?
According to a study, most teenagers and many adults face acne issues. With hormonal changes and psychological burdens, people experience acne breakouts, where their sebaceous glands get blocked causing breakouts. A change in the hair follicle's keratin pattern also leads to sebum secretion blockage. All the blockage and accumulation of dust, impurities, and other environmental and physiological stressors together cause stimulation of sebocytes and follicular keratinocytes leading to the blockage of sebaceous glands characterised as acne.
Causes Of Acne
Before we focus on pimple treatment at home, we need to dig deep and learn the causes of acne.
1. Excess Oil Production
If you have oily skin, your chances of acne are extremely high. Once there is excess sebum, it clogs your pores; once bacteria starts growing in a clogged pore, that’s when acne appears on your skin. Alternately dead skin or trapped hair follicles lead to blackheads and whiteheads as well.
2. Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalance is one of the many factors that can give rise to acne. During puberty, Androgens cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and create more sebum—which then leads to acne. Hormonal changes related to pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives also can affect sebum production. In certain cases, PCOD can be one of the major causes of acne.
3. Diet
Diet always plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health. Food items such as dairy, sugar and carbs-rich products such as milk, bread, bagels, chocolates, chips and deep-fried food can worsen acne. While we know it ain’t easy to give all up, try to control portion size and have a balanced diet to keep acne in check.
4. Stress
Stress always affects our skin more than you think. That is why your skin looks perfect when you are on vacation more than when you are toughing it out at work. The best way to work around stress is to indulge in calming activities such as meditation and yoga that will help manage your stress levels more effectively. PS: Don’t forget to breathe when everything gets a tad too overwhelming.
5. Genetics
Unfortunately, this is just one thing that you really don’t have any control over. If your parents had/have acne, chances are you might have them too.
Read on to know all about home remedies for acne: Best Home Remedies For Acne
Best Home Remedies For Acne
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Why: Apple cider vinegar is known to be a cure-all for a long list of ailments, and acne symptoms are no exception. Its organic acids fight bacteria, germs and oil, while lactic and succinic acids banish inflammation and help in acne scar removal.
How: Mix one part of ACV with three parts of water, and dab on the affected areas – but make sure not to overdo this acne treatment at home.
How To Get Rid Of Acne:
2. Tea Tree Oil
Why: A miracle solution for most kinds of bacteria, Tea Tree Oil is especially useful on acne scars, with studies showing it to be as effective as benzoyl peroxide – the most common over-the-counter acne medication. Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial – it immediately soothes skin infections, itchiness and redness.
How: Since it’s super potent, use only a scarce amount (1 part for 9 parts water) for acne spot treatment. Dab it with a cotton ball on your scalp.
How To Get Rid Of Acne:
3. Honey & Turmeric
Why: An ages-old mama’s mix, of honey and turmeric has been a mainstay in all our lives, curing everything from a bad throat to a full acne face – and there’s solid science behind it. A combination of anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial powers, it’s a great solution for how to get rid of acne fast at home.
How: Use half a teaspoon of turmeric in one tablespoon of honey and keep it on for 5 minutes for effective acne spot treatment.
How To Get Rid Of Acne:
4. Green Tea
Why: High in antioxidants, flavonoids and tannins, green tea is game for more than just the sippin’. Probably the best acne treatment at home, it naturally reduces acne-inducing blood sugar and insulin levels. Its star ingredient EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate), when applied topically, can help reduce the production of sebum, and inflammation and stunt the growth of acne.
How: Make yourself a pot and use a spritzer or cotton ball to apply once it’s cooled for acne scar treatment.
How To Get Rid Of Acne:
5. Aloe Vera
Why: With benefits spanning the alphabet and the passage of time, Aloe Vera has long been a go-to for all manner of ailments, including acne marks. Its anti-fungal properties prevent infections, expedite healing and soothe inflammation on the skin, while its astringent properties prevent sebum production and the gathering of dirt, disallowing an environment for acne to breed in the first place.
How: Scrape fresh Aloe Vera Pulp from the leaves and apply it to your face twice a day to reap the benefits of healthy, squeaky-clean skin.
How To Get Rid Of Acne:
6. Lemon Juice
Why: The simplest and most ubiquitous of ingredients, lemon juice is one of the most super-effective and inexpensive at-home acne remedies. An astringent, exfoliant and antibacterial agent, it helps unclog the pores, remove dead skin cells and dry out active acne.
How: Mix with honey or rosewater and apply twice daily to the affected areas, let it absorb for over 10 minutes, and wash your skin out with cool water. For a gentler, less acidic mix, blend with rosewater instead.
How To Get Rid Of Acne:
7. Oatmeal
Why: Oatmeal isn’t just healthy a breakfast food, it’s one of the best home remedies for acne scars. The natural antioxidant expels inflammation-causing cytokines, itchiness, dryness and dead skin. Active zinc targets acne-causing bacteria while balancing your skin’s natural oils, rather than drying it out completely like other acne remedies.
How: You can make your own oatmeal mask with carriers like milk, honey or coconut water.
How To Get Rid Of Acne:
Now that we’re done with home remedies for acne scars, let’s move on to finding out the best acne treatment from a clinical aspect. Note that these medical procedures are majorly targeted at acne scar removal.
8. Tulsi & Manjishtha
Why: Tulsi and Manjishta are not just great for your gut and breathing issues but they are also great home remedies for pimples. Tulsi fights acne and helps with ageing skin, and according to research, it is also rich in antioxidants and thus reduces hyperpigmentation. Manjishta on the other hand reduces itchiness and adds a natural glow.
How: You can grind tulsi, manjishta, neem with some water and make a paste and use it as a mask.
How To Get Rid Of Acne:
Best Acne Treatments
1. Laser Treatment For Acne
According to a study, laser treatments are very safe, as they provide a targeted solution. Laser treatment for acne scars works by removing the uppermost layer of skin to reveal the younger skin cells underneath. It resurfaces the skin without the use of chemicals or scrubs, which in turn helps reduce the appearance of acne scars. However, laser treatment for acne scars isn’t suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. The effectiveness of this acne scar treatment also depends on the type of acne marks.
2. Microneedling
Another brilliant acne scar treatment is microneedling. It is the process of inserting tiny needles into the skin surrounding the acne scar to stimulate the body to make more collagen. This collagen may reduce the appearance of acne marks by smoothing out the skin. However, this acne scar removal method may lead to temporary effects like redness, pain, and inflammation.
3. Dermal Fillers
For severe cases of acne scars, dermatologists may recommend using soft tissue fillers to reduce the appearance of acne marks. These fillers typically consist of a collagen-based product, which may require prior allergy testing. This acne scar removal treatment works best for a specific kind of acne scars and may last anywhere between 6 and 18 months.
How To Prevent Acne?
Even though getting rid of acne is doable, isn’t it better to not get them at all?
- Always cleanse your face after coming back home or before sleeping. Your makeup can clog your pores and cause unwanted breakouts.
- While taking a head bath, wash your body and face after you wash your hair. Your hair care products are meant for your hair only and can cause harm when not washed off from your face.
- While choosing products for your face, opt for non-comedogenic products as they will reduce your chances of getting pimples and acne. Non-comedogenic means something that doesn’t block your pores.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, which means keeping yourself well-hydrated, reducing alcohol consumption, avoiding smoking, and minimising junk food.
- Always protect yourself from the harsh UV rays by always slathering a generous amount of sunscreen.
Tips & Tricks At Home
Breakouts have a habit of showing up on some of the most important days of our lives – days when we need to put our best face forward. But trust the Acne Gods to surprise us and how! On nights when you spot the first acne symptoms and feel the need for quick but effective acne medication, follow our trusted list of the best home remedies for acne scars overnight.
1. Coconut Oil:
Warm coconut oil and lightly massage the affected area with it. Leave it on overnight.
Nykaa Recommends:
2. Vaseline:
One of the best home remedies for acne scars overnight is to apply petroleum jelly over your acne marks. Repeat this on a regular basis for best results.
Nykaa Recommends:
3. Aloe Vera:
Extract fresh aloe gel from the Aloe plant and apply it directly to the acne and its surrounding areas. You can choose to rinse it off before crashing or just sleep with it.
Nykaa Recommends:
4. Lemon:
Dip a Q-tip in fresh lemon juice and apply to the affected area. Leave it overnight and wash your face as usual in the morning.
Nykaa Recommends:
5. Yoghurt:
Using your fingertips, apply a layer of chilled yoghurt on the affected area. Let it be for 15 minutes before rinsing off with cold water.
Nykaa Recommends:
6. Rose Water:
One of the best home remedies for acne marks is making a consistent paste of sandalwood powder and rose water. Make sure there are no lumps. Apply it as a pack on your full face or choose to use it as acne spot treatment, it works both ways.
Nykaa Recommends:
OTC Treatments For Acne
When nothing seems to work, there are always OTC treatments that have been known to be quite effective, when used consistently over a period of time. However, it’s recommended you consult a doctor just to be on the safe side.
1. Salicylic Acid
Salicylic Acid is one the best OTC treatments for acne out there. Since it is oil soluble, it penetrates deep into the skin and dissolves skin debris that clogs pores; plus, it acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and also helps red inflamed pimples and pustules go away faster. However, too much can cause skin irritation and itching, so choose concentrations that will suit your skin type.
2. Zinc Supplements
Since Zinc aids in healing wounds and reduces inflammation, it’s considered a good anti-acne treatment. Studies have shown that a dosage of 30–45 mg of elemental zinc per day can help reduce acne.
3. Fish Oil Supplements
Breaking news: Fish oil supplements can help prevent acne in the long run! Yes, you read that right. Fish oil contains two main types of omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA help regulate oil production, maintain adequate hydration and decrease inflammation—thereby preventing acne. The natural sources of Fish Oil are salmon, sardines, walnuts, chia seeds and ground flaxseeds. However, you can also take supplements such as HealthKart Hk Vitals Fish Oil, 1000 Mg Omega 3 With 180 Mg Epa & 120 Mg Dha.
4. Benzoyl Peroxide
This is perhaps one of the most widely used anti-acne ingredients in topical creams. It is available in various dosage forms in concentrations of 2.5% to 20%. The maximum concentration available as an OTC product is 10%. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is a bactericidal agent that oxidizes proteins in the bacterial cell membrane thereby reducing acne. However, since it’s extremely drying and can cause skin peeling and sloughing, it’s best to consult a doctor beforehand.
5. Brewer’s Yeast
Sounds scary but it’s really not! Brewer’s Yeast is a specific strain of yeast called Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS that prevents pimples when taken orally. Moreover, it’s also a rich source of vitamins, chromium, copper, iron, and zinc and has antibiotic properties that help zap those pimples pronto.
Parting Thought
Although acne is a menace, we have to remember they are not the end of the world. There are several ways to prevent them and some more to deal with it. There are many home remedies and clinical treatments you can try to get rid of them and they have been proven to work wonders.
FAQs
Q. Are pimples and acne the same thing?
A. Contrary to popular belief, acne is a broader term while pimple is a type of acne. Pimples are also usually rarer, milder, and less painful when compared to acne. Pimples will always have a head or a tip while an acne zit might just be a round, red bump. Lastly, acne is caused by the clogging of follicles while pimples are a result of clogged pores.
Q. Is it okay to pop acne zits?
A. It is never okay to pop or fiddle with skin breakouts. It might seem tempting as an instant solution to the swelling but you’re just inviting more zits in the long run. Exercise self-control and keep your hands away from your acne.
Q. Some of the home remedies for acne include using Aspirin and Listerine as acne spot treatment. Are they safe?
A. The internet may claim a range of acne remedies to be true and effective. However, remember that your skin is unique and might react differently. As a thumb rule, always do a patch test before treating your skin to any new ingredient. Also, acne-prone areas might already be subject to inflammation and sensitivity so be wary of that.
