Acne is a common occurrence in teens and adults, and consumers are constantly pushed towards acne treatments that contain harsh chemicals that dry out the skin and, quite frankly, sometimes don’t even work. Fortunately, there are at-home remedies people can use to help treat their acne.
What is Acne?
A well-known skin condition, acne can form as a result of clogged hair follicles and pores. It is commonly linked to teenagers, puberty, and hormonal imbalances, but acne can affect individuals of any age.
Acne can be linked to:
- Excess oil production in the skin
- Excess dead cells in pores and follicles
- Excess bad bacteria
- Hormone level changes
Acne tends to form on the face, forehead, upper back, shoulders, and chest area; these are the parts of the body that have the most oil glands. Acne can even appear on breasts in women. Acne can appear in several different forms: whiteheads, blackheads, small red bumps, pimples, and nodules.
Home Remedies for Acne
There are a few home remedies available that you can use to treat your acne.
Green Tea
Studies have shown that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in green tea can help reduce inflammation and fight against bacteria, which is one of the reasons why many people choose to drink it. It may also be useful for those who are fighting P. acnes because of its anti-inflammatory effects as well.
Brew the tea for a few minutes, then allow it to cool. You can apply it to your face either by spraying it with a spray bottle or dabbing it onto your face with a cotton ball. Leave it on for 10 minutes, or overnight if you prefer, and rinse your face with water. You can also simply drink the tea, though it may not be as effective when not directly applied.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a naturally occurring antibiotic that also has anti-inflammatory properties. This oil can potentially attack and eliminate the bacteria that cause acne. However, products that contain it should only have a 5% concentration because it may irritate the skin.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a skin moisturizer and protectant, and it is commonly used in many different products that pertain to the skin. It is naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory and can potentially help reduce the appearance of acne and prevent breakouts.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural remedy that has antibacterial compounds. This property means that it can potentially help get rid of acne-causing bacteria and reduce both the redness and swelling of pimples. Coconut oil also has soothing and moisturizing properties, which can also Aid in the healing of acne sores.
Oatmeal Facial
Oatmeal is known to be naturally soothing and relieves irritation for skin conditions; acne is no different. The anti-inflammatory properties of oatmeal can help protect and hydrate the skin. It helps soothe dry, inflamed skin, slowly healing the skin.
The oatmeal facial is mixed together as such; two tablespoons of oatmeal, one tablespoon of baking soda, and a small bit of water to form a paste. Rub the paste into your skin gently and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Other Remedies
There are other remedies thought to help treat acne, one of which is light therapy. It is exposure to safe artificial light, and it can be used to reduce inflammation, reduce oil production in the skin, and kill acne-causing bacteria. There are at-home light therapy devices available for purchase at affordable prices.
The best part about these home remedies is that they can be made from ingredients you likely already have in your cabinets. They’re easy to make and can help you treat your acne.
