8 Easy Home Remedies to Get Rid Of Acne

As one of the most common skin conditions in the world, acne affects about 85% of people at some point in life.

Acne can be treated through conventional way but it is quite expensive with possible side effects such as irritation, dryness, and redness.

This conventional way of treating this skin condition has prompted a lot of people to look into the natural ways of curing the condition at home.

Acne erupts the moment pores in the skin get clogged with oil and skin cells that are dead. Each pore in the body is connected to sebaceous gland which produces an oily substance called sebum.

An excess sebum in the body can plug up pores causing the growth of bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes. When the white blood cells attack Propionibacterium acnes, it leads to skin inflammation and acne.

However, some common symptoms of acne include blackheads, whiteheads and pimples.

There are some factors that contribute to the development of acne.

These factors include stress, diet, genetics, hormone changes and infections.

Despite all these factors, there are eight effective home remedies for this skin condition that an individual can try out.

1. Green Tea on the Skin

Green tea is highly concentrated with antioxidants and drinking it can promote good health. Applying green tea directly to the skin has shown many possible results at reducing acne than drinking.

This is owing to the fact the flavonoids and tannins in green tea would help you fight bacteria and reduce inflammation which are likely the two main causes of your acne.

Research has shown that applying 2-3% green tea extract to the skin significantly reduces sebum production and pimples in those with acne.

You can prepare green tea by steeping it in boiling water for 3-4 minutes. After this, you should allow the tea to cool. Use a cotton ball to apply the tea to skin or pour into a spray bottle to spritz on.

After doing this, allow it to dry and rinse with water and pat dry. This is very effective at reducing acne.

2. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera, a tropical plant that produces a clear gel can be added to lotions, creams, ointments, and soaps. This is commonly used to treat abrasions, rashes, burns, and other skin conditions.

When applied to the skin, it helps to heal wounds, treat burns and fight inflammation. It also contains salicylic acid and sulfur which are both used in the treatment of acne.

3. Honey and Cinnamon Mask

Honey and cinnamon are very good sources of antioxidants and research have shown that applying antioxidants to the skin is more effective at reducing acne than benzoyl peroxide and retinoids.

The antioxidants researched were vitamin B3, linoleic called omega-6 fatty acid and sodium ascorbyl phosphate, which is a vitamin C derivative.

The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of honey and cinnamon may aid acne-prone skin.

You can prepare honey and cinnamon mask by mixing 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon together to form a paste.

After cleansing, apply the mask to the face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. After doing this, rinse the mask off completely and pat the face dry. This becomes effective at preventing acne.

4. Zinc Supplement

Zinc is an essential nutrient that the body needs to function effectively. It helps the body metabolism and aids cell growth, hormone production, and good immune system.

It is a natural way of treating acne. Research has shown that people with acne tend to have lower level of zinc in the blood than those with clear skin.

Thus, taking zinc orally helps to reduce acne. The optimal dosage of zinc for acne has not been established but 30-45mg of elemental zinc per day can reduce acne rapidly.

Zinc is available in various forms and each have a different amount of elemental zinc. The zinc oxide contains the highest amount of elemental zinc of about 80%.

However, it is very important that you note that applying zinc to the skin has not been shown to be effective because zinc is not effectively absorbed through the skin.

When you take it orally, it has a very significant effect at reducing acne from your body.

5. Fish Oil Supplement

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential healthy fats that provide a multitude of health benefits. Fish oil contain two main types of omega-3 fatty acids which are: Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

EPA benefits the skin in several ways by maintaining adequate hydration and preventing acne. High levels of EPA and DHA have shown to decrease inflammatory factors which may reduce the risk of acne.

6. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel, a powerful remedy for acne is extracted from the bark and leaves of the North American witch hazel shrub.

It contains tannins which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

One can use Witch hazel to treat broad range of skin conditions such as varicose veins, burns, bruises, dandruff, insect bites, eczema and acne.

Thus applying witch hazel to the skin can help fight bacteria, reduce inflammation and help with healing.

7. Exfoliate Regularly

Exfoliation is the process of removing the dead layer of the skin cells. You can exfoliate your skin by using a brush or scrub to physically remove the cells.

You can also do this chemically by applying acid to remove and dissolve the dead layers. Research has shown that regularly exfoliation is the most effective way of reducing skin acne.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a product of fermentation of apple cider. This apple cider vinegar has the ability to fight many types of bacteria and viruses.

It contains several organic acids that can kill the Propionibacterium acnes and also suppresses inflammation caused by Propionibacterium acnes thus preventing scarring.

It however helps to dry up the excess oil that causes acne in the first place.