Reading: 13 Powerful Home Remedies for Acne
conventional acne treatments like salicylic acid, niacinamide, or benzoyl peroxide are proven to be the most effective acne solutions, but they can be expensive and have undesirable side effects, such as dispassion, red, and pique. This has prompted many people to look into remedies to cure acne naturally at home. In fact, one analyze found that 77 % of acne patients had tried alternative acne treatments ( 2 ). many base remedies lack scientific back, and far research on their potency is needed. If you ’ re looking for alternative treatments, though, there are still options you can try. This article explores 13 popular home remedies for acne . parcel on PinterestPhotography by Gabriela Hasbun
Contents
- 1 What causes acne?
- 2 1. Apply apple cider vinegar
- 3 2. Take a zinc supplement
- 4 3. Make a honey and cinnamon mask
- 5 4. Spot treat with tea tree oil
- 6 5. Apply green tea to your skin
- 7 6. Apply witch hazel
- 8 7. Moisturize with aloe vera
- 9 8. Take a fish oil supplement
- 10 9. Exfoliate regularly
- 11 10. Follow a low glycemic load diet
- 12 11. Cut back on dairy
- 13 12. Reduce stress
- 14 13. Exercise regularly
- 15 The bottom line
What causes acne?
Acne starts when the pores in your skin get clogged with vegetable oil and dead skin cells. Each pore is connected to a greasy gland, which produces an oily substance called sebum. extra sebum can plug pores, causing the increase of a bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes. Your egg white blood cells attack P. acnes, leading to skin ignition and acne. Some cases of acne are more severe than others, but common symptoms include whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. many factors may contribute to the development of acne, including :
- genetics
- diet
- stress
- hormone changes
- infections
Standard clinical treatments are the most effective for reducing acne. You can besides try home treatments, though more research on their potency is needed. Below are 13 home plate remedies for acne.
1. Apply apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting apple cider, or the unfiltered juice from crusade apples. Like other vinegars, it ’ s known for its ability to fight many types of bacteria and fungi ( 3, 4 ). Apple cider vinegar contains organic acids, such as citric acidic, that have been found to kill P. acnes ( 5 ). inquiry has shown that succinic acidic, another organic acerb, suppresses ignition caused by P. acnes, which may prevent scarring ( 6 ). lactic acerb, another acid in apple cider vinegar, may besides improve the appearance of acne scars ( 7, 8 ). While certain components of apple cider vinegar may help with acne, there ’ s presently no evidence to support its use for this aim. Some dermatologists advise against using apple cider vinegar at all, as it may irritate the hide .
How to use it
- Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar and 3 parts water (use more water for sensitive skin).
- After cleansing, gently apply the mixture to the skin using a cotton ball.
- Let sit for 5–20 seconds, rinse with water and pat dry.
- Repeat this process 1–2 times per day, as needed.
It ’ south significant to note that applying apple cider vinegar to your skin can cause burns and irritation. If you choose to try it, use it in small amounts and dilute it with urine .
Summary The organic acids in apple cider vinegar may help kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce the appearance of scars. Applying it to the skin may cause burns or pique, so it should be used cautiously .
2. Take a zinc supplement
Zinc is an essential nutrient that ’ s important for cell increase, hormone production, metamorphosis, and immune serve. It ’ s relatively well studied compared with early lifelike treatments for acne. research indicates that people with acne tend to have lower levels of zinc in their lineage than those with clear skin ( 9 ). respective studies have besides shown that taking zinc orally may help reduce acne. For example, a 2014 review found that zinc is more effective at treating dangerous and inflammatory acne than treating moderate acne ( 10 ). The optimum dose of zinc for acne has not been established, but respective older studies have observed a meaning reduction in acne using 30–45 magnesium of elemental zinc per day ( 11, 12, 13 ). elemental zinc refers to the total of zinc that ’ s present in the compound. Zinc is available in many forms, and they contain varying amounts of elemental zinc. Zinc oxide contains the highest amount of elementary zinc at 80 %. The commend safe upper limit of zinc is 40 magnesium per day, so it ’ s probably best to not exceed that sum unless you ’ re under the supervision of a aesculapian doctor. Taking besides much zinc may cause adverse effects, including stomach pain and catgut pique. It ’ south besides crucial to note that applying zinc to the skin has not been shown to be effective. This may be because zinc is not efficaciously absorbed through the clamber .
Summary Individuals with acne tend to have lower zinc levels than people with acquit bark. several studies suggest that taking zinc orally may reduce acne .
3. Make a honey and cinnamon mask
Honey and cinnamon have the ability to fight bacteria and reduce ignition, which are two factors that trigger acne ( 14, 15 ). A 2017 study found that the combination of honey and cinnamon bark excerpt exerted antibacterial effects against P. acnes ( 16 ). other inquiry has indicated that honey on its own can block the growth of or kill P. acnes ( 17 ). Although, this find doesn ’ t inevitably mean that honey efficaciously treats acne. A report in 136 people with acne found that applying beloved to the bark after using antibacterial soap was no more effective at treating acne than using the soap on its own ( 18 ). While the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of honey and cinnamon may reduce acne, more research is needed .
How to make a honey and cinnamon mask
- Mix 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to form a paste.
- After cleansing, apply the mask to your face and leave it on for 10–15 minutes.
- Rinse the mask off completely and pat your face dry.
Summary Honey and cinnamon have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. They may help reduce acne, but more studies are needed .
4. Spot treat with tea tree oil
Tea corner oil is an necessity oil that ’ s extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree native to Australia. It ’ south good known for its ability to fight bacteria and reduce skin inflammation ( 19, 20 ). What ’ s more, respective studies have found that applying tea tree vegetable oil to the skin may reduce acne ( 21, 22, 23 ). Another humble discipline found that, compared with benzoyl peroxide, participants using a tea tree vegetable oil ointment for acne experienced less dry skin and pique. They besides felt more satisfy with the discussion ( 24 ). Given that topical and oral antibiotics can cause bacterial resistance if used long term for acne, tea corner oil may be an effective substitute ( 21 ). Tea tree oil is very potent, therefore always dilute it before applying it to your skin .
How to use it
- Mix 1 part tea tree oil with 9 parts water.
- Dip a cotton swab into the mixture and apply it to the affected areas.
- Apply moisturizer if desired.
- Repeat this process 1–2 times per day, as needed.
Summary Tea tree oil has strong anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying it to the hide may reduce acne .
5. Apply green tea to your skin
green tea is very high in antioxidants, and drinking it can promote well health. It may besides help reduce acne. This is probably because the polyphenols in green tea help crusade bacteria and reduce ignition, which are two main causes of acne ( 25 ). There international relations and security network ’ deoxythymidine monophosphate much research exploring the benefits of drink green tea when it comes to acne, and more studies are needed. In one minor discipline with 80 women, participants took 1,500 magnesium of green tea press out daily for 4 weeks. By the end of the report, women who took the extract had less acne on their noses, chins, and around their mouths ( 26 ). research has besides found that drinking green tea may lower blood sugar and insulin levels, which are factors that can contribute to the development of acne ( 27 ). many studies besides indicate that applying green tea directly to the bark may help with acne. research shows that the independent antioxidant in green tea — epigallocatechin-3-gallate ( EGCG ) — reduces sebum production, fights inflammation, and inhibits the increase of P. acnes in individuals with acne-prone skin ( 28 ). multiple studies have found that applying green tea extract to the skin importantly reduces sebum production and pimples in those with acne ( 29, 30, 31 ). You can buy creams and lotions that contain green tea, but it ’ s barely as easy to make your own mix at home .
How to use it
- Steep green tea in boiling water for 3–4 minutes.
- Allow the tea to cool.
- Using a cotton ball, apply the tea to your skin or pour it into a spray bottle to spritz it on.
- Allow it to dry, then rinse it off with water and pat your skin dry.
You can besides add the remaining tea leaves to honey and make a mask .
Summary green tea is eminent in antioxidants that help fight bacteria and reduce inflammation. Some research indicates that applying green tea extract to the bark may reduce acne .
6. Apply witch hazel
Witch hazel is extracted from the bark and leaves of the north american witch hazel shrub, Hamamelis virginiana. It contains tannins, which have potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties ( 32, 33 ). That ’ s why it ’ s used to treat a broad range of clamber conditions, including dandruff, eczema, varicose veins, burns, bruises, worm bites, and acne. presently, there appears to be identical little research on witch hazel ’ s ability to treat acne specifically. In one small report funded by a skin caution company, 30 individuals with balmy or mince acne used a three-step facial discussion twice daily for 6 weeks. Witch hazel was one of the ingredients in the second tone of the treatment. Most participants experienced significant improvement in their acne by the end of the study ( 34 ). research besides suggests that wiccan hazel may fight bacteria and reduce skin irritation and inflammation, which can contribute to acne ( 35, 36, 37 ) .
How to use it
- Combine 1 tablespoon of witch hazel bark and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan.
- Soak the witch hazel for 30 minutes and then bring the mixture to a boil on the stove.
- Reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and let it sit for an additional 10 minutes.
- Strain and store the liquid in a sealed container.
- Apply to clean skin using a cotton ball 1–2 times per day, or as desired.
It ’ sulfur crucial to note that commercially organize versions may not contain tannins, as they are often lost in the distillate process .
Summary Applying enchantress hazelnut to the skin may reduce irritation and inflammation. It may be beneficial for individuals with acne, but more inquiry is needed .
7. Moisturize with aloe vera
Aloe vera is a tropical plant whose leaves produce a clean mousse. The mousse is much added to lotions, creams, ointments, and soaps. It ’ s normally used to treat abrasions, rashes, burns, and early peel conditions. When applied to the skin, aloe vera gelatin can help heal wounds, cover burns, and fight inflammation ( 38 ). Aloe vera contains salicylic acerb and sulphur, which are both use extensively in the treatment of acne. Research has found that applying salicylic acid to the clamber reduces acne ( 39, 40, 41, 42 ). respective studies have besides indicated that aloe vera gel, when combined with other substances like tretinoin cream or tea tree oil, may improve acne ( 43, 22 ). While research shows promise, the anti-acne benefits of aloe vera itself require far scientific research .
How to use it
- Scrape the gel from the aloe plant out with a spoon.
- Apply the gel directly to clean skin as a moisturizer.
- Repeat 1–2 times per day, or as desired.
You can besides buy aloe vera gelatin from the store, but make sure that it ’ s pure aloe without any add ingredients .
Summary When applied to the skin, aloe vera mousse can help heal wounds, cover burns, and contend inflammation. It may be beneficial for individuals with acne, but more research is needed .
8. Take a fish oil supplement
omega-3 fatty acid fatty acids are healthy fats that offer a battalion of health benefits. You must get these fats from your diet, but research shows that most people who eat a criterion Western diet wear ’ thyroxine get enough of them ( 44 ). fish oils contain two chief types of omega-3 fatty acid fatso acids — eicosapentaenoic acidic ( EPA ) and docosahexaenoic acidic ( DHA ). high levels of EPA and DHA have been shown to decrease incendiary factors, which may reduce the gamble of acne ( 45 ). In one study, 45 individuals with acne were given omega-3 fatty acid fatty acerb supplements containing both EPA and DHA daily. After 10 weeks, their acne decreased significantly ( 46 ). There ’ s no particular recommended daily intake of omega-3 fatty acid fatty acids. The 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that healthy adults consume around 250 magnesium of blend EPA and DHA each day ( 47 ). You can besides get omega-3 fatty acid fatty acids by eating salmon, sardines, anchovies, walnuts, chia seeds, and ground flax seeds. Learn more about pisces oil supplements .
Summary fish oils contain two main types of omega-3 fatty acid fatty acids — EPA and DHA. Taking a fish oil supplement may help decrease acne .
9. Exfoliate regularly
exfoliation is the summons of removing the top layer of dead bark cells. You can use chemicals to achieve this, or exfoliate mechanically by using a brush or cancel to physically remove the cells ( 48 ). scale may improve acne by removing the skin cells that clog pores. It may besides make acne treatments for the skin more effective by allowing them to penetrate cryptic, once the topmost layer of skin is removed. presently, the research on scale and its ability to treat acne is limited. Some studies suggest that microdermabrasion, a method acting of exfoliation, can improve the skin ’ randomness appearance, including some cases of acne scar ( 49, 50 ). In one little survey, 38 patients with acne received eight microdermabrasion treatments at hebdomadally intervals. The participants with acne scars showed some improvements following the treatments ( 51 ). Another small study found that six weekly microdermabrasion treatments helped stimulate skin repair ( 52 ). While these results indicate that exfoliation may improve skin health and appearance, more inquiry is needed on acne. There are a wide assortment of scale products available, but you can besides make a cancel at home using sugar or salt. note that mechanical scale, such as with harsh scrubs or brushes, can be irritating and damage the peel. As such, some dermatologists recommend pacify chemical scale with salicylic- or glycolic-acid-based products. If you choose to try mechanical scale, be certain to lightly rub your skin to avoid damaging it .
How to make a scrub at home
- Mix equal parts sugar (or salt) and coconut oil.
- Gently rub your skin with the mixture and rinse well.
- Exfoliate as often as desired, up to once daily.
Summary scale is the process of removing the top layer of dead bark cells. It may reduce the appearance of scars and discoloration, but more research needs to be done on its ability to treat acne .
10. Follow a low glycemic load diet
The relationship between diet and acne has been debated for years. research suggests that dietary factors, such as insulin and glycemic index, may be associated with acne ( 53 ). A food ’ s glycemic index ( GI ) is a measure of how cursorily it raises your blood sugar. Eating high GI foods causes a spike in insulin, which likely increases sebum product. As a resultant role, high GI foods may immediately affect the development and severity of acne. Foods with a high glycemic index include processed foods, such as :
- white bread
- sugary soft drinks
- cakes
- doughnuts
- pastries
- candies
- sugary breakfast cereals
Foods with a humble glycemic index include :
- fruits
- vegetables
- legumes
- nuts
- whole or minimally processed grains
In one study, 66 people followed either a normal or low glycemic diet. After 2 weeks, the individuals consuming a low glycemic diet had lower levels of insulin-like increase factor-1 ( IGF-1 ), a hormone involved in acne development ( 54 ). Another study in 64 people found that those with centrist or severe acne ate diets with more carbohydrates and a higher glycemic load than those without acne ( 55 ). These modest studies suggest that a low glycemic diet may help those with acne-prone skin. Additional larger, longer studies are needed .
Summary Eating senior high school glycemic foods may increase sebum production and lend to acne. More research is needed to determine whether a abject glycemic diet can treat or help prevent acne .
11. Cut back on dairy
The relationship between dairy and acne is highly controversial. milk and dairy products contain hormones like IGF-1, which is associated with acne. other hormones in milk may cause hormonal changes and leash to acne ( 53 ). One study in people ages 10 to 24 line up that drinking wholly milk three or more days each workweek was linked to moderate or severe acne ( 56 ). In another study including 114 participants, those with acne were found to drink importantly more milk than people who didn ’ t have acne ( 57 ). On the other hand, a study involving over 20,000 adults found no association between milk consumption and acne ( 58 ). Participants self-reported the data in these studies, indeed more research needs to be done to establish a true causal kinship. last, several research reviews have suggested an association between dairy pulmonary tuberculosis and acne ( 59, 60 ). The relationship between milk and acne needs further study .
Summary Some studies have found a plus association between drinking milk and acne. Limiting milk and dairy pulmonary tuberculosis may help prevent acne, but more research is needed .
12. Reduce stress
The liaison between stress and acne is not amply understand. The hormones released during periods of stress may increase sebum production and inflammation, making acne worse ( 61 ). tension may besides affect gut bacteria and cause inflammation throughout the body, which could be linked to acne ( 62 ). What ’ s more, try can slow wound bring around, which may slow the animate of acne lesions ( 63 ). multiple studies have found an association between stress and acne ( 64, 65, 66 ). however, each of these studies was relatively small, so more research is needed. One study in 80 participants found no association between stress intensity and acne. however, it noted that acne severity may be related to people ’ s ability to cope with stress ( 67 ). Certain relaxation and stress reduction treatments may improve acne, but more inquiry needs to be done ( 68 ) .
Ways to reduce stress
- get more sleep
- engage in physical activity
- practice yoga
- meditate
- take deep breaths
Summary Hormones that are released during times of stress may make acne worse. Reducing tension may help improve acne .
13. Exercise regularly
There ’ s fiddling inquiry on the effects of exercise on acne. still, exercise affects bodily functions in ways that may help improve acne. For case, use promotes healthy rake circulation. The increase in blood menstruate helps nourish the skin cells, which may help prevent and heal acne. exercise besides plays a role in hormone levels and regulation ( 69, 70 ). several studies have suggested that exercise can decrease stress and anxiety, both of which can contribute to the development of acne ( 71, 72, 73 ). The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults get 150 minutes of aerobic exercise and hire in military capability training activities two days per week ( 74 ). This can include walk, hike, running, and lifting weights .
Summary drill affects several factors that may improve acne. These include promoting healthy blood circulation and helping reduce tension .
The bottom line
Acne is a common problem with a number of underlie causes. Experts agree that conventional treatments like salicylic acid, niacinamide, or benzoyl peroxide are still the most effective, though some may find these irritate. many people choose to try natural remedies. Most home remedies for acne have not been shown to be clinically effective, but they ’ ra available as alternative treatment options. however, you may want to consult a dermatologist if you have severe acne. Read this article in spanish.
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