Acne is surely a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. While it is always best to seek professional help, some people use home remedies that appear to be effective in treatment.
If you experience outbreaks and desire to add remedies to help your current treatment, here are five ways you may want to try for amazing results.
1. Master Your Cleansing Routine
Cleansing is the first and foremost step involved in taking care of acne-infested skin. But then, not just washing the face is what is expected; rather, it’s how you do it. You are required to wash your face twice a day with a non-comedogenic cleanser that is gentle in nature. It helps avoid filling up your pores with excessive dirt.
Ingredients: Salicylic acid exfoliates the skin, unclogging pores, while benzoyl peroxide works to fight the bacteria causing acne. Be careful with the strength of products if you have sensitive skin, for you may find yourself with excessive dryness or irritation.
Be gentler: Do not scrub hard with brushes or scrubbing sponges. Cleanse the face using your fingertips or a soft washcloth. And remember, always rinse well to remove all residue.
2. Exfoliate Smartly
Exfoliation is a necessary skin care step and it must be done correctly. This will help in removing the exfoliation of dead skin cells that block pores, which would eventually reduce some of the skin problems. On the other hand, over-exfoliation may cause more problems than solutions.
Chemical Exfoliants: With products that include alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids, dead skin cells would be dissolved without having to bear heavy scrubbing.
AHA & BHA: Lactic acid and glycolic acid are some of the AHAs that are very effective for brightening and smoothening the skin, but for BHAs, salicylic acid is one that goes deep into pores to dispel everything on the inside that you do not want.
3. Utilize Natural Remedies to Your Advantage
Some natural products have been useful in treating acne due to their properties, which include antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and soothing effects. A few of these are:
Tea Tree Oil: Renowned for its antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil works in reducing the number of bacteria responsible for acne on your skin. Always dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil and apply directly to the blemish. The extract should be used sparingly since, at full strength, tea tree oil can be too strong for certain skin types.
Aloe Vera: The motive behind including aloe vera among all kinds of herbal ingredients is its soothing and anti-inflammatory blessings. Pure aloe vera gel applied to the skin helps to soothe irritation, reducing redness in turn. Besides that, it also keeps your skin hydrated, but not greasy.
Green Tea: Green tea contains antioxidants along with anti-inflammatory compounds that are quite effective topically. Brew a cup of green tea, let it cool down, and use a cotton pad to apply the cooled tea directly onto the affected areas.
4. Watch Your Diet
It is surely true that what you eat can make a big difference in your skin’s health. Even though the exact relationship between diet and acne remains to be fully clarified, there is undoubtedly a group of foods that exacerbate acne.
Reduce Sugary and Processed Foods: High-glycemic foods, like sugary snacks and processed carbohydrates, raise blood sugar levels, perhaps triggering an outbreak. Whole grains and low glycemic index foods should be used instead.
Boost Omega-3 Intake: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, are anti-inflammatory and may help prevent acne.
Drink Plenty of Water: Drinking enough water keeps skin hydrated and it also helps the body get rid of toxins. Drink at least eight glasses a day to help keep your skin healthy in general.
5. Keep Stress Under Control
No, it does not directly cause acne, but it can develop hormone reactions inside your body that may raise the current level of severity regarding an outbreak. In fact, controlled management of stress in life can also fall under the banner of controlling acne.
Relaxation Techniques: In all probabilities, chart out some activities for relaxation, like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing. Such practices will calm your mind and may contribute to clearer skin.
Sleep Enough: Your skin repairs itself while you sleep. Aim to get 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night, which will help your skin health and reduce your stress levels.
The Bottom Line
Acne treatment effectively at home combines good skin care practices, smart lifestyle choices, and home remedies to help achieve the best results. If your acne does not go away or worsens, seeking a dermatologist’s advice is always a good idea for more advanced facial treatment. A clear, radiant complexion can be yours with a bit of time and consistency.
