Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the world, affecting an estimated 85% of young adults. 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 dryness, redness, and irritation.
What causes acne?
Acne starts when the pores in your skin get clogged with oil and dead skin cells.
Each pore is connected to a sebaceous gland, which produces an oily substance called sebum. Extra sebum can plug pores, causing the growth of a bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes.
Your white blood cells attack P. acnes, leading to skin inflammation 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
This article explores 5 popular home remedies for acne.
1. Zinc
Raises levels of zinc in the blood to help reduce severe and inflammatory acne
May also help
Cell growth
Hormone production
Immune function
Inflammation
Metabolism
Oxidative stress
Zinc is an essential nutrient that’s important for cell growth, hormone production, metabolism, and immune function. It’s relatively well studied compared with other natural treatments for acne.
Research indicates that people with acne tend to have lower levels of zinc in their blood than those with clear skin
Elemental zinc refers to the amount 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 elemental zinc at 80%.
It’s also important to note that applying zinc to the skin has not been shown to be effective. This may be because zinc is not effectively absorbed through the skin.
2. Honey and cinnamon mask
Honey and cinnamon exert antibacterial properties when combined to help fight acne-causing bacteria.
May also help
Blood pressure levels
Blood sugar levels
High cholesterol
Inflammation
Wound healing and burn treatment
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.
3. Green tea
Contains plant-based compounds and antioxidants that help treat acne when consumed or applied to the skin
May also help
Blood pressure levels
Blood sugar levels
Brain function
Healthy aging
High cholesterol
Inflammation
Metabolism and fat burning
Stress and anxiety
Tooth decay and bad breath
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.
4. Aloe vera
Contains naturally occurring salicylic acid and sulfur to heal skin and improve acne
May also help
Blood sugar levels
Heartburn
Inflammation
Skin conditions and burn treatment
Wound healing
Aloe vera is a tropical plant whose leaves produce a clear gel. The gel is often added to lotions, creams, ointments, and soaps.
It’s commonly used to treat abrasions, rashes, burns, and other skin conditions. When applied to the skin, aloe vera gel can help heal wounds, treat burns, and fight inflammation .
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 also buy aloe vera gel from the store, but make sure that it’s pure aloe without any added ingredients.
5. Fish oil
Contains omega-3 fatty acids to fortify a regular diet and decrease inflammation related to acne
May also help
Anxiety and depression
Bone and joint health
Development during pregnancy and early life
Eyesight
Healthy aging
Heart health
Inflammation
Menstrual cramping
Metabolism
Sleep
Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that offer a multitude of health benefits.
You must get these fats from your diet, but research shows that most people who eat a standard Western diet don’t get enough of them (44Trusted Source).
Fish oils contain two main types of omega-3 fatty acids — eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
High levels of EPA and DHA have been shown to decrease inflammatory factors, which may reduce the risk of acne
Opmerkingen