What is acne?
Acne, also
known as acne vulgaris, is a skin condition that occurs when dead skin cells and oil from the skin clog hair follicles. Typical features of the condition include blackheads or whiteheads, pimples, oily skin, and possible scarring. It primarily affects skin with a relatively high number of oil glands, including the face, upper part of the chest, and back. In 2015, acne affected approximately 633 million people globally, making it the eighth-most common disease worldwide. Although acne becomes less common in adulthood, it persists in nearly half of affected people into their twenties and thirties, and a smaller group continues to have difficulties in their forties
Causes of acne
- Genes:
Genetics is the primary cause of acne in 80% of cases and it appears to be strongly inherited. If your parents had/have acne, chances are you might have them too and there’s nothing you can have no control over it.
- Hormones
Hormonal activity, such as occurs during menstrual cycles and puberty, may contribute to the formation of acne. During puberty, an increase in sex hormones called androgens causes the skin follicle glands to grow larger and it causes the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum.
- Diet
The proverbial saying “You are what you eat” right denotes here. Diet always plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health. High-glycemic-load diets have been found to have different degrees of effect on acne severity. A recent study found Acne-promoting factors include high glycemic food, dairy products, fat food, and chocolate, whereas acne-protective factors include fatty acids, fruit, and vegetable intake.
- Stress
There are few high-quality studies to demonstrate that stress causes or worsens acne. Stress may also affect gut bacteria and cause inflammation throughout the body, which could be linked to acne The best way to reduce your stress is by indulging in calming activities such as meditation and yoga as it will help you to manage your stress levels more.
(don’t forget to do a patch test on your skin first before applying it direct to your face.)
How to get rid of acne
7 Home Remedies:
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, is an essential oil with a fresh camphoraceous odor. It can be used to treat conditions and symptoms that affect skin, and hair. It is derived from the leaves of the tea tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, native to southeast Queensland and the northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia.
How to use:
For spot treatment of acne:
- Use 1-2 drops of 100% pure tea tree essential oil, 2 tablespoons of 100% pure aloe vera gel.
- Mix all the ingredients
- Apply a thin layer to your face at bedtime.
- Rinse with warm water in the morning.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, or cider vinegar, is a vinegar made from fermented apple juice. Apple cider vinegar is an ingredient, which has many health as well as skin benefits. It is rich in acetic, citric, malic, and amino acid and also contains vitamins, enzymes, and mineral salts, which is beneficial for your skin.
How to use:
- Mix apple cider vinegar with water in a bowl.
- Soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply it to the affected skin.
- Leave it for 10 minutes and then wash it off with warm water.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel is used in many over-the-counter skin products. It is a plant in the succulent family. This plant extract has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which has led to its use in treating acne. The benefits of aloe vera for skin are plenty.
How to use:
- Take a little amount and apply it to the affected areas.
- Leave it overnight
- Wash it off in the morning.
- Repeat this process for around a week.
4. Lemon Juice
The juices from fresh lemons are one of the many home remedies touted in online forums. Packed with vitamin C, the humble lemon’s benefits go a long, long way, beyond just building your immunity. Lemon juice has astringent qualities due to its acidic level. Ingredients with a high pH level like lemons can help decrease inflammation and oil that may contribute to the formation of acne.
Do not apply lemon juice directly to your skin, as this can result in skin irritation. Always dilute the juice.
How to use:
- Apply to your acne with a cotton swab.
- Leave on for a few seconds.
- rinse your face with lukewarm water.
- Repeat a few times a day as needed.
5. Castor Oil
Castor oil has been used in Indian households for centuries nowCastor oil also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It can help in preventing acne breakouts to a great extent. Castor oil is produced by cold-pressing castor seeds and then applying heat. It’s not considered an edible oil and makes up only a fraction of the world’s vegetable oil production.
How to use:
- Take a cotton ball and dip it in castor oil.
- Massage it all over your face in a circular motion.
- Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.
- Before washing your face, massage it gently.
- Wash your face with the help of lukewarm water.
6. Oatmeal
Oatmeal has certain functions which actually improve your acne situation and the overall appearance of the skin. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help to treat dry skin and remove dead skin cells.
How to use:
- Cook the oatmeal on a stove as you would normally.
- Once cooled off, apply the mask to your face.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Wash your face with warm water.
- You can apply this mask a couple of times per week.
7. Cinnamon and Honey
Honey is used as a treatment for a number of skin conditions. It also reduces inflammation and provides a moist environment conducive to healing. Cinnamon also has astringent properties. Astringents help to shrink pores, which can make the skin appear smoother and more even.
How to use:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of cinnamon powder with 2-3 teaspoons of honey.
- Form a paste.
- Apply this mix on the face covering acne.
- Wash it off with lukewarm water after 10 minutes.
NOTE: If home remedies don’t clear your acne, kindly visit a dermatologist.