6 Of The Best Natural Remedies For Acne That Work
Acne affects millions of people of all ages every year. This can range from occasional breakouts to chronic acne. So start using some of these natural remedies for acne if you want to avoid scars and low self-esteem left by untreated acne.
Clogged pores, bacteria, dead skin cells, excess oil production, or hormonal imbalances are the main causes of acne. An unhealthy diet and stress can also lead to breakouts.
Your skin is an indicator of your internal health. Skin ridden with acne and pimples points to poor nutrition, hormonal imbalances, or oxidative damage.
Popular over-the-counter acne treatments are a dime a dozen and it is hard to tell if they even work without countless trial-and-error.
On the other hand, though, acne can be treated naturally by normalizing the skin’s oil production. This can be done by using gentle treatments, creams, and exfoliants.
If your acne is hormone-related, you can control this using acupuncture and natural remedies for acne, which are safe and effective.
The Best Natural Remedies For Acne
The natural remedies for acne mentioned in this article will help you get rid of pimples and acne in a safe and natural way. Here are 6 natural remedies for acne to try at home:
1. Honey Cleanser
If your skin is acne-prone, regular cleansers can strip the skin of its protective layer and increase oil production. Honey is an excellent way to remove dirt and impurities without stripping the skin of natural oils.
It also has natural antibacterial and probiotic properties to tackle breakouts effectively.
- Every morning, massage half a teaspoon of honey over your dry face.
- Rinse off and pat dry.
This is more cost-effective than regular cleansers and boasts superior antibacterial and healing properties.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar Toner
Toning is an important aspect of reducing acne and breakouts. Apple cider vinegar is rich in magnesium, potassium, acetic acid, and other beneficial enzymes that kill bacteria.
- Create a natural toner, by mixing one part of raw apple cider vinegar with two parts of witch hazel.
- Spray this mixture on your face or apply it with a cotton ball in the mornings and evenings.
- Ensure that you pay particular attention to active breakouts and acne-prone areas.
Witch Hazel contains Tannins which make it an excellent natural astringent. This toner helps restore the skin’s pH levels and removes any residue after cleansing. It also allows other natural remedies for acne and oils to absorb better and increases their efficacy.
3. Coconut Oil Moisturizer
Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, you need to use a moisturizer. If your skin is not hydrated, it produces more oil which can trigger breakouts.
Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer for sensitive or acne-prone skin. It is packed full of antioxidants and contains lauric acid which fights against acne-causing bacteria.
It is also extremely versatile and can be used to treat a variety of skin ailments. Coconut oil is not just one of the best natural remedies for acne, it can also be used on hair.
To use coconut oil as an effective daily moisturizer, follow these steps:
- Warm a few drops of coconut oil in the palms of your hands.
- Massage this into your face and neck.
- Leave it on for five minutes and gently wipe it off with a cloth.
Make sure you don’t apply too much oil on your face because an excess can cause breakouts. Coconut oil can also protect skin against harmful UV rays as it has an SPF value of 8.
4. Gentle Exfoliator
Regular exfoliation is important to get rid of dead skin cells and clogged pores, which can lead to breakouts. However, commercially available scrubs contain chemicals that can irritate sensitive, acne-prone skin.
Natural scrubs are easy to make at home and can be customized with different ingredients to treat acne-prone skin.
To make a simple scrub, follow these steps:
- Combine two tablespoons of ground oatmeal with two tablespoons of honey. You can also use brown sugar in place of oatmeal.
- Rub this scrub into the skin, using gentle circular motions.
- Remove with a damp cloth and splash some cold water on your skin to close the pores.
Coconut oil helps to prevent bacterial and fungal growth on the skin. The oatmeal or brown sugar helps to unclog pores and remove dead skin.
5. Healing Masks And Treatments
You may be under the impression that face masks can make acne worse. But masks can help hydrate and heal the skin and should be applied once or twice a week. Natural ingredients like yogurt, honey, cinnamon, and some essential oils can help fight the causes of acne.
To make a hydrating yogurt and honey mask, follow these steps:
- Mix one tablespoon of yogurt with one tablespoon of raw honey.
- Apply this on cleansed skin, paying particular attention to acne-prone areas.
- Leave this on for 10 minutes and rinse or wipe off with a damp cloth.
One of the most effective natural remedies for acne is a combination of Honey, coconut oil, and cinnamon. Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Here is how to make one:
- Combine two tablespoons of raw honey, one teaspoon of coconut oil, and half a teaspoon of cinnamon. You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil to the masks to enhance their acne-fighting benefits.
- Apply this mixture to your face and leave it on for ten minutes.
- Gently remove with a damp cloth.
6. Nutritious Diet
Acne can be treated from the inside out by eating green leafy vegetables, fruits, and lean protein. It is also important to avoid foods that cause drastic spikes in blood sugar levels, which lead to the production of insulin.
A deficiency of Vitamin A can also lead to acne. Consume Vitamin-rich foods such as carrots, potatoes, and spinach for healthy skin. For more information on the benefits of Vitamins and the foods that contain them, take a look at the infographic below.
Include foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids such as fish and nuts. These healthy fats are essential for good skin health and the prevention of acne breakouts.
According to recent studies, low zinc levels can increase the severity of acne. So include zinc-rich foods such as pumpkin seeds, yogurt, and lamb in your diet.
Some foods can trigger acne and pimples. Sugar, gluten, dairy, and hydrogenated oils must be avoided or consumed in moderation as these can lead to breakouts.
Bonus Treatment
The toothpaste is really often used to treat acne, and since it’s the cheapest method to get rid of acne, we couldn’t skip it. Here is a small image with the instructions on how to apply toothpaste to your pimples:
Foods For A Healthy Skin
Here are 14 Vitamins and the foods that contain them to help you maintain healthy and young-looking skin:
Conclusion
Hair, makeup, and skincare products can contain ingredients that cause acne. If you start to see signs of breakouts, discontinue using the product immediately. Opt for natural products as far as possible, which are safer and can heal and nourish your skin without chemicals.
While many of the natural remedies for acne mentioned above are for the face, they can also be used to treat other parts of the body where pimples occur.
If you do not see results with these natural remedies for acne, consult a dermatologist and go in for more potent products that specifically target acne.
The efficacy of these natural remedies for acne is not universal and what works for one person may not work for another. Once you have found a skincare regimen that works, it is important to stick to it.
Also, follow a healthy diet, drink plenty of water and avoid harsh skin care products. It may also be helpful to change your pillowcase every week. Stick to a healthy routine and you will soon start to see results.