While looking in the mirror, if you notice small holes on the surface of the skin, make sure they never get clogged. If that happens, you will end up with acne. It is a common skin condition responsible for the stubborn pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. Hormonal changes, stress, diet, and certain medications can cause acne, which can be painful and uncomfortable. There are skincare products that you can apply to treat acne. But if you believe in the power of nature, you can also try to reduce acne with home remedies.

What is acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that happens when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, says dermatologist Dr Akriti Gupta. It often causes whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples and can appear on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders. The skin's sebaceous glands produce sebum, which is an oily substance. Its excessive production can clog hair follicles, leading to acne. Dead skin cells that are not shed properly can accumulate and mix with sebum, creating a plug in the hair follicle. This blockage can result in whiteheads or blackheads. Also, the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is naturally present on the skin. And when hair follicles get clogged, these bacteria multiply rapidly, leading to inflammation and acne lesions.

Your choice of foods may cause acne. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Here are some more causes of acne:

• Androgens are hormones that increase during puberty in both boys and girls and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more sebum. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also affect sebum production.
• Certain dietary factors, including dairy products and carbohydrate-rich foods (such as bread and chips), can trigger acne.
• While stress doesn't directly cause acne, it can make it worse. Stress can increase the production of hormones like cortisol, which may increase sebum production and lead to more severe breakouts.
• Some medications, including corticosteroids, androgens, and lithium, can cause or worsen acne.
• Family history plays a role in acne. If your parents had acne then you are more likely to develop it too.
• Certain skincare products and cosmetics can contribute to clogged pores and acne if they are not non-comedogenic (designed not to block pores).
• Exposure to certain environmental factors, such as pollution and humidity, can exacerbate acne.

How to reduce acne with home remedies?

Here are natural ingredients that can help reduce acne:

1. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, making it a possible natural ingredient to use in the treatment of acne, as per a review published in the Antioxidants journal in 2023. Dilute it with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba oil) and apply to affected areas with a cotton swab. You can use it once daily, suggests the expert.

2. Aloe vera

Aloe vera, which has antibacterial properties, can help in controlling and reducing acne-causing bacteria. It is great for skin, as it can soothe inflammation and promote healing. You can directly apply pure aloe vera gel to your skin twice a day.

3. Honey

Honey is not only beneficial for people with dry skin. Since it has natural antibacterial properties, it can help with the acne problem. Apply a thin layer of raw honey to the affected area, leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse it off. Use it 2 to 3 times a week.

4. Apple cider vinegar

It consists of acetic acid and antibacterial properties that can help in killing the bacteria that causes acne. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with three parts water, apply it with a cotton ball then rinse it off after 20 seconds. Use apple cider vinegar for acne once daily or every other day.

5. Green tea

Green tea lotion may be beneficial in acne treatment, as it can reduce acne lesion count, as per research published in the Antioxidants journal in 2017. If not a lotion, you can brew green tea. Once it cools down, apply it with a cotton ball, or you can use a cooled tea bag as a compress. Do this once daily.

6. Witch hazel

It is a natural astringent that reduces inflammation, making it useful for treating acne. While soothing the skin, it can remove oil as well as sebum from the surface. Apply witch hazel extract to the skin with a cotton ball once daily, suggests Dr Gupta.

7. Lemon juice

It is a natural astringent, and has antiseptic qualities, which may kill bacteria that cause acne. Apply fresh lemon juice to the affected areas with a cotton swab, leave it on for 10 minutes then rinse. Use the juice 2 to 3 times a week.

Turmeric can be used to treat acne. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock.

8. Turmeric

Turmeric may help in treating skin conditions, such as acne, due to the presence of a compound called curcumin, as per a review published in Phytotherapy Research in 2016. Make a paste with turmeric powder and water, apply it to the affected areas, leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes then wash it off. Use this natural paste 2 to 3 times a week.

9. Cucumber

Cucumber is high in water content, and so it can reduce inflammation and soothe your skin, says the expert. Apply cucumber slices to your skin or blend cucumber and use the juice as a mask. You can use cucumber as a natural skincare product everyday.

10. Papaya

It contains enzymes that can help exfoliate and unclog pores. Mash fresh papaya and apply it as a face mask, leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes then rinse it off. Use this DIY face mask 2 to 3 times a week.

11. Oatmeal

Use oatmeal for skin, especially acne-prone skin. It can soothe as well as exfoliate the skin. Cook plain oatmeal, let it cool, and use it as a face mask. Let it stay on your face for about 15 minutes then wash it off. Using it 2 to 3 times a week is good enough.

12. Garlic

Garlic, a common kitchen ingredient, contains sulfur compounds with antibacterial properties. Garlic juice was found to have an anti-acne activity during a 2017 study published in the Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research.

Crush garlic and mix it with water, apply to the skin with a cotton ball. Rinse it off after 5 to 10 minutes. Use this home remedy for acne 2 to 3 times a week.

Using natural ingredients to reduce acne can be effective, but it's important to do a patch test before trying them to ensure you don't have an adverse reaction. If acne persists or worsens, go to a dermatologist.

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