Acne is a prevalent skin disorder that affects around 85% of people at some point in their lives. Symptoms include troublesome pimples, which can be annoying and difficult to remove. While conventional treatments can remove pimples, they are frequently coupled with side effects such as skin irritation and dryness.

As a result, many people have turned to natural treatments to get rid of pimples quickly. However, while many natural acne therapies are available, only a few have been clinically confirmed to be effective.

Acne arises when sebum, an oily fluid generated by the skin, combines with dead skin and other debris to block pores. Bacteria, particularly P. acne, can infect these clogged pores, resulting in pimples or cysts. People can employ specialized home treatments to balance their skin’s oil levels, reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, and avoid future acne breakouts. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support the efficacy of most home treatments. This article looks at the present evidence for certain home treatments that people may find useful.

Causes of acne

Acne is a hypersensitivity of the skin’s sebaceous glands. Hormones, germs, and inflammation can all contribute to acne lesions on the skin.

Acne can also have the following causes:

Certain drugs include lithium, steroids, and anticonvulsants.
Restrictive clothing: Tight shoulder pads, backpacks, underwire bras, and headbands can all cause or aggravate acne.
Endocrine problems, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), can produce hormonal changes that lead to acne.
Acne outbreak susceptibility might be genetic.
Smoking can cause atypical post-adolescent acne, sometimes known as smoker’s acne. It is uncertain if vaping or smoking e-cigarettes causes acne.

Home treatments for acne

Below, we will go over the greatest home cures for acne, what the study indicates, and lifestyle modifications that can assist.

If a person wants to try certain topical remedies, they should consult with a dermatologist first or perform a patch test, which involves applying a small amount of the topical treatment to the wrist or hand to test for skin reactions.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and may destroy P. acnes, the bacteria that causes acne.

Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory effects, which means it can help minimize pimple swelling and redness.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a popular natural acne treatment, despite a lack of scientific data to support its usefulness.

Older research from the 2016 Trusted Source indicates that the citric acid in apple cider vinegar may help kill P.acnes bacteria when combined with other therapies, and additional research suggests that topical use may help minimize acne scarring.

Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil is a natural waxy material derived from the seeds of the jojoba shrub.

Some of the components in jojoba oil may help to reduce skin inflammation, including redness and swelling surrounding pimples, whiteheads, and other inflamed lesions.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, which means it can help reduce the look of acne and prevent outbreaks as part of a treatment regimen.

In a 2021 studyTrusted Source, researchers discovered that utilizing aloe vera with ultrasonic and soft mask treatments reduced the number of pimples, lesions, and dry skin.

Honey

Honey has been used to treat skin disorders for hundreds of years due to its high antioxidant content, which can help clean clogged pores. However, while there is evidence that honey has unique antibacterial properties, a 2016 review trusted Source found no solid evidence for honey’s effect on acne.

Zinc

Zinc’s anti-inflammatory characteristics make it a popular choice for reducing acne lesions and redness. People may choose to take zing supplements or apply zinc-based ointments and lotions.

Green tea

Green tea includes a high concentration of catechins, a type of polyphenol antioxidant.

Some acne sufferers have too much sebum, or natural body oils, in their pores and insufficient antioxidants. Antioxidants assist the body break down toxins and trash that can harm healthy cells.

Green tea also includes chemicals that may help with:

Reduce the skin’s sebum production
Reduce P. acnes and inflammation

Avoid touching the pimples

It’s tempting, but touching acne lesions irritates the skin, worsens the pimple, and spreads it to other regions.

Touching, rubbing, squeezing, or popping acne lesions can all introduce more germs into the lesion, resulting in severe illness. Squishing a pimple can push bacteria and debris deeper into the skin, making the place worse than before.

Consult a doctor for large sores or those deep beneath the skin to determine how to treat them properly.

Choosing the Right Cleanser

Many common soaps contain an acidity or pH that is too high, which can irritate the skin and worsen acne. Working with a dermatologist can help people figure out what is best for their skin. Often, using gentle cleansers, rinses, and washes can lessen the chance of acne flare-ups and allow sores to heal.

Use oil-free skincare

Oil-based or greasy products can clog pores, increasing the likelihood of clogging and developing acne lesions.

Look for skin care and cosmetics labeled “oil-free” or “noncomedogenic,” as these contain chemicals that allow pores to breathe.

Staying hydrated

When skin is dry, it can become irritated or damaged, exacerbating acne. Staying hydrated also helps new skin cells form properly while wounds heal.

There is no set daily recommended water intake because everyone’s water requirements differ depending on age, exercise, temperature, and medical conditions.

Concentrating on drinking more water during the day is a smart place to start.

Reduce stress

Stress raises levels of the hormone androgen. Androgen stimulates hair follicles and oil glands in pores, which raises the risk of acne.
Tips for dealing with stress include:

Speak with family, friends, a doctor, or other supportive individuals.
To improve health, prioritize adequate sleep, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and minimizing alcohol and caffeine usage.
Practice deep breathing, yoga, mindfulness, or meditation.
The infection is generally deep under the skin, does not respond to home therapy, covers a big area, and causes emotional discomfort.
There are situations when a person should consult a doctor if they have acne due to underlying issues. For example, home remedies may be ineffective when acne is caused by a hormonal imbalance or an allergic reaction, which can develop into more severe issues.

The FDA does not regulate herbal items or essential oils.

Furthermore, while many natural acne therapies have not been scientifically proven effective, some people may find them useful.

Always see a doctor before utilizing natural solutions to treat severe, chronic, deep, or painful acne lesions. Similarly, consult a doctor if mild acne sores do not respond to primary treatment or worsen.