A Must Know
Acne Treatment - Home Remedies for Acne
Acne is caused by an overactive sebaceous gland. Sebaceous glands are the glands that secrete oil or 'sebum' to keep the skin moist. However, an excess secretion can clog the skin pores, which can harbor dead skin cells, dirt and even the bacteria that are found on the surface of the skin. This in turn, can create a very favorable environment for bacterial growth, the result of which can be the appearance of acne and pimples. The secretion of sebum or oil by the sebaceous glands is governed by a number of factors, out of which the most important ones are, hormone and diet. So, factors like, a poor diet that is high in harmful fats and lacks the important nutrients and essential fatty acids and hormonal fluctuations, along with high level of stress and certain allergens can trigger acne outbreaks. However, this problem can be alleviated with the help of some simple home remedies. Before, discussing more about acne treatment home remedies, let's take a brief look at what are conventional treatment options for acne.
Acne Treatment
If acne breakout is not severe, then it can be managed with the over the counter acne medications. The over the counter medications that are usually employed for the treatment of mild to moderate acne are, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and sulfur and resorcinol. Benzoyl peroxide can remove excess oil from the skin, and help to clear up moderate to severe acne breakouts. People with dry and sensitive skin can benefit more from salicylic acid. Sulfur and resorcinol based acne products can too help to unclog the skin pores and clear up acne.
However, the various over the counter acne skin care products can cause a few side effects in some individuals. Dry skin, peeling, redness and increased sensitivity to sunlight are some of the most common side effects associated with these products. The over the counter medications may not prove very effective for severe acne breakout. For severe acne, antibiotics and accutane can be required. But, these medications should be taken only under the guidance of a health care practitioner.
Acne Treatment Home Remedies
Unlike the over the counter and prescription acne medications, the home remedies for acne are mild and do not cause any serious side effects. In fact, many of these home remedies can improve the skin tone and complexion and make the skin radiant and younger looking, besides alleviating the problem of acne. Here are some of the most effective natural acne cures for you
One of the most simple natural remedies for acne and acne scar removal is lemon juice, as it has exfoliating and bleaching properties. To use it for acne treatment, mix lemon juice with rose water and soak a cotton ball in it. Now, apply it on the acne with the cotton ball, let it sit for a few minutes, before washing it off.
Try aloe vera gel to heal the acne lesions. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and soothing properties, for which it can accelerate the healing of acne lesions.
If you want to dry up the acne quickly, then take some toothpaste and dab it on the acne, preferably at night before going to bed. The next day, wash it off with clean water.
Baking soda is another readily available product in almost every household, which can be used for acne treatment. For treating acne with baking soda, mix baking soda with some water to make a thick paste and then use it as a homemade scrub.
Take some cooked oatmeal and put some honey in it. Mix them well and use the mixture as a homemade mask to get rid of acne. Let it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off.
Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties, for which it is considered by many as one of the most effective acne treatment home remedies.
Crush a ripe tomato and then apply the pulp on the acne lesions. Keep it for about half an hour and then rinse it off with clean water.
Sandalwood paste can be termed as an excellent home remedy for acne, acne scar and oily skin. For acne prevention and treatment, mix sandalwood powder with rose water to make a thick paste. Apply this paste on the acne or on your entire face, and let it dry out completely. Then wash it off completely with lukewarm water.
Make a fine paste of multani mitti or fuller's earth by mixing it with water and then apply the paste on the face. Let it dry fully, after which wash it off with lukewarm water.
Orange peel can also prove immensely beneficial for acne treatment. Just, grind orange peel and then make a paste by mixing it with water. Apply the paste on the affected area of the skin, keep it for about 20 to 25 minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
So, these are some of the natural or home remedies that can be used for acne treatment. Apart from these, jojoba oil, cucumber pulp, a paste of honey and cinnamon, juice of raw papaya, turmeric powder and mint, especially peppermint are some other acne treatment home remedies. However, for severe acne breakout, you might need the help of medications along with these home remedies for acne. So, talk to a physician, if your acne problem seems to be a bit severe and difficult to cure with simple home remedies. At the same time, give attention to your diet, drink plenty of water throughout the day, exercise regularly and follow an effective skin care regimen, in order to get radiant and acne free skin.
