Acne is one of the most common skincare conditions. Almost 85% of adults have acne. And we understand the pain of going through lots of medical procedures and acne treatments. Using acne skincare products with ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, or benzoyl peroxide can help get rid of acne, but sometimes they can be expensive too. And some acne skincare products can cause unwanted side effects too. That’s why so many people are trying to get rid of acne naturally using natural products and easy home remedies. If you’re looking for tips to get rid of acne naturally, this guide is just what you need.
What causes acne breakouts?
But first, let’s learn what exactly causes acne breakouts before trying to get rid of it.
So acne breakouts happen when your hair follicles or pores get clogged with a mix of sebum (an oil-like substance produced by your skin) and old dead skin cells.
Your skin generates sebums to keep the skin hydrated and protected. But when there’s too much sebum secretion, the excess can clog your hair follicles by accumulating inside of them. In addition, sebum and dead skin cells from your skin’s natural turnover process may combine to cause these obstructed hair follicles. Those clogged follicles can grow bacteria inside them, becoming uncomfortable, red, and inflamed. This can result in pimples and various types of infected acne.
The whole process can be impacted by a wide range of factors like hormones, lifestyle, heredity influence, and even the use of specific medications.
Most acne treatments operate by lowering sebum production, removing dead skin cells, preventing the growth of acne-causing bacteria, or combining several of these actions. Others may not directly treat acne but may make it simpler to manage by reducing inflammation and other typical acne symptoms. So now, let’s see how you can get rid of acne without the need for expensive acne treatments or acne skincare products.
How to get rid of acne?
There are two ways to get rid of acne naturally. The first is introducing some changes in your lifestyle, from diets to washing your face. You never know how minor things can affect your skin. So, let’s look at a few easy habits that you can opt to control pimples.
Here are some lifestyle habits you must adopt to get your acne breakouts under control.
Make sure you wash your skin twice a day
Remember to wash your skin twice daily (at least). It’s best to wash your skin as quickly as you can if you sweat, such as after a workout. Always wash up after any sweaty activity, which can cause your acne to worsen.
Try to avoid touching your face
It is only human to touch your face often. Touching your face more often can worsen your acne. Make sure you thoroughly wash your hands before touching your face (if you must.)
Don’t pop your pimple
Whatever you do, as tempting as it may feel, do not pop your pimple. Popping it can worsen your acne by pushing the mix of sebum and skin cells deeper into your skin.
Wash your hair frequently, if it is oily
The pores on your face can easily become clogged with hair oil, leading to acne growth. To avoid oil buildup, shampoo it frequently, especially if you have oily hair.
Choose your beauty products wisely
Avoid using toners, alcohol, and other astringents. These items may aggravate acne breakouts and irritate your skin. Instead, look for products that are mild on the skin and are free of irritants like alcohol.
Avoid staying outdoors for long periods
Contrary to widespread belief, sun exposure doesn’t keep acne at bay. Instead, excessive sun exposure may exacerbate your acne and hasten your skin’s aging process.
Natural ways to get rid of acne
When you have finally started implementing these lifestyle changes, simultaneously introduce natural products, supplements, and home remedies into those changes.
1. Grapes
You might not have heard about grapes as an acne treatment before. But in a study in 2016, red grapes have resveratrol in their skin that may exhibit bactericidal activity against Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), a bacteria in the sebaceous glands that contribute to acne.
So, grab a few fresh grapes from your refrigerator and use them as a simple facial wash. Slice up two or three grapes, then use the flesh to massage your face and neck.
2. Honey Mask
Honey, for sure, has many healing properties. It is also a natural cough syrup. In addition, honey has antibacterial properties that may heal burns and wound infections. It can also prevent the growth of C. acnes.
You may use honey as a simple mask. First, wash your face with warm water, apply honey to your skin, and leave it on for 30 minutes. Then, rinse it off with warm water.
3. Oatmeal Facial
Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties that can naturally soothe and relieve irritations, rashes, burns, and eczema.
Take 2 teaspoons of oats, 1 tsp of baking soda, and enough water to make a paste. Apply the paste evenly on your face and gently massage it in. After that, thoroughly rinse.
4. Cucumber Mask
Just like oatmeal, cucumber too has a soothing effect on the skin and can reduce swelling, irritation, pain, etc. And who hasn’t put cucumber slices on their eyes? It feels so good, and trust us, there’s no better treatment for puffiness than cucumber. In addition, cucumbers can help to calm inflamed skin from acne.
Blend 1 cup of oatmeal with 1 small cucumber to make a paste. Apply it on your face after combining 1 teaspoon of this mixture with 1 tsp yogurt. Rinse 30 minutes after leaving it on.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has organic acids like citric acid, which, according to research, has been found to kill P. acne. Apple cider vinegar also contains lactic acid that can improve the appearance of acne scars.
Combine 3 parts water with 1 part apple cider vinegar (use more water for sensitive skin). Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture to the skin after cleaning gently. After 15 to 20 seconds, rinse it with water, then pat it dry. As necessary, repeat this procedure 1–2 times daily.
6. Tea Tree Oil
According to a 2018 study, using tea tree oil on the skin may help with acne. And it is easy to use for acne treatment.
All you have to do is combine 1 part tea tree oil with 9 parts water. (Since tea tree oil is so strong, always dilute it before using it topically). Next, dip a cotton swab in the mixture and apply it to the acne. If desired, apply moisturizer. Repeat this procedure 1 to 2 times daily.
There you go! These simple tips to get rid of acne could work for you. But, before you work on these tips to get rid of acne naturally, please note that natural remedies and lifestyle modifications can and frequently do clear up mild acne; they might not be sufficient if you experience severe or persistent acne breakouts. By this, we mean acne that is nodular or cystic acne. These acne types can be difficult to cure and typically call for medication.
