what is acne?
Acne, medically refered to as “acne vulgaris” is a common skin condition that affects millions of people around the world. It occurs when the pores of the skin get clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, causing inflammation and pimples. Acne can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or skin type, and it can have a negative impact on one’s self-esteem and confidence.
what causes acne?
Acne is caused by blocked hair follicles or pores. Your hair follicles are tiny tubes that contain a hair strand. Several glands empty into your hair follicles. A blockage happens when there is too much material inside your hair follicle. Your pores can be blocked by:
Sebum
A greasy substance that protects your skin.
Bacteria
Small amounts of bacteria naturally live on your skin. If you have excess bacteria, it can block your pores.
Click to learn about the bacteria that lives naturally on the human skin.
Dead skin cells
Your skin cells shed regularly to allow new cells to grow. When your skin releases dead skin cells, they can get trapped in your hair follicles.
When your pores are blocked, substances plug up your hair follicle, forming a pimple. This causes inflammation, which you experience as pain and swelling. You can also see inflammation through skin discoloration like redness around a pimple.
You may also need to learn:How 3D-Printing Hair Follicles Could Revolutionize Sustainable Beauty
What are the types of acne?
Acne can have different forms, such as:
Fungal acne
This is a type of acne that happens when yeast accumulates in your hair follicles. It can cause itchiness and inflammation.
Cystic acne
This is a type of acne that produces deep, pus-filled bumps and lumps. It can leave scars on your skin.
Hormonal acne
This is a type of acne that affects adults who have too much sebum that blocks their pores.
Nodular acne
This is a severe type of acne that results in pimples on your skin surface, and painful, nodular masses under your skin.
All these types of acne can make you feel less confident, and both cystic and nodular acne can damage your skin permanently by causing scarring. It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider as soon as possible so they can recommend the best treatment option(s) for you.
While there are many conventional treatments for acne, such as creams, gels, and medications, they can be expensive, harsh, and have side effects. That’s why many people are looking for natural ways to treat their acne at home, using ingredients that are easily available, affordable, and gentle on the skin.
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, native to Australia. It has powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help kill the acne-causing bacteria.
To use tea tree oil for acne, you can dilute it with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil, and apply it directly to the affected areas with a cotton swab.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting apple cider, or the unfiltered juice from pressed apples. Apple cider vinegar contains organic acids, such as citric acid and lactic acid, which can help exfoliate the skin, remove dead skin cells, and unclog the pores.
To use apple cider vinegar for acne, you can dilute it with water in a 1:3 ratio and apply it to the skin with a cotton ball. Leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse it off with water. You can do this once or twice a day, depending on your skin’s sensitivity. However, be careful not to use undiluted apple cider vinegar, as it can burn the skin and cause irritation.
3. Honey
Honey has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which can help prevent and treat acne. Honey can also moisturize the skin, heal wounds, and fade scars.
To use honey for acne, you can apply it directly to the pimples as a spot treatment, or you can make a honey mask by mixing it with other ingredients, such as cinnamon, yogurt, or oatmeal. Leave it on for 15 to 30 minutes, then wash it off with warm water. You can do this once or twice a week, or as needed.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel, which is extracted from the leaves of the plant, has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and wound-healing properties, which can help reduce the inflammation, infection, and scarring of acne.
To use aloe vera for acne, you can apply the gel directly to the skin, or you can use products that contain aloe vera, such as creams, lotions, and gels.
5. Green Tea
Green tea has antioxidants that can help fight the acne bacteria, reduce inflammation, and regulate the production of sebum, the oil that clogs the pores and causes acne. To use green tea for acne, you can drink it regularly, or you can apply it topically to the skin.
6. Zinc
Zinc can help reduce the inflammation, infection, and scarring of acne. This mineral can also regulate the activity of the sebaceous glands and prevent excess sebum production.
To use zinc for acne, you can take it as a supplement, or you can eat foods that are rich in zinc, such as oysters, meat, poultry, nuts, seeds, and legumes. The recommended daily intake of zinc for adults is 8 to 11 milligrams, depending on age and gender. However, do not take more than 40 milligrams of zinc per day, as it can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
7. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel extract, which is obtained from the bark and leaves of the plant, has astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects, which can help shrink the pores, reduce the inflammation, and kill the acne bacteria.
To use witch hazel for acne, you can apply it to the skin with a cotton ball or a spray bottle. You can also use products that contain witch hazel, such as toners, cleansers, and moisturizers. However, make sure to use alcohol-free witch hazel, as alcohol can dry out and irritate the skin.
8. Fish Oil
Fish oil also has benefits for the skin, as omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce the inflammation, infection, and scarring of acne. Omega-3 fatty acids can also modulate the hormonal balance and prevent excess sebum production.
9. Exfoliation
This is the process of removing the dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, using physical or chemical methods. The procedure can help improve the appearance and texture of the skin, as well as prevent and treat acne. Exfoliation can help unclog the pores, remove the dirt and oil, and prevent the growth of bacteria. Exfoliating can also help fade the acne scars and improve the skin’s absorption of other products.
10. Diet
Studies have found that eating a high-glycemic diet, which consists of foods that raise the blood sugar levels quickly, such as refined carbohydrates, sugars, and processed foods, may worsen acne. On the other hand, eating a low-glycemic diet, which consists of foods that raise the blood sugar levels slowly, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, may improve acne.
To improve your diet for acne, you can try to limit your intake of high-glycemic foods, and increase your intake of low-glycemic foods. You can also eat more foods that are
Medical Procedures for Acne
If topical or oral medications aren’t effective at clearing acne, or if you have scarring as a result of past breakouts, dermatologists can offer several medical procedures that may help you achieve smoother skin. The right dermatologist can suggest procedures such as:
- Corticosteroid Injections
- Chemical peels
- Laser and Light-Based Therapies
- Extraction Treatments
Click to learn more about these medical procedures.
Life style hapits to get rid of acne
While achieving a foolproof solution for eliminating acne permanently remains elusive, incorporating certain practices into your daily routine may contribute to preventing breakouts. Consider the following suggestions:
- Adopt Proper Face Cleansing Habits: To minimize the risk of pimples, it’s crucial to eliminate excess oil, dirt, and sweat from your face on a daily basis.
- Utilize Moisturizer: Maintaining skin hydration is essential, even for individuals with acne. Dry skin can prompt increased oil production as a compensatory mechanism, potentially leading to excess sebum and blocked pores.
- Restrict Makeup Usage: Excessive use of makeup can clog pores and instigate breakouts. If you choose to use makeup, opt for noncomedogenic and fragrance-free products to prevent skin irritation. Ensure thorough removal, especially before bedtime.
- Avoid Face Touching: Refrain from touching your face, as it can transfer bacteria and pore-clogging impurities onto your skin.
- Minimize Sun Exposure: Regular exposure to the sun can dehydrate the skin, prompting increased oil production over time and resulting in blocked pores.
- Avoid Pimple Popping: Resist the urge to pop pimples, as doing so may lead to bleeding, severe scarring, or infection. Popping pimples can also heighten inflammation and obstruct surrounding pores, exacerbating the acne issue.
Conclusion
Acne is a common and frustrating skin problem that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or skin type. However, there are many natural ways to treat and prevent acne at home, using ingredients that are safe, effective, and affordable. However, keep in mind that these remedies are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
If you have severe or persistent acne, or if you experience any adverse reactions to these remedies, you should consult your dermatologist or doctor before using them.
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