Dealing with persistent acne can be devastating, which is why most people struck by it wish they had a trove of home remedies for acne. One may think, but it’s just a few pimples on the face; what’s the problem?
For those who suffer from acne, it can affect your self-esteem, make you self-conscious, and increase your chances of being bullied. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), about 80 percent of adolescents and almost 10 percent of people worldwide suffer from acne. So, don’t worry, you’re not alone.
For some people, over-the-counter prescriptions work perfectly fine within a few days of treatment, while for others, the pimples can be persistent and stubborn. For stubborn acne, you should seek professional advice from dermatologists, especially if cysts, papules, or nodules are involved.
If you have mild acne, home remedies might be the best option. Below are soothing remedies to help you slow down and eventually eliminate those pimples.
Effective home remedies for acne treatment
1. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, made from fermenting unfiltered apple juice or apple cider, contains antibacterial and antifungal properties. In 2016, researchers found that the citric acid in apple cider vinegar killed P acnes, a gram-positive bacteria that causes acne, and the lactic acid improved the appearance of acne scars after a few weeks of treatment.
Mix one part of apple cider vinegar with three parts of water. Cleanse your face by applying the mixture with a cotton ball. Let it sit for 1-3 minutes, then rinse off and pat your face dry. Then, repeat the procedure two times a day.
Apple cider vinegar can burn and irritate your skin. Be careful if your skin is sensitive, and stop using the treatment if you experience any allergic reaction. Do not use undiluted vinegar under any circumstances.
2. Honey cinnamon mask
Honey is an excellent humectant (retains moisture) and possesses antibacterial properties, so it deserves to be in all your homemade face masks. A mixture of honey and cinnamon has been found to contain antibacterial properties against stubborn P acne.
To make the mask, mix two tablespoons of honey and one tablespoon of cinnamon well and apply to a clean face. Let the mask sit for ten to fifteen minutes and rinse off. Pat your face dry and moisturize as usual.
3. Turmeric-yogurt face mask
Turmeric is an excellent anti-inflammatory remedy, while yogurt is packed with lactic acid goodness. Lactic acid helps exfoliate dead skin cells, while turmeric soothes your skin and helps with hyperpigmentation, giving you a more even-toned appearance.
You will need one tablespoon of turmeric and two tablespoons of yogurt to make this mask. Mix the two ingredients and apply to a clean face. Let it sit for 20 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Pat your face dry and continue with your skincare routine.
4. Lemon juice and egg whites
Lemon juice contains citric acid, which may help exfoliate dead skin cells, giving you a radiant appearance. On the other hand, egg whites are packed with proteins that may tighten your pores and firm your skin.
To make the face pack, squeeze half a lemon juice and separate one egg white. Mix and apply to a cleansed face, leaving for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
5. Aloe vera-charcoal face mask
You probably know that aloe vera is the ultimate solution for many skin-related conditions. It cleanses, soothes, and hydrates the skin. Always go for natural aloe vera extracts since store-bought aloe vera products contain additives. Activated charcoal is a good cleanser since it removes oil buildup, preventing acne.
You will need a tablespoon of activated charcoal and two to three tablespoons of natural aloe vera gel extract. Mix and apply to an already cleansed face, letting it sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and pat your face dry.
6. Cucumber-mint mask
Cucumber is a natural astringent that helps tighten pores and firm skin. Mint also calms and soothes the skin.
You will need half a small cucumber, two or three mint leaves, and three tablespoons of unsweetened yogurt to make the mask. Put these in the blender and blend into a smooth paste. If the mixture is too thick, add a few tablespoons of warm water until you get the right consistency.
Apply the mixture to a clean face, sit for 20 minutes, and rinse with warm water. Pat your face dry, and continue with your routine.
Is home remedy the best acne treatment?
Home remedies are a simple, cost-effective way to treat acne at home with readily available ingredients. However, most remedies lack scientific backing, and more studies need to be conducted on them, even though some have proven to work. Always do a patch test to see how your skin reacts to these home remedies before using them.
Also, avoid ingredients that you are allergic to. If your acne persists, seek medical advice from a dermatologist. Although tempting, avoid popping your pimples and picking your face. It causes the infection to spread.
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