6 Ways to Get Rid of Acne Without Using Medications

2024 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 10:50

Acne vulgaris, otherwise known as acne, is a skin condition that occurs when skin pores become clogged with dead skin cells and natural oils produced by the body (sebum). When bacteria on the skin (referred to as Propionibacterium acnes) enter the pores, they can cause infection and inflammation so that the pores fill with pus. Acne also leaves scars such as blackheads (both blackheads or whiteheads), red nodules, and other, more severe scars or wounds such as pus-filled nodules, cysts, and swelling. Certainly not a pleasant thing when you wake up in the morning and realize you have a big 'beautiful' pimple on your face. Luckily, you can get rid of minor or mild acne yourself with the right cleansing products and natural remedies.

Step

Method 1 of 3: Cleansing Face with a Steam Bath

Step 1. Hold your hair back so it doesn't block your face

Use a hair tie to hold your hair out of your face.

Step 2. Clean your face first

Use a mild facial cleanser such as Dove or Cetaphil. Massage the product into the skin using your fingertips in circular motions for about a minute. After that rinse thoroughly.

• Use warm water as hot water can damage sensitive skin.
• Pat your face with a clean towel to dry it. Don't rub your face!
• You can also use a plant oil based cleaning product. Grapeseed oil and sunflower oil are the most common base ingredients for these cleansing products and can absorb and dissolve excess oil on the skin.

Step 3. Test your skin's sensitivity before using any essential oil

Some people have allergies or are sensitive to essential oils, so before you use essential oils for a steam bath, test your skin's sensitivity first by applying the oil to your skin.

• Mix three drops of essential oil with half a teaspoon of carrier oil, such as sunflower oil.
• Put a small amount of the oil mixture on the adhesive bandage and apply the bandage to the forearm (the oily part should hit the inside of the arm). Leave it for 48 hours.
• If your skin is red, itchy, swollen, or has a rash, don't use the essential oil for a steam wash/bath.
• Some people experience skin irritation when using thyme, oregano, and cinnamon oils. Meanwhile, citron oil often causes a burning sensation on the skin if the skin is exposed to sunlight after applying the oil.

Step 4. Fill the pot with 1 liter of water

After that, boil the water for a minute or two.

Step 5. Add one to two drops of essential oil to the boiling water

Some types of herbal essential oils contain antibacterial or antiseptic substances that can kill bacteria or microorganisms that trigger acne on the skin. However, be careful not to swallow the essential oil you use, as many essential oils are toxic or cause unpleasant side effects if swallowed. There are several types of essential oils to choose from:

• Spearmint or peppermint oil. Add one drop for one liter of water. Add more if necessary. Peppermint and spearmint oils contain menthol which is an antiseptic.
• Thyme oil. Thyme oil contains antibacterial properties and can improve blood circulation by opening up clogged blood vessels.
• Calendula oil. Calendula oil contains antimicrobial properties and helps speed up the skin's healing process.
• Lavender oil. Apart from providing a calming effect, lavender oil also contains antibacterial properties.
• Rosemary oil. This oil is a natural antibacterial agent that is effective in eradicating bacteria, especially P. acnes bacteria.
• Oregano oil. Oregano oil contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Avoid using tea tree oil for steam baths as it is highly toxic if swallowed.
• If you don't have essential oils, you can substitute half a tablespoon of dried herbs.

Step 6. Move the pan to a stable place

Once you've added the essential oil or dried herbs and brought the water back to a boil for a minute, turn off the heat. Move the pan to a stable and secure place (eg on a counter or kitchen cabinet).

You can also place the pan on a placemat or table surface that has been lined with a cloth

Step 7. Wrap your head with a large clean towel

Bring your face close to the steaming pot, and close your eyes.

Make sure you position your face within about 30 centimeters of the surface of the water. Hot steam can dilate blood vessels and open up pores, but if your face is too close to hot water, the steam coming into contact with your skin can damage or even burn your skin

Step 8. Breathe normally

Try to stay relaxed and breathe calmly (in a steady rhythm). Let your face steam for 10 minutes.

If you start to feel uncomfortable before 10 minutes have passed, keep your face away from the steam

Step 9. Rinse your face thoroughly

Use warm water to rinse your face, then pat your face with a clean towel to dry it. Do not rub your facial skin with a towel.

Step 10. Apply a moisturizer that won't trigger blackheads

You can use moisturizing products that won't clog your pores, such as Olay, Neutrogena, or Wardah moisturizers. You can also make your own anti-acne moisturizer using natural oils.

Check the label on the product packaging. Choose products that do not clog skin pores and do not contain oil

Step 11. Wash/steam bath (maximum) twice a day

You can do this treatment twice a day: once in the morning and once at night. After two weeks, you can see changes in your face.

Once you see an improvement, you can do the treatment once a day only

Method 2 of 3: Using Sea Salt Treatment

Step 1. Avoid treatments using sea salt in excess

Sea salt can protect the skin from bacterial attack and also dissolve excess oil. However, sea salt can also dry out your skin if you overdo it. Follow the instructions given in this method.

Before doing the treatment, clean your face first using a mild cleansing product

Step 2. Make a salt mask

Combine one teaspoon of sea salt and three teaspoons of hot water in a small bowl and stir. After that, add a tablespoon of one of the following ingredients and stir until evenly mixed:

• Aloe vera gel (to treat sore or irritated skin).
• Green tea (as an anti-oxidant and prevent premature aging).
• Pure honey (as anti-bacterial and accelerates skin healing).

Step 3. Apply the mask on the face

After the mask is mixed well, use your fingertips to apply (only thinly) the mask on the facial skin.

You can also dip a cotton swab in the mask mixture and apply it to the pimples on your face

Step 4. Leave it for 10 minutes

Do not leave the mask on for more than 10 minutes. Salt absorbs water from the skin, so it can dry out or irritate the skin if left too long.

• Rinse your face thoroughly with cold or warm water.
• Pat your face with a clean towel to dry it.
• Apply a moisturizer that does not cause blackheads on the face.
• Do not use the mask more than once a day. Always apply a moisturizer after using a sea salt mask. You may need to do the treatment two to three times a week.

Step 5. Make a sea salt facial spray

Mix three (or four) tablespoons of sea salt with 10 tablespoons of hot water. Add 10 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, green tea, or honey. Pour the mixture into a clean spray bottle.

Store the bottle in the refrigerator to store the mixture. Label the bottle clearly so that no one can drink it

Step 6. Clean your face first

Use a mild facial cleanser to clean your face. After that, close your eyes and spray the mixture on your face and neck.

• Let the mixture sit on the skin for 10 minutes. Do not leave it on for more than 10 minutes to prevent skin irritation.
• Rinse your face thoroughly with cold or warm water.
• Pat your face with a towel to dry it.
• Apply a moisturizer that does not cause blackheads on the face.

Step 7. Soak in water that has been mixed with sea salt

Add 500 milligrams of sea salt to warm or hot water when you fill the tub. By adding salt while the tub is being filled, the salt can dissolve more easily in the water. You can also add a little table salt, but table salt doesn't have the same added minerals and properties as sea salt.

• Soak for about 15 minutes.
• To treat acne on the face, wet a clean hand towel with salt water and apply it to the face for 10-15 minutes. Make sure you close your eyes because salt water can irritate your eyes.
• Rinse your body and face with cold water.
• Pat the skin with a clean towel to dry it.
• Apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer to the skin afterwards.

Method 3 of 3: Using Natural Facial Treatments

Step 1. Make a mask for oily skin

Mix one tablespoon of raw honey, egg white (from one egg), one teaspoon of lime juice or witch hazel extract and half a teaspoon of peppermint, spearmint, lavender, calendula, or thyme essential oil. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed.

• Pure honey contains natural antibacterial and astringent substances.
• Egg whites can thicken the mixture and also work as an astringent.
• Lemon juice works as an astringent and efficacious to brighten the skin. Witch hazel also works as an astringent, but does not have skin lightening properties.
• The essential oils suggested in this article contain antibacterial or antiseptic properties that are useful for killing bacteria on the skin.

Step 2.

Apply the mask on the skin.

Use your fingertips to apply the mask (just a thin layer) on your face, neck, or other areas that have skin problems. You can also use a cotton swab to apply the mask on the spots that have dull blemishes on the skin.

Let the mask dry for 15 minutes

Rinse with warm water. Make sure you rinse the skin thoroughly. Do not let the mask still stick to the skin so that the skin pores are not clogged.

• Pat the skin with a clean towel to dry it.
• Once the skin is dry, apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer.

Make an oat mask (oatmeal mask). The starch contained in oats is proven to be able to remove excess oil and moisturize the skin. In addition, oats also prevent inflammation so that it can relieve irritation of the skin and swollen pores.

• Mix 240 grams of ground oats with 160 milliliters of hot water. Mix until smooth and let sit until mixture cools.
• Add 60 milliliters of pure honey to the cooled oat mixture and stir until evenly distributed. The added honey works to fight bacteria and moisturize the skin.

Apply the mask on the skin. Use your fingers to apply the mask (just a thin layer) on your face, neck, and other problem areas of your skin.

• Let the mask dry for about 20 minutes.
• Clean and rinse with mild soap and warm water.
• Pat the skin with a clean towel to dry it.
• Once the skin is dry, apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer.

Use tea tree oil. Try using a product that contains tea tree oil at a concentration of 5%. Soak a cotton ball in the oil and apply it on the pimple. Do the treatment once a day for three months. While the process may take longer than treatment using benzoyl peroxide (a topical medication usually used to treat acne), there are fewer side effects (eg dry skin, itching, or irritation).

• Do not ingest tea tree oil because it can poison your body. If you have eczema, rosacea (skin redness), or other skin conditions, using tea tree oil may cause more irritation. Therefore, consult a dermatologist first before you use it.
• For a faster process, use tea tree oil twice a day and let it sit for 20 minutes. After that, clean your face using a mild facial cleanser such as Cetaphil or Clean & Clear. Continue treatment for 45 days.

Clean the Skin

1. Wash your face, but don't wash it too often. Washing your face too often can cause skin irritation and make skin red. Wash your face twice a day, and after you sweat a lot.

   

   • Use a mild facial cleanser such as Dove, Clean & Clear, or Cetaphil. Don't use hand soap. Make sure you read the label on the product packaging to make sure the product doesn't cause blackheads or anything like that.
   • Wet your face with water and apply the soap using your fingertips. Gently massage without rubbing it. Scrubbing your face or using abrasive cleaning agents (eg hand wipes or sponges) can cause skin irritation and sores.
   • Wash your face after sweating a lot, especially if you're already wearing a hat or helmet. Sweat trapped in the pores of the facial skin can cause swelling of the pimple.

2. Avoid exfoliating dead skin. Exfoliating products or devices are quite popular, but they can actually cause irritation and damage to the skin, and make acne worse. Keep using a mild cleansing soap and massage the soap into your facial skin using your fingers.

   

   Chemicals such as salicylic acid and alpha hydroxy acids can remove dead or damaged skin cells. However, they can also cause dry skin, so make sure you don't overuse them

3. Avoid products that contain alcohol. Skin care products such as toners, astringents, and exfoliants often contain alcohol. Alcohol can dry out the skin and cause irritation so that the skin becomes easily damaged or injured.

   

4. Take a shower once a day. Bathing regularly can remove excess oil from the hair that can 'transfer' to the face and trigger acne. Since pimples can appear anywhere on your body, it's a good idea to use a mild soap that doesn't cause blackheads (or clog skin pores) when you shower.

   

5. Change the makeup and skin care products you use. Heavy makeup and oily skin care products can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts. If you have frequent acne breakouts, it's possible that your acne is caused by the skin care products you use.

   

   Look for other make-up or skin care products that are labeled “anti-blackheads” (or ones that don't cause blackheads). These labeled products are unlikely to clog skin pores and trigger acne breakouts. In addition, look for products that do not contain oil (oil-free). If possible, choose water or mineral based makeup products

   Changing Lifestyle

   1. Don't pop an existing pimple. When you pop a pimple, you're actually pushing deeper into the bacteria on the skin. Cracking, pinching, pressing, or touching a pimple can also leave acne scars that can be difficult to remove.

      

      In more serious cases, you can develop a staphylococcal infection if you press on a pimple or pimple on the skin. Make sure you don't

   2. Wash your pillowcases often. Oil and dirt from the face can stick to the pillow so it has the potential to cause acne if exposed to the face. Therefore, try to wash or change your pillowcase every few days to reduce the chance of developing pimples due to infection with dirt from the pillow.

      

   3. Keep skin away from sun exposure and don't sunbathe. Exposure to ultraviolet light (such as when you are exposed to the sun or using a tanning machine) can cause serious damage to the skin. In addition, exposure to ultraviolet light can worsen acne conditions.

      

      • If you are on treatment with antibiotics, antihistamines, and acne medications such as isotretinoin or topical retinoids, sun exposure can cause dry, red, and irritated skin.
      • Some sunscreen products can cause swelling of the pimple. Therefore, choose a sunscreen that does not contain oil, or use a sunblock that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

   4. Keep yourself away from stress. Although it doesn't directly cause acne, stress can make your acne worse. Sometimes everyday stress is unavoidable, but try not to overthink things that trigger stress by taking a natural approach to relaxation.

      

      • Try meditation or yoga. Imagining or being in a calming environment can reduce the effects of stress and give you a sense of calm.
      • Visit the fitness center. Run, lift weights, or practice boxing to relieve stress. The endorphins your body produces when you exercise can improve your mood.
      • Observe your surroundings. In addition to an uncomfortable workplace or home environment, pollution and even food additives can trigger anxiety.

   5. Pay attention to the food you eat. Food does not directly cause acne, but it can trigger inflammation and the development of bacteria. Avoid foods that contain high sugar content and foods that have been processed previously (eg snacks), and start eating foods with a low glycemic index so that acne conditions are not too bad. Some types of healthy foods with a low glycemic index, including:

      

      • Cereals of epidermis, muesli, ground oats
      • Whole wheat, pumpernickel (sweet bread made from rye), and other breads made from whole wheat
      • Almost all kinds of vegetables and fruits
      • Legumes and legumes
      • Yogurt

      Knowing When to See a Doctor

      1. Count the number of pimples or pimples on the face. Dermatologists divide acne into three categories: mild, moderate, and serious. For mild acne, you can usually treat it with topical medications and lifestyle changes. If the acne that appears is in the moderate or serious category, you need to see a doctor /

         

         • For the mild acne category, there are usually no more than 20 blackheads (either white or blackheads) that are not swollen or 15-20 pimples that are slightly swollen or irritated.
         • For the medium acne category, there are usually about 20-100 blackheads, either white or blackheads, or 15-50 pimples.
         • For the serious acne category, usually there are more than 100 blackheads (either white or black), more than 50 pimples, or more than five cyst points (the most swollen skin sores).

      2. Wait two to four weeks. If the pimple persists for two to four weeks, and there are no signs of improvement after you've tried the various methods described in this article, make an appointment with your doctor to get yourself checked out. Your doctor can advise you on further treatment to follow or, if necessary, refer you to a dermatologist.

         

         In the United States, many insurance plans require policyholders to first obtain a referral from a general practitioner before consulting a specialist such as a dermatologist. If you live in the United States, check with your insurance provider to see if these rules apply to you as a policyholder. In Indonesia, you can usually go directly to a skin care clinic (eg Erha, Natasha, etc.) to consult a dermatologist regarding your acne condition. Generally, the cost of treatment at skin care clinics needs to be paid for by yourself (not included in the insurance package), unless you are undergoing treatment at a hospital that has been appointed by the insurance provider or there are special rules that apply

      3. Consult your acne problem with your doctor if you experience side effects from the treatment. Some people with sensitive skin may experience irritation after self-care at home. If your skin is red, rough, or irritated, stop treatment and see a doctor immediately.

         

         Tips

         • When you wash your face, try not to wash it with a hand towel or washcloth. It's best to use your hands, as washcloths can actually spread infection around your face and cause skin irritation.
         • When you use a gel or hair spray product, try not to get the product on your face because the product can clog the skin pores.
         • Get adequate intake of vitamin A and vitamin D from the food you eat. Both vitamins are important for maintaining healthy skin.
         • Get adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel. Apart from fish, foods such as flaxseed, walnuts and chia seeds are also good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are useful in relieving or eliminating acne.
         • When using makeup, always make sure you use makeup that does not cause blackheads or pimples (check the label on the package before buying or using it).

         Warning

         • Never pop, squeeze, or pinch a pimple as this can cause irritation, sores, and serious infection.
         • Don't make your own salicylic acid mask using aspirin. Salicylic acid can damage the skin if not used properly. Make sure you only use topical ointments that are recommended or approved by your doctor.
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