If you have acne, you are not alone. Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when skin pores become clogged with dead skin cells and oil. Acne usually appears on the face, chest, back, shoulders, and neck. Acne can occur due to several reasons: heredity, hormones, and oil production. You can do several things to treat acne naturally and quickly. Learn how to take good care of your skin, improve your diet, and try taking herbal remedies.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Practicing Good Skin Care
Step 1. Determine the type of acne that strikes you
Acne requires different treatments depending on its severity. Most acne is moderate, but severe acne with deep nodules or cysts can cause swelling and leave scars. This type of acne requires immediate medical attention. Common types of acne include:
- Whiteheads (closed comedones): appear when dirt or excess oil (sebum) gets trapped under the surface of the skin, forming hard white bumps.
- Blackheads (open comedones): appear when the pores of the skin open, causing dirt and sebum to rise to the surface of the skin. The black color occurs due to oxidation when air reacts with melanin, a pigment present in sebum.
- Pimples (or boils): acne sores that form when excess dirt and oil gets trapped under the skin, causing inflammation, irritation, swelling and redness that are often accompanied by pus. Pus is a thick, yellowish fluid made of leukocytes (white blood cells) and dead bacteria. Pus usually appears in response to inflammation or infection in body tissues.
- Bumps: inflamed, hard, large pimples that appear deep within the skin.
- Cysts: painful pus-filled pimples that form deep in the skin and can often cause scars.
Step 2. Quit smoking
Smoking can cause a condition called smoker's acne, which occurs when the body doesn't respond to inflammation to heal the skin as it does in regular acne. Smokers are also four times more likely to develop moderate acne after going through adolescence, especially women between the ages of 25 and 50. People who have sensitive skin can also get skin irritation if exposed to cigarette smoke.
Smoking is also known to cause other skin conditions such as wrinkles and premature aging of the skin. This happens because smoking creates free radicals, interferes with collagen production, and lowers skin proteins
Step 3. Don't touch your face
Hands that contain dirt and bacteria can clog skin pores and make acne worse if your face is constantly touched. If your skin is irritated by acne, use a gentle, oil-free facial cleanser daily to remove excess dirt and soothe the skin.
Don't squeeze or pop the pimple as you can risk scarring. Even squeezing a pimple can expand the spread of bacteria
Step 4. Choose the right skin cleanser
Use a gentle cleanser that doesn't contain soap, and doesn't contain sodium laureth sulfate. Sodium laureth sulfate is a detergent and foam ingredient that can cause irritation. Many soap-free cleaning products do not contain harsh chemicals, use natural ingredients, and can be purchased at drugstores.
Hard soaps and scrubs can irritate the skin and make acne worse
Step 5. Wash your skin regularly
Wash your skin with your fingers, once in the morning and once at night. Don't forget to rinse the skin thoroughly with warm water after you wash it. Limit washing your skin to no more than twice a day and after sweating.
Sweat can cause skin irritation. Wash your skin as soon as you sweat
Step 6. Choose the right skin care products
Apply a non-greasy moisturizer if your skin is dry or itchy. Astringents are only recommended for people who have oily skin and that too should only be applied to oily spots. If you want to use an exfoliating product, talk to a dermatologist about the best treatment for your skin type.
Those with non-inflammatory acne, such as whiteheads and blackheads that don't cause redness, can use gentle exfoliating products that can be purchased at most drugstores. Those with dry and sensitive skin should limit exfoliating to once or twice a week, while people with thick, oily skin can use an exfoliant once a day
Part 2 of 4: Improving Diet
Step 1. Eat healthy foods
You should avoid meat that contains hormones and similar substances that can throw your hormones out of balance, causing acne. Instead, consume lots of fiber, fresh vegetables and fruits. Foods that contain lots of vitamins A, C, E, and zinc can help reduce severe acne because they contain anti-inflammatory nutrients. Some food sources that contain lots of this vitamin include:
- Sweet red peppers
- Kale
- Spinach
- Amaranth leaves (a type of spinach)
- Turnip leaves (a type of radish)
- Sweet Potato (cassava)
- Pumpkin
- Butternut Pumpkin
- Mango
- Grapefruit
- Orange melon (cantaloupe)
Step 2. Take zinc
Research shows that zinc therapy in the form of oral medications can help treat acne. Zinc is an important mineral that has antioxidant properties. This can help protect cells in the body from being damaged by bacteria and viruses. Zinc is usually taken in small amounts, but you can take a multivitamin and a healthy diet to get the zinc you need. Although you can take supplements, you should eat foods rich in zinc, such as:
- oysters, prawns, crabs and scallops
- Red meat
- poultry
- cheese
- nuts
- sunflower seed
- pumpkin
- know
- miso
- mold
- cooked vegetables.
- absorbable zinc: zinc picolinate, zinc citrate, zinc acetate, zinc glycerate, and zinc monomethionine. If zinc sulfate is giving you stomach irritation, try a different form of zinc, such as zinc citrate.
Step 3. Consume more Vitamin A
According to research, if you have severe acne, you may be taking only a small amount of vitamin A. Vitamin A is an anti-inflammatory agent that balances hormones and can help reduce oil production. You can increase your vitamin A intake by eating healthy foods and avoiding unhealthy fats such as margarine, hydrogenated oils, and processed foods.
Foods rich in vitamin A include carrots, green vegetables, and fruits that are yellow or orange in color. When you take supplements, the recommended daily dose is 10,000 to 25,000 IU (international units). Vitamin A in high doses can cause toxic side effects, such as birth defects. So you have to pay attention to the number of doses you take
Step 4. Consume plenty of Vitamin C
Vitamin C can increase the healing rate. It does this in part by helping to produce collagen, an important protein used to repair skin tissue, cartilage, blood vessels and heal wounds. You can take 2 to 3 doses of Vitamin C for a total of 500 mg in a day. You can also add foods rich in vitamin C to your daily diet. Good natural sources of vitamin C include:
- Sweet red or green peppers
- Citrus fruits such as sweet oranges, pomelos, grapefruits, limes or less concentrated orange juice.
- Spinach, broccoli and brussels sprouts
- Strawberries and raspberries
- Tomatoes
Step 5. Drink green tea
Drinking green tea is not directly linked to preventing acne. However, this tea contains a lot of antioxidants that show antiaging effects and protect the skin. This can help the skin to look fresher and younger. You can make green tea by soaking 2 to 3 grams of green tea leaves in one cup of warm water (80-85°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. Green tea can be drunk two to three times a day.
Green tea may also have anti-inflammatory effects that reduce the risk of cancer. Some research shows that green tea is very useful for protecting the skin from harmful ultra violet radiation
Part 3 of 4: Using Herbal Medicine
Step 1. Use tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is often used topically to treat conditions such as acne, sores, infections and sores on the skin. To cure acne, use tea tree oil diluted about 5 to 15 percent. Apply 2 to 3 drops of the oil on a cotton swab and then apply it on your pimple.
Never drink tea tree oil. Also do not leave it in the open air for a long time. Oxidized tea tree oil can trigger more allergies than fresh tea tree oil
Step 2. Use jojoba oil
Apply 5 to 6 drops of jojoba oil on a cotton swab and dab it on your pimple. Jojoba oil is extracted from the seeds of the jojoba tree. This is similar to the natural oil (sebum) your skin produces, but it doesn't clog skin pores or cause excess oil to appear.
Jojoba oil can keep your skin moisturized. These oils are usually non-irritating, but consult a dermatologist before using them if you have sensitive skin
Step 3. Use juniper oil
Juniper oil is a natural antiseptic astringent. You can use it as a facial cleanser and toner to clear clogged pores and to treat acne, dermatitis and eczema. Apply 1 to 2 drops of the oil on a cotton ball after you wash your face.
Don't use too much juniper oil, as it can irritate your skin and make your skin condition worse
Step 4. Apply the gel from aloe vera
Apply aloe vera gel on your skin every day liberally. This gel can be purchased at almost any drug store. Aloe vera is a watery plant that has antibacterial properties that can be used effectively to treat acne and reduce inflammation. This can prevent bacteria from infecting the pimple wound and speed up the healing process.
Maybe some people are allergic to aloe vera. If a rash appears, stop using it and consult a doctor
Step 5. Use sea salt
Look for sea salt lotion or cream with less than 1% sodium chloride. Apply up to six times a day for 5 minutes each. Research shows that sea salt may have anti-inflammatory, anti-aging properties and may protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Sea salt can also be used as a face mask to reduce stress. Look for sea salt or sea salt products at a pharmacy or drug store.
Those with mild to moderate acne can safely use sea salt products. Those with dry, sensitive skin or with moderate to severe acne should consult a dermatologist before undergoing salt therapy, as this can cause irritation and dry skin
Part 4 of 4: Seeking Medical Care
Step 1. See a doctor if the pimple doesn't go away after your home remedies
Within a few weeks of trying to treat it yourself at home, your acne should start to improve. However, certain pimples cannot be treated with home remedies alone. If you experience this, consult a doctor to find the right solution.
- When consulting with your doctor, tell him what treatments you have tried.
- Pimples may improve slightly within a week, especially if they are few in number. However, home remedies generally take 4-8 weeks to give effective results.
Step 2. Visit a dermatologist to treat stubborn or widespread acne
A dermatologist can help you determine the underlying cause of your acne and determine the appropriate treatment. For example, acne may result from hormones, inflammation, or bacteria trapped in the skin. If you experience this, your doctor may recommend using a stronger topical cream, oral medication, or medical treatment.
Dermatologists can provide over-the-counter medications. So, chances are, you will feel better results
Step 3. Ask your doctor for prescription acne medications
Your doctor will help you find the right cream or oral medication to treat acne. Creams can be used to treat pimples that are just below the surface of the skin. In addition, you can also use oral medication to treat acne from within. The most suitable treatment for you is determined by the cause of the acne.
- For topical treatment, you can use a prescription cream that contains benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, antibiotics, and possibly salicylic acid.
- If the cause of your acne is bacteria or inflammation, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the symptoms from within.
- If no suitable treatment is available, you can try taking an oral medication called isotretinoin as a last resort. Because it has side effects, this drug should only be used if acne is seriously interfering with your life.
Step 4. Try hormone therapy if your acne is caused by hormones
High levels of androgen hormones, especially in women, can trigger excess sebum production which causes acne. Sebum also contains fatty acids that promote the growth of acne-causing bacteria. You can use hormonal birth control pills to help balance hormones as well as treat acne.
- Hormonal changes are a normal part of life, especially during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, as well as when you are changing medications.
- The best way to determine the cause of acne is to consult a dermatologist.
Step 5. Consider a chemical peel to remove the outermost layer of skin
Dermatologists can perform this simple procedure in their clinic. This will remove the outermost layer of the skin to help treat acne and improve the appearance of the skin. This action can also help disguise the appearance of acne scars.
A dermatologist will tell you how to treat your skin before and after the procedure. You probably shouldn't put on makeup right after the procedure, and should stay out of the sun while your skin is healing
Step 6. Consult light therapy with a doctor
Laser therapy and phototherapy are quite popular treatments for acne. In this therapy, light is used to treat inflamed acne scars, severe nodular acne, and cystic acne. Light can kill acne-causing bacteria while helping clean the skin.
Research shows that light therapy is effective for many people. Consult with your doctor to find out if you are suitable for this therapy
Step 7. Consult pimple removal if it doesn't go away
In certain cases, doctors can help speed up the healing process of acne by removing the fluid, freezing it with cryotherapy, or injecting medication. This can help clear your skin faster and prevent acne scars. However, it may not be suitable for everyone.
Chances are, your doctor will only recommend one of these measures if other treatments don't help with your acne
Step 8. Seek emergency help if you have an allergic reaction to acne medication
Both over-the-counter and prescription medications for acne generally only cause mild redness, irritation, and itching. Although minor skin reactions are normal, you may experience other side effects if you are allergic to a product. Be aware of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction:
- Swelling of the eyes, lips, tongue, or face
- Difficult to breathe
- Tightness in the throat
- limping
Tips
- Dermatologists recommend washing your hair regularly if your hair is oily. Oil can flow to the forehead and face which can eventually cause acne.
- Don't apply makeup right after you wash your skin, as this can also clog pores. Use non-greasy cosmetics for your skin and hair.
- Acne sufferers are advised to take zinc in a daily dose of 30 mg three times a day. Once acne is under control, it is recommended to take a maintenance dose of 10 to 30 mg once daily.
- Gently dab the cream around the eyes so you don't pull too hard on the delicate skin.
- Zinc can lower copper levels in the body if you take it for several months. Therefore, doctors recommend taking a daily dietary supplement containing at least 2 mg of copper along with zinc.
- Since Vitamin E and zinc are needed by the body to make Vitamin A, you should also add them to your diet. The recommended dose of Vitamin E when taken with Vitamin A is 400-800 IU.
Warning
- Do not use iodized sea salt or products containing iodine as this can cause irritation. If this product is drunk or applied to the skin, acne will get worse.
- Do not take high doses of zinc for more than a few days unless directed by your doctor. Consult a doctor before taking zinc supplements.
- If there is no improvement with your skin condition after 8 weeks, go to a dermatologist.
