Treatment for acne
Treatment for acne depends on the acne’s severity and its cause. Treatments vary from over-the-counter creams and natural treatments.
Acne products help mild cases and should be combined with a program to help identify the cause of your breakouts. It is known that acne can be partly hereditary, and prolonged periods of stress can cause pimples. Many types of creams and lotions are available on the market, making it difficult to choose one that is useful.
All these treatments for acne products are pretty effective in helping to improve skin hygiene. Many acne treatment products are expensive, but this does not mean they are effective; it’s recommended by a dermatologist that you try affordable products.
Over-the-counter anti-bactericidal products containing benzoyl peroxide are used in mild to moderate pimples. Proper care must be taken when using benzoyl peroxide as it can easily bleach any hair it comes in contact with.
Acne in the active stage is characterized by blackheads, pus-filled pustules, and cystic acne that are sometimes painful. This condition should be treated immediately to avoid further problems.
The treatments for acne recommended by dermatologists will be combinations of oral medications such as antibiotics. Anti-acne products will no longer be effective in many acne cases. Dermatologists’ prescription medications for acne outbreaks include isotretinoin; antibiotics such as erythromycin are prescribed. They tend to be more effective than topical applications of benzoyl peroxide, but when the bacteria grew resistant to the antibiotics, the treatments became less effective. This can make treatments for acne less effective.
Acne – Definition and Pathology.
Acne is a common, predominant skin disorder that affects all nations, races, and genders regardless of their ethnic backgrounds, geographical location, or environmental conditions. The resulting impact is even more troublesome.
According to a recent survey done in the US, about 25% of adults and 31% of teens surveyed said that acne sometimes keeps them from participating in social activities. Today, dermatologists have a consensus that only a few people survive their teen years without at least an occasional acne breakout. For many, acne continues into adulthood, causing embarrassment and prompting the sufferer to search the cosmetic counters for means to cover the spots.
When your hair follicles are plugged with dead skin cells and oil, your skin develops acne. It often leads to pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads and generally appears on the shoulders, upper back, chest, forehead, and face. Acne affects every age group but is more common among teenagers.
Additionally, acne can also lead to scars and emotional distress. To avoid this, starting treatment as soon as possible is essential.
Various effective treatments are available; however, acne can be very persistent. The bumps and pimples heal gradually, but when one goes away many times, another seems to pop up.
What Causes Acne?
Four factors lead to acne:
- Excess activity of androgens
- Bacteria
- Hair follicles clogged by dead skin cells and oil
- Excess oil production
Generally, it affects your shoulders, upper back, chest, forehead, and face, as these areas possess the most sebaceous oil glands. Hair follicles and oil glands are connected.
Although the causes of acne are unidentified, doctors recognize that there are factors linked to its causes. Here are some of the factors linked to what causes acne.
Hormones
Androgens, or male hormones that surge during puberty, are said to affect acne breakouts significantly. Also, androgens aid the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum which may clog the skin’s pores, thus contributing to acne.
The hormonal changes in menstruation and pregnancy may also flare up acne in women. Hormonal changes may cause excess sebum production, clogging the skin’s pores, and causing breakouts.
Hormonal birth control pills are also a factor in the causes of acne. The reason behind this is that hormonal contraceptives may alter the regular hormonal cycle of women, which may contribute to acne. The solution for this is to change from hormonal to non-hormonal contraceptives.
Stopping a hormonal treatment (such as testosterone) may also contribute to hormonal imbalance and, in turn, be a reason for what causes acne.
Genes
Indeed, studies have shown that children with acne have family members who have had or still have acne.
Environment
The environment contributes largely to acne breakouts. Unlike those in cold countries, those residing in tropical and humid countries may experience breakouts.
Pollutants in the environment are also attributed to the causes of acne. Dirt, smoke, and pollen exposure may clog the pores and irritate the skin, causing acne.
Medications
Several medications are said to aggravate acne. Some of these include Lithium for bipolar disorders and steroids used by athletes such as Bromides and Iodides. Some anticonvulsant medications may also worsen acne.
Other Factors
Stress is one of the factors that contribute primarily to acne. The only solution is to practice relaxation techniques to relieve stress and reduce its effects on the body, such as acne breakouts.
Another factor that causes acne is skin irritants. These include oil-based cosmetics, as well as harsh handling of the skin. Use water-based cosmetics instead of oil-based cosmetics and gently clean the skin with a gentle cleanser. Moreover, avoid pinching acne to steer clear of infection, which may worsen acne breakouts.
These are only some of the common factors linked to acne’s causes. Other factors may contribute to and worsen acne. Always take good care of your skin and consider the factors that may aggravate acne.
Natural treatment for acne
Natural acne treatment is an effective option without any complications or side effects.
Listed below are natural methods of treatment for acne:
Home remedies for acne – most popular natural treatment for acne
Home remedies for acne are often more effective than pharmaceutical creams, steroids, and antibiotics. Acne is not life-threatening, but it can be very challenging to live with it. It’s not just a skin issue but can also lead to emotional and psychological stress. In the US alone, 40-50 million people suffer from this condition. While prescription drugs and conventional treatments are prescribed for acne, they can often be too aggressive and, in turn, worsen the skin condition. If you want a more natural and holistic approach, various natural and Home remedies for acne might help you with your symptoms. They have little to no side effects and can effectively solve your acne.
It’s very challenging to find an effective program for acne management. However, natural and home remedies for acne can sometimes prove beneficial.
Effective and Safe Home Remedies for Acne
These Home remedies for acne are not just effective but are easily accessible and can help manage your acne.
Home remedies for acne are natural treatments that are less expensive than their medical and procedural counterparts. It does not involve any chemical that may become an irritating culprit to susceptible skin.
Listed below are home remedies for acne
Lemon Juice
- Using lemons to treat your scars may seem odd, but it does work. This is a home remedy for acne and the best treatment for acne scars. You only need to get some freshly squeezed lemon juice or squeeze some yourself. You’ll want to apply the lemon juice directly on your scars thrice daily. This should be done for a minimum of six weeks. This simple but effective natural treatment for acne scars will fade your blemishes and soften your skin.
Oatmeal.
- Use ground oatmeal dissolved in water as scrubs. Alternatively, you can make a facial mask by cooking the oatmeal and applying it to your face while still warm; this is a remedy for cystic acne. It absorbs excess oil in our skin, and the rough textures of the oatmeal serve as an exfoliate that takes away the dead skin.
Garlic.
- Rubbing garlic on your skin is a home remedy for acne and the best treatment for acne scars. It helps in clearing your acne spots. It is also believed that eating garlic cleanses your bloodstream and helps prevent acne attacks on your skin. It is also known for its cooling properties that freshen our skin. It helps in reducing dead skin cells, giving way to smaller pores. Ground some cucumber and lather on your skin. Cucumber is also known as a skin tonic.
Mint leaf.
- Dab a crushed mint leaf in your acne. It reduces pain and swelling. The menthol content of mint is a good pain reliever. Aloe vera has gentle soothing effects on the acne-affected areas. It kills bacteria and serves as an anti-inflammatory. Stay away from oil-based cosmetic products. It is a big culprit in further inflaming your pores. Sensitive skin may likely react to chemicals that are usually present in makeup. Do not prick your pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Rupturing your skin gives way to more breakouts and bacteria to thrive. Keep your hair from touching the affected areas. It aggravates your skin condition.
Note: Treating hormonal acne also comes from within. A hormonal acne diet like fruits and vegetables and drinking lots of water helps detoxify our body. Exercise, proper hygiene, and vitamin supplement are natural treatments for acne that are effective and do not cost much.
Apple Cider Vinegar – Popular Home Remedy for Acne
Apple cider vinegar is widely used for its ability to fight various types of viruses and bacteria. It’s potent in many organic acids that can effectively kill P. acnes. Succinic acid, in particular, is effective in managing P. acne inflammation, which can prevent the formation of scars. Additionally, lactic acid helps reduce the severity of acne scars. Not just that, but it can dry up excess oil, which leads to acne in the first place. If you want to try Home remedies for acne, apple cider vinegar is a great choice.
Tea Tree Oil – Another Widely Used Home Remedy for Acne
Like apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil is also known for its effectiveness in reducing inflammation and bacteria-fighting properties. Several studies show that 5% tea tree oil can effectively reduce acne. Additionally, when compared to 5% benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil displayed better improvement in acne conditions after three months of use. Compared to benzoyl peroxide, it produced fewer side effects like burning, irritation, and dryness.
However, tea tree oil can be a too aggressive treatment for some people, so you might consider watering it down before use.
Zinc Supplement – Effective Natural treatment for acne
Numerous researches have been conducted on zinc as a natural treatment for acne. Some studies also show that acne patient possesses low zinc levels. Several studies support the oral use of zinc as a Remedy for Cystic Acne. Zinc supplements can provide 80-100% of acne reduction. Generally, 30-40mg of elemental zinc daily is a suitable dosage.
However, if you want to use zinc as a natural treatment for acne, you must visit a doctor first, as too much zinc can lead to side effects like gut irritation and stomach pain.
The topical application of zinc may not be effective as the skin does not sufficiently absorb it.
Aloe Vera – Safe and Effective Natural Treatment for Acne
Another very effective natural treatment for acne scars is aloe vera. Aloe Vera is usually purchased as a gel. It contains various healing properties that will help restore damaged skin, soothe irritated skin, relieve the pain from burns, and reduce any scars caused by acne. Aloe Vera gel should be applied directly on your scars 2 to 3 times daily. Its remarkable healing properties will gradually reduce your scars and soothe any pain.
Due to its natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, aloe vera is an excellent natural treatment for acne. It can not only lessen existing acne but also prevent future breakouts. Aloe vera also possesses high water content, so it’s beneficial for acne patients who experience dry skin from other acne products. Studies produce positive results for aloe vera gel in treating non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne.
Honey – Well-Known Home Remedy for Acne
For easy and effective natural remedies for acne, honey is an excellent option. It’s rich in several antioxidants that can aid in clearing debris and waste from clogged pores. Due to its wound healing and anti-bacterial properties, doctors often use honey for wound dressing. If you want to use honey as a natural treatment for acne, you can use it as a face mask.
Alternative Natural Treatment for Acne
Along with these Home remedies for acne, alternative treatments like homeopathy and acupuncture can be beneficial in dealing with acne.
Homeopathic treatment for acne – #1 on the List of Alternative Natural Treatments for Acne
There are various Homeopathic remedies for acne on face or any part of your body. Homeopathic treatment for acne can be personalized to treat your exact symptoms and prevent future breakouts. Some common homeopathic remedies for acne on face or any other parts of the body include:
- Silicea: If you have acne along with swollen lymph nodes, low immune resistance, as well as nervousness and fatigue, Silicea is the most helpful homeopathic remedy for acne.
Homeopathic treatment for acne can be combined with other natural remedies for acne to increase the chances of positive results.
Homeopathy is one of the oldest and best treatments for various diseases. It is not popular due to a lack of awareness among the ordinary people. Many people suffering from skin irritations and acne have benefited from homeopathic treatment.
According to Homeopathy, acne is a symptom and not a disease. Homeopathy treats acne not only from the outside but also from the inner layer of the dermis. In this method, the other habits of the patient are also studied, like sports, sleeping habits, eating habits, etc. The treatment includes instructions to make the eating and sleeping habits healthy.
Homeopathy is a natural remedy for acne that offers a long-term cure for acne problems. This is because homeopathic medicines target the disease’s root cause or trigger factors, thus giving a long-term cure.
Listed below are additional homeopathic remedies for acne
- This homeopathic remedy may be helpful for acne with large pustules that are tender to touch, with bluish-red marks that remain on the skin after active infection has passed. The person may be irritable, with a low resistance to illness.
Hepar Sulphuris Calcareum
- Relieves pustular acne aggravated by cold weather, with foul-smelling pus.
Pulsatilla
- This homeopathic remedy can be helpful if acne worsens from eating rich or fatty foods and is aggravated by warmth or heat. It is indicated especially around puberty or when acne breaks out near menstrual periods. If your acne is caused by eating fatty foods and gets worse by heat or warmth, Pulsatilla is an effective homeopathic remedy for acne.
- This homeopathic remedy is ideal for cystic acne on the face, neck, back, shoulders, and arms, aggravated by heat and occurring periodically.
- If a person with frequent pimples and skin eruptions is chilly with clammy hands and feet, quickly tired by exertion, and flabby or overweight, this remedy may help improve the skin’s resistance to infection. People who need this remedy are often anxious when overworked and crave sweets and eggs.
Silicea
- Silicea: If you have acne along with swollen lymph nodes, low immune resistance, as well as nervousness and fatigue, Silicea is the most helpful homeopathic remedy for acne.
Acupuncture for Acne – Ancient Chinese Natural Treatment for Acne
Acupuncture for acne is also another excellent alternative Natural Remedy for Cystic Acne.
When acupuncture needles are inserted at specific points in your face, it encourages collagen turnover, benefiting your skin. Internally, acupuncture soothes an irritated gut and helps in hormone regulation. Acupuncture for acne can be beneficial in reducing inflammation and redness and encouraging the natural healing process.
Acupuncture is one of the oldest traditional Chinese procedures used in treating diseases. It involves using needles pricked on specific body parts to produce the healing effect. For acne, acupuncture is used to remove heat from the body. Chinese medicine believes that heat is the primary cause of acne. Different sources of heat need to be released, so the needles have to be placed on both local and distal points of the body. Points such as the large intestines and spleen are focused on.
Chinese herbs for acne
Dating back thousands of years, Chinese herbs have long used products from nature, such as plants and fungi, for curing certain conditions. The effectiveness and success of such remedies have been the focus of hundreds of medical studies, which is why thousands of these Chinese herbs have been integrated into modern medicine and used as a treatment for acne.
Root water is the most common Chinese herb used for this condition.
Root water is a Chinese herb obtained from the forests of China. It is very potent in fighting off skin blemishes. Root water is composed of root herbs and alcohol. It is supposed to be applied to the skin using a cotton ball. Root water is known to force the skin to renew facial tissues. As such, it is best used with water-based skin moisturizers because it can dry the skin if used regularly for one to two weeks.
Conclusion about natural and home remedies for acne
Living with acne can be very annoying and significantly affect your self-esteem. If you like attending social functions, acne can be a huge hindrance. You must seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent permanent scarring and emotional distress. Alternative and natural remedies for acne can relieve you without adverse effects. If you need to schedule an appointment for evaluation and treatment, contact our clinic and meet Dr. Tsan.
