To understand how to get rid of acne, you should first understand what acne is.
Multiple beauty products are invented with the aim to get rid of acne. But, the first step in getting rid of it is understanding what it actually is.
Acne is a skin condition where hair follicles have sebum and dead skins clogged to them. This is most common in teenagers but can affect people of all ages. Acne typically appears in the following forms:
- Clogged pores, or comedones, “blackheads”, “whiteheads”
- Tiny red bumps, known as pimples or zits
- Small boils on the skin filled with pus
- Deep boils or cystic acne.
Understanding what causes it will help you get rid of acne.
There is no one single reason for the occurrence of acne but rather several factors contribute to the occurrence of acne. The following are the most common reasons that can play a major role in causing acne
Hormones
Acne is most common in teenagers. When teenagers hit puberty, their bodies typically undergo a lot of hormonal changes. Such hormonal activities can cause excessive oil production by the sebaceous glands which lead to the clogging of the pores and ultimately causes pimples. Other hormonal events such as pregnancy or oral contraceptives can also lead to the occurrence of hormonal acne. Hormonal imbalances, such as those caused by PCOD or PCOS, aggravate these symptoms and cause pimples and acne in women.
Heredity
Genetics plays a strong role in the development of acne and pimples. Some people are more likely to develop these symptoms as their genes are less likely to fight it off. If one of the parents suffered from severe acne in their teenage, the offspring is also likely to suffer from it.
Dairy
According to some research, there is a correlation between dairy consumption and acne development. However, greater research is pending to conclusively establish whether there are cause and effect relationships between consumption of dairy and dairy products with the occurrence of acne. A few independent studies have established a correlation between the two.
Cosmetics
Cosmetics are often comedogenic, meaning they lead to clogging of pores that ultimately lead to pimples and acne. It is important to check the ingredient list to make sure the product that you are about to apply on your face is non-comedogenic and will not cause acne.
And, finally, natural and easy to follow methods to get rid of acne
Here are a few home remedies and some non-prescription over the counter remedies that will help you target and get rid of the acne:
Cleansing
You should keep your skin clean and free from excess oil, dirt, pollution, and bacteria. It goes a long way in preventing the occurrence and helping you get rid of acne. However, over cleaning of the skin can cause more harm than good. Make sure to wash your face using a mild face wash only twice a day.
Unclog Your Pores
The biggest reason for pimples and acne is the clogging of the pores. You must keep your pores uncongested and free from excess oil and dead skin cells to get rid of acne. Steaming the facial skin can open-up the pores and allow you to clean away the oil and grime more effectively.
Exfoliate
Exfoliation is the holy grail for acne-prone skin. But remember to exfoliate gently. Gentle exfoliation will help in getting rid of dead skin cell build-up that clogs the pores and cause acne. For a simple homemade exfoliation mask, take one teaspoon gram flour, add a pinch of turmeric (for its anti-bacterial properties), and mix enough water to form a paste. Apply this to your face, let it dry for about 10-15 minutes before washing it off with gentle circular motions. Do not forget to moisturize after!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Best used as a toner, apple cider vinegar can significantly reduce the appearance of pimples and acne scars. Its anti-bacterial properties target acne-causing bacteria and help keep pimples at bay. Mix one part apple cider vinegar and four parts water and spritz your face with this solution post-cleansing. For best results apply once in the morning and once at night.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has a well-known ability to fight bacteria and soothe skin inflammation. Regular usage significantly reduces the appearance of acne. However, it is very potent, and its application can result in skin irritation and sensitivity and so you must be very careful in its application. Apply using a Q-tip only on the affected area at night before bed and let it work its magic. Be sure to only use it as a spot treatment and do not apply on the entirety of your face as it can cause dryness and irritation in the skin.
Aloe-Vera Gel
Aloe-Vera Gel is the do-it-all of the skin and hair care world owing to its natural composition with salicylic acid and sulfur. Anti-acne pharmaceuticals use these compounds extensively. Aloe vera gel also soothes irritated and inflamed skin and also heals acne scarring. Just scrape the gel from the aloe vera leaf and apply it directly to the affected areas. You can also use it all over as a moisturize. Repeat as often as you would like.
Honey
Honey contains multiple natural antioxidants. Owing to this, individuals across the world use honey in their skincare routines. It gently clears out the skin by removing dirt and debris from the pores thereby unclogging them and reducing acne. Simply apply organic honey to your face and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before you wash it off using cold water. Pat dry and repeat every day to see visible results in a few weeks.
Salicylic Acid
Many prescription and over the counter acne treatment products use salicylic acid in varying concentrations. It works by unclogging the pores and freeing the skin of excess oil. Many face cleansers and toners use Salicylic Acid for their anti-acne properties. Be sure to start with minimum concentration and watch out for any side effects such as dryness and mild stinging.
Lifestyle Changes
Along with what you apply to your skin on the outside, it is also important to monitor what you put inside your body. While there is no conclusive evidence to prove that food can cause acne, certain studies have shown that oily, greasy, and processed foods certainly aggravate any acne that you might already have. Including fruits and salads to your diet and reducing refined sugar, oily and processed food intake can significantly improve acne. Also, regular exercise helps by regulating hormones and promoting healthy blood circulation in the body which ultimately goes on to reduce the occurrence of acne and pimples.
