ACNE: Causes, Development, Effective Home Remedies

What And How Does Acne Develop?

Acne develops when sebum, an oily substance produced by the skin, mixes with dead skin and other debris and clogs pores.

Bacteria, which includes acne, may infect these clogged pores, causing pustules or cysts.

However, people can use specific home remedies to help balance the skin’s oil levels, reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, and prevent future acne breakouts.

But, here is not much scientific evidence to prove the effectiveness of most home remedies. However, this article discusses the current evidence for some home remedies that people may find helpful.

Causes Of Acne

Acne is a hypersensitivity of the sebaceous glands of the skin. Hormones, Bacteria, inflammation, can lead to acne lesions on the skin.

Acne can also be caused by:

Some certain medications such as, anticonvulsants, steroids, as well as lithium.

Restrictive clothing such as, Wearing tight shoulder pads, backpacks, underwire bras, and headbands.

Endocrine diseases, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), can cause hormonal shifts that can lead to acne.

Genetics

Smoking etc

Home Remedies For Acne

Here, we will discuss home remedies that can help with acne, what research says, and lifestyles that can also help.

If an individual is interested in trying this remedies, it is a good idea to talk with a dermatologist before applying the remedy directly to the skin.

Or do a patch test first, which consists of putting a small amount of the treatment on the wrist or hand to test for skin reactions.

1. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, which can kill acnes, and also kill the bacteria that causes acne.

Tea tree oil’s anti-inflammatory properties mean that it can also help reduce the swelling and redness of pimples.

A 2019 review study found that tea tree oil products can reduce the number of acne sores in people because of tea trees’ antimicrobial capabilities.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a common natural acne treatment. Although, it has no scientific evidence backing it up.

However, a research from 2016, shows that the citric acid in apple cider vinegar helps to kill acnes bacteria when used with other treatments. Also, further research suggests topical application may help reduce acne scarring.

3. Argan Oil

Argan oil is noncomedogenic. It can help balance sebum production on oily skin and promote hydration on dry skin. Argan oil may also reduce skin inflammation and lessen the appearance of acne scars.

4. Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is a natural, waxy substance extracted from the seeds of the jojoba shrub.

Some of the compounds in jojoba oil helps reduce skin inflammation, reducing redness and swell around pimples, whiteheads, and other inflamed lesions.

In a 2012 study, researchers gave 133 people clay face masks that contained jojoba oil.

After 6 weeks of using the masks two to three times per week, people reported a 54% improvement in acne.

5. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. This means that it reduces the appearance of acne and prevent acne breakouts as part of a treatment course.

In a 2021 study, researchers determined that the number of bumps, lesions, and dry skin lowered when using aloe vera combined with ultrasound and soft mask applications.

6. Honey

For thousands of years, honey has treated skin conditions because it contains many antioxidants that can help to clear clogged pores.

However, while there is evidence that honey has specific antimicrobial effects, a 2016 review, did not find strong evidence for honey’s effect on acne.

8. Green Tea

Green tea contains high concentrations of a group of polyphenol antioxidants called catechins.

Some people with acne have too much sebum, or natural body oils, in their pores and not enough antioxidants. Antioxidants help the body break down chemicals and waste products that can damage healthy cells.

Green tea also contains compounds that may help to:

• reduce the skin’s sebum production
• reduce P. acnes
• reduce inflammation

An individual can either drink green tea or put green tea extract on their skin, though researchers say current evidence is limited.

However, one 2017 study found a 79% – 89% reduction in whiteheads and blackheads after using a polyphenol green tea extract for 8 weeks.

9. Rosemary

Rosemary extract, or Rosmarinus officinalis, contains chemicals and compounds with antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Further research is needed to measure its effectiveness. However, a 2016 research article suggested that rosemary extract can reduce inflammation from the acne-causing bacteria.

10. Coconut Oil

Like other natural remedies, coconut oil contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds.

These properties mean that coconut oil can help eradicate acne-causing bacteria and reduce the redness and swelling of pimples.

However, due to its soothing and moisturizing, coconut oil helps speed up the healing of open acne sores.

Lifestyles Changes For Acne

Along with home remedies, specific lifestyle changes can have a powerful effect on keeping the body healthy, making the skin less oily, and reducing acne flare-ups.

1. Avoid Touching Pimples

It can be very tempting, but touching acne sores irritates the skin. It may worsen the pimple, and can spread pimples to other areas.

Touching, rubbing, squeezing, or popping acne sores can also introduce more bacteria into the lesion, which can cause further infection.

Squishing a pimple can push bacteria and debris further into the skin, so the spot may come back worse than it was before.

However, talk to a doctor about large sores or those deep under the skin to find out how to treat them safely.

2. Choosing The Right Cleanser

Many regular soaps have an acidity or pH that is too high and can irritate the skin, which makes the acne worse.

Working with a dermatologist can help people determine what is best for their skin. Often, choosing mild cleansers, rinses, and washes can reduce the risk of acne flare-ups and let sores heal.

3. Using Oil Free Skincare

Oil-based or greasy products can block pores, increasing the risk of clogged and growing acne sores.

Look for skin care products and cosmetics labeled “oil-free” or “noncomedogenic,” which contain ingredients that allow pores to breathe.

4. Staying Hydrated

When the skin is dry, it can become irritated or damaged, making acne worse. Staying hydrated also ensures new skin cells develop correctly as sores heal.

There is no standard daily recommended water intake because each person’s water needs vary depending on age, activity, temperature, and medical conditions.

Concentrating on drinking more water during the day is a good starting point.

5. Reducing Stress

The American Academy of Dermatology lists stress as a possible cause of acne flare-ups.

Stress causes levels of the hormone androgen to increase. Androgen stimulates hair follicles and oil glands in pores, increasing the risk of acne.

Tips for managing stress include:

• talking with family, friends, a doctor, or other supportive people
• getting enough sleep
• eating a healthful, balanced diet
• exercising regularly
• limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption
• practicing deep breathing, yoga, mindfulness, or meditation

Medical Treatment For Acne

There are many medical treatment options for acne, and many are highly effective, though they can cause side effects and may not be suitable for everyone.

People can speak with a doctor about whether medication or medicinal creams are right for them, primarily if home remedies have not worked.

Popular over-the-counter treatments for mild to moderate acne sores contain the following active ingredients:

• salicylic acid
• benzoyl peroxide
• alpha hydroxy acids

Doctors may prescribe more vital medication to treat acne, including:

• tretinoin gels and creams
• clindamycin gels and creams
• oral antibiotics
• oral isotretinoin
• hormonal medications

When To See A Doctor

People may want to talk with their doctor if their acne sores are:

• very painful
• often infected
• deep under the skin
• not responding to home treatment
• covering a large area of skin
• causing emotional distress

There are times when a person should see a doctor if they have acne because of the underlying causes. For example, home remedies may not be effective when acne occurs due to a hormone imbalance or an allergic response, leading to more severe conditions.

Credit: Wikipedia, Medical news today

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