Acne is a common skin problem, which almost many individuals have faced in their lives. It does affect your looks and appearance, but in severe cases it can also lower your confidence and self-esteem.
Acne or pimples occur when the oil glands present in the skin get infected with bacteria. Acne treatments are often expensive, and they do come with certain side-effects like skin dryness, redness and scaling.
Even in the current era of modern medicine, there is a widespread enthusiasm towards botanical agents and natural remedies for treating acne.
Therefore, many individuals opt for natural home remedies, which are completely safe and natural.
Home Remedies for Acne
Here are some home remedies that can help you get rid of stubborn acne or pimples.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera gel is a part of a wide range of beverages, folk medicines and cosmetic products. It promotes general health and provides skin protection and healing.
One study found that aloe Vera was effective against acne lesions. It was found that use of aloe Vera gel when combined with topical retinoid was more effective than retinoids alone in treating acne lesions. Hence, aloe Vera can improve the bioavailability of co-administered medications used for diminishing acne.
Besides applying the gel on the affected skin area, drinking fresh aloe Vera juice daily can also help in fighting against acne.
In one interesting study individuals consumed 50 ml of fresh aloe Vera juice daily for 30 days. A reduction in the total acne lesion was observed in individuals with mild to moderate acne.
Healthy compounds present in aloe Vera gel possess anti-bacterial action and they have the ability to fight against Propionibacterium acnes, bacteria that contributes to the development of acne.
Moreover, aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, antioxidant, skin healing, skin hydrating and skin soothing properties.
Cucumber
Acne or pimples appear on the skin when the dead cells build up within the blocked skin cells, thus giving rise to a formation of favorable environment for the growth of a bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes. This causes inflammation and appearance of pimples on the face.
Cucumber is an amazing vegetable, which not only helps in weight loss, but it also helps in achieving a clear and flawless skin.
Cucumber possesses antimicrobial effect against the bacteria and hence, it protects against skin disorders. Such an antibacterial property of cucumber is attributed to the presence of flavonoids and antioxidants in it.
Flavonoids form a complex with the bacterial cell wall and disrupt the bacteria. Thus, it reduces the bacterial population and helps in clearing acne.
Individuals can get rid of acne by applying cucumber juice and its pulp on the affected area daily. Eating fresh cucumber everyday may also help.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon has a long history as a spice and a medicine. Cinnamon is high in antioxidant activity. Its essential oil possesses antimicrobial property, which helps in clearing acne.
Active substances like tannins and phenolic compounds present in cinnamon inhibit the activity of acne-causing bacteria.
Reactive oxygen species may oxidize sebum components, which may result in an overproduction of free radicals. These free radicals initiate the inflammatory pathway, which worsens acne.
Because cinnamon is a good source of antioxidants, it protects the skin cells against free radical attack. Hence, applying a honey-cinnamon mask may help in getting rid of acne. Adding cinnamon to the daily diet may also help.
Neem
Studies have found that neem leaves play a protective role in early and recovery phase of acne when inflammatory changes are minimal.
Neem is an active ingredient of most Ayurvedic formulations for the treatment of skin disorders including acne.
It lowers the appearance of acne on the skin by inhibiting the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, bacteria involved in the pathogenesis of acne.
It balances the oil production and prevents accumulation of dirt or dead cells in the pores. Besides this, neem contains antioxidants that fight oxidative stress and inhibit inflammation caused by the acne-causing bacteria.
Applying neem leaf paste on the affected area of the skin can reduce pimples as well as the lesions. It helps in lightening the scars and gives a clear skin.
Application of neem oil can also soothe the irritation, redness and inflammation of the skin caused by bacteria.
Hence, by clearing up the bacteria, neem leaves and its oil help in the removal of acne and its lesions.
Ginger
Ginger has a long history of use in traditional medicine. One study found that treatment with ginger for six months reduced the size of the pimples and its lesions.
Ginger possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. These amazing actions of ginger are attributed to the presence of various active compounds present in it. Some of them include:
- Gingerols
- Shogaol
- Zingibain
These powerful compounds stimulate the flow of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood towards the skin. This helps in the removal of toxins from the skin, which provides a clear and beautiful skin.
This natural detoxifier also has the ability to destroy the acne-causing bacteria. Ginger maintains the oil balance and prevents clogging of the pores.
You can apply ginger juice directly on the affected area of your face or drinking ginger juice or adding it to your daily diet may also help.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has been used medicinally for more than 80 years. It is an excellent home remedy for acne. This oil possesses anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps in the treatment of superficial infections caused by bacteria such as acne and boils.
An interesting study found that application of tea tree oil ameliorated acne by reducing the number of inflamed and non-inflamed lesions. Such an action of tea tree oil may be attributed to the presence of healthy compounds in it.
This natural alternative penetrates deep into the skin, prevents the overproduction of oil and maintains a correct oil balance. Thus, it does not allow the pores to get clogged and keeps the skin clean and bacteria-free.
Here’s how you can use tea tree oil:
- Add a few drops of tea tree oil to water. Wash your face with this water, using a cotton pad.
- Mix 2-3 drops of tea tree oil with one tablespoon coconut oil. Apply this oil mixture on the affected area.
- Mix 2-3 drops of tea tree oil with one or two teaspoons of lemon juice and apply it on the pimples.
The Relationship Between Diet and Acne
Your outer skin is the reflection of your inner health. The vitamins and minerals, which we get from the food we eat play an essential role in the skin’s health.
Eating a diet, which contains little or no nutrients can make your skin look dull.
The fact that Western diets are loaded with refined sugar, refined flour and unhealthy fat sources, they may give rise to inflammatory compounds. These compounds cause the development of inflammatory acne.
Eating an unhealthy diet increases the production of oil and also affects its composition. Such an overproduction can clog the pores and cause accumulation of dirt and bacteria.
A scientific study found that eating a diet consisting mainly of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains reduces the risk of acne. Hence, eating a nourished and well-balanced diet will not only boost your inner health, but it also enhances your outer skin health.
Besides this, applying certain food juices or pulp on the skin topically may also help in banishing acne. However, before applying any ingredient try it on a small patch of your skin. If there is no redness or itching, go ahead and apply on the affected area of the skin.
Though these home remedies are complete safe and natural, it’s always better to test them on a small patch of the skin.
Home remedies may be a little slower than compared to other modes of treatment, but they come without any ill-effects. Follow these remedies regularly for an effective result.
References
- Jaclyn M. Forest, Naser Rafikhah, Aloe vera Juice and Acne Vulgaris: A Placebo-Controlled Study, Asian Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Year: 2014, Volume: 6, Issue: 2, Page No.: 29-34. https://scialert.net/fulltext/amp.php?doi=ajcn.2014.29.34
- Orafidiya, Lara (Omolara & Agbani, Ejaife & Oyedele, Ayobami & O Babalola, O & Onayemi, Olaniyi & F. Aiyedun, F. (2004). The effect of Aloe vera gel on the anti-acne properties of the essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum Linn leaf—a preliminary clinical investigation. International Journal of Aromatherapy. 14. 15-21. 10.1016/j.ijat.2003.12.005.
- Budhiraja, Himani & K. Gupta, Rajinder & Nand, Pratibha. (2014). Himani Budhiraja, Rajinder K. Gupta, Pratibha Nand*, Formulation and characterization of Cucumis sativus extract in the treatment of acne, World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2014;3(12): 1043-1057. WORLD JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES. 1043-1057. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279952855
- Madhubala, Poongothai, Mahesh Kumar, Antibacterial and anti acne activity of Caesalpinia sappan L. and Cinnamomum verum J. Presl – A comparison, International Journal of Advanced Research in Biological Sciences, Volume 5, Issue 4 – 2018. https://www.ijarbs.com/pdfcopy/apr2018/ijarbs13.pdf
- Miglani Anjali, Manchanda Raj K, Azadirachta indica in treatment of acne vulgaris-an open-label observational study, Year: 2014, Volume: 8, Issue Number: 4, Page: 218-223.
- Miglani, Anjali & Manchanda, Raj kumar. (2014). Prospective, non-randomised, open-label study of homeopathic Zingiber officinale (ginger) in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies. 19. 10.1111/fct.12140. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/266206720
- Enshaieh S, Jooya A, Siadat AH, Iraji F. The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. http://www.ijdvl.com/text.asp?2007/73/1/22/30646
- Bassett IB, Pannowitz DL, Barnetson RS. A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne. Med J. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2145499
- Pappas A. (2009). The relationship of diet and acne: A review. Dermato-endocrinology, 1(5), 262-7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2836431/