Acne is a well-known skin disorder that impacts millions globally. In fact, it is the 8th most common condition worldwide. Many people choose home remedies for acne, even though several over-the-counter and prescriptive treatments are available and are effective. 

Using home remedies to get rid of acne may be gentle and effective, but caution must be taken to make sure they are chosen and used correctly; otherwise, dermatologist assistance might be needed if the case worsens or continues. This blog will discuss a few common home therapies for acne and their efficacy.

Natural Ingredients to Treat Acne

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

The most popular way of treating acne naturally is through apple cider vinegar. Some believe that its acidic property can help restore the skin’s pH balance, thereby reducing acne-causing bacteria. 

To apply it to your face, mix equal parts water and apple cider. Using a cotton ball, apply it to the affected areas, and allow it to sit for about 10-15 minutes before washing it off with clean water. 

Note: Undiluted vinegar should never be applied directly to the human body because it can damage the skin. While many people swear by the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar, it should be noted that there is not a lot of solid scientific research to back the claims. 

2. Aloe vera 

Aloe vera is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory medicine that may help improve acne's appearance and eventually remove it if it takes part in your skincare regimen. It is also side-effect-free and a safe option that gives results almost as efficient as over-the-counter treatments.  In an investigation carried out in 2014, it was established that aloe vera gel could lessen inflammation processes, although the research was not specifically aimed towards inflammation from acne. 

The use of Aloe Vera for acne includes harvesting gel from the succulent leaf-like structures of the plant. The gel is then applied directly onto the affected skin and is to be left for 10-15 minutes before washing out with warm clean water. The leftover gel can be stored up to 2 weeks when refrigerated. 

3. Honey

For ages, honey has been used as a remedy for different skin problems owing to its high levels of antioxidants capable of cleaning blocked facial pores. Research done in 2011 showed that honey helped decrease pimples or spots associated with acne while at the same time enhancing its overall quality.

Apply thin layers of raw honey to the affected area and leave it on for about 15-20 minutes before washing off with water. Repeat this step two times every day.

4. Oatmeal

Oatmeal acts as a natural exfoliant capable of helping remove dead skin and clear clogged pores. Research conducted in 2015 discovered that colloidal oatmeal was effective in decreasing inflammation and enhancing skin barrier roles. 

To use oatmeal as a solution for acne, grind a handful of oats into fine powdery flakes and mix it with water to make a paste. Apply a layer of the paste to the affected parts and leave it for 10-15 minutes before washing it away. Repeat this once or twice every week.

5. Garlic

Garlic is a natural agent that eliminates bacteria and inflammation and helps reduce acne symptoms. According to a research article released in 2016, garlic extract reduced acne lesions and enhanced appearance.

The method used to treat acne with garlic involves crushing a clove and applying it to the affected areas. Let it stay for about 10-15 minutes before rinsing off thoroughly. However, individuals whose skins are delicate must refrain from using garlic since doing so may lead to irritation or roughness. 

Essential Oils for Acne

• Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is usually one of the most popular essential oils for acne owing to its strong anti-inflammatory as well as antimicrobial properties. Studies have shown that tea tree oil can significantly decrease inflammatory acne lesions by targeting causative bacteria such as Cutibacterium acnes.
• Lavender Oil: Lavender oil may assist in treating acne due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Additionally, combining this oil with tea tree oil may yield enhanced results.
• Oregano Oil: Various strains of acne-causing bacteria are affected by oregano which shows great antibacterial activity including in subjects who do not respond to antibiotic treatment.
• Thyme Oil: Thymus serpyllum or common thyme has been discovered through laboratory studies to be one of the best essential oils against P.acnes bacteria.
• Rosemary Oil: Rosemary contains antibacterial effects and is particularly useful for treating acne caused by antibiotic resistance. It works similarly to tea tree oil. 

Considerations 

Anytime you want to use essential oils for acne, you must dilute them with a carrier oil like jojoba or almond oil before applying it to your skin. 

It’s also advisable to begin with lower concentrations and perform patch tests first so as not to irritate the skin. Do Ingestion of essential oils should never happen. Treating acne lesions using both conventional methods and those involving essential oils could lead to better results in general well-being besides improving acne. 

Can Essential Oils Be Combined With Other Acne Treatments For Better Results?

Yes, essential oils can be combined with other acne treatments for potentially better results in managing acne. Here are a few key points on combining essential oils with other acne therapies:

Synergistic Effects

When used together, certain essential oils and conventional acne treatments may have a synergistic effect. For example, tea tree oil has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of benzoyl peroxide in reducing acne lesions. The combination of essential oils and other treatments may target multiple factors contributing to acne development.

Improved Penetration

Essential oils can help improve the penetration of other active ingredients into the skin. Their small molecular size and lipophilic nature allow them to penetrate the skin barrier more easily. This can enhance the delivery of medications like retinoids or antibiotics to the target site.

Lowering adverse reactions

The integration of standard medications with essential oils may help minimise the adverse reactions associated with some acne medications. For instance, skin irritation can be relieved by applying tea tree oil or lavender oil together with topical retinoids.

Combining oils as part of an overall management plan for reducing acne, including changes to lifestyle such as stress reduction and diet plan alterations, would provide a better and more viable method of managing this condition.

Nevertheless, it is critical to mention here that essential oils should be viewed as helpful complementary treatments but not replacements for well-established conventional care methods recommended by a dermatologist. Always seek medical advice before embarking on any fresh regimen for treating acne.

Diet For Treating Acne

1. Focus on Low Glycemic Index Foods

A diet low in high glycemic index foods is thought to help with acne breakouts. High glycemic foods such as white bread, pasta, and sugary snacks cause spikes in blood sugar that can lead to inflammation and excess oil secretion, both of which lead to acne. Instead, choose low glycemic index foods like:

• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Whole grains
• Beans
• Lentils

Scientific studies are proving that low glycemic diets improve acne in less than 12 weeks.

2. Limit Dairy Products

Several studies have associated dairy intake, particularly skim milk, with increased severity of acne. The exact reasons for this are still unknown, but milk hormones may favour oily skin glands and contribute to blocked pores. 

So, if you have acne, try reducing your milk consumption and see if there is any difference.

3. Consume Omega-3 Rich Foods

Omega-three essential acids possess mighty anti-inflammatory properties which could play a role in the reduction of acne. The best sources include:

• Fat fish such as salmon and mackerel
• Walnuts
• Chia seeds
• Flaxseeds

By adding more omega-3 to your diet, you may lessen inflammation and cure a bad pimple outbreak.

4. Maintain Good Hydration

Drinking lots of water is necessary for good skin health too. Inadequate hydration tends to cause more dry skin, irritation and barbeque acne. Water intake needs to be more than or equal to eight glasses before going to bed every night.

5. Screen Time

Your phone, pillowcases, and other surfaces against your face should be cleaned frequently. These often harbour acne-causing bacteria and oils.

6. Don’t Touch Your Face Constantly

Minimise touching your face to prevent transferring oils and bacteria from your hands to your skin which can lead to breakouts.

7. Regular Physical Activity

Participating in regular physical activity brings about stress relief and improves blood circulation, which promotes healthy skin. Just ensure you wash away sweat and germs from the skin surface after exercise sessions.

Home-made Acne Treatments

#1: Multani Mitti and Aloe Vera Scrub

This scrub helps remove dead skin cells and unclogs pores, thereby soothing the skin.

Ingredients

• Two tablespoons Multani mitti (Fuller’s Earth)
• One tablespoon of aloe vera gel
• A few drops of tea tree oil (optional)
• Rose water (as needed)

Instructions

• In a bowl, combine Multani mitti and aloe vera gel.
• A few drops of tea tree oil should be added for its antibacterial properties.
• Rosewater can also help attain the desired consistency before mixing well to form a paste.
• Apply on the face in a circular motion for about four to five minutes before rinsing off with cold water.

#2: Honey and Oats Scrub

This scrub balances bacteria on the skin and provides gentle exfoliation, making it suitable for oily and combination skin types.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup of uncooked rolled oats
• Two tablespoons of raw honey
• Two tablespoons jojoba oil (or any carrier oil)

Instructions

• Using a food processor, grind the oats into a fine powder. 
• Warm honey slightly to make it easier to mix.
• In a bowl, combine all of the ingredients and mix very well.
• Gently rub onto cleansed skin in circular motions for about 60 seconds.
• Rinse off with lukewarm water.

#3: Coffee and Honey Scrub

Caffeine reduces swelling and increases blood flow, whereas; honey contains moisture plus has antibacterial properties.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup grounded coffee
• 2 tablespoons honey

Instructions

• In a mixing bowl, mix ground coffee with honey until it’s thoroughly combined.
• Then, apply this mixture to your face while gently massaging it with circular motions.
• Leave this treatment on for around ten minutes before washing it off using cool water.

#4: Scrub made of Baking Soda and Honey

On acne-prone skin, baking soda has been known to be effective because it reduces inflammation while unclogging pores.

Ingredients

• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of honey
• Olive oil (if you have dry skin)

Instructions

• In a bowl, mix baking soda and honey to make a paste.
• If your skin is dry, add a few drops of olive oil.
• Apply the scrub on your face using circular movements for about one minute.
• Rinse off using warm water.

#5: Scrub made of Oatmeal and Yogurt

This type of scrub can be benefitted by people who possess sensitive skin because it’s gentle and hydrating and also has anti-inflammation attributes.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 1/4 cup plain yoghourt
• 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

• Take a bowl where you will combine oatmeal, yoghurt and honey to create a thick paste.
• Apply on the face for around 10-15 minutes.
• Next, scrub gently, especially in circular motions, and wash with lukewarm water afterwards.

#6: Brown Sugar and Lemon Scrub

Brown sugar acts as a natural exfoliator, while lemon juice aids in skin lightening and oil reduction.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp brown sugar,
• 1 tbsp lemon juice.

Instructions:

• You have to mix brown sugar with the lemon juice to form a paste.
• With circular movements, lightly rub it on your face avoiding the delicate regions.
• For 5-10 minutes, allow it to sit, then rinse off with cool water.

#7: Rice Powder and Honey Scrub

Acne-prone skin would benefit from the usage of this face mask since rice powder will absorb excessive sebum. 

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup of rice powder (that is from dry rice),
• 1 tbsp of honey,
• Water (for desired consistency).

Instructions

• In the bowl combine both the rice powder and honey, if required add some water until you obtain a paste.
• Attend your face by applying a few minutes of scrub for quick results.
• Washing away impurities using cold water completes this procedure.

Final Note 

Acne is more than just an aesthetic problem; it has psychological implications, too, being responsible for low self-esteem, withdrawal from social interactions or going into depression, among others. Hence it is all the more important to address acne concerns immediately. 

Natural treatments such as aloe vera, oatmeal, and garlic can be used together with others to see maximum benefits. Preventing and managing acne also requires lifestyle adjustments like stress management and getting enough sleep. However, caution must be taken during their usage and it is always best to consult a dermatologist for advice.