Acne is a widespread issue that affects many people, particularly during their teenage years. In fact, about 85% of individuals aged 12 to 25 experience acne, with many facing some degree of scarring as a result.
Acne vulgaris, commonly known as acne, occurs when excess sebum (oil) and dead skin cells clog your pores, leading to inflammation. Whiteheads, blackheads, nodules and cyst are all types of acne. This skin condition can affect both teenagers and adults, and without proper treatment, it can result in dark spots and permanent scars.
But don’t worry! There are plenty of acne treatments readily available, many of which you might already have in your kitchen. Additionally, natural treatments can be quite effective as well.
Incorporating some over-the-counter acne treatments alongside natural remedies can provide a comprehensive approach to tackling acne. Often, addressing acne from multiple angles yields the best results rather than relying on a single treatment method.
Which At-Home Remedies for Acne Are Effective?
Here are a few at-home remedies that may help treat acne:
- Honey
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Zinc Supplement
- Aloe Vera Gel
- Rosehip Oil
- Reduce Dairy Intake
- A Low GI Diet
Honey
Wondering how honey can help with acne? Honey is packed with antioxidants that help clear out debris from clogged pores. It’s full of vitamins and minerals, which speed up healing.
Honey has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and healing properties, making it a great option for treating both acne and scars. It can help your skin heal faster and may even prevent scars from forming.
While honey isn’t a miracle cure for acne, its natural antibacterial and calming qualities can help soothe inflamed pimples. To use it, simply apply raw honey as a mask for 10-15 minutes, then rinse your face thoroughly.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar does more than just add flavour to food. It can help fade acne scars, exfoliate your skin, and remove dead skin cells, leaving you with a more even skin tone. It contains Vitamins A, B2, B6, C, and E, along with lactic and malic acids, which help gently exfoliate your skin.
To use it safely, dilute apple cider vinegar with water to reduce its acidity and avoid irritation. The fruit acids, like acetic and malic acid, are what make it effective.
Be patient—consistent use is key when treating acne. Remember, acne can leave emotional scars as well as physical ones, so take care of both your skin and your mind.
Zinc Supplement
Research shows that people with severe acne often have lower zinc levels. Zinc plays a key role in reducing inflammation, and when the body is inflamed, it may use up more zinc.
Taking zinc supplements can help reduce acne by lowering inflammation.
How Much Zinc Should I Take for Acne?
It’s best to get zinc from your diet to avoid taking too much, which can cause side effects like nausea. Here’s the recommended daily amount of zinc by age and gender, according to the National Institute of Health:
For women:
- Ages 9 to 13: 8 mg
- Ages 14 to 18: 9 mg
- Ages 14 to 18 (pregnant): 12 mg
- Ages 14 to 18 (breastfeeding): 13 mg
- Ages 18 and up: 8 mg
- Ages 18 and up (pregnant): 11 mg
- Ages 18 and up (breastfeeding): 12 mg
For men:
- Ages 9 to 13: 8 mg
- Ages 14 to 18: 11 mg
- Ages 18 and up: 11 mg
If you’re considering zinc supplements, talk to your doctor first, and start with the lowest dose to avoid side effects. You may see improvements in acne after 4 weeks, but if you have a zinc deficiency, it may take up to 3 months to balance out.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera, known as the “plant of immortality,” is great for acne. It helps reduce the size of pimples, calm redness, and fade scars. It also has antibacterial properties to fight acne-causing bacteria.
Used for thousands of years to treat skin issues, Aloe Vera soothes irritation and promotes healing. It’s especially effective for reducing red marks left by acne and can help speed up the healing process.
Aloe Vera also contains salicylic acid and sulphur, both of which are commonly used in acne treatment.
Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil is great for helping with acne and dark spots. It’s packed with Vitamin A, which helps your skin shed old cells and produce new ones. This can stop pores from getting clogged, which is a main cause of acne.
Rosehip oil also has more linoleic acid than oleic acid. Most people with acne are low on linoleic acid, and using it can help prevent pore blockages and reduce breakouts.
Reduce Dairy Intake
Cutting back on dairy might help clear up acne. Dairy products can increase a hormone called IGF-1 in your body, which has been linked to acne.
If you drink milk or eat cheese, the proteins in dairy—like whey and casein—can trigger acne. Even if you don’t eat much dairy but use whey protein, it could still affect your skin, so reducing it may help.
Dairy is also a common allergy, and many people become lactose intolerant as they get older. If you’re lactose intolerant and still consume dairy, it can cause inflammation in your gut, which can lead to acne.