If you suffer from acne, you are not alone. It is a rather common skin disorder that occurs when sebum and dead cells clog the pores of the skin. It usually occurs on the face, chest, back, shoulders, and neck. It can be caused by various factors: heredity, hormones and sebum production. Here are several methods you can try to cure acne faster and naturally. Learn good skin care techniques, improve your nutrition and try herbal medicines.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Practice Good Skin Care
Step 1. Determine your type of acne
There are several treatments for acne, this depends on the severity of the ailment. In most cases, it is moderate, while severe acne, characterized by deep lumps or cysts, could cause swelling and scarring. This type of acne requires immediate medical attention. Here are some common types of acne:
- Whiteheads (closed comedones): These occur when excess dirt and sebum are trapped under the skin surface, forming a solid white bump.
- Blackheads (open comedones): they occur when the pores open, causing dirt and sebum to rise on the skin surface. The dark color is due to oxidation that occurs when the air reacts to melanin, a skin pigment.
- Pimples (or pustules): These are acne lesions that form when excess dirt and sebum become trapped under the skin, causing inflammation, irritation, swelling and redness, often accompanied by pus. Pus is a thick, yellowish fluid made up of leukocytes (white blood cells) and dead bacteria, usually produced in response to inflammation or infection of a tissue.
- Nodules: hard, large and inflamed pimples that manifest deeply.
- Cysts: Pus-filled, painful pimples that form deep and can often cause scarring.
Step 2. Stop smoking
Smoking can cause a condition called "smoker's acne," in which the body does not trigger an inflammatory response to heal the skin as quickly as it would with normal acne. Smokers are also 4 times more prone to moderate acne after adolescence, especially women between the ages of 25 and 50. Cigarette smoke may also irritate sensitive skin.
Smoking is known to cause other skin ailments, such as wrinkles and premature aging signs. It does this by generating free radicals, impairing collagen production and destroying skin proteins
Step 3. Avoid touching your face
Dirt and bacteria on your hands can clog pores and make acne worse if you constantly touch your face. If your skin is visibly irritated by acne, use a gentle, non-greasy face washcloth to remove excess dirt and soothe the skin.
Don't squeeze or squeeze pimples, or you risk developing scars. Squeezing a pimple could also cause the bacteria to spread further
Step 4. Choose the right cleaner
Use a mild soap and sodium laureth sulfate free product. This ingredient is a highly foaming cleansing substance that can cause irritation. Many detergents contain no soap, are free of harmful chemicals, have natural ingredients and are available in perfumeries and pharmacies.
Harsh soaps and exfoliation can irritate the skin and make acne worse
Step 5. Wash regularly
Wash your skin once in the morning and once in the evening using your fingertips. Remember to rinse it thoroughly with warm water after washing. However, limit cleaning to twice a day and when you sweat the most.
Sweat can irritate the skin. Wash it as soon as possible after sweating
Step 6. Use the right skin care products
If it's dry or irritated, apply a light moisturizer. The astringent is only recommended for oily skin, and even then it should only be applied to oily spots. If you want to use an exfoliating product, ask your dermatologist what treatment is best for your skin type.
People who are not affected by inflammatory acne, for example those with white and blackheads that do not cause redness, can use mild exfoliating products, available at the pharmacy. Those with dry and sensitive skin should limit exfoliation to 1 or 2 times a week, while those with thick and oily skin can do it every other day
Part 2 of 4: Improve Nutrition
Step 1. Eat a healthy diet
Avoid meat containing hormones and other similar substances that could cause hormonal imbalance, hence acne. Instead, eat lots of fiber, fresh fruits and vegetables. Foods rich in vitamins A, C, E and zinc can help reduce acne severity thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties. Here are some good sources of these vitamins:
- Red peppers;
- Black cabbage;
- Spinach;
- Amaranth leaves;
- Turnips;
- Sweet potatoes;
- Pumpkin;
- Violin squash;
- Mango;
- Grapefruit;
- Cantaloupe melon.
Step 2. Get the zinc
According to some studies, a zinc-based treatment taken by mouth can help heal acne. It is an essential trace mineral containing antioxidant properties that help protect cells from damage by bacteria and viruses. It is normal to have slightly low zinc levels, but taking a multivitamin and eating a healthy diet should ensure you get enough. While it is possible to take supplements, the best dietary sources of zinc are the following:
- Oysters, shrimp, crab and shellfish;
- Red meat;
- Poultry;
- Cheese;
- Legumes;
- Sunflower seeds;
- Pumpkin;
- Tofu;
- Miso;
- Mushrooms;
- Cooked vegetables.
- Easily absorbed zinc: zinc picolinate, zinc citrate, zinc acetate, zinc gluconate and zinc monomethionine. If zinc sulfate causes stomach irritation, you can try another form, such as zinc citrate.
Step 3. Get more vitamin A
According to some studies, severe acne sufferers often have low levels of vitamin A. This substance is an anti-inflammatory that balances hormones and may help reduce sebum production. You can increase your intake by following a healthy diet and avoiding unhealthy fats, such as margarine, hydrogenated oil, and processed foods.
Vitamin A is found predominantly in carrots, green leafy vegetables, yellow or orange fruits. If you take a supplement, the recommended dose is between 10,000 and 25,000 IU (international units). High doses of vitamin A can have toxic side effects, including birth defects, so pay attention to how much you take
Step 4. Get more vitamin C
It can speed up healing. In part it does this by helping to produce collagen, an important protein used to repair skin tissues, cartilage, blood vessels, not to mention that it promotes wound healing. You can take 2-3 servings daily, for a total of 500 mg. You can also add foods that are rich in it to your daily diet. Here are some good natural sources of vitamin C:
- Red or green peppers;
- Citrus fruits, such as oranges, pomelo, grapefruit, lime or non-concentrated citrus juices
- Spinach, broccoli and Brussels sprouts;
- Strawberries and raspberries;
- Tomatoes.
Step 5. Drink green tea
The consumption of this drink is not directly related to acne prevention. However, it contains many antioxidants that exhibit anti-aging effects and protect the skin. They can allow the epidermis to look fresher and younger. To make it, steep 2-3 g of green tea leaves in a cup of warm water (80-85 ° C) for 3-5 minutes. It is possible to drink it 2-3 times a day.
Green tea also has anti-inflammatory effects that reduce the risk of cancer. According to some research, it is particularly useful for protecting the skin from harmful UV radiation
Part 3 of 4: Using Herbal Medicines
Step 1. Use tea tree oil
It is often applied topically for ailments such as acne, wounds, infections, and skin lesions. To treat acne, use tea tree oil diluted 5-15%. Pour 2-3 drops on a cotton ball and dab it on the affected area.
Never take it orally. You should also avoid exposing it to the open air for a long time. Oxidized tea tree oil may trigger more allergies than fresh tea
Step 2. Use jojoba oil
Apply 5-6 drops to a cotton ball and dab it on the affected area. Jojoba oil is extracted from the seed of the jojoba tree. It is similar to the natural sebum that secretes the skin, but it does not clog pores or cause excess oils.
Jojoba oil keeps the skin hydrated. It usually does not cause irritation, but speak to your dermatologist before using it in case of sensitive skin
Step 3. Use juniper essential oil
It is a natural antiseptic astringent. You can use it as a facial cleanser and tonic to clear clogged pores and treat acne, dermatitis and eczema. Apply 1-2 drops of oil with a cotton ball after washing your face.
Avoid using too much juniper essential oil, otherwise it can cause irritation and worsen skin condition
Step 4. Use aloe vera gel
Spread it on the skin every day in generous doses. You can find it at the supermarket. Aloe vera is a succulent plant that has antibacterial properties that are effective in treating acne and reducing inflammation. It prevents bacteria from infecting acne wounds and speeds up the healing process.
Someone may be allergic to aloe. If a rash develops, stop using it and talk to your doctor
Step 5. Use sea salt
Look for a sea salt lotion or cream with a sodium chloride content of less than 1%. Apply it up to 6 times a day and smear it for 5 minutes at a time. According to some studies, sea salt may have anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and protective properties against harmful ultraviolet radiation. You can also use it as a face mask to reduce stress. Sea salt and products containing it are available in most pharmacies and supermarkets.
People with mild to moderate acne can safely use sea salt products. Those with dry, sensitive skin or moderate to severe acne should speak to a dermatologist before starting a salt treatment, as it can cause dryness and irritation
Part 4 of 4: Try Professional Treatment
Step 1. See your doctor if acne doesn't improve with home remedies
After a few weeks of treatment with home remedies, you should begin to see some improvement. However, for some types of acne, just those are not enough. If this is the case, consult your doctor to find a more effective solution.
- During the visit, tell the doctor what treatments you have already tried.
- You may notice an improvement as early as a week, especially if you need to treat just a few pimples. However, keep in mind that home remedies usually take 4-8 weeks to be effective.
Step 2. Consult a dermatologist for extensive and persistent acne
The dermatologist will be able to determine the hidden cause behind the acne so that he can prescribe the most appropriate treatment. For example, your acne could be caused by hormonal dysfunction, inflammation, or bacteria trapped deep in your skin. In these cases, the dermatologist might recommend using a stronger topical ointment, medications to be taken by mouth, or trying a skin treatment.
Your dermatologist may provide treatments that are not available without a prescription, so you are more likely to get better results
Step 3. Consult your doctor regarding prescription medications to treat acne
Your doctor will help you find the right medication to treat acne, whether it's an ointment or a medicine to take by mouth.
- Among topical treatments, you may want to use a prescription topical ointment that contains a robust concentration of benzene peroxide, a retinoid, an antibiotic, and possibly even salicylic acid.
- If the cause of your acne is bacterial or inflammation, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to treat your symptoms from within.
- If there are no other effective solutions, you may want to resort to an oral treatment called isotretinoin as a last resort. It is best to use this drug only if your acne is interfering with your life, as it leads to various side effects.
Step 4. Consider hormone therapy
High levels of androgens can cause excessive sebum production, hence acne, especially among women. Sebum also contains fatty acids that encourage the spread of acne-causing bacteria. You could use hormonal birth control pills to restore hormonal balance to help treat acne.
- Hormonal imbalances are a normal part of life, especially during puberty, pregnancy, amenorrhea, or a change in medications.
- The best way to determine if acne is due to hormonal imbalances is to consult a dermatologist.
Step 5. Consider a chemical peel to remove the outer layer of the skin
The dermatologist can perform this simple procedure in his or her office. It will remove the outer layers of your skin to better treat acne and improve the appearance of your skin. It also helps reduce scars from previous acne breakouts.
Your dermatologist will give you instructions on how to care for your skin before and after surgery. You will likely not be able to use makeup immediately after the operation and will need to avoid sun exposure during the healing phase of the skin
Step 6. Ask your doctor about phototherapy
Laser therapy and phototherapy are popular alternatives for treating acne. Laser therapy uses light to treat inflamed acne lesions, severe nodular acne, and cystic acne. It can be an effective remedy for killing acne-causing bacteria and cleaning your skin.
According to some studies, laser therapy is an effective treatment for many. Talk to your dermatologist about which option is preferable for your individual needs
Step 7. Consult your doctor about removing acne if no treatment is effective
In some cases, the doctor may help speed up the healing process by using acne drainage, freezing it with cryotherapy, or injecting a drug directly. This can help clean your skin faster and may prevent scarring. However, it is not suitable for everyone.
Your doctor is likely to recommend one of these procedures only if other therapies are not effective
Step 8. Get emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction to acne products
Prescription and over-the-counter acne medications commonly cause mild redness, irritation, and itching. While it is normal to notice these changes in your skin, other side effects may occur if you are allergic to a product. Look out for the following symptoms, which may indicate an allergic reaction:
- Swelling (eyes, lips, tongue or face)
- Respiratory difficulties
- Sensation of stiffness in the throat
- Fainting
Advice
- Dermatologists recommend washing your hair regularly if it is oily. The sebum can end up on the forehead and the rest of the face, causing skin blemishes.
- For acne patients, a daily dose of 30 mg of zinc is recommended. Once the disorder is under control, it is best to continue with a maintenance dose of 10-30 mg per day.
- When applying a cream around the eye area, make gentle movements, so as not to stretch this delicate skin too much.
- Do not wear makeup immediately after washing your face, as this can also clog pores. Use non-greasy cosmetics for skin and hair.
- You should also add vitamin E and zinc to your diet as they are substances needed to form vitamin A. When taken with vitamin A, the recommended dose of vitamin E is 400-800 IU.
- If taken for several months, zinc could lower copper levels in the body, so doctors recommend using a daily dietary supplement that provides at least 2 mg of copper along with zinc.
Warnings
- Do not use iodized sea salt or products containing iodine, as they can cause irritation. They can worsen acne whether they are ingested or applied to the skin.
- You shouldn't take high doses of zinc for more than a few consecutive days, unless your doctor tells you to do otherwise. Before taking any supplements of this mineral, talk to him about it.
- If you don't notice any improvement in your skin after 8 weeks, talk to a dermatologist.
