Believe it or not, acne is one of the most common skin diseases worldwide. That is, no matter where you are from or what your habits are, there will always be an 85% probability that at some point you will have to face this disease.
If you are part of that 85% of people, you are probably thinking about how to eliminate acne for good . However, most pharmaceutical acne remedies are not only expensive but often lead to side effects such as dryness, irritation and redness.
Therefore, if it is to remove acne quickly and naturally , it is necessary that you opt for home remedies that do not mean a deficit in your budget. Find out what the best 7 natural remedies to get it.
7 natural remedies to fight acne
1. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, in addition to being common in many gastronomic cultures, can have positive effects on the health of the skin, especially when it comes to eliminating acne.
One of its most important healing properties is the ability to eliminate different types of viruses and bacteria. Thanks to its organic acids, apple cider vinegar eliminates acne bacteria , reducing inflammation and generating the healing process. In addition, it also works to combat the oil on the face caused by acne .
To use apple cider vinegar as an acne treatment, you just have to follow the following steps:
- In a bowl, mix a small cup of vinegar and three cups of water. If you suffer from facial irritation, choose to add more water to the mix.
- Then, use a cotton ball to gently apply the mixture to the surface of your face.
- Let it sit for 5-20 seconds, rinse your face with water and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Repeat this process 1-2 times if necessary
Remember that apple cider vinegar could cause irritation, so it is advisable to use it in small amounts.
2. Zinc supplements
Zinc is one of the most essential chemical elements for the body, being used mainly for strengthening the immune system and other benefits such as healing or increasing testosterone.
An investigation was able to determine that people with acne have lower levels of zinc than people without skin diseases. In another study, 48 acne patients received zinc supplementation three times a day; The surprising thing is that, 8 weeks later, 38 patients experienced an acne reduction of 80-100%. In this way, it is clear that if you are looking to consume supplements to reduce acne , zinc can be a great ally.
However, doctors and other experts recommend not to exceed 40 mg of zinc daily, since its consumption in excess can cause negative consequences in the body, such as stomach pain and intestinal irritation.
Finally, the best way to consume zinc is orally, because to this day it has not been shown that the body can absorb zinc through the skin with the application of creams or balms.
3. Honey and cinnamon mask
If you want to use a mask to cure acne , maybe the mixture of honey and cinnamon is what you need
It has been shown that the mixture of honey and cinnamon can be more efficient than pharmaceutical products such as benzoyl peroxide and retinoids. Among their healing properties, honey and cinnamon have the ability to fight bacteria and inflammation, factors that cause acne. However, although the honey and cinnamon mask can serve as a natural remedy for acne due to its properties, there are still no scientific studies that can corroborate it.
If you want to learn how to make the honey and cinnamon mask, you must follow the following steps:
- Mix 2 teaspoons of honey with a teaspoon of cinnamon in a bowl.
- After you have washed your face, apply the paste that you formed and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
- After the time has elapsed, rinse your face again and pat it dry with a towel gently.
4. Aloe vera
The use of aloe vera to improve dermatological health is increasingly common, being used in many soaps, creams, ointments and body lotions that improve the appearance and health of the skin.
The aloe vera plant produces a transparent gel that contains salicylic acid and sulfur, both compounds indicated for the treatment of burns, inflammation and, of course, acne.
Several studies have determined that aloe vera has healing effects for acne . To do this, follow the following steps:
- Scrape the clear gel off the plant with a spoon.
- Apply the gel directly to the skin, just like you do with a moisturizer.
- Repeat this process 2-3 times a day.
5. Fish oil supplements
Fish oil supplements, better known as omega-3 supplements, are often used to prevent and treat different diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and fatty liver.
Consuming fatty acids from fish oil benefits the skin in many ways: by keeping the skin hydrated, reducing inflammation, and preventing the risk of acne.
If you want to consume omega-3 to prevent acne , keep in mind that there is no specific amount of the dose to ingest. However, it is recommended to consume 250-500 mg a day.
In addition to this, you can also include foods rich in fatty acids in your diet to control acne, such as:
- Salmon, sardines and anchovies.
- Walnuts
- Chia seeds.
- Ground flaxseed
6. Physical exercise
Exercise not only promotes better muscles and physical appearance, but also improves blood circulation in the body, thus being a way to prevent and cure acne.
Exercise is also essential when it comes to regulating hormonal function in the body. In addition, it helps reduce levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, these being some of the causes of the disease.
It is recommended that you exercise at least 30 minutes a day, being able to increase the time according to the training routine you are doing.
7. Exfoliation of the face
Exfoliation is a process where dead cells that reside in the upper layer of the skin are removed, which due to their condition can cause skin infections and other diseases such as acne. By exfoliating the skin, skin cells that clog pores and cause acne on the face are removed.
According to one study, 25 acne patients were treated with microdermabrasion (a way of exfoliating the skin), giving positive results after a few weeks.
96% of the patients were satisfied with the results obtained, however, there is still more research to scientifically determine the benefits of exfoliation to eliminate acne .
Although there are different products on the market to exfoliate the face, you can do it from home with salt or sugar as follows:
- Mix the sugar (or salt) with coconut oil in equal parts.
- After having the paste, apply it to your face in gentle circles with your fingers.
- Go through this process several times during the day, as many as you think necessary.
Conclution
Acne is a very common disease that can cause physical and emotional damage if it is not treated in time; however pharmaceutical remedies can cause side effects such as dryness and irritation. For this reason, natural remedies can be a viable option to cure acne, especially because of their ease of preparation and low costs.
Some natural remedies may work more for some people than others, remember that each body is different. Finally, if your acne is chronic, it is best to consult directly with a specialist dermatologist.
Reference
- Kayla McDonell. “13 Powerful Home Remedies for Acne”, For Authority Nutrition [Revised February 2017]
