Many youngsters, particularly young girls are concerned about acne. Of course, boys do get them at puberty, but it creates a great deal of stress in girls. Acne is a chronic, inflammatory condition. The worse thing about acne is that it creates pimples and spots, particularly on the face. Of course, it creates spots in other areas of the body like upper arms, chest, neck, back and shoulders. But, the acne that occurs on the face creates distress.
Quick Facts About Acne
- It is the skin disease that involves the oil glands at the root of the hair follicles
- It affects three in every 4 individuals in the age group of 11 and 30 years
- It is not life-threatening, but it can cause unpleasant scars
- The treatment for acne should rely on its severity and persistence
- The risk factors for acne include squeezing pimples and oil-based makeup. Those living in humid and hot climates are prone. Further, stress, anxiety and menstrual cycle in women are also factors. Even, genetics cause acne in boys and girls.
What Causes Acne?
Experts are of the opinion that acne is caused by five main factors. They are
- Excess activity of androgen hormones
- Bacteria
- Hair follicles that are clogged by oil
- Dead skin cells and
- Excess oil production
Factors Worsening Acne
Experts are of the opinion that certain factors can actually worsen acne. They are listed below.
- Hormones – In boys and girls in their puberty, there will be naturally an increase in the androgen levels. They cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge. In turn, it will make more sebum. Further, hormonal changes happening during pregnancy is a factor. Even taking oral contraceptives can affect the production of sebum.
- Certain Medications – Examples of medicines leading to acne are lithium, testosterone and corticosteroids.
- Diet – Experts are of the opinion that certain dietary factors like foods rich in carbohydrates can worsen acne. Even, chocolate is known to worsen the skin issue.
- Stress – Stress is yet another factor that can worsen the acne.
Read more on Cystic Acne
Home Remedies For Acne
As you look for safe home remedies to bring down the acne, here are some remedies to try.
1. Try Honey and Cinnamon Mask
Honey and cinnamon are known for the antioxidant properties. Also, their anti-bacterial properties make them the best friends for individuals with acne.
Ingredients
- Cinnamon powder – 1 teaspoon
- Honey – 2 tablespoons
- Water small quantity (if required)
How To Prepare The Mask?
- Take the cinnamon powder in a bowl
- Add the honey to the powder and mix well until you get a fine paste
- Do you find that it is not turning into a consistency that you can easily apply? Then, add a little water to get the paste-like consistency
- Apply this paste as a face mask
- Before applying, clean your face completely. After applying, leave the mask for about 10-15 minutes
- Rinse off the mask and pat dry your face completely.
Alternative Method
- You can also use cinnamon extract by bringing cinnamon sticks to boil
- Filter out the sticks and take the water
- Add some honey to the water and wash off your face with this water.
How Does It Work?
Honey and cinnamon have the ability to fight off the bacteria. Even, they will help with reducing inflammation. These two factors contribute to treat acne and you will get the best acne relief with this remedy.
2. Green Tea
Green tea is yet another home remedy that can do effective wonders against acne.
How To Use?
- Bring a cup of water to boil and add the green tea leaves to the boiling water
- Switch off the heat and let the leaves sit in the water for some time
- Finally, filter out the green tea leaves once the water reaches the room temperature
- Now, use the green tea leaves extract as a face wash
- You can wash your face twice with green tea extract in a day.
Alternative Method
Alternatively, you can take green tea bags and place them on the acne then and there.
How Does It Work?
Green tea is a popular anti-oxidant. Further, it is also known for its antimicrobial action to fight acne-causing bacteria.
3. Yogurt Mask
As you know, yogurt contains friendly bacteria. So, it can effectively fight the acne-causing bacteria.
Ingredients
- Yogurt – One Tablespoon
- Raw Honey – One Tablespoon
How To Prepare?
- Mix the yogurt and honey to make a paste
- Apply this paste like a mask. Make sure to pay special attention to jawline, hairline and other acne-prone areas
- Let it stay for around 10 minutes and relax at this time
- Finally, wipe off the mask with a damp cloth.
Alternative Method
In the place of honey, you can also use the lemon extract as well. Lemon has effective properties to fight acne.
How Does It Work?
Yogurt consumption is also good and the same thing applies to using it as a face mask. It contains lactic acid. This property of yogurt makes it the effective remedy to kill acne. Further, it will help with maintaining the right pH balance. In turn, it will prevent acne breakouts.