Tips on How to Treat Acne at Home

Do you have pimples or dark spots on the skin? Have the scars affected your self-esteem or self-confidence? The benefits of having a smooth, glowing and beautiful skin free of pimples or dark spots cannot be overemphasized especially among women.

Acne is a skin condition or disorder that affects the oil glands of the skin and hair follicles. It starts when skin pores get clogged with oil or dead skin cells which may be due to poor nutrition, hormonal imbalance or improper skin care and results to spots or pimples on the face, shoulders, back and upper arms. Acne is triggered by bacteria, oxidative damage, and inflammation on the skin. This condition has been known to have social and psychological effects such as low self-esteem and social withdrawal on an individual.

Natural and home-made acne treatment methods have been embraced globally because conventional treatment is usually expensive and has side effects such as dryness, irritation, and redness of the skin. The following are some of the natural treatment methods that have been backed by science.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is prepared by pressing apples and fermenting the unfiltered juice and contains organic acids that are known to fight different types bacteria and viruses when applied on the skin surface. It's also used for skin toning to remove any residue after cleaning as well as regulate and restore the pH levels of the skin. Apple cider vinegar also dries excess oil.

Antioxidants

Honey and cinnamon are some of the best sources of antioxidants such as vitamin B3, linoleic fatty acid and sodium ascorbyl phosphate which are very effective at reducing acne on the skin and fight bacteria and reduce inflammation which triggers acne.

Baking soda

Sodium bicarbonate works as an exfoliant by unplugging skin pores and removing the dead skin when applied. It also has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and regulates the pH of the skin.

Toothpaste

Applying toothpaste to the affected area before going to sleep helps dry out the acne and reduce the swelling.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil also termed as Melaleuca oil is an essential oil extracted from the leaves of plant typical in Australia. It fights bacteria and reduces inflammation when applied to the skin thus reduces acne. Tea tree oil should be diluted with other oils before use because it's very harsh when used directly.

Skin masking

Applying masks of yogurt, honey, cinnamon, and other essential oils on the skin several times in a week helps to hydrate lemon juice mixed with a beaten egg overnight is an excellent acne treatment and boosts the skin health.

Other treatment methods include eating a balanced and healthy diet, moisturizing the skin using oils and gels such as aloe vera and coconut oil, regular gentle skin cleaning, skin scrubbing and steaming.

Applied oils and masks should be washed off with clean, warm water few minutes after using to avoid drying or irritation.