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Home remedies to combat acne can be an alternative or a complement to traditional aesthetic treatments. Keep reading and we will tell you what they are and what they consist of.
There is a wide variety of home remedies to combat acne, in which ingredients that we can have at home are combined. Aloe vera, honey, mint, baking soda, low-fat diets and even exercise are among the various alternatives.
Also, home remedies to combat acne have the advantage of being cheaper and easier to apply, compared to traditional clinical treatments. And while the latter are often effective, they are also more expensive.
Remember that you should always mediate a medical consultation. Severe cases of acne can only be treated with certain drug combinations. In any case, the specialist could authorize you to use some of these complements.
Learn about home remedies to combat acne
Even if not in all cases there is scientific support for its effectiveness, These home remedies can help reduce outbreaks or keep the problem under control, as well as prevent its appearance. Let’s see.
1.Aloe vera
the aloe vera plant It is widely used in the cosmetic industry. The gel obtained from the pulp of its leaves is often added to skin creams and lotions, as well as soaps, shampoos and other personal care products.
Great benefits are attributed to it in the treatment of various skin conditions. It is also used in combination with other substances, such as tretinoin, proving to be effective for mild or moderate acne vulgaris, according to the studies carried out in this regard.
To apply it, an aloe vera leaf is taken, the bark of the leaf is scraped and the crystal (gel) is used to place it directly on the affected area. It is very important that the skin is clean.
2. Honey
Among the various benefits of honey, it is worth mentioning that has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, so it is considered suitable for treating infections. And since bacteria is the main factor that aggravates pimples and blackheads, it is not surprising that honey is among the natural remedies to fight acne.
You can use it in several ways:
- do a preparation with two tablespoons of honey and a teaspoon of lemon juice and spread it over the affected area, leaving it to act for 15 minutes; then washed off with lukewarm water.
- Too honey can be applied alone, directly on the pimples, then covering the area with gauze or cotton; it is left like this all night.
3. Lemon
And since we mentioned lemon, this is also one of the home remedies to fight acne. According to research, lemon oil can be used as a natural agent for skin problemsdue to its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.
You should cut a lemon in half. Then you rub it on the affected area or squeeze it, letting a few drops fall.
You can also place the juice on a cotton ball, which is then passed through the skin. Leave it on for 10 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water. It is important to prevent drops of juice from falling into the eyes and exposure to the sun (so as not to stain the skin).
4. Baking soda
The properties and uses of this substance are diverse. There is even talk of the benefits of baking soda in exercise.
It is considered to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. In particular, it can help fight pimples and pimples, using it as a poultice.
It is recommended to take a large tablespoon (10 grams) of baking soda and mix it with enough water to obtain a homogeneous and pasty mixture. This is due apply on the affected parts with acne and leave it for 10 minutes. Then it is removed and the skin is washed well, with neutral soap and cold water.
5. Cinnamon
In studies Cinnamon has been found to may be able to inhibit the growth of strains associated with acne development: Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis Y Staphylococcus aureus.
Cinnamon can be used alone or combined with honey, in a ratio of two tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon. Together they form a paste, which is applied to the face for 10 to 15 minutes.
6. Green tea
Green tea is an infusion rich in polyphenols that you can also use as a home remedy to combat acne. It is considered that its main antioxidant, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), is an important factor in sebum reduction and inhibition of Propionibacterium acnes.
There are creams and lotions that contain green tea, but also it is easy to prepare at home. The tea is only left in boiled water, like an ordinary infusion. It is applied to the skin with cotton or with a spray.
7. Tea tree oil
This is one of the so-called essential oils, which is extracted from Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant species from Australia. Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which is why tea tree oil can be used in the treatment of acne.
It is applied directly, although it is necessary to dilute it: one part of oil in nine parts of water. There is also the option of applying on a cotton pad and placing it on the affected area.
8. Mint
You can fight acne using a mint mask. Take advantage of the natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic benefits of this plant.
The process is very simple. You require 250 milliliters of water and 15 grams of mint leaves. Leaves are macerated in warm water until softened. They are crushed in a mortar to form a paste. You apply on the affected area directly and leave for 15 minutes. Then you rinse the skin.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains organic acids, which help fight various types of bacteria; even those related to acne. However, it should be used with caution and diluted, as it can be irritating. It is only left on the skin for about 15 seconds and washed off with plenty of water.
10. Water from witch hazel
witch hazel virginiana (also called witch chestnut) is a typical North American species. It is considered that contains tannins with antibacterial properties and anti-inflammatory.
From its bark and leaves a topical is processed, used as a natural product or as a base in cosmetics. Benefits are attributed to treat skin conditions, from dandruff to eczema, although the research on this is rather scarce.
As a home treatment to combat acne, it is recommended take a tablespoon of bark witch hazel mixed with a cup of water. After boiling, cook over low heat for 10 minutes. Let it rest to strain it. The application of the mixture is done with a cotton pad, 1 or 2 times a day.
11. Homemade exfoliation
Exfoliation can help with acne treatment, as it removes dead cells and other impurities that clog pores. Currently there is a wide variety in terms of procedures and products to exfoliate.
But you can also do it at home, using salt or sugar mixed in equal parts with coconut oil. With this the skin is gently rubbed. Help yourself with a horsehair glove and wash well.
12. Zinc supplements
With respect to the role of this mineral, various studies. In this sense, it is considered that people with acne tend to show relatively low levels of the substance, so taking zinc supplements (30 to 45 milligrams) might help reduce the problem.
13.Omega 3
In addition to the benefits related to cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health in general, omega 3 fatty acids affect chronic inflammation factors, which would help reduce acne. They can be obtained by consuming fish (salmon, sardines, anchovies), as well as dried fruits (walnuts) and chia or flax seeds.
14. Diet
The relationship between diet and acne is still the subject of debate. A low glycemic load diet is recommended, avoiding processed foods, refined flours and sugars.
15. Exercises
Another topic on which more research is needed is the influence of exercise on acne. However, there is no doubt that physical activity affects blood circulation and hormonal regulation, as well as in the fat metabolism.
16. Stress Management
Although there is not a complete consensus among researchers, some studies they suggest that Stress, while not the cause, can make acne worse. Hormones released during stressful situations would increase sebum production and the inflammatory response.
Therefore, among the home remedies to combat acne, we must consider everything we can do to reduce stress. This includes getting regular rest, participating in leisure activities, exercising, applying meditation and relaxation techniques.
Caution with home remedies for acne
When it’s mild, home acne treatments often work. However, in more severe cases should not be considered as the first or only option, but just a plugin.
On the other hand, the fact that they are homemade does not mean that they are completely harmless, without risks or side effects. In this way, if you notice any allergic reaction, you should stop them immediately.
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