Acne is one of the most common skin conditions around the world. It occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog your skin’s pores. The blockage causes pimples and blemishes on the face, back and any part of the body that gets oily naturally! 

Acne is prevalent in adolescence, particularly in boys, because of the surging hormones, usually testosterone. 

The link to our hormones also explains why women often experience adult acne linked to their menstrual cycle or during pregnancy, says The Harley Street Dermatology Clinic. The boost in testosterone that we undergo during puberty can trigger acne because it makes the oil glands in our skin grow bigger. As a result, we produce more of the oily substance known as sebum. The sebum usually moves out of the oil glands and onto the surface through our pores so that it can protect our skin. Unfortunately, this causes pore blockage. 

Conventional acne treatments are the most effective solutions. However, they can be expensive with dastardly side effects. The side effects include dryness, redness and irritation. 

Home remedies for curing acne are pretty popular nowadays. However, the treatments may lack research and scientific backing. Therefore, this article will explore popular home remedies for acne. 

Apply apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar comes from unfiltered juice from pressed apples. You can also ferment apple cider. Vinegar cleans different types of bacteria and fungi pretty well. 

There is the lactic acid in apple cider vinegar that improves the appearance of acne scars. But, according to Healthline, dermatologists have advised against vinegar. It may irritate your skin or dry it out too much.

Take a zinc supplement.

Zinc is an essential nutrient. It is necessary for cell growth, hormone production, metabolism and immune function. In addition, zinc is a natural acne treatment. 

Zinc is found throughout your body and helps the immune system and metabolism function. In addition, zinc helps wounds heal and assists in taste and smell.

The body usually gets enough zinc from a well-balanced, varied diet. For example, chicken, red meat and fortified breakfast cereals are great zinc sources, Mayo Clinic explains.

People use zinc orally to help treat colds. But, unfortunately, it can decrease certain drugs’ effectiveness.

The recommended daily allowance is 8 milligrams (mg) for women and 11 mg for men.

Research has shown that people with acne lack zinc. Taking zinc orally may reduce the skin condition. A 2014 review found that zinc works best on severe and inflammatory acne. 

Too much zinc may cause stomach pain and gut irritation. 

Make a honey and cinnamon mask.

Honey and cinnamon can fight bacteria. In addition, the two can reduce inflammation. Inflammation and bacteria are factors that trigger acne.

Spot treat with tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil from a native tree in Australia. Tea tree oil fights bacteria and reduces skin inflammation. A small study showed that people using tea tree oil on their skin have less dry skin and irritation.

Dilute before applying it to your skin.

Apply green tea to your skin

Green tea is high in antioxidants. Drinking green tea promotes good health. It may assist with reducing acne because of the polyphenols in the tea. Polyphenols help fight bacteria. It also calms inflammation. 

Many studies have found that applying green tea to your skin can help with acne. It reduces sebum production and pimples. Green tea creams and lotions can be bought. However, it is easier to make the mixture at home.

Apply witch hazel

Witch hazel is bark and leaves extract. The bark and leaves are from a North American witch hazel shrub. The shrub contains tannins. Tannins have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Witch hazel treats various skin conditions. Besides acne, the skin conditions include dandruff, eczema, varicose veins, bruises, insect bites.

Moisturise with aloe vera

Aloe vera is a tropical plant. It produces a clear gel that added to lotions, cream, ointments, and soaps to help clear the skin. 

The gel treats rashes, abrasions, burns and other skin conditions. Aloe vera can also heal wounds, treat burns and fight inflammation. In addition, it contains salicylic acid and sulphur to treat acne. 

Take a fish oil supplement. 

Fish oils have two types of omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats offer many benefits. For example, high levels of omega-3 fatty acids decrease inflammatory factors. This may reduce the risk of acne. 

Omega-3 fatty acids are in salmon, sardines, anchovies, walnuts, chia seeds and ground flax seeds. 

According to Healthline, supplements may reduce some of the risks associated with heart disease. However, there is no clear evidence that it can prevent heart attacks or strokes. Fish oil supplements may also improve the symptoms

of specific psychiatric disorders. This effect may be a result of increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake.

Fish oil supplements could reduce waist size and aid weight loss when combined with diet or exercise. Additionally, eating fresh fish could help prevent eye diseases.

However, it’s unclear whether fish oil supplements have the same effect.

Exfoliate regularly 

Exfoliation is the removal of your top layer of dead skin cells. You can physically remove the cells with a brush or scrub – some chemicals like Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) -BHAs is salicylic acid, and many exfoliators help too. 

Exfoliation can improve acne by removing the skin cells that clog your pores. Acne treatments can penetrate the skin deeper once the top layer of skin is removed. You can make an exfoliation scrub at home with sugar or salt. 

Mechanical exfoliation can be irritating and damaging to your skin. Make sure to rub your skin gently.

Ask for advice

Most home remedies may not be clinically effective. Therefore, they are known as alternative treatment options. 

Consult your dermatologist before trying conventional or natural remedies on your skin. They can tell you what works for your skin type and what won’t, especially if you have severe acne. 

Cover for the whole family

The Medical Society covers you and your family for whatever unforeseen illnesses may come your way, offering affordable health care for adults. 

From only R89 per month, members receive unlimited nurse room visits and dietary advice from professionals. 

Adults also receive chronic illness monitoring, advice, and prevention for high blood pressure and diabetes conditions. 

Treatment for minor medical conditions such as sprains, cuts, bruises and burns is also available.