Joy Onuorah

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the world, affecting an estimated 85% of young adults.

What causes acne?

Acne starts when the pores in your skin get clogged with oil and dead skin cells.

Each pore is connected to a sebaceous gland, which produces an oily substance called sebum.

Extra sebum can plug pores, causing the growth of a bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes.

Your white blood cells attack P. acnes, leading to skin inflammation and acne. Some cases of acne are more severe than others, but common symptoms include whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples.

Many factors may contribute to the development of acne, including:

• genetics
• diet
• stress
• hormone changes
• infections

Below are some home remedies for acne.

• Apply apple cider vinegar

The organic acids in apple cider vinegar may help kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce the appearance of scars. Applying it to the skin may cause burns or irritation, so it should be used carefully.

How to use it

1. Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar and 3 parts water (use more water for sensitive skin).
2. After cleansing, gently apply the mixture to the skin using a cotton ball.
3. Let sit for 5–20 seconds, rinse with water and pat dry.
4. Repeat this process 1–2 times per day, as needed.

• Take zinc supplement

Individuals with acne tend to have lower zinc levels than people with clear skin. Several studies suggest that taking zinc orally may reduce acne.

• Make honey and cinnamon mask

Honey and cinnamon have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. They may help reduce acne

How to use it

1. Mix 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to form a paste.
2. After cleansing, apply the mask to your face and leave it on for 10–15 minutes.
3. Rinse the mask off completely and pat your face dry.

• Use tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil that’s extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree native to Australia.

It’s well known for its ability to fight bacteria and reduce skin inflammation.

How to use it

1. Mix 1 part tea tree oil with 9 parts water.
2. Dip a cotton swab into the mixture and apply it to the affected areas.
3. Apply moisturizer if desired.
4. Repeat this process 1–2 times per day, as needed.

• Moisturize with aloe vera

Aloe vera is a tropical plant whose leaves produce a clear gel. The gel is often added to lotions, creams, ointments, and soaps.

It’s commonly used to treat abrasions, rashes, burns, and other skin conditions. When applied to the skin, aloe vera gel can help heal wounds, treat burns, and fight inflammation.

How to use it

1. Scrape the gel from the aloe plant out with a spoon.
2. Apply the gel directly to clean skin as a moisturizer.
3. Repeat 1–2 times per day, or as desired.

You can also buy aloe vera gel from the store, but make sure that it’s pure aloe without any added ingredients

• Take fish oil ssupplements

Fish oils contain two main types of omega-3 fatty acids — EPA and DHA. Taking a fish oil supplement may help decrease acne.

• Exfoliate regularly

Exfoliation is the process of removing the top layer of dead skin cells. You can use chemicals to achieve this, or exfoliate mechanically by using a brush or scrub to physically remove the cells.

Exfoliation may improve acne by removing the skin cells that clog pores.

How to make a scrub at home

1. Mix equal parts sugar (or salt) and coconut oil.
2. Gently rub your skin with the mixture and rinse well.

Follow a low glycemic load diet

Eating high GI foods causes a spike in insulin, which likely increases sebum production. As a result, high GI foods may directly affect the development and severity of acne.

Foods with a high glycemic index include processed foods, such as:

• white bread
• sugary soft drinks
• cakes
• doughnuts
• pastries
• candies
• sugary breakfast cereals

Foods with a low glycemic index include:

• fruits
• vegetables
• legumes
• nuts
• whole or minimally processed grains

• Reduce stress

Hormones that are released during times of stress may make acne worse. Reducing stress may help improve acne.

Ways to reduce stress

• get more sleep
• engage in physical activity
• practice yoga
• meditate
• take deep breaths

• Exercise regularly
• Exercise affects several factors that may improve acne. These include promoting healthy blood circulation and helping reduce stress.