Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that primarily affects adolescents and is attributed to various factors, including hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, and environmental influences. It typically manifests in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the face, chest, and back. Symptoms of acne can range from mild to severe and may present as pimples, pustules, nodules, cysts, and scarring. The appearance of acne can significantly impact both the physical and mental well-being of patients, potentially leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal.
One of the best ways to keep acne-prone skin clear is with a comprehensive acne skincare routine that incorporates gentle, yet effective formulas with targeted ingredients. The ideal skincare regimen for acne-prone skin should be built around your skin type, acne type, and overall complexion goals. For pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads, we recommend ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, which can help minimize acne-causing bacteria. Another opinion is salicylic acid, which helps prevent your pores from becoming clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Because using more than one acne treatment product can increase the likelihood of irritation, we recommend starting slowly and paying attention to how your skin responds.
If you have acne-prone skin, it may feel oily and greasy. However, just because acne-prone skin may produce more natural oils, this doesn’t mean that it requires any less moisture than other types of skin. Applying a face moisturizer daily after cleansing can help hydrate skin and prevent it from becoming dry or irritated when using certain acne treatments. When your skin is dry, it may actually trigger an increase in oil production, potentially triggering new breakouts. We recommend choosing a non-comedogenic moisturizer that’s specially formulated for acne-prone skin to help keep your skin properly hydrated without clogging your pores.
Home remedies for acne
1. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, which might kill P. acnes, the bacteria that causes acne.Tea tree oil’s anti-inflammatory properties mean that it can also help reduce the swelling and redness of pimples.A 2019 review study found that tea tree oil products can reduce the number of acne sores in people because of tea trees’ antimicrobial capabilities.
2. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, meaning it may reduce the appearance of acne and prevent acne breakouts as part of a treatment course.In a 2021 studyTrusted Source, researchers determined that the number of bumps, lesions, and dry skin lowered when using aloe vera combined with ultrasound and soft mask applications.
3. Honey
For thousands of years, honey has treated skin conditions because it contains many antioxidants that can help to clear clogged pores. However, while there is evidence that honey has specific antimicrobial effects, a 2016 reviewTrusted Source did not find strong evidence for honey’s effect on acne.
4. Green tea
Green tea contains high concentrations of a group of polyphenol antioxidants called catechins.
Some people with acne have too much sebum, or natural body oils, in their pores and not enough antioxidants. Antioxidants help the body break down chemicals and waste products that can damage healthy cells.
Green tea also contains compounds that may help to:
- reduce the skin’s sebum production
- reduce P. acnes
- reduce inflammation
An individual can either drink green tea or put green tea extract on their skin, though researchers say current evidence is limited.
5. Coconut oil
Like other natural remedies, coconut oil contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds.
These properties mean that coconut oil may help eradicate acne-causing bacteria and reduce the redness and swelling of pimples. Due to its soothing and moisturizing effectsTrusted Source, coconut oil may help speed up the healing of open acne sores. However, focused research on coconut oil as an acne deterrent is lacking.