The DIY Acne Remedies That People Swear By

Acne is the most common skin condition in men and women across the world not only does it affect teenagers, but it can also affect adults too. For those who don’t already know, I am going to explain how acne is caused. Acne is caused by clogged pores, your pores are connected to sebaceous glands which produces an oily substance called sebum. Once extra sebum is produced, pores get clogged and this causes bacterial growth called ‘Propionibacterium acne’ (P.acne). When your white blood cells attempt to attack P.acne, this causes inflammation and acne. Acne is definitely your worst nightmare and a struggle to overcome, there are plenty of acne treatments out there that doctors prescribe which may or may not work for your skin and multiple factors can contribute to your acne such as hormones, diet, genetics and stress. However there are some DIY acne remedies that people swear by to clear their acne away, these are some of the remedies I will be discussing in this article.

Apple Cider Vinegar Topical

Apple Cider Vinegar includes acetic acid and flavonoids which carries keratolytic, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It fights bacterial growth in your pores and prevents damage from free radical, which is a harmful molecule, that can cause inflammation and breakouts to your skin. Many people who suffer from acne swear by this remedy and find that it gradually clears and calms their acne down when used consistently. However, you must be extremely careful when using this remedy because it could irritate your skin and cause chemical burn. So before trying one of these DIY acne remedies please for the love of skin, test a small spot or area on your face before trying the whole face.

Method:

1. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with four parts of water (if your skin is sensitive, then dilute more)

2. After cleansing, apply to skin using a cotton ball or pad as a toner

3. Leave for 15 minutes and then rinse off using lukewarm water

This can be repeated 1-3 times a week.

Tea Tree Treatment

Tea Tree oil has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, this illuminates the bacterial growth of P.acne by unblocking your sebaceous glands which can stop the process of acne being produced. It can also accelerate the healing of acne scars and prevent the growth of other harmful bacteria in your acne spots. People swear by this remedy because it dries out their spots, helping to vanish them overnight, and helps to reduce inflammation. There are two methods which can be used with tea tree, the first method is a spot treatment and the second is a diluted topical treatment.

Method 1 – Tea Tree Spot Treatment:

1. Pour a few drops of tea tree oil on a Q-tip or cotton bud

2. Apply directly onto spots.

Method 2 – Tea Tree Topical:

1. Add 3-4 drops of tea tree oil to ½ cup of water

2. Soak cotton ball or pad in mixture and apply to the skin

3. Wait until it fully dries and then apply moisturiser

This can be repeated twice a week.

Milk Nutmeg and Honey Mask

All the ingredients within this face mask are aimed to calm and reduce the appearance of acne. Honey and nutmeg are antibacterial and anti-inflammatory so they will both soothe your skin by reducing redness and swelling, as well as, fight the growth of bacteria. Milk includes lactic acid, this gives it natural exfoliating properties which will help to fade acne scarring. So all these products together work as an amazing anti-acne remedy which people swear by.

Method:

1. Mix 2 tsp honey, 2 tsp milk and 2 tsp nutmeg

2. After cleansing apply using a clean foundation brush

3. Allow to set and leave for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with cold water

This can be used up to three times a week.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, it is the perfect moisturiser for acne because it fights against P.acne and other bacterial growth on the surface of the skin, it also has cooling properties because it includes salicylic acid which soothes the skin, reduces acne and heals the wounds. People swear by this remedy because it controls the oils in your skin and clears your pores by killing harmful bacteria.

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Method:

Apply as moisturiser

Green Tea Scrub

Green Tea is an antioxidant, it has the ability to reduce bioactive hormones which are harmful to acne and soothe inflammation. Some people with acne who drink green tea 3-4 times a day, say that they have seen considerable change in their skin such as, reduced inflammation, clearer skin and oil control. However it can also be used on your skin as a scrub, this will exfoliate the skin which helps to fade acne scarring and remove dead skin cells.

Method:

1.Place green tea bag in a cup of 3 tbsp of hot water and allow to cool

2.Open green tea bag and empty into a separate bowl

3. Mix 1 tbsp sugar and 1 tbsp lemon juice with green tea into a paste

4.Mix 1 tbsp of green tea water into the bowl until soothe

5. After cleansing, gently scrub into skin for 3-5 minutes

6. Rinse with lukewarm water

Acne can be the worst confidence knock ever, but we are all here to learn from each other, so let’s hope that out of these remedies you are able to find the best DIY acne remedies for you. Please make sure that you carry out a patch test with all new DIY acne remedies to avoid further irritation or inflammation to the skin. For more information on remedies and a safe forum to express your concerns, check out Acne.org, they have great advice and information for those with acne.

Have you got any DIY acne remedies that you swear by? Let us know in the comments below!

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