Acne can be such an annoyance, for teenagers and adults alike. For some, the pesky skin condition can cause very low self-esteem and depression. Today, acne affects 85% of the United States population, affecting men, women, teenagers, and prepubescent children. Some people experience acne for the first time as an adult in their 30s, 40s, and 50s.
Conventional acne treatments can leave the skin more damaged than one might expect. Fortunately, there are natural techniques that can reduce the appearance of acne and acne scars.
What is Acne?
Before we discover the remedies, we first must understand acne and why it shows up in the first place. Acne, also known as Acne vulgaris, is skin condition involving follicles that are blocked and inflammed. Typically, these blocked follicles are found on the face, chest, back, and shoulders.
There are various forms of acne and different levels of severity. Examples of acne include: blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, papules, pustules, and nodules.
What Causes Acne?
The skin is filled with many tiny holes called pores. Each pore contain a sebaceous (oil) gland, a hair shaft, and other accessory skin organs. These sebaceous glands are meant to lubricate the skin and hair shaft, but sometimes oil production can get a bit out of control. Excess oil, along with shedding skin cells and dirt, clog the pores. When the pores become clogged, acne appears.
There are many theories regarding the cause of acne. Conjectures such as poor hygiene and dirtiness being the cause of acne is not accurate. Suffers are often mindful of their skin condition and practice healthy skincare routines; however, acne is an issue that must be addressed from the inside out.
The main culprits of acne flareups are excess oil production and clogged pores. Now, these two factors affect acne directly. Excessive oil production from the glands and clogged pores are thought to be caused by a variety of influences. Some of these include:
- poor hydration
- unbalanced diet
- nutritional deficiencies
- medications
- hormones
- megadoses of supplements, i.e.) biotin, and other B vitamins
- stress
- sugar
- insulin resistance
It is important to examine all of the possible reasons acne is showing up on the skin. Excessive oil production can occur when the skin is dehydrated or when lots of oily foods are consumed. Clogged pores can occur when dead skin cells shed slower than normal. This shedding (cell turnover) may be influenced by megadoses of vitamin B supplements, medications, and hormones.
Luckily, acne does not have to be a permanent issue. Here are 7 remedies that can significantly improve the appearance of acne-prone skin.
7 Natural Acne Remedies That Really Work
1. Exfoliation
Exfoliating the skin may seem counterproductive, but trust me, it is necessary when dealing with acne and acne scars. Exfoliating regularly can remove dead skin from the surface more effectively and efficiently than just soap and water. If this is something that is new to you, try gently exfoliators when you’re first starting out.
Gentle exfoliators include:
It is best to avoid products with chemicals to reduce irritation to the skin. If you are feeling brave, try an electric brush or a sugar scrub for some extra strength.
2. Supplementation
The link between micronutrient deficiency and acne are confounding, yet many suffers have been led to believe that the connection of food to acne does not exist. Vitamins and minerals are needed to achieve order within each bodily system, and the skin is no exception.
Some of the best supplements for acne are:
- magnesium
- zinc
- vitamin C
- selenium
- vitamin D3
Trial and error and food journaling is necessary to find the supplements that most effectively clear up your skin.
3. Adopt a Whole Foods, Plant-Based Diet
There is plenty of truth in the saying, “You are what you eat.” Whole, plant foods provide the body with many of the nutrients needed to maintain balance in the body. Also, natural foods do not contain the chemical additives commonly found in processed and refined foods. Vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains all contain vitamins and minerals that will balance the system while getting rid of toxins – big thanks to the fiber. Avoid soy products, oils, peanut butter, and animal fats as best as possible.
4. Go Sugar Free
I’m specifically referring to refined sugars such as:
- table sugar
- sucrose
- fructose
- corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup
- confectioner’s sugar
- brown rice syrup
- malt syrup
- dextran and dextrose
- maltose
- brown sugar
Although these forms originate from natural, whole food sources, they have been processed to the extent of nutritional emptiness. These refined carbohydrates are absorbed very quickly into the bloodstream, causing blood sugar and insulin to rise quickly. Regular consumption of these foods can “break” the mechanisms by which insulin is released from the pancreas into the bloodstream.
A plant-based diet can make eating so much easier. As long as the refrigerator and pantries are stocked full of the best foods, you’ll get to eat carbohydrates in abundance without causing yourself any harm. In order to satisfy sugar cravings, opt for dried dates, raisins, sweet potato, and fruit. Please be aware that these foods have sugar in them as well, so moderation is key until you have your acne under control. Reducing sugar cravings will not only reduce the formation of acne, but also reduce the chances of heart disease, diabetes, and chronic inflammation.
5. Avoid Dairy
Many people can attest to the positive effects of going dairy free. Conventional dairy products, especially milk and cheese, have been discovered as the cause of acne woes for many. Milk, for example, has been observed to worsen acne due to oestrogen and the testosterone-stimulating compounds found within it. The hormonal effects of dairy on the body contribute to excessive oil production in the skin.
6. Essential Oils
Essential oils such as tea tree, lavender, and clary sage are some of the best topical solutions for the reduction of inflammation and blemishing caused by acne. Also, these oils naturally have astringent characteristics that help reduce the excess oil on the skin. Apply your favorite essential oil as a spot treatment for pimples, or dilute with linoleic-rich carrier oils such as rosehip seed oil and safflower oil. Some of the better brands of essential oils include Plant Therapy and Aura Cacia.
7. Tone With Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a succulent plant that has long been recognized for its medicinal qualities. It contains nutrients that effectively soothe and moisturize the skin. Also, you can reap some of the anti-bacterial benefits of aloe vera when applied topically. Apply the jelly-like material contained in the large, thick leaves of the aloe to the skin. Processed aloe vera gel found at health food stores can also be beneficial; they soothe the skin while providing ample moisture to the skin. Apply aloe vera gel to the skin daily after cleansing and exfoliating it. Use it as both as toner and a moisturizer. Always conduct a patch test prior to use.