Acne is a skin condition that generally involves the infection or inflammation of oil glands at the base of hair follicles. Although it can appear on any part of the body, most common sites of acne flaring are face, chest, neck, shoulders and back. Here is how to get rid of acne by home remedies or medical treatments.
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Acne
1. Wash Face with Gentle Cleansers
It is advisable to wash your face at least twice a day. Do not wash it more often as it may lead to dryness of skin that further promotes oil secretion and clogging of skin pores. Use gentle cleansers or acne control soaps which suits your skin. Do not scrub your skin vigorously and apply the soap or cleanser mildly. Try to remove excess oil from your skin by sterile gauze twice or thrice a day.
2. Try OTC Products
Over-the-Counter medications are also very helpful for management of mild to moderate acne. Products that contain benzoyl peroxide are recommended by most dermatologists. Always follow the directions on acne product before applying it on your skin. Ideally perform the skin allergy or sensitivity test.
3. Avoid Irritants
Products such as sunscreens, greasy or oily cosmetics should not be applied if you have a sensitive skin. Apply sunscreen that does not block the pores and make sure to cleanse your skin before going to bed. Do not touch your face unnecessarily and also avoid objects or articles from coming in contact with your face.
4. Don’t Squeeze Your Pimples
It is strongly suggested not to touch, pinch or squeeze your pimples or acne lesions. Picking or squeezing can worsen the acne on your skin and may lead disfiguring scars.
5. Eat Natural-acids-rich Food
The natural acid like alpha-hydroxide is found in citrus fruits, sugarcane, apples and grapes which help in removing dead cells from your skin and provides a natural grow. Azelaic acid is also helpful for acne which is found in whole-grain cereals and animal products. It has antibacterial properties that fight against the bacteria and germs on the skin. Tea tree oil works slowly but it is a good remedy to manage acute acne lesions.
6. Use Zinc Supplements
Natural minerals like zinc (that can also be consumed in supplemental forms) are helpful in managing acne by promoting skin remodeling and regeneration.
7. Practice Regular Exercises
Moderate physical activity or exercise for half an hour can decrease acne flaring by reducing stress, anxiety symptoms that are the leading cause of acne flaring after puberty. Moreover, exercise help in sweating that acts as a natural cleansing force to remove impurities, dead skin and dirt/ grease.
8. Clean the Skin
Make sure to take a bath or shower after work-out sessions to remove extra salts and impurities. Moreover, sweating also promote the synthesis of oil and sebum that must be removed.
9. Apply Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide is beneficial to use in the prevention of acne. People who have used benzoyl peroxide as a remedial agent against acne report less flaring. Benzoyl peroxide eradicates the acne bacteria from the skin that causes inflammation and blocks the pores. It also works at a slow pace to promote skin regeneration.
Medical Treatments to Get Rid of Acne
Besides home remedial treatment, medical treatment can also help in decreasing the intensity and severity of acne flaring.
1. Topical Treatments
Acne can be treated medically by using topical antibacterial agents. Acne lotions reduce oil, kill bacteria and remove dead and denuded skin. You can use medicines on the recommendation of your dermatologist’s prescription.
2. Oral Antibiotics
Some dermatologists may recommend a short course of oral antibiotics to manage moderate to severe acne that is unresponsive to home remedies or topical acne treatments.
3. Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is a powerful medicine used for scarring cystic acne or in situations when acne does not respond to mild antibiotics like doxycycline. Isotretinoin contains toxic doses of vitamin A and is considered feto-toxic. If you are looking to get pregnant, you may have to post-pone your pregnancy due to significant risk of fetal anomalies.
4. Oral Contraceptives
Sometimes birth controlling pills or oral contraceptives pills help in managing acute acne flaring. norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol are most commonly employed especially in cases when acne is caused by hormonal imbalance. It is recommended to speak to your healthcare provider since long term consumption is associated with moderate to severe side effects.
5. Laser and Light Therapy
The laser and light therapy reaches the deep layers of the skin without damaging its surface. It is applied to reduce the oil from the skin. Light therapy removes the bacteria from the skin which causes acne.
When to See a Doctor
Although acne is not considered a contagious or life threatening condition, but in some severe cases it may lead to severe psycho-social issues by interfering with the physical appearance of person. Most people respond to home remedies and lifestyle modifications but if you are developing moderate to severe acne flares that are painful and are associated with scarring of skin, you should consult a dermatologist for proper treatment.