Home Remedies For Acne

Let’s face it, everyone has dealt with skin blemishes at some point in their lives. Today we are not going to go over the problems associated with pimples, skin blemishes that appear few and far between, but an actual medical condition known as acne. You see, many people assume that just because they develop a pimple now and again that they suffer from acne, when the truth is that a clogged pore is nothing to worry about. Those who have acne are in constant discomfort and have to deal with embarrassing situations on a daily basis because their skin is constantly broken out. This is the main difference between a pimple and acne. Those of you who are truly suffering from acne and are looking for a few simple home remedies for acne will want to understand exactly what it is that they are suffering from and why they might have come to deal with this particular problem. Once you know what acne really is you can begin to combat it and clear your skin once and for all.

The Definition Of Acne

Before we begin to discuss how you can go about ridding yourself of this terribly embarrassing skin condition, you should first understand exactly what acne is. Believe it or not, there is a big difference between a few pimples and acne. Everyone has to deal with a pimple or two at some point in their lives. It is those that have a constant influx of these blemishes that can truly be diagnosed with acne. That’s right. Acne is actually a medical condition where the body is unable to properly exfoliate dead skin cells.

Our bodies naturally are in a constant state of creating new, healthy skin cells to replenish the upper dermis. When we are unable to exfoliate these dead skin cells, there is a good chance that they can begin to clog pores, causing an acne breakout. The top layer of skin, especially on the face, is like a volcanic island, in a constant state of change and chaos. In order to keep the skin healthy and provide us with elasticity, our pores secrete oils. When dead skin cells come into contact with these natural oils, they form a sticky substance that can easily clog pores.

Naturally, the body reacts to these clogs by sending in white cells to combat the foreign matter. These cells continue to attack the mixture of dead skin cells and oil until it is purged from the body. Although this is completely natural, people who suffer from acne and who are looking for home remedies for acne will often have to deal with this issue more often then they should.

The above listed information is also the reason why most over the counter acne medications do not work. You see, many of these medicines are made to dry the skin and lessen the amount of oil that the body produces. If you suffer from acne and are unable to properly exfoliate dead skin cells, this may actually cause more harm than good. Now that you understand that there is actually a big difference between pimples and acne, you can begin to understand how you can end the embarrassment and discomfort that this all too common skin condition can cause.

Who Does Acne Effect?

While it is quite common for acne to effect teens and adolescents, as mentioned previously in this article, it is also something that can effect adults. Acne can be brought on by the bodily changes associated with puberty, but is technically a medical condition. When the body is unable to properly exfoliate the skin, acne will usually follow. This is why acne can effect teens, adults and seniors alike. Here at Home Remedies For Acne, we will teach you not only how to deal with acne, but to learn exactly why it is that you are being effected by this embarrassing, and often painful, skin condition.

Are Home Remedies For Acne Really Effective?

This is a tricky question to answer. As I previously mentioned, acne is a medical condition that effects the skin and acne remedies, especially home remedies for acne, may effect each individual in a different way. There are many home remedies to choose from and you may have to try several different kinds before you find the right remedy for you.

Of course, just like with any other medical condition, there is no substitute for seeking the wisdom of a medical professional. In this case, a dermatologist. Finding a good dermatologist may help you to find the exact cause of your acne problems and end them once and for all, while acne remedies will help to temporarily alleviate the discomfort that these skin blemishes can bring.

A Small List Of Some Of The More Popular Home Remedies For Acne

Now for the interesting part… There are many common homemade acne remedies, many of which can be found in the average person’s home. Below you will find a small list of all of the more common home remedies for acne. You may want to experiment with several of these until you can find the one that works best for your particular skin type.

1. Lemon Juice – One of the more common remedies for acne that can be found in the home is lemon juice. This can either be purchased in a bottle or freshly squeezed. The reason why this item is so effective when it comes to reducing the appearance of acne is the simple fact that it has a very high concentration of citric acid. This acid will drastically dry the skin and reduce the size of various blemishes. The drawbacks would usually effect those that are suffering from already dry skin as well as acne. The overuse of lemon juice can damage the skin and this remedy should be used in moderation.

You can apply a small amount of lemon juice directly to the effected area in order to see results. For those with sensitive skin, you may want to mix the lemon juice with water; 1 part lemon juice, 1 part water.

2. Toothpaste – Toothpaste works the same way that lemon juice does, by drying the skin and therefore the same caution should be taken when using it. It is also important to remember that only the plain, mint toothpaste will work as an acne remedy. The reason being is the active ingredient in that product. All true toothpastes, not gels, contain either menthol, alcohol or both.

By simply applying a small dab of toothpaste to the effected area, you should be able to dry the skin enough to reduce the appearance of your blemishes. It is important to apply the toothpaste sparingly. The product will dry the skin and your goal is to reduce the swelling caused by acne and not to damage the skin. If you try this particular remedy and notice that your skin is becoming overly dry or even irritated, you should discontinue use immediately.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar – High in alpha-hydroxy acids, apple cider vinegar helps to dissolve fatty deposits on the skin, such as oil, produced by oil glands. This specific type of vinegar acts as a cleansing agent, but can also dry the skin. Much like anything else that contains acid.

If you choose to try apple cider vinegar as a natural acne treatment, you will want to dilute it with 50% water. Wash your face, the effected area of the skin, with this solution thoroughly before washing your face with soap and water. Hopefully this will allow the vinegar to do its job and clear the skin of the acid before it does any damage.

Apple cider vinegar has also been known to help those that are looking for a number of other health issues.

4. Baking Soda – Much like the apple cider vinegar, baking soda acts as a natural skin cleanser. A simple mixture of baking soda and water, mixing until the mixture is think yet liquid-like, much like toothpaste, will allow the solution to clear out clogged pores. This is a simple and cheap way to help reduce the appearance of acne.

The best part about using baking soda is that, of all of the remedies listed thus far, it is the most gentle on the skin.

5. Witch Hazel – The main ingredient in witch hazel that makes it so viable when it comes to clearing the skin of acne is tannin acid. Unlike many of the other products that are used to cure acne, because of their high acidic content, tannin acid has been known to be of great help when it comes to killing certain types of bacteria that are known for causing or worsening acne. This is why many people have come to know this particular product as one of the best home remedies for acne around. It’s cheap and effective and is much more gentle on your skin then with remedies like toothpaste and lemon juice.

Although, of all the natural acne treatments, I would recommend witch hazel first, your should know that the overuse of this product can lead to skin irritation and skin dryness. If you notice any harmful reactions when using this product, stop immediately. You should also know that using witch hazel more than once a day can cause dryness and irritation.

As you can clearly see, there are many over the counter and natural remedies for acne that you can easily find in your home. Even if you do not currently own any of the above products, they can easily be found in any supermarket and won’t cost you much money at all.

What Can Happen If Acne Is Not Properly Cared For?

Having acne can be very embarrassing and even uncomfortable, but one of the biggest fears that anyone suffering from this skin condition has are the long term ramifications that can easily occur if the problem is left alone and not properly treated. If you have suffered from acne for a prolonged period of time and are not trying to cure the problem, you can easily develop acne scars, a very permanent and unsightly form of skin scarring.

When a person suffers from long term acne breakouts, especially when these breakouts occur on the same part of the body several times, those individuals are at a very high risk to develop acne scarring. This is even more true when these breakouts occur over and over, not allowing for the skin to properly heal. Because your body is most likely unable to properly heal the effected area, scarred tissue will develop where health skin once was.

When your body is unable to properly exfoliate the skin, it is forced to send several different types of white blood cells to fight the foreign infection. This is what causes the red inflamed bumps on the skin, known as acne, as well as the puss-like discharge that appears when a pimple is “popped”. In order to fight the infection, the white cells are given certain “weapons”, mainly powerful protein dissolving enzymes. These enzymes do an amazing job of clearing the body of infection, although it may also damage other nearby cells, in this case, skin cells. This is how acne scarring occurs in people who suffer from severe and untreated acne.

Various Types Of Acne Scarring

For those of you that are wondering about the various types of acne scarring, they can be broken up into 4 main categories:

1. Ice Pick Scars – This type of scarring can be identified by the deep sharp point that is left behind by the acne lesions.

2. Boxcar Scars – Much like the ice pick scar, the boxcar scar leaves a deep scar, the only difference being that this one has more of a square shape to it.

3. Rolling Scars – A wider, less deep type of scar, rolling acne scars are the most common of all.

4 . Hypertrophic Scars – This type of scarring will usually occur when there are so many acne breakouts in any particular area that the body is forced to attempt to heal the wound more quickly, adding extra layers of skin. In some cases, the protruding lump will lower over time.

The reason why acne scares differ from many other types of scarring is the simple fact that the wound that occurs is deep inside the skin. This causes, for the most part, a depressed scar that is easily distinguishable. What ever type of acne scarring you may develop due to acne breakouts, one thing is for sure, home remedies for acne can greatly help you when it comes to avoiding future disfigurements like these.

What Can Be Done About Acne Scarring?

Although it is best to avoid acne scarring altogether, there are certain steps that can be taken to either completely eliminate the scarring or at least greatly reduce it’s appearance. Below you will find a small list of all of the acne scar treatments that are readily available:

1. Laser Treatment – This particular acne scar treatment uses surgical lasers to destroy the scarred tissue allowing the body to replace it with newer, healthier tissue. This procedure is considered surgical and can be very costly, especially when you consider that this is something that could have been avoided with a few simple home remedies for acne.

2. Chemical Peels – Chemical peels are among the least expensive of all the acne scar treatments. In order for this particular method to work, you will need to apply prescribed chemical peels to the effect areas, or have them applied for you by a dermatologist, several times. The theory behind this treatment is that the chemical peel will burn away the scarred skin making room for new skin to grow in it’s place.

3. Microdermabrasion and Dermabrasion – These treatments are known as skin polishing because they help to even out the skin. Although these procedures will not be able to completely eliminate acne scarring, they can help greatly reduce the appearance of the scars. Many people have had amazing results with this more cost efficient treatment.

The difference between the two procedures is the fact that Dermabrasion is much more intense and will need to be preformed by a medical professional. Depending on the severity of your scarring, you may be able to do a Microdermabrasion treatment from home on your own or at a local spa.

4. Acne Filling (injections) – This particular scar treatment will only work for indented scarring, such as, boxcar, ice pick and rolling. The reason why these scars are indented is the fact that while the body was replacing the damaged skin with new skin, there was a need to replace the dermis quickly, most likely because of constant acne breakouts, and the skin cells were produced much more tightly together. Acne Filling simply injects collegian, a chemical normally found in the skin, under the scarred skin, helping to raise it and make it level with the rest of the skin. This is a very safe and affordable way to reduce the signs of acne scarring.

5. Acne Scars Surgery (Excision) and Subcision – Both of these procedures must be preformed by a licensed dermatologist. Through these methods are preformed in two different ways, the jist of it is that the doctor numbs the effected area and literally cuts away the scarred tissue. If the area is properly cared for, the body should replace the removed scarred tissue with healthy new skin cells.

As you can clearly see, although none of these procedures are what anyone would call easy or pleasant, there is hope for anyone, even those that are already suffering from acne scarring.