Acne is a common skin disease that affects about 85% of people at some point in their life. More often than not, they get super annoying to whoever gets to experience them despite your skin type or your age. I don’t know why but they also tend to pop up on those days where you are set to put your best foot forward and now you have to put tons of concealer to try and hide it. How rude huh!

Acne treatments such as salicylic acid, niacinamide, or benzol peroxide are some of the most common and effective acne solutions but are rather quite expensive and have proven to have side effects such as dryness, redness, and irritation. But the good news is, some homemade acne treatments from foods such as honey, cucumbers, and grapes may help complement professional treatment from a dermatologist

I know you are tired of seeing that big red pimple on your face so let’s get rid of it;

1. Use tea tree oil

Tea tree oil helps fight bacteria and reduce skin inflammation. It also results in fewer adverse effects such as dryness, irritation, and burning. Therefore, take some cotton ball, dip it in your tea tree oil and apply it directly on your pimple at least twice a day. Something to note though is that tea tree oil is very potent and causes dryness or irritation therefore be sure to dilute it with some carrier oil and do a test patch on your skin.

2. Try a honey and cinnamon mask

Honey and cinnamon have antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, they may help acne-prone skin when used regularly. To make a honey and cinnamon mask;

• Mix 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to form a paste.
• Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
• Rinse your face with cold water

Do this at least twice a week for better results.

3. Apply green tea

Despite its health benefits, green tea is also helpful when applied directly to the skin. It contains flavonoids and tannins which help reduce inflammation and fight bacteria that may cause bacteria. As much as you could buy skincare products containing green tea in the market, you could also make one at home. Here’s how;

• Boil some green tea in water for about 3-4 minutes
• Allow cooling then use a cotton ball to apply it to your face
•  Leave it for about 10 minutes then rinse with cold water

Apply this at least twice a day until you achieve the desired results.

4. Apply aloe vera gel

Aloe vera has benefits such as fighting bacteria, reducing inflammation, and promoting wound healing. It may help clear acne on its own but it works best when mixed with other remedies or medication as it increases the anti-acne effects of other remedies. Before you purchase any aloe vera gel online make sure it’s pure and does not contain any added ingredients. You could also use aloe vera leaves and scrape the gel out with a spoon then apply it on your skin together with other acne products as a moisturizer.

5. Reduce stress

Recent studies have been able to link stress to an increase in acne severity. This is because the hormones released during stress might increase the production of sebum which worsens acne. Stress may also affect gut bacteria which causes inflammation and could lead to acne. Therefore, if you want that smooth glowing skin you will have to check out some relaxation techniques such as getting more sleep, yoga, and meditation that will help you reduce your stress levels.

6. Use fish oil supplement

Fish oils contain omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA helps manage oil production, prevent pimples and help maintain skin hydration. DHA helps reduce inflammation, therefore, helps reduce the risk of pimples. You can also get the omega-3 fatty acids by eating chia seeds, salmon, walnuts, sardines, and flaxseeds.

7. Use apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains organic acids such as citric acid that help kill acne-causing bacteria and fungi. It also contains succinic acid that helps reduce inflammation which will also help reduce the appearance of scars. Something to note is that apple cider vinegar also causes burning and irritation therefore, use small amounts of it and dilute with water before application.

8. Limit dairy intake

Research has shown that people who frequently take dairy products such as milk tend to have more pimples. Milk causes hormonal changes that may lead to or affect acne. Therefore, limiting milk and dairy consumption may help prevent acne.

9. Use witch hazel

Frequent application of witch hazel to the skin has helped reduce inflammation and fight bacteria. It also reduces skin irritation which contributes to acne. It is therefore a good remedy for acne.

10. Exfoliate regularly

You can do this chemically or mechanically with a brush or a facial scrub to remove dead cells. This helps reduce acne by removing cells that clog the pores. It also makes treatments more effective as it removes the topmost layer of the skin hence allowing the treatment to penetrate deep into the skin. You could also make scrubs at home using sugar and salt though be sure to scrub gently since mechanical exfoliation could damage your skin.