How to Quickly and Naturally Treat Acne

Dealing with acne? You're not alone! Acne is a skin condition that occurs when pores become clogged with oil or dead skin cells. It typically appears on the face, chest, shoulders, and neck. Several factors contribute to acne, including genetics, hormones, and excess oil production. Here are some natural ways to eliminate acne quickly, including proper skincare, dietary changes, and herbal remedies.

Identify your type of acne. There are various treatments based on the type of acne you have. Most acne cases are relatively mild; however, in severe cases, acne can develop into deep pimples or pustules, which become red, swollen, and can cause scarring. If you experience this type of acne, it is important to consult a dermatologist immediately. Common types of acne include:

• Whiteheads (closed comedones): Caused by dirt and oil trapped in pores beneath the skin, forming hard, white lumps.
• Blackheads (open comedones): Pores that have expanded, allowing dirt and oil to accumulate and cause acne. The black color is caused by the oxidation of melanin when exposed to air.
• Pustules: Acne that has become inflamed due to oil and dirt blocked under the skin, leading to swelling, redness, irritation, and often pus formation. Pus is a thick, yellowish fluid made up of leukocytes (white blood cells) and bacteria, and it typically appears in infected tissues.
• nodules: A form of pustules with larger, firm lumps, where the pimple is deep under the skin.
• Cystic acne: A painful form of acne filled with pus, where the pimples are deeply embedded in the skin, often leaving scars.

Quit smoking. Smokers are more prone to a specific type of acne caused by smoking, as it weakens the immune system and the body’s ability to heal itself, resulting in slower acne recovery. Smokers are four times more likely to develop acne compared to non-smokers, especially women aged 25-50. Additionally, cigarette smoke can irritate those with sensitive skin.

• Smoking also causes premature aging and wrinkles due to the free radicals generated by tobacco, which disrupt collagen production and deteriorate skin proteins.

Avoid touching your face. The bacteria and dirt on your hands can enter your pores, worsening your acne. If acne irritates your skin, use a mild, oil-free cleanser to remove dirt and soothe your skin.

• Picking or popping pimples increases the risk of scarring. Popping pustules can also spread the bacteria inside the acne.

Use the right facial cleanser. Choose a cleanser that doesn't foam (without sodium laureth sulfate). Sodium laureth sulfate is a detergent and foaming agent that can cause irritation. Many natural skin cleansers are now available at pharmacies, free of harsh chemicals.

• Harsh soap and vigorous scrubbing can irritate your face, worsening acne.

Wash your face regularly. Use your fingertips to cleanse the acne-prone areas once in the morning and once at night. Be sure to rinse with warm water afterward. Limit washing to twice a day and after sweating.

• Sweat can irritate your skin, so if possible, wash your acne-prone areas immediately after sweating.

Use skincare products correctly. Use moisturizers when your skin feels dry and itchy. Only apply pore-tightening products when your skin produces too much oil, and apply them only to the oily areas. If you want to use exfoliating products, consult a dermatologist to find out which ones are most suitable for your skin type.

• For non-infected acne, such as blackheads and whiteheads, you can use mild exfoliating chemicals to treat them. Exfoliating products should be used once or twice a week for dry and sensitive skin, but can be used daily for oily skin.

Healthy Eating Plan. Avoid consuming hormone-laden meats or substances that may disrupt your hormonal balance—one of the main acne triggers. Instead, eat plenty of fiber and fresh fruits and vegetables. Foods rich in vitamins A, C, E, and zinc can help soothe acne as these nutrients have anti-inflammatory properties. Here is a list of foods abundant in these vitamins:

• Red bell peppers
• Kale
• Spinach
• Amaranth greens
• Turnip greens
• Sweet potatoes (or yam)
• Pumpkin
• Squash
• Mango
• Grapes
• Watermelon

Supplement with Zinc. Research has shown that taking zinc supplements can help heal acne. Zinc is an essential trace mineral with antioxidant properties, protecting cells from damage caused by bacteria and viruses. The body normally contains only small amounts of zinc, but with a healthy diet and supplementation, you can meet your zinc needs. Zinc can be found in foods such as:

• Oysters, shrimp, crab, and shellfish
• Red meats
• Poultry
• Cheese
• Legumes
• Sunflower seeds
• Pumpkin seeds
• Tofu
• Miso
• Mushrooms
• Cooked leafy greens
• Highly absorbable zinc forms: zinc picolinate, zinc citrate, zinc acetate, zinc glycerate, and zinc monomethionine. If zinc sulfate irritates your stomach, try other forms like zinc citrate.

Increase Vitamin A Intake. Studies suggest that severe acne may indicate a vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A is an anti-inflammatory nutrient that helps balance hormones and regulate oil production. There are many ways to supplement vitamin A, such as eating healthy foods and avoiding harmful fats like margarine, hydrogenated oils, and processed foods.

• Vitamin A is found in carrots, leafy greens, and orange- and yellow-colored fruits. If you take vitamin A supplements, the recommended daily dose ranges from 10,000 to 25,000 IU (international units). High doses of vitamin A may cause toxic side effects, such as reduced fertility, so be mindful of your intake.

Supplement with Vitamin C. Vitamin C accelerates the healing process by aiding the body in producing collagen, a vital protein that helps repair skin, cartilage, blood vessels, and wounds. You can take 2 or 3 vitamin C pills to total 500 mg daily. Additionally, you can include vitamin C-rich foods in your daily diet. Here are some foods rich in vitamin C:

• Red or green bell peppers
• Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, grapes, lemons, etc.
• Spinach, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts
• Strawberries and raspberries
• Tomatoes

Drink Green Tea. While green tea doesn't directly affect acne, it contains many antioxidants that help prevent aging and protect your skin. Green tea makes your skin appear youthful and smooth. To prepare green tea: steep 2-3 grams of green tea leaves in a cup of warm water (80-85°C) for 3–5 minutes. You can drink green tea two or three times a day.

• Green tea also has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing the risk of cancer. Some studies have shown that green tea is particularly effective in protecting skin from harmful UV rays.

Tea Tree Oil. Tea tree oil is commonly used to treat conditions like acne, wounds, ulcers, and skin lesions. For acne treatment, always dilute tea tree oil to a concentration of 5-15%. Apply a few drops of diluted tea tree oil on a cotton ball and gently dab it onto the pimples.

• Do not ingest tea tree oil, and avoid leaving it exposed to air for long periods, as oxidized tea tree oil can increase the risk of allergic reactions.

Use Jojoba Oil. Apply 5-6 drops of jojoba oil onto a cotton ball and gently dab it on acne. Jojoba oil is extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant and closely resembles the natural oils produced by human skin, yet it does not clog pores or cause excess oil production.

• Jojoba oil helps moisturize the skin. While it is generally non-irritating, you should consult a dermatologist before use if you have sensitive skin.

Cypress Essential Oil. Cypress essential oil is an antiseptic with a tightening effect. It can be used both as a facial cleanser and a moisturizer to eliminate pore-blocking factors, treat acne, dermatitis, and eczema. Apply 1-2 drops of oil onto a cotton ball and gently apply to your face after cleansing.

• Avoid overusing cypress essential oil as it can cause skin irritation and harm your skin.

Use Aloe Vera Gel. Aloe vera is a succulent plant known for its potent antibacterial properties, which can effectively eliminate acne and reduce inflammation by preventing bacteria from lingering in damaged acne spots and speeding up the healing process. Aloe vera gel is widely available at most pharmacies. Apply aloe vera gel daily.

• Aloe vera may cause allergic reactions for some individuals. If you experience a rash, stop using it immediately and visit a dermatologist.

Use Sea Salt. Choose sea salt creams or products containing less than 1% sodium chloride. Apply the product to acne six times a day, with five-minute intervals between each application. Studies show that sea salt has anti-inflammatory properties, prevents aging, and protects the skin from harmful UV rays. You can also apply a sea salt mask to reduce stress. Sea salt and related products are available at many pharmacies.

• Sea salt is safe for mild to moderate acne. If you have dry or sensitive skin, or if your acne is severe, sea salt may cause irritation and dry the skin. Consult with a dermatologist before using any sea salt treatments.

Optical Therapy. Laser therapy and other optical acne treatments have gained popularity in recent years. These therapies are highly effective for treating damaged acne lesions, infected acne, pustules, and severe cystic acne.

• Studies have shown positive results from this method in many patients. Be sure to consult with your dermatologist to find the most suitable solution for your case.

Hormonal Therapy. Elevated levels of androgen (a type of hormone), especially in women, can cause the sebaceous glands to overproduce oil, leading to acne. This oil contains fatty acids that create a favorable environment for acne-causing bacteria. Puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and changes in medication can all lead to hormonal fluctuations.

• To determine whether hormones are the cause of your acne, consult with a dermatologist.

Consult with an Expert. A dermatologist can assess your skin condition and recommend treatments tailored to your needs. For blackheads and whiteheads, extraction methods may be used, while damaged acne can be treated with cryotherapy or steroid injections into the pimples. Digital dermabrasion is a surgical technique used to remove raised scars and reduce deep scars by eliminating layers of dead skin cells. Additional advanced treatments might be needed depending on the size of the scars.

• If your acne situation is troubling and you've tried everything with no success, seek professional help.