5 Unexpected Solutions for Acne

Acne can unexpectedly appear on our faces at any stage of life, from infancy to old age. Though it is more prevalent and severe among teenagers and individuals in their 20s due to elevated hormone levels like testosterone, even babies and older adults can experience acne. Many believe they have moved past it, only to be caught off guard by its occasional return.

Our faces are home to numerous tiny hair follicles. Sweat and an oily substance known as sebum are secreted through these follicles. Sebum is produced by sebaceous glands located within each follicle. As sebum moves upward and exits the follicle, it brings along dead skin cells. The combination of sweat and sebum creates a protective barrier on the skin, preventing bacteria and other harmful agents from entering the body. However, when there is an excess of dead skin cells, overproduction of sebum, or external substances (such as makeup) clogging the follicles, blockages form. Trapped sebum and dead skin cells lead to bacterial growth and inflammation, ultimately causing acne.

While you might already know common acne remedies like regular face washing, using benzoyl peroxide, and reducing stress through exercise, there are five lesser-known treatments — some backed by evidence, others not — that could surprise you.

First on the list: replenishing your body with tissue salts.

5: Cell Salt Therapies

Cell salt therapy originates from the theories of Dr. William H. Scheussler, a 19th-century German physician. After studying the ashes of cremated bodies, Scheussler identified 12 essential mineral compounds, which he termed "tissue salts." He argued that an imbalance in these minerals could lead to illness. To address this, he prescribed pills containing small amounts of the minerals he believed his patients were missing.

What does this have to do with acne? Advocates of cell salt therapy claim that acne stems from a deficiency in calcium sulfate.

Cell salt therapy shares some similarities with homeopathic medicine. Both approaches involve using minute quantities of a substance believed to cure ailments, differing from conventional modern medicine. Additionally, both practices rely heavily on anecdotal evidence, with limited scientific proof supporting their effectiveness.

However, enthusiasts of cell salt therapy firmly believe in its ability to treat acne and other conditions. Given that the calcium sulfate used in treatments is highly diluted, trying it out poses little risk. Afterward, you might find yourself searching through your home for items needed to experiment with our next unconventional acne remedy.

4: Homemade Topical Remedies

Most dermatologists wouldn’t endorse these traditional acne remedies, and opinions on their effectiveness are mixed. With that in mind, you might want to test the following methods and decide for yourself:

Next, take inspiration from science fiction to tackle acne.

3: Lasers

As astonishing as it may seem, laser therapy is a widely used acne treatment. The effects are long-lasting, and often only a single session is needed. Lasers can also effectively reduce most types of scarring, except for very deep scars, such as "ice pick scars."

Various lasers and pulsed light technologies are available, including continuous wave carbon dioxide lasers, diode lasers, and low-intensity blue light. Treatments like blue light therapy are minimally invasive and painless, targeting P. acnes without harming the skin. Diode lasers eliminate overactive sebaceous glands, while high-intensity lasers remove the outer layer of skin.

Laser treatments can stimulate the growth of new collagen and elastin fibers, resulting in skin that looks firmer and more youthful.

Lasers emit energy waves that are absorbed by the water content in the skin. To reduce unintended damage to surrounding skin, pulses are delivered rapidly. By timing the pulses so the second one arrives while the energy from the first is still concentrated in the target area, the heat remains focused where it’s needed.

Although laser treatment is effective, it may not suit everyone. Certain skin types or conditions might make you a less suitable candidate. Additionally, laser therapy can lead to redness or discoloration that lasts for months or even becomes permanent. If you’re considering this option, be aware that it could potentially cause more harm than good.

Next, harness the power of heat to combat acne.

2: Heat

When used alongside pulsed light treatments, heat therapy (administered by a dermatologist) can eliminate acne-causing bacteria and shrink overactive sebaceous glands, which often become clogged by excess oil. Once reduced in size, these glands produce less oil, typically resulting in fewer acne breakouts.

Heat accelerates the bacteria-eliminating effects of pulsed-light therapy by opening pores, warming the follicles, and significantly boosting the chemical reaction triggered by the light treatment on acne-causing bacteria.

Those undergoing heat therapy might notice redness in treated areas, but this is usually temporary and fades on its own. Treatments typically span about a month, with visible results often appearing within two weeks.

Heat-based devices for acne treatment are also available for home use, though they are ineffective once whiteheads have developed. These handheld, battery-powered devices are applied to blemishes for varying durations, depending on the temperature. Treatments can range from a few seconds (for devices exceeding 200°F or 93°C) to several minutes (for those operating around 110°F or 43°C).

While these devices don’t reach temperatures high enough to kill bacteria, they can cause bacteria to shrink and retreat from the treated area. At higher temperatures, heat-stabilized proteins are activated, creating an anti-inflammatory response.

Next: a more mechanical method for skin care.

1: Microdermabrasion

Sometimes, skincare treatments can sound like a construction project, and microdermabrasion is no exception. This procedure aims to "resurface" your face, though it’s far less intense than it might seem.

Unlike dermabrasion, which uses a brush to remove a thick layer of skin, microdermabrasion gently reduces or even erases acne scars by exfoliating the outermost layer of skin cells. A handheld device sprays fine aluminum oxide crystals onto the skin while simultaneously vacuuming them away. Though it sounds intense, the process is quick, painless, and typically takes about 30 minutes.

Microdermabrasion has been proven to encourage new skin growth, so you’re only shedding what will naturally regenerate. After treatment, your skin will feel smoother, and any discoloration caused by acne or natural factors will be less noticeable.

This treatment usually requires multiple sessions, with some individuals needing up to a dozen weekly appointments to achieve desired results (the exact number varies by case). Shallow scars respond better to treatment than deeper ones.

Your skin might appear slightly red after the procedure, but any temporary discoloration typically fades within a day or two without intervention.