A home remedy is great in a pinch, or when you need to take care of a problem fast, without prescriptions. Everyone dreads waking up to find a huge pimple or breakout that has sprouted overnight, seemingly always on an important social day. While a home remedy may not have support from the medical community, it can be effective in treating acne fast. Some things may work for others, but not yourself so trial and error is key.
Step 1
Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser in the morning and at night. The only other time that you should wash your face is after heavy perspiration, as it can worsen acne. Apply the cleanser with your fingers rather than a washcloth, as this reduces skin irritation. Scrubbing just irritates the skin, which can actually worsen acne. Rinse the cleanser off with lukewarm--not hot--water.
Step 2
Use oil-free, noncomedogenic makeup and skin care products, which means that they do not clog your pores. Apply the makeup after applying any skin medication you may use as your daily skin care regimen. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using noncomedogenic moisturizer, as it helps calm irritated, acne-prone skin.
Step 3
Take supplements of dandelion root, burdock root, red clover or milk thistle seed to help cleanse the blood and strengthen the liver and kidneys. Due to the purification properties, these supplements help with detoxification and excretion. These supplements are generally available at health food stores and in pharmacies.
Step 4
Try using 5 percent tea tree oil, which the Mayo Clinic states that some studies suggest it is as effective as lotions containing 5 percent benzoyl peroxide. Experts at the Mayo Clinic also state, however, that it could work more slowly. Tea tree oil should not be used if you suffer from acne rosacea, as it can worsen symptoms.
Step 5
Take zinc supplements. Zinc is related to wound healing and it reduces inflammation. You can also add zinc to lotions or creams to apply to acne breakouts. Take the zinc with food to avoid or lessen the side effects of bad aftertaste and nausea.
Step 6
Apply glycolic acid--a natural acid that is found in sugar cane--to your skin. Glycolic acid helps unclog pores and remove dead skin cells. Glycolic acid can also be used to treat acne scarring. Side effects can include redness, mild stinging and skin irritation.
Things You'll Need
- Cleanser
- Noncomedogenic makeup
- Dandelion root
- Burdock root
- Red clover
- Milk thistle seed
- Tea tree oil
- Zinc supplements
- Glycolic acid
References
- Mayo Clinic: Natural acne treatment
- Skin Care Physicians
- The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, 2nd Edition Vol. 1, A-C; Jacqueline L. Longe, Project Editor; 2005
Member Comments