Blemished skin, blackheads and pimples are as normal as they are distressing: those affected are often ashamed of the skin condition for which they can do nothing. Are you finally ready to fight annoying, ugly acne? If so, no problem! You do not even have to spend money on expensive beauty products: Using affordable home remedies, you can fight pimples with ease. What’s best: you probably already have them at home!
Acne or pimples: is there a difference?
The term acne is used from the first pimple and not, as many believe, just when a young person has many pimples and blackheads. Approximately 95% of adolescents suffer from this skin disease, most of which appears for the first time during (pre-)puberty. The acne is differentiated according to its severity. Acne is referred to as physiological acne, also known as mild acne, when the person affected has to deal with only a few pimples and blackheads.
Acne of this type usually disappears after one to two years and it can be easily treated with over-the-counter or home remedies. Approximately 60 % of adolescents are affected. However, the remaining 40 % suffer from clinical acne, which has a chronic and more pronounced course: pimples, pustules and blackheads increase and appear over a longer period of time.
How do pimples develop?
There are various causes of pimples. The most frequent cause of blemished skin is when sebaceous gland overactivity (seborrhea) and a cornification disorder at the sebaceous gland duct (hyperkeratosis) come together.
The sebaceous glands in our skin produce oil and secrete it. It covers the skin and thus protects it from drying out. During puberty, sebum production is increased due to changes in hormonal balance, preventing the fat from draining away and causing excess sebum to clog the pores. Simultaneously, more corneal material is produced in the sebaceous gland duct, which causes additional blockages.
Blackheads (comedones) develop as a result of the sebaceous congestion. When open, these show up as black dots on the surface of the skin. This is why they are nicknamed Black Heads. Enclosed blackheads are called white heads and are surrounded by inflammation. In these cases, the sebaceous gland excretory duct is constricted and clogged, causing increased accumulation of skin oil. Unless the inflammation is relieved, pustules (pustules) and papules (nodules) develop from the comedones.
The right skin care to prevent acne
Having the right skin care routine is important for acne. The majority of experts advise mild skin cleansing with products containing salicylic acid. What this substance does is penetrate deep into the skin and can remove keratinization, sebum and skin flakes.
As a result, the excess sebum produced can flow off more easily and pimples do not appear in the first place. Creams, makeup and sunscreens have to be free of grease so that the pores are not clogged. Using water-based products or light oils will help with skin care.
Can pimples be prevented?
Naturally, you can’t stop sebaceous glands from producing (too much) sebum and clogging them. However, the fact is: you can prevent pimples with the right lifestyle and a few simple tricks.
- Touch your face as less as possible: Dirt on the hands creates additional clogging of the pores, while bacteria can cause inflammation.
- Dirt also gets on the skin via makeup brushes that have not been thoroughly cleaned. Making sure these are kept clean helps prevent pimples.
- Maintaining a healthy diet supplies the body with important vitamins, all of which also support skin health.
- Drinking plenty of water hydrates the skin. As a result, it is optimally protected.
- Sugar feeds inflammation and therefore also promotes blemished skin. Sweet drinks such as cola & co. increase the blood sugar level, which in turn stimulates the sebaceous glands.
- Smoking – including shisha smoke – is harmful to the skin, among other things because it narrows the blood vessels. Poor blood circulation brings pimples with it.
- Shaving triggers pimples: using a dull blade when shaving can often lead to pimples. First, this is because the skin becomes irritated, and second, because dull blades often cause hairs to remain and then grow into the skin. So always use fresh blades when shaving.
When should I see a doctor about acne?
This is a question that young people frequently ask themselves: Do I really need a doctor for acne? The answer is yes and no. Naturally, anyone can treat their blemished skin with the right tips, tricks and home remedies. Most people quickly figure out what their skin needs and how to fight pimples.
But in any case, the advice of an expert will not harm. Particularly if the acne is chronic and intensified. A dermatologist will give individual advice and in stubborn acne cases can prescribe medications that will help the skin.
Powerful Home Remedies to Get Rid of Acne
As we said earlier, there are many secret weapons that help against acne and promote beautiful skin – from the correct care and diet to effective home remedies against pimples. Here we provide an overview!
Echinacea
Traditionally, Echinacea has been used to accelerate wound healing and prevent colds and flu, and its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are equally effective against acne. Try using an infusion of echinacea to wash your face by soaking a cloth or pouring a few drops on a cotton ball and dabbing on blemishes.
Honey
Honey’s antibiotic properties can help relieve acne. Simply apply 1 teaspoon of honey to the affected areas or make a mask by mixing 1/2 cup of honey with 1 cup of regular oatmeal; wear for 30 minutes from time to time.
Aspirin
The Acetylsalicylic acid in aspirin is an excellent acne treatment aid, which dries up pimples and reduces inflammation. To get these benefits, crush aspirin tablets into a paste with a little water or mix four tablets with 2 tablespoons of water.
Witch Hazel
This natural astringent dries and reduces skin blemishes. In order to take advantage of its benefits, pour witch hazel on a cotton ball and apply it to your face in the morning and evening.
Melaleuca oil
Acne is a very common skin problem caused by inflammation of the pilosebaceous follicles. Due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties, a 5% solution of melaleuca oil (or tea tree oil) is much less irritating than a 5% solution of benzoyl peroxide and is equally effective against acne, although it works a little slower.
Combine a few drops of melaleuca oil with 20 to 40 drops of witch hazel, and then use a cotton swab to apply it. Do not apply this remedy more than twice a day; more frequent application may dry out your skin and make your acne worse.
Mint
The use of mint can remove oil that clogs pores, and therefore can be an effective home remedy to help you fight acne. In order to prevent the appearance of acne, combine 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh mint with 2 tablespoons each of plain yogurt and oatmeal with a blender to pulverize the oatmeal. Let the mixture sit on your face for 10 minutes, then rinse with water.
Green tea
The antimicrobial and antioxidant principles in green tea are acne-fighting. To take advantage of these effects, use a cup of cooled green tea as a facial cleanser or rub the wet bag onto the affected area on your face.
Aloe Vera
Well known for soothing burns, aloe vera promotes healing, fights infection and even reduces scarring. Scoop the gel from the aloe with a spoon and rub it into the acne area. Alternatively, you can buy aloe vera gel at drugstores or health food stores, just make sure it’s pure aloe vera, with no additives.
Lemon
Lemon has an exfoliating, brightening and disinfecting effect and helps reduce the appearance of scars and prevent the formation of new blackheads. On a clean face, use a cotton ball or cotton swab moistened with lemon juice to dab acne-prone skin, and then rinse with cool water.
Chamomile
Over time, chamomile will reduce the inflammation caused by acne. Combine the contents of one chamomile tea bag with just enough water in a blender or coffee grinder to make a paste to apply to the acne area. Alternatively, add two tea bags to 1 cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. Allow to cool, and then use a cotton ball to dab your face after cleansing.
Cider Vinegar
Cider vinegar has malic and lactic acids that exfoliate, diminish redness and treat acne. To make a cleansing lotion, combine equal parts water and cider vinegar and apply to the skin with a cotton ball, ensuring that you shake this home remedy well before each use.
