Dr. Priyanka Reddy, Dermatologist, Technologist and Founder of DNA skin clinic shares treatment of Acne at home with natural products.
Acne is one of those things that can become the bane of your existence for many years if not treated on time. Acne can be genetic or it can be triggered by a variety of external causes — diet, hormonal changes, infections, seasonal variations and stress.
Acne happens when your pores get clogged with oil and dead skin. If your sebaceous gland produces extra sebum, your pores get plugged, and this environment is very conducive for bacterial growth which produces pus associated with acne.
Unless you have a very mild case of acne, you will need to visit the dermatologist and get proper medical treatment.
Having said that, medical treatment of acne can be complemented by home remedies which help reduce the inflammation and itching. Here are the top 5 home remedies for acne:
Aloe vera gel
Aloe vera has incredible cooling properties which can counteract the effects of itchiness and redness that come from acne. Many times, medical treatment can also cause skin inflammation so regular use of aloe vera gel can really help soothe the skin.
Sugar and oats
Acne also happens when your facial pores get clogged by dead skin. Which is why regular removal of dead skin is a must. A face pack made with oatmeal and sugar, applied once or twice a week, can really help you clear out the dead skin. At the same time, this combination also provides the face with much-needed hydration, without blocking the pores.
Neem leaves
Neem has as many as 130 bio-active compounds that clear toxins and improve blood circulation, which is great for acne. Make a paste of neem leaves with some rose water and apply it as a mask to your face. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then wash it off with cold water. If you’re more adventurous and don’t mind the bitter flavour, you can even boil neem leaves and drink the strained water. Consuming neem leaves on empty stomach also helps in purifying your system.
Sandalwood paste
Sandalwood (or Chandan) has incredible antiseptic properties and is also a coolant, which makes it an effective ally in reducing acne. The key is to mix the sandalwood with other active ingredients and create a strong paste. For instance, you can mix 1 tablespoon of sandalwood powder with a pinch of turmeric and aloe vera. You can also make a paste with 1 tablespoon sandalwood powder, and a little lime juice. Keep it on for around 15-20 minutes, rinse off and pat dry.
These are some of the top home remedies that can help you treat mild acne or complement your medical treatment. What’s important to remember with acne is that timing is crucial. If not treated at the right time, acne can leave you with pigmentation and scars. So if the problem is getting severe, do seek an appointment with a dermatologist and make sure you get professional help in time.