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If your teen or teen has acne, you may decide to let the acne run its course. However, the most effective strategy may be to treat acne when it first appears.
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It causes whiteheads or pimples. Acne is more common among teenagers, although it affects people of all ages.
Home remedies for acne
If you're not sure which is the best treatment for teenage acne or teenage acne, a visit to a dermatologist can help.
A dermatologist can check the type of acne on your child's skin and recommend effective products.
This one visit can improve your child's quality of life for many years to come.
Here are scientifically backed reasons why early treatment seems to be your best option.[S]
1. Get faster results from treatment
Acne treatment takes time regardless of whether you're treating mild or severe acne.
However, removing a few pimples takes less time and effort than a combination pimple which can include blackheads, whiteheads and deep-seated acne cysts.[S، S]
2. Apple cider vinegar
The organic acids in apple cider vinegar may help kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce the appearance of scars.
Applying to the skin may cause burns or irritation, so use with caution.
How to use apple cider vinegar to prevent acne:
- Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 3 parts water (use more water for sensitive skin).
- After cleansing, gently apply the mixture to the skin with a cotton ball.
- Leave it on for 5-20 seconds, then rinse with water and pat dry.
- Repeat this process 1-2 times daily as needed.
It is important to note that applying apple cider vinegar to your skin can cause burns and irritation. If you choose to give it a try, use it in small amounts and dilute it with water.
3. Reduce scars
Treating acne early may prevent acne scarring. In general, the more severe the acne, the more likely it is that a scar will appear.
While severe acne is more likely to leave scars, mild acne can scar when picked up.
Treating at the first sign of acne may also prevent a person from developing an acne habit, so they may never have acne scars.
4. Take zinc supplements
People with acne have lower zinc levels than people with fair skin. Several studies suggest that taking zinc orally may reduce acne. [S، S]
5. Stop the appearance of lingering spots when the acne is gone
Anyone with medium to dark skin may see a dark spot that appears when an acne pimple, cyst, or knot goes away.
Dermatologists call this post-inflammatory hyperpigm entation (PIH).
Fair-skinned people may see a red spot where acne was previously. These spots can last for several months. Many consider the presence of these lingering spots to be worse than the acne itself.
6. Honey and Cinnamon Mask
Honey and cinnamon have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It may help reduce acne.[S]
How to make a honey and cinnamon mask to prevent acne:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to form a paste.
- After cleansing, apply the mask to your face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse off the mask completely and dry your face by patting it.
7. Prevent mild acne from becoming severe
Early treatment can prevent some pimples from progressing to blackheads, whiteheads, and deep, painful acne.
8. Treat spots with tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying to the skin may reduce the appearance of acne.[S، S]
How to use tea tree oil to treat acne:
- Mix one part tea tree oil with 9 parts water.
- Dip a cotton swab in the mixture and apply it to the affected areas.
- Apply moisturizer if desired.
- Repeat this process 1-2 times daily as needed.
9. Reduce the likelihood that you will need a stronger acne medication
When acne becomes severe, strong medication is needed. These medications have more potential side effects and require close monitoring by a dermatologist.
10. Use green tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants that help fight bacteria and reduce inflammation. Some research suggests that applying green tea extract to the skin might reduce acne.[S، S]
How to use green tea to treat acne:
- Steep green tea in boiling water for 3-4 minutes.
- Let the tea cool.
- Using a cotton ball, apply the tea to your skin or pour it into a spray bottle to spray it on.
- Leave it to dry, then rinse with water and pat dry your skin.
You can also add the remaining tea leaves to honey and make a mask.
11. Avoid years of acne
Acne can start at an early age.
Dermatologists now see that children between the ages of 7 and 12 have acne. Treating acne early and keeping it under control can prevent future breakouts.
12. Moisturizing the skin with aloe vera
It is called true aloe vera in English (aloe vera).
When applied to the skin, aloe vera gel can help heal wounds, treat burns, and fight infections. [S، S]
It may be beneficial for people who suffer from acne
How to use aloe vera in the treatment of acne:
- Scrape the gel off the aloe vera plant with a spoon.
- Apply the gel directly to clean skin as a moisturizer.
- Repeat 1-2 times a day, or as desired.
You can also buy aloe vera gel at the store, but make sure it is pure aloe vera without any added ingredients.
13. Avoid emotional distress
It can cause more acne than pimples. Studies show that acne can also affect an individual's psyche.
Many say their self-esteem has taken a hit after having acne.
Some acne sufferers withdraw from the people in their lives.
The severity of acne does not seem to matter.
Whether a person has mild or severe acne, acne can have a negative impact on self-esteem and relationships.
One large study found that having acne can lead to depression and thoughts of suicide.
Other studies show that acne treatment can relieve these feelings. Either they suffer from acne.
Treating acne early and keeping it under control can prevent future breakouts
14. Fish Oil Supplements
Fish oils contain two main types of omega-3 fatty acids - EPA and DHA. Taking a fish oil supplement may help reduce acne.[S، S]
15. Make a mixture to peel the grains regularly
Exfoliation is the process of removing the top layer of dead skin cells. It may reduce the appearance of scars and discoloration, but more research needs to be done on its ability to treat acne.[S]
How to make a mixture for peeling acne pimples at home:
- Mix equal parts sugar (or salt) and coconut oil.
- Gently scrub your skin with the mixture and rinse well.
- Exfoliate as often as desired, up to once daily.
16. Low glycemic diet
Eating foods that are high in blood sugar may increase sebum production and contribute to acne breakouts.
More research is needed to determine if a low-glycemic diet can treat or help prevent acne.
17. Cut down on dairy products
Some studies have found a positive relationship between drinking milk and acne. [S، S]
Reducing the consumption of milk and dairy products may help prevent acne breakouts, but more research is needed.
18. Reduce stress
The hormones released during times of stress may make acne worse. Reducing stress may help improve acne. [S]
Ways to reduce stress:
- Get more sleep
- Engaging in physical activity
- practicing yoga
- Meditation
- Take a deep breath
19. Exercise regularly
Exercise affects several factors that may improve acne.
These include promoting healthy blood circulation and helping reduce stress.
When do you visit the doctor?
If self-care treatments don't clear up your acne, see your primary care doctor. He can prescribe stronger medicines.
If your acne persists or is severe, you may want to seek medical treatment from a dermatologist.
For many women, acne can last for decades, with episodes common occurring a week before their period.
This type of acne tends to go away without treatment in women who use contraceptives.
In the elderly, the sudden onset of severe acne may indicate an underlying disease that requires medical attention.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that some common acne preparations, cleansers, and other skin products can cause a dangerous interaction.
This type of reaction is very rare, so don't confuse it with any redness, irritation, or itching that occurs on areas where medications or products have been used.[S]
Seek emergency medical help if, after using a skin product, you experience the following:
- weakness
- breathing difficulties
- swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- tight throat
See: Acne Scars: 4 Symptoms, Causes, 18 Treatments and 4 Ways of Prevent