Home Remedies for Pimples: Self Care to Get Rid of Acne Scars

Acne or pimples are often associated with teenagers; however it can occur at any age. Empirical evidence suggests that over 8% of individuals who had clear skin in their youth can develop acne as adults. Acne and pimple marks of the skin can be fairly distressing and often associated with emotional and psychological stress. Fortunately, there are variety of home remedies, supplements, alternative medicinal therapies and measures to control acne outbreaks.

What are Acne? Acne Causes

Acne and Pimples may result in unsightly
appearance and permanant skin scars

Acne are characterized by raised red blemishes, whiteheads or blackheads which affect the face, back, chest, neck, shoulders and other areas of the body. In severe cases acne can be painful, firm, fluid filled cysts which lead to unsightly pitting and acne scarring which are often permanent.

Among the several causes of acne, some of the leading acne causes include,

• Hormonal imbalance, often observed during adolescence, especially among males and menstrual periods or pregnancies among females is one of the leading acne causes
• Emotional stress is also considered as an important cause for developing acne
• Certain medications like steroids, contraceptive drugs or hormonal replacement therapy, etc have been identified as acne causes
• Often acne can be aggravated by food allergies among some individuals.
• Heredity is also considered to contribute to the appearance of acne.

Home Remedy for Acne: Pimple Remedies for Self Care

Here are some simple homebased treatment options for the management of pimples and acne on the skin. These simple home remedies are more effective when used in conjunction with acne diet to ensure a sustained cure,

Tea Tree Oil is considered
very valuable in Acne Treatment

1. Local application of essential tea tree oil is considered as an effective home remedy for acne. As per a recent study conducted in Australia, a 5% solution of tea tree oil is highly effective whilst being gentler than 5% benzoyl peroxide (often used for drying up acne), in cases of mild acne blemishes. Further higher dosage of up to 15% of tropical tea tree oil can be useful in the management of severe forms of acne.
2. In another study conducted in the United States, it was observed that patients with acne who received 30 mg of zinc each day for two months had clearer skin compared to the control group. Zinc therapy however needs to be used with caution.
3. Regular consumption of flax seeds which are rich in zinc and also contain essential fatty acids is very beneficial. EFAs dilute the sebum and prevent the pores from clogging and play a vital role in controlling pimples and acne.  
4. Regular exfoliation of the skin can help remove dead skin and prevent clogging of the pores, thereby reducing the risk of acne. However exfoliation of the skin should be avoided during an acute episode of pimples and acne, as it can aggravate the condition.

Supplement & Self Care for Acne: Natural Treatment for Skin Pimples

Evidence has been suggestive of the role of vital nutrients in regulating acne. Here are a few supplements that have been found to be effective against acne,  

• Vitamin A is considered to play a crucial role in treatment of acne as it regulates the production of sebum which is considered to be the primary cause of acne. Vitamin A is the most essential supplement for acne. Increase intake of foods like carrots, bell pepper, papaya, tomatos, etc.
• Vitamin B6 on the other hand, has been found to play a crucial role in balancing the levels of acne related hormones which in turn can prevent aggravation of acne during menstrual cycles or menopause.
• Vitamin C is known to boost immunity levels and plays a crucial role in keeping a check on acne causing bacteria, while zinc reduces inflammation.

Self Care Treatment for Acne : Managing Pimple Scars Naturally

Thoughy Self care is considered beneficial in improving the occurance of acne on the skin, there are certain precautionary considerations that need to be borne in mind,

1.  If acne doesn’t respond to home based treatment within three months, seek medical advice. There are several factors that may contribute to formation of acne which need to be critically reviewed by a trained medical professional.
2. Prolonged use of zinc therapy can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb copper which in turn can result in anemia. 2mg copper supplement is recommended if zinc therapy is continued for more than a month
3. Synthetic supplements of Vitamin A should be avoided during pregnancy as isotretinoin (a derivative of Vitamin A) is associated with birth defects. Alternatively increase the intake of natural sources of vitamin a.

Acne Diet to Get Rid of Pimples: Supplements to Manage Acne Cysts Naturally

Acne or Pimples is the most common skin disorder, which can be treated promptly with an appropriate diet. As per a study conducted in Australia's Melbourne University Hospital, a solid correlation between diet and pimples or acne has been established. The study was conducted over a period of two years and it was found that diet affects insulin and glucose metabolism which in turn has a significant impact on the eruption of acne on the skin. The study reiterates the role of diet in effective treatment and management of acne, pimples and other skin conditions.

 

What are Pimples?: Skin Pimples and Acne

The skin comprises of sebaceous glands which produce sebum, which is the natural oil meant to keep the skin moist and healthy. However, in certain individuals, these sebaceous glands either get obstructed, infected or produce too much sebum which in turn results in the formation of acne and pimples on the skin. Based on the severity of the condition and the manifestation of clinical symptoms, acne can be categorized into blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, nodules (i.e. tender collections of pus that discharge to the surface of the skin), and cysts (i.e. deep nodules that fail to discharge their contents to the surface).

Acne Vulgaris can be treated with
a Healthy Diet

 

Pimples or acne are lesions occur predominantly on the face, and to a lesser extent on the shoulders, chest and back. These areas are more prone to the disorder, because they have lots of sebaceous glands that produce sebum.

What Causes Acne & Pimples? Acne Vulugaris and Pimple Scars

Though the actual cause for acne is the obstruction or infection of the sebaceous glands, there are a host of factors that may contribute towards the formation of acne vulgaris and acne scars on the skin, 

• Puberty is the commonest reason for a flare up. Acne occurs predominantly due to increased levels of the testosterone hormone, in both sexes, at puberty. Testosterone causes the sebaceous glands to enlarge and secrete larger quantities of sebum.
• Recently diet has been considered to contribute towards formation of acne. As per the study conducted in Australia, foods that are high in glycemic index tend to result in fluctuation in the levels of insulin, which in associated with an acne flare up.
• Increased production of keratin may also increase the risk of blockage of pores, which in turn may result in bacterial growth and formation of acne vulgaris

Based on the nature and severity of the condition, acne or pimples can be classified into two categories,

•  Acne Vulgaris: This is the superficial form of the skin disorder, and is manifested as blackheads, whiteheads and inflammation.
• Acne Conglobata: This is a deep form of the disorder, which causes cyst formation and extensive scarring.

Acne Diet: Getting Rid of Pimple Scars

 

Here are some simple dietary suggestions that can help in the management of acne and pimple and also help in treatment of the most severe forms of pimple scars on the skin,  

• Refined carbohydrates such as white flour and white sugar need to be eliminated entirely from the diet. Also avoid foods that are rich in Trans fats, which include margarine, cookies, biscuits, cakes.
• Fried and greasy foods should not be consumed at all. These foods hamper the normal metabolism in the body and increase the risk of pimple and acne scars.
• The consumption of milk and its products should be kept to a minimum. Recent studies have however shown that skimmed milk is associated with higher risk of acne flare up compared to whole milk.
• Step up the intake of water to 3 - 3 and a ½ liters per day. In addition, take lots of soups, coconut water, lime water, and fresh juices. Water helps to flush the entire system and throw out the toxins, and free from pimples and acne. A lemon detox diet is considered beneficial in the management of acne and pimples.



Legumes are considered to
be beneficial for Pimple Scars

• A diet high in proteins with moderate level of carbohydrates is considered to decrease the production of sebum and thereby reduces the risk of acne or pimples. Foods like legumes, whole grains, pasta, brown rice, oatmeal, etc are high in proteins and low in carbohydrates.
• Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet which is loaded with antioxidants and other vital nutrients and vitamins essential for a healthy skin.

Managing Acne Cysts Naturally: Supplements to Treat Pimples Naturally

 

There are certain supplements and nutrients that are considered beneficial in reducing the occurrence of acne and prevent pimple scars on the skin,

• Zinc is a vitally important nutrient in the management of acne. A deficiency of zinc is associated with an increased effect of the testosterone hormone. A raised level of testosterone, increases sebum production which causes a flare up. Ensure that your diet has a healthy supplementation of zinc rich foods. Almonds, pistachios, cashew nuts, legumes, and whole grains are excellent sources of the mineral. Have a fistful of nuts daily, and make sure your meals comprise of whole grains (nor refined and denatured grains) and legumes.
• Another wonder nutrient for acne treatment is vitamin E. Vitamin E is a potent anti-oxidant, and speeds up the healing process. It prevents damage due to free radicals by inhibiting lipid peroxide formation. Step up your intake of almonds and flax seeds. These 2 foods are enriched with the vitamin. Vitamin E supplements are also advocated, in subjects who have a severe deficiency. They should gradually move on to consuming foods which are rich in the vitamin, for natural foods are preferred to artificial supplements.