A pimple is like a little bag under the skin that contains oil, bacteria and inflammation. Squeezing it can result in these contents being pushed into surrounding skin, making the problem worse. It can also lead to infection and temporary darkening of the skin in that area. Pimple is the main cause of acne and the big thing is that they are not paying rent and even they are not leaving our face.
Pimples causes acne.
What are the risk factors for developing acne ?
- Age. People of all ages can get acne, but it's most common in teenagers.
- Hormonal changes. Such changes are common during Puberty and Pregnancy.
- Family history. Genetics plays a great role in acne.
- Greasy and oily substances. You may develop acne where your skin comes into contact with oil or oily lotion and creams.
- Stress. Stress can't directly cause acne. However, studies have shown that if u already have acne, stress does make it worse. Researchers have found that wounds, including acne, are much slower in healing when a person is under stress
How is acne diagnosed?
How is acne treated?
At-home care
2. Take a zinc supplement
Several studies have also shown that taking zinc orally may help reduce acne.
Zinc oxide contains the highest amount of zinc at 80%.
The recommended safe upper limit of zinc is 40 mg per day, so it's probably best to not exceed that amount unless you're under the supervision of a medical doctor.
Taking too muck zinc may cause adverse effects, including stomach pain and gut irritation.
It's also important to note that applying zinc to the skin has not been shown to be effective. This may be because zinc is not effectively absorbed through the skin.
3. Make a honey and cinnamon mask
Honey and cinnamon have the ability to fight bacteria and reduce inflammation, which are two factors that trigger acne.
A 2017 study found that the combination of honey and cinnamon bark extract exerted antibacterial effects against acnes.
Other research has indicated that honey on its own can block the growth of acne or kill acnes.
Although, this finding doesn't necessarily mean that honey effectively treats acne.
A study in 136 people with acne found that applying honey to the skin using antibacterial soap was no more effective at treating acne than using the soap on its own.
While the anti- inflammantory and antibacterial properties of honey and cinnamon may reduce acne, more research is needed.
How to make a honey and cinnamon mask
- Mix 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon to form a paste.
- After cleansing, apply the mask to your face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse the mask off completely and pat your face dry.
4. Spot treat with tea tree oil
What's more, several studies have found that applying tea tree oil to the skin may reduce acne.
Another small study found that, compared with benzoyl peroxide, participants using a tea tree oil ointment for acne experienced less dry skin and irritation. they also felt more satisfied with the treatment.
Given that topical and oral antibiotics can cause bacterial resistance if used long term for acne, tea tree oil may be an effective substitute.
Tea tree oil is very potent, so always dilute it before applying it to your skin.
How to use it
- Mix 1 part tea tree oil with 9 parts water.
- Dip a cotton swap into the mixture and apply it to the affected areas.
- Apply moisturizer if desired.
- Repeat this process 1-2 times per day, as needed.
5. Apply green tea to your skin
How to use it
- Steep green tea in boiling water for 3-4 minutes.
- Allow the tea to cool.
- Using a cotton ball, apply the tea to your skin or pour it into a spray bottle to spritz it on.
- Allow it to dry, then rinse it off with water and pat your skin dry.
6. Moisturize with aloe vera
Aloe vera is a tropical plant whose leaves produce a clear gel.The gel is often added to lotions, creams, ointments, and soaps.
Aloe vera contains salicylic acid and sulfur, which are both used extensively in the treatment of acne. Research has found that applying salicylic acid to the skin reduces acne.
several studies have also indicated that aloe vera gel, when combined with other substances like tretinoin cream or tea tree oil, may improve acne.
How to use it
- Scrape the gel from the aloe vera plant out with a spoon.
- Apply the gel directly to clean skin as a moisturizer.
- Repeat 1-2 times per day, or as desired.
7. Take a fish oil supplement
You must gets these fats from your diet, but research shows that most people who eat a standard western diet don't get enough of them.
Fish oils contain two types of omega-3 fatty acids - eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosachexaenoic acid (DHA).
High levels of EPA and DHA have been shown to decrease inflammatory factors, which may reduce the risk of acne.
In one study, 45 individuals with acne were given omega-3 fatty acid supplements containing both EPA and DHA daily. After 10 weeks, their acne decreased significantly.
There's no specific recommended daily intake of omega -3 fatty acids. The 2015-2020 Dietary guidelines for Americans recommends that healthy adults consume around 250 mg of combined EPA and DHA each day.
You can also get omega -3 fatty acids by eating salmon, sardines, anchovies, walnuts, chia seeds, and ground flax seeds.
8. Cut back on dairy
The relationship between dairy and acne is highly controversial.
Milk and dairy products contain hormones like IGF-1,which is associated with acne. Other hormones in milk may cause hormonal changes and lead to acne.
One study in people ages 10 to 24 found that drinking whole milk three or more days each week was linked to moderate or severe acne.
In another study including 114 participants, those with acne were found to drink significantly more milk than people who didn't have acne.
On the other hand, a study involving over 20,000 adults found no association between milk consumption and acne.
Participants self - reported the data in these studies, so more research needs to be done to establish a true casual relationship.
Finally, several research reviews have suggested an association between dairy consumption and acne.
9. Reduce stress
The link between stress and acne is not fully understood. The hormones released during periods of stress may increase sebum production and inflammation, making acne worse.
Stress may also affect gut bacteria and cause inflammation throughout the body, which could be linked to acne.
What's more, stress can show wound healing, which may slow the repair of acne lesions.
However, each of these studies was relatively small, so more research is needed.
One study in 80 participants found no association between stress and intensity and acne. However, it noted that acne severity may be related to people's ability to cope with stress.
Ways to reduce stress
1. get more sleep
2. engage in physical activity
3. practice yoga4. meditate
5. take deep breathes
10. Exercise regularly
There's little research on the effects of exercise on acne. Still, exercise affects bodily function in ways that may help improve acne.
For example, exercise promotes healthy blood circulation. The increase in blood flow helps nourish the skin cells , which may prevent and heal acne.
Exercise also plays a role in hormone levels and regulation.
Several studies have suggested that exercise can decrease stress and anxiety, both of which can contribute to the development of acne.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults get 150 minutes of aerobic exercise and engage in strength training activities two days per week.
This can conclude walking, hiking, running, and weight lifting.
