Natural Ways to Treat Acne: A Guide to Healthy Skin

Acne (also known as acne vulgaris) is a common skin condition that affects millions of people. However, many still see it as just a cosmetic issue. In reality, acne can impact both physical and emotional well-being.

While some mild cases may benefit from natural remedies, it is essential to work with a dermatologist to ensure you receive the appropriate medical treatments. The causes of acne are complex, including hormonal imbalances, excess oil production, clogged pores, and bacteria. This means that effective treatment often requires medical intervention, particularly for moderate to severe cases.

However, natural approaches can sometimes complement these treatments and help support your overall skin health. They should not replace professional medical treatments. Over-the-counter products, lifestyle changes, and home remedies may complement prescribed medicines, but it is wise to consult a board-certified dermatologist for guidance.

Establish a Proper Skincare Routine

Your skincare regimen is a crucial element in managing acne, but many patients with acne-prone skin skip essential steps like cleansing or moisturizing, which can cause acne breakouts.

Cleansing: Regular cleaning is essential to remove dirt, oil, and impurities from your skin. Many acne patients avoid cleansing because they believe their skin is too sensitive or that washing too often will irritate their acne. However, cleansing helps to unclog pores and prevent new breakouts. Use a gentle cleanser twice a day, especially after sweating, to keep your skin clear. 

You can use an antimicrobial cleanser like benzoyl peroxide to prevent acne. You can also try cleansers with salicylic acid to unclog your pores.

Retinoids: Prescription retinoids are often recommended by dermatologists to help treat acne by promoting cell turnover and preventing clogged pores. If you can’t tolerate prescription-strength retinoids, over-the-counter versions may still provide some benefit. However, it’s important to use these products consistently and as directed.

Moisturizing: Acne-prone skin can still become dehydrated, even if it feels oily. Moisturizing helps maintain the skin’s natural barrier and prevents the overproduction of oil, which can lead to more breakouts. Choose a non-comedogenic moisturizer to avoid clogging pores.

Sunscreen: Wearing sunscreen daily is crucial, especially for acne-prone skin. Sun exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation, making acne scars and dark spots worse. Look for oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreens designed for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Manage Stress for Clearer Skin

Stress is known to play a significant role in the development and worsening of acne. When we’re stressed, our bodies release higher levels of hormones like glucocorticoids and IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor), which can increase inflammation and stimulate oil production, leading to more breakouts. Managing stress effectively is key to maintaining clearer skin.

Incorporate stress-reducing activities into your routine, such as:

Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation can help ease tension.

Meditation: Mindfulness meditation is a great way to focus on the present and reduce anxiety.

Yoga: Yoga not only helps manage stress but can also improve overall physical health, including circulation and skin clarity.

Finding time for these stress-reducing practices can help you manage the emotional triggers that worsen acne.

Review Your Diet: How Dairy and Sugar Affect Acne

Diet plays an influential role in the development of acne for some individuals, particularly dairy and high-glycemic foods. Although not everyone will see a direct correlation, there is compelling evidence that certain dietary choices can exacerbate acne.

Dairy: Several studies suggest that diets high in milk and other dairy products may contribute to increased acne. This may be due to hormones in dairy products, which can disrupt the body’s hormone balance and lead to excess oil production. Cutting back on milk, cheese, and other dairy items may help reduce breakouts for some people.

Sugary and High-Glycemic Foods: Consuming a diet rich in sugary beverages and processed foods has been linked to acne flare-ups. Glycemic load (GL) refers to how a particular food affects blood sugar levels. Foods with a high glycemic load cause a rapid spike in blood sugar and insulin, which can lead to hormonal changes and increased oil production, triggering acne.

A low-glycemic load diet (LGLD), which focuses on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables with a lower impact on blood sugar, has shown promising results in several studies. For instance, a 2020 study of 24,000 people in France found that sugary beverages and high-fat, sugary products were linked to an increased risk of acne. Opting for whole foods and avoiding refined sugars can benefit not only your skin but your overall health.

Consider Overall Health and Medical Conditions

It’s not just external factors that can affect acne; underlying health conditions and medications can also play a significant role. Some medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can cause hormonal imbalances that contribute to acne. Medications like corticosteroids, certain birth control pills, and lithium may also worsen breakouts.

If you notice an increase in acne after starting a new medication, it’s worth discussing this with your doctor or dermatologist. They may be able to recommend alternative treatments or suggest ways to manage the acne while continuing your necessary medication.

Make Simple Lifestyle Changes

Small lifestyle adjustments can make a big difference when it comes to preventing acne. Here are a few tips to consider:

Change your pillowcases regularly: Oil, dirt, and bacteria can build up on your pillowcase, transferring to your skin as you sleep. Washing your pillowcases frequently can help prevent this.

Use clean face towels: Similar to pillowcases, using clean towels when drying your face helps avoid the transfer of bacteria and oil.

Shower after sweating: Sweating after a workout or a hot day can clog pores. Make sure to shower soon after sweating to cleanse your skin and prevent breakouts.

Choose non-comedogenic cosmetics: If you wear makeup, make sure it’s labeled as non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. Avoid heavy foundations and opt for oil-free products to reduce the likelihood of acne flare-ups.

Supplements

Supplements are not well studied for acne treatment. However, researchers have shown that some, like zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, may be effective.

Acne: before and after with medical treatment and skin care. See our gallery for more.

Conclusion

If skincare and lifestyle changes do not help, see a board-certified dermatologist for prescription medications. The American Academy of Dermatology has created proven guidelines to manage acne. We use these guidelines to help you.

Treating acne early can prevent scars, dark spots, and redness. These issues are harder and more expensive to fix later.

We have a special strategy to treat acne. This includes both medical and cosmetic treatments like lasers, chemical peels, and microneedling. When medical and cosmetic treatments are used together early, they can stop permanent scars from forming. We also guide patients on lifestyle changes and skincare routines to achieve clear, healthy skin.

Acne: before and after a combination of medical and cosmetic treatments (IPL photo treatment). See our gallery for more.

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