Natural Ways To Clear Acne Fast

Acne is the most common skin condition among teenagers and young adults in the United States, affecting 50 million people each year (via the American Academy of Dermatology).

According to the Cleveland Clinic, this condition occurs when skin pores become clogged with hair, sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria. Some common types of acne include blackheads, whiteheads, papules, nodules, cysts, and pustules (via WebMD). WebMD says that while the face is most noticeable, the chest, shoulders and back are other common places for acne.

You may be prone to breakouts, especially during puberty (via Mayo Clinic) due to hormonal changes. However, other risk factors include stress, diet, and medications.

According to a 2017 study published in Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, in addition to visible symptoms, acne can affect people emotionally, leading to low self-esteem and an increased risk of anxiety and depression.

Fortunately, there are different ways to treat acne and many people prefer natural ways to get rid of acne fast.

tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is a popular acne treatment that can be added to toners, body washes, and soaps. It is derived from a small native Australian tree called Melaleuca alternifolia.

According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics, terpinen-4-ol in tea tree oil provides antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and antitumor properties. A 2018 study published in the journal Clinical Pharmacology: Advances and Applications found that a cream containing 3% tea tree oil reduced acne lesions when used for 15 to 30 days. This highlights the effectiveness of tea tree oil in treating mild to moderate acne. The effectiveness of tea tree oil makes it a promising alternative to antibiotics, as suggested in another 2017 study published in the Australian Journal of Dermatology.

Despite its effectiveness, it is important to know how to apply tea tree oil. Most importantly, Healthline says, you should never apply it directly to your skin undiluted. The source recommends mixing 9 parts water with 1 part tea tree oil. When applied to the skin, it is best to use a cotton swab. Soak in the mixture and apply it on your skin, repeat once or twice a day.

aloe vera

A 2008 study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology described aloe vera as a bushy, dry green pea plant belonging to the Asphodelaceae (Liliaceae) family. The name comes from the Arabic word "alloeh" meaning "bright, bitter substance" and the Latin word "vera" meaning "true".

The plant's use in dermatology dates back thousands of years, and many of aloe vera's skin care benefits stem from its anatomy. MedicalNewsToday reports that aloe vera contains amino acids, sugar molecules and zinc, which are necessary to moisturize and protect the skin from dryness. These nutrients also contribute to the plant's anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties, which help reduce acne scars.

A 2021 study published in Frontiers in Medicine also supports aloe vera's ability to treat acne lesions. Research attributes this to the plant's antioxidant and pigmentation properties. According to research, aloe vera contains various polysaccharide components that act as immunosuppressive agents to reduce leukocyte adhesion and TNF-α levels. Research recommends combining aloe vera with ultrasound and a gentle mask for a therapeutic effect. Healthline recommends taking the gel and applying it directly to the skin once or twice a day as a moisturizer. Be sure to cleanse your skin before use.

Green tea

The healing benefits of green tea have been known for a long time. According to Healthline, green tea contains a polyphenol compound called epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG, which has a variety of therapeutic effects. This ingredient also gives green tea antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that treat acne. According to a 2021 study published in Phytotherapy Research, green tea extracts may also reduce the number of inflammatory lesions due to their healing properties.

Since there are many different causes of acne, the treatment prescribed will depend on the factors that cause acne on the skin. MedicalNewsToday reports that increased sebum production in some people may be due to a limited intake of antioxidants needed to break down cell-damaging chemicals and waste products. For these people, green tea, which is rich in antioxidants known as catechins, can effectively reduce sebum production, acne and inflammation in the skin. Depending on the source, you can drink green tea or apply tea bags directly to the skin to treat acne.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a by-product of apple juice after fermentation. According to Healthline, the fermentation process often involves yeast and beneficial bacteria that produce a compound called acetic acid. This acid is what gives apple cider vinegar its antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can benefit the skin by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and destroying acne-causing factors like bacterial biofilms.

Apple cider vinegar can also be used as a chemical exfoliant. A 2017 review published in the journal Clinics in Dermatology confirms that chemical peels are an effective and widely used treatment for acne. According to the community, the use of chemical peels can limit skin destruction, increase skin shedding, and eliminate skin lesions.

Although the benefits are clear, it is important to use apple cider vinegar sparingly. MedicalNewsToday warns against using undiluted on the skin due to its high acidity, which can cause irritation and dryness. Depending on the source, you can apply the diluted solution directly to the acne scars before rinsing.

witch hazel

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved witch hazel as an over-the-counter topical remedy for its ability to treat various skin conditions. Witch Hazel is a natural liquid extract of the North American witch hazel plant, also known as the Hamamelis Virginiana shrub (via North Carolina State University).

The juice of the plant is valued for its anti-acne properties. According to a 2017 study published in the journal Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigative Dermatology, witch hazel may help reduce acne lesions. According to research, using witch hazel as part of an established topical skin care regimen reduces skin redness and inflammation and improves the overall appearance of the skin.

MedicalNewsToday reports that witch hazel extract can help remove excess oil and sebum from the skin. In addition to the absorption of the oil by the skin, the tannins and antioxidants of the plant can have an antiseptic effect and make it difficult for bacteria to grow on the skin.

To create an effective witch hazel concentrate for acne, Healthline recommends adding 1 tablespoon of witch hazel to 1 cup of water. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes before cooking. Boil for about 10 minutes after heating. Then the mixture is filtered and placed in a closed container for storage. When using, apply directly to the skin with a cotton pad once or twice a day.

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