Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the UK and can be a stubborn problem that occurs well beyond puberty and the teenage years. Women in particular are in the risk zone to developing acne as in many cases they are hormonally driven, linked to the menstrual cycle. Adult acne can affect women in their 20s, 30s, 40s and even 50s! According to a study cited by the American Academy of Dermatology, roughly 50 percent of women in their 20s and more than 25 percent of women ages 40 to 49 are affected by hormonal acne. And it needs to be treated with extra care.
For some people, using strong over-the-counter remedies with chemicals to get rid of an outbreak may only make things worse. Along with changes in diet and advice from your dermatologist or doctor, you can try your hands on some DIY acne remedies in the comfort of your home. That way you’ll avoid any harm done to the skin in the meantime. Keep reading below to find out some DIY methods you can use to keep your skin healthy and acne-free!
1. Fresh garlic
Garlic has unique abilities to make bacteria go away whilst preventing dryness and irritation all the same. In order to fight acne, apply garlic on your skin but always make sure to dilute it a bit. You can mash it up then mix it with rose water or aloe vera to reduce its effect or your skin might end up with a rash. Apply it in circular motions using your fingers or with a cotton pad. Keep your skin covered in the mixture for at least an hour so your skin absorbs and takes in all the magic fully. Then rinse it off with some water. If the smell remains and it bothers you, you can always use a face wash.
2. Honey
Another great acne-fighting product you can easily find in your house is honey. If you suffer from very dry, flaky or irritated skin, you should try your best to moisturise your skin properly. This will help you reintroduce oil and bacteria in your skin which may cause further breakouts. You can use honey to kill the bacteria while gently moisturising the skin. Then you can have a very thin layer on your face and leave it be for 10 to 15 minutes. This works the best as a mask. You can use warm water to wash it off.
3. Over-the-counter medication
Although DIY remedies are great for sensitive skin, there’s still many acne treatment products out there which have amazing anti-inflammatory properties. A lot of times, natural salicylic acid is found in the medication. Salicylic acid is often found in all things ranging from face washes and cosmetics. You can also smash a few tablets and combine the powder with some rose water to form a paste like texture. Then have this paste wherever your acne is and let it sit for about 2 hours and wash it off with luke-warm water. You can also read more about acne treatment products here.
4. Strawberries
The reason strawberries are good for preventing acne is because they have a high salicylic acid. This allows them to battle bacteria which have the tendency to clog and dull the skin. They also aid in tightening pores and preventing them from becoming clogged sooner. You can crush up some of the strawberries, combine them with honey and rose water to create a paste and then rinse it with water.
5. Jojoba Oil
Even though the idea of rubbing oil on your skin when you have acne may seem odd but this is actually an amazing treatment. It creates a light layer on your skin which keeps it hydrated and compensates for you constantly eroding natural oils off your skin.
