A 101-Guide To Acne: Causes, Types, & How To Get Rid Of Acne
Acne can hinder your journey towards achieving healthy skin. Each and every one of us has dealt with acne at some point in time. Using the right products for acne can go a long way in healing and protecting your skin. Apart from this, you can always follow certain skin care tips for acne and a healthy diet. But before we get into the remedies, it’s crucial to understand acne better. From the different types of acne to home remedies on how to get rid of acne, here’s a detailed guide that covers everything you need to know about acne.
What is Acne?
Before knowing how to get rid of acne, it is important to understand — what is acne?. Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your pores get clogged due to dead skin cells, oil, dirt, and grime build-up. It affects people across all age groups, especially teenagers. Acne typically develops on the chest, upper back, shoulders, and face.
Different Types of Acne
There are different types of acne you need to know about. Each type has its own set of acne symptoms and each should be tackled differently. Read on to find more about the major types of acne.
Type 1 – Blackheads
When open pores on your skin get blocked with dirt and grime, these accumulations oxidise to create a darker colour in that spot and that’s how a blackhead or an open comedone is formed.
Type 2 – Whiteheads
When oil, dirt, and dead skin cells get trapped within a closed pore — a whitehead or a closed comedone is formed.
Type 3 – Cysts
Cysts are nothing but pus-filled pimples. This type of acne often causes acne scarring. They usually have a smooth surface and develop slowly.
Type 4 – Nodules
Unlike cysts, nodules are large and painful. These develop deep within the skin and appear on the skin surface as a reddish or brownish bump.
Type 5 – Papules
Papules are skin lesions that occur when small bumps become inflamed. It’s caused by excessive oil on the skin, bacteria, or hormonal changes.
Type 6 – Pustules
Like cysts, pustules are also pus-filled pimples. They have the appearance of a whitehead encircled by red rings. They may leave scars if you pick or scratch them.
Type 7 – Fungal Acne
Excessive development of yeast in your pores can lead to fungal acne. This type causes a lot of itching and inflammation.
Causes of Acne
What causes pimples on the face, you ask? There are many reasons that can lead to acne and knowing these reasons are very important if you want to bid adieu to acne. Here are some of the major causes of acne that you should know about.
Touching your skin too often, that too with unclean hands.
Picking or popping pimples – this will only worsen the situation and cause scarring.
Environmental stressors, stress, and pollution.
Using oil-based skincare products.
Genetics.
Certain skin conditions and medications.
How To Get Rid Of Acne: 9 Common Home Remedies
Apart from using the right face care products, you can also rely on certain home remedies to help you get rid of acne. Here are some effective remedies to help you achieve healthy skin at home.
1# Spot Treatment With Tea Tree Oil
The benefits of tea tree oil for skin helps control excess oil secretion, fight acne-causing bacteria and heal blemishes. After washing your face, gently apply some tea tree oil on your acne before you use a moisturiser. Apply the essential oil twice or thrice daily for noticeable results.
Benefits: Clears acne, pigmentation and blemishes
2# Aloe Vera
Opt for freshly extracted aloe vera gel in your oily skincare routine to moisturize your skin daily. The antioxidant and anti-microbial benefits of applying aloe vera on face will expedite the healing process.
Benefits: Keeps skin hydrated, balance sebum levels and prevent acne/breakouts
3# Honey
The antioxidants present in honey clear clogged pores and heal acne faster. Apply some honey to your skin and leave it on for about 15-20 minutes. Wash your face with lukewarm water afterwards. You can also add honey to your DIY face mask.
Benefits: Heals acne, moisturizes face, and soothes inflamed skin
Also Read: Benefits Of Using Honey For Skin
4# Apple Cider Vinegar
Using apple cider vinegar for pimples helps balance sebum production and control acne. Dilute 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar in 1 cup of water. Take a cotton ball and apply it to your face evenly. After 15 minutes, rinse your face with cool water. Repeat the process once or twice a week to get maximum benefits of apple cider vinegar for skin.
Benefits: Helps fight acne, bacterial infections and heal acne scars and even out skin tone
5# Beetroot
You can apply beetroot face pack for pimples and heal post-acne inflammation. Take a slice of peeled beetroot. Grind it well and add a few drops of lemon juice to it. Mix and apply it as a face pack. Wash off after 10-12 minutes
Benefits: Balance sebum production, cure redness, acne scars and pigmentation
Also Read: Beetroot Skin Benefits
6# Mint Leaves
Mint leaves have antibacterial and soothing qualities to heal acne and dark spots. Take 8-10 fresh mint leaves and grind it into the mixture. Add a few drops of water to form a smooth paste. Apply it to concerned areas. Leave it for 15 minutes and rinse off with cool water.
Benefits: Soothe redness, treat acne, relieve pain and prevent infections
7# Multani Mitti
Multani mitti helps prevent clogging of pores, soak up excess oil on the face and prevent acne. Take 1 tbsp of multani mittin in a bowl. Add a few drops of rose water to it. Mix well to form a paste. Apply the face pack evenly. After 15 minutes, rinse off with cool water. Use it twice a week in your oily skincare routine.
Benefits: Treat acne, prevent greasiness, and reduce the appearance of blemishes
Also Read: Multani Mitti Benefits For Face
8# Besan Powder
Besan has excellent properties to control sebum production, prevent clogging of pores and mattifies greasiness. It works best for face cleanup at home. Mix 1 tbsp of besan powder and curd each in a small bowl. Apply it evenly to your face. After 15 minutes, wash off with cool water
Benefits: Heals acne, even out skin tone, and remove dark spots or pimple marks
9# Cucumber
Cucumbers have great hydrating and skin soothing abilities. Take a piece of cucumber and rub it against the acne for about 50-60 seconds and then rinse off the face with cool water. Repeat the process everyday for 3-4 times a week for effective results. It is one of the best remedies for skincare routine for teens as well.
Benefits: Reduce acne, prevent pimples or breakouts
Also Read: Kheera Benefits For Skin
How to Get Rid of Acne With Skincare Products
Following a well-thought-out skincare routine, steering clear of habits that ruin your skin, and using the best skincare products can really help you get rid of acne. But choosing the right products is a task in itself – given the variety and the big promises the products make. However, you have no reason to worry, St.Botanica brings to you some effective products that will heal and protect your skin from acne. These products deliver results as promised.
Our Recommended Vitamin C Foaming Brightening Face Wash
St.Botanica Vitamin C Foaming Brightening Face Wash gently cleanses all the stubborn dirt and oil from the surface of your skin, leaving it fresh and acne-free. Enriched with Vitamin C, Aloe Vera, Turmeric, Licorice Extracts, Cypress Essential Oil, and Glycerin — this face wash targets hyperpigmentation and dark spots, leaving you with an even-toned complexion. The mild formula effectively and efficiently brightens and nourishes the skin.
Our Recommended Australian Tea Tree Anti Acne Face Toner
St.Botanica Australian Tea Tree Anti Acne Face Toner tightens your pores and soothes any irritation. It is suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. This face toner helps replenish and rejuvenate the skin with the power of Tea Tree Oil, Witch Hazel, Neem, White Bark, Cucumber, Green Tea, and Lavender Essential Oil. Consistent use of this toner helps in regulating the oil production on your skin and prevents breakouts.
Our Recommended BHA Salicylic Acid 1% + Hyaluronic Acid 0.5% Clarifying Face Serum
St.Botanica BHA Salicylic Acid 1% + Hyaluronic Acid 0.5% Clarifying Face Serum is best known to unclog pores by exfoliating the skin. It is well-suited to prevent and treat mild acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. This face serum penetrates deep into the skin to dissolve impurities from within. Packed with the goodness of Salicylic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera, Pro-Vitamin B5, and Vitamin E — this serum controls excess sebum production, keeps acne at bay, and offers intensive hydration to your skin – all at once.
Our Recommended Vitamin C, E & Hyaluronic Acid Brightening Face Scrub
St.Botanica Vitamin C, E & Hyaluronic Acid Brightening Face Scrub is a potent blend of beneficial components like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid, and essential oils. It helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation. This antioxidant-rich face scrub helps clear pores as well as reduce the occurrence of acne, blackheads and whiteheads. It removes excess oil, dead skin cells, and other impurities – gently.
Our Recommended Activated Charcoal 3 In 1 Clay Mask
St.Botanica Activated Charcoal 3 In 1 Clay Mask draws out impurities and excess oil from the skin. Packed with the goodness of Activated Charcoal, Bentonite Clay, Kaolin Clay, Green Tea, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Goji Berry, and Ginseng Root — this face mask keeps the skin hydrated, soft, nourished, and radiant. It thoroughly cleanses the pores and detoxifies the skin. The clarifying effect of the mask assists in removing acne, blackheads and whiteheads. Natural skin conditioning ingredients in the mask supply external hydration to the skin and restore your skin’s natural oil balance.
Our Recommended Neem, Tea Tree & Basil Anti Acne Face Gel
St.Botanica Neem, Tea Tree & Basil Anti Acne Face Gel helps clear the skin and eliminate impurities. This night cream/gel is enriched with the power of Neem, Tea Tree Oil, Basil, Turmeric, Basil, Turmeric, Rose Water, Vitamin E, White Tea, and Sea Weed. It soothes the skin, leaving it soft and supple. This gel effectively fights acne-causing bacteria and nourishes your skin from within. The potent ingredients shield your skin from various environmental stressors and reduce the visible signs of ageing considerably.
Our Recommended Vitamin C Brightening Day Cream With SPF 25
St.Botanica Vitamin C Brightening Day Cream With SPF 25 is a nourishing day cream enriched with Vitamin C, Aloe Vera, Jojoba Oil, Coconut Oil, Almond Oil, Green Tea Extract, Vitamin E, and Pomegranate Extract. It brightens your skin tone along with providing broad spectrum sun protection. This brightening cream deeply penetrates into your skin to help reduce dark spots and blemishes. Along with its acne-fighting abilities, this sun protection cream also boosts the skin’s collagen production.
How to Prevent Acne?
Following healthy skin care habits will answer your query on how to prevent acne & can keep acne at bay. Here are simple acne prevention tips to keep your skin healthy.
Don’t pop your pimples or touch your skin unnecessarily.
Use non-comedogenic products.
Keep yourself hydrated by drinking two to three litres of water daily.
Choose products that are compatible with your skin type.
Consume a balanced diet as it will provide your body with all the nutrients it needs to maintain healthy skin.
Cut down on processed foods and sugary drinks.
Cleanse your skin properly and remove makeup before you go to bed.
Never step out without slathering on some sunscreen.
When To Consult A Doctor For Acne?
Even after trying multiple home remedies for types of acne, nothing works — it’s time to opt for natural remedies. If you see pus-filled active acne, you know you need to consult a dermatologist before getting into any natural remedies. Also, when you experience a painful acne condition that feels like a bump beneath the facial surface, it needs to be treated with medication.
Conclusion
Now that the causes of acne are clear to you, it’s time to plan a tailor made skincare routine that works best for your skin. Healthy skincare habits can go a long way to prevent acne. So, don’t forget to treat your skin gently and choose the right products too.
FAQs on What is Acne & How To Get Rid Of Acne
Are home remedies for acne effective?
Yes, home remedies help heal acne and prevent blemishes as well. It also prevents the future acne or breakouts.
How fast do home remedies for acne work?
Home remedies for acne show visible results within 2-3 weeks of consistent use.
How do you get rid of acne scars?
The best way to get rid of acne scars is to apply besan and turmeric powder in a small bowl. Mix a pinch of turmeric powder to besan. Apply it evenly to your face and leave it for 15 minutes. Wash it off with cool water.
How to stop pimples coming on face?
To stop pimples, you need to follow a dedicated skincare regimen and use products that work well for your skin type. Along with a great skincare routine, one should also consume a healthy diet. In case of severe acne, you should consult a dermatologist.
What causes acne on cheeks?
Acne on cheeks can be caused due to dirty phone screens, rubbing against pillowcases, hormonal changes, or makeup clogging your pores.
Which foods cause pimples?
Junk food, refined grains, and sugar commonly cause pimples. These foods increase blood sugar and insulin levels, thus increasing sebum production and leading to the occurrence of acne.
Related Stories
How To Remove Pimple Marks From Face: Wondering how to get rid of acne on face? Here are some of the simple remedies you can try to fight acne and prevent scars. Read on to make your favourite remedy at home.
Home Remedies For Pimples On Buttocks: Struggling with pimples on your buttocks? We bet you to try out these natural remedies that require few of the natural ingredients only.
Home Remedies For Whiteheads: Want to get rid of whiteheads? Here are some of the simple yet effective home remedies you need to try. Read on to find out.
How To Remove Deep Blackheads: If you’re looking for natural remedies to get rid of blackheads and dead skin cells? Here are some of the natural ways you need to look forward to.
What are Acne Scars: Acne scars are the post-inflammatory symptoms of acne and breakouts. They appear like dark spots in light or dark brown basically known as pigmentation.
Home Remedies For Pigmentation Around Mouth: Wondering how to get rid of pigmentation around the mouth? We have jotted down a list of effective remedies that you must try. Read on the blog to know the step by step process.
Home Remedies for Hyperpigmentation: Hyperpigmentation can make your skin look patchy and dull. Worry less! We are here with different solutions to help you get rid of hyperpigmentation with a bunch of natural ingredients . Keep reading to know more.
Difference Between Acne and Pimples: Confused between acne and pimples? Here are some of the facts you need to know to differentiate pimples and acne.
