Advertisements
Although most acne cases afflict teens and young adults, pimples can persist long into adulthood. Hormones, stress, genetics, irritating products and medication can all contribute, regardless of your age.
Video of the Day
If you have acne, you may be tempted to reach for one of the dozens of "natural remedies" to calm the problem rather than visit a doctor. Some do help, but be careful which ones you use to treat or cure your acne at home, as some can backfire, says Michele S. Green, MD, a dermatologist with Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
Here are the natural remedies that may clear your acne naturally, followed by the methods to stay away from.
1. Vitamin A
Advertisements
Vitamin A is the basis for the prescription medication Retin A, which has long been dermatologists' go-to topical treatment for acne.
Over-the-counter vitamin A creams (think: retinol creams) can also help minimize acne, albeit not as much as prescription forms, says Chris G. Adigun, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with the Dermatology & Laser Center of Chapel Hill.
"Vitamin A teaches your [skin cells] to turn over, helping treat and prevent clogged pores" Dr. Adigun explains.
Advertisements
Always apply this supplement at night, she cautions, as ultraviolet rays can decrease its effectiveness.
Try These Retinol Creams
- Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream: $28; Sephora.com
- Pond's Rejuveness Advanced Hydrating Night Cream: $7.99; Target.com
- The Inkey List Retinol Serum: $9.99; TheInkeyList.com
2. Aloe Vera
While aloe vera is widely known as a balm for rashes and burns, evidence suggests it can also calm acne, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).
"Aloe vera has antibacterial properties that have been shown to work against inflammatory (red) and comedonal (whiteheads and blackheads) acne, and is soothing to irritated skin," Shoshana Marmon, MD, PhD, assistant professor of dermatology at New York Medical College, tells LIVESTRONG.com.
A review paper in the July-December 2015 issue of Pharmacognosy Review concluded that gel and cream preparations showed the biggest antibacterial effect against certain types of bacteria that can contribute to acne. And an April 2014 trial in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment found that adding aloe vera could also increase the effects of Retin-A.
Products containing aloe vera are generally safe as long as they're only used on your skin, not eaten. For this reason, be very careful when applying aloe vera to acne around the mouth and eyes.
The NCCIH recommends using aloe for acne twice a day to help improve milder cases.
