Acne is a common skin condition around the globe. It can affect people of any age. However, young adults are more prone to pimples. Oily skin, whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples are the symptoms of this skin disease. People search for well-working options, which can help get rid of the problem. Usual acne treatments are niacinamide, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide, commonly known as Duac gel. They are the most recommended and effective solutions to skin diseases like acne.
Nevertheless, home remedies are no less in treating pimples. They can even perform and show better results than medical treatments. Let us discuss the ways you can clear up your skin disease fast.
Non-prescription treatments for zits
Cleansers
A variety of soaps and cleansers can help treat acne. They generally comprise glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulphur, salicylic acid, and alcohol.
Benzoyl peroxide
It is one of the well-working treatments for pimples. Doctors often prescribe it to people with mild acne. Benzoyl peroxide shows its effect in around 4 weeks. However, it does not affect the oil production in the skin. Doctors prescribe using it regularly to avoid the appearance of new or fresh zits. When you stop using this treatment, acne may revive back. You can get it in various forms, such as cleansing pads, creams, gels, washes, lotions, and foams.
Duac 5% Gel
Benzoyl peroxide can make your skin dry. Therefore, be careful to use it as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Sulphur
Sulphur is one of the components of acne treatment available over the counter. However, These OTC medicines may also contain salicylic acid, sodium sulfacetamide, and alcohol, along with sulphur. It is because sulphur causes skin discoloration. Moreover, it also has an unpleasant smell. Sulphur stops the growth of pimple-causing bacteria. It also puts off the pores from being clogged.
Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid stops the uneven detaching of cells. For people who have mild zits, it can help unblock pores to settle and put off abrasions. Like benzoyl peroxide, it does not affect the production of sebum. Moreover, salicylic acid does not fight acne-causing germs. You can get it as lotions, creams, and pads. Doctors prescribe to use the treatment regularly. Stopping its usage may bring back the pimples and clog the cells again.
Alcohol
Alcohol is often used with acetone in over-the-counter treatments for this skin condition. Acetone wipes out the oil from the skin surface. On the other hand, alcohol can help fight mild acne. They both can make your skin dry.
Moreover, they do not show much effect on pimples. Doctors usually do not suggest alcohol and acetone.
Creams or topical retinol gels
Retinol prevents the development of pimples. You may experience a poor condition of zits before they are treated. It is because retinol works on the acne that is beneath your skin. Like duac gel and salicylic acid, it is also used regularly. You may see its effect in 8-12 weeks.
Prescription drugs
Retinoids
Retinoids are available as oral and topical drugs. Topical drugs can treat temperate to severe acne. They are used with other treatments such as oral antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide. However, topical retinoids are not prescribed for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Oral contraceptives
Birth control medications comprise oestrogen and progesterone. These female hormones impede the effect of male hormones. You may observe effective results in 3-4 months.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics help reduce inflammation and fight acne-causing germs. Doctors often do not prescribe antibiotics alone for treatment of pimples. You may also use benzoyl peroxide along with antibiotics to reduce antibiotic resistance in your body.
These medications do not treat other causes responsible for zits other than bacteria. Moreover, you should consult with your doctor before using antibiotics if you are pregnant.
Can home remedies help treat this skin disease?
Along with using medicines and other treatments, you can try doing some home remedies for better results. Some of the well-working home treatments to ease pimples are as follows-
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is one of the essential oils taken out from Melaleuca alternifolia. This home remedy is wonderful in easing off the inflammation and fighting back the acne-causing bacteria. Whenever you use tea tree oil, dilute the oil before using it.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is known for a number of benefits. It produces a clear gel, which is often used in creams, soaps, lotions, and ointments. Aloe Vera is used for the treatment of burns, abrasions, rashes, and other skin diseases. Moreover, when you use it on your skin, it can help reduce inflammation, relieve burns, and heal wounds.
Sulphur and salicylic acid are naturally present in aloe vera. Both of them have the ability to beat acne.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is obtained from the raw juice of pressured apples or from boiling the apple cider.
It is very effective in fighting the bacteria that cause zits. Lactic acid is also a component of apple cider vinegar. It helps in diminishing scars.
Try a cinnamon and honey mask
Both cinnamon and honey can ease off the inflammation and work against the acne-causing bacteria. However, more pieces of research are needed to prove its success.
Green tea
Green tea contains antioxidants. It decreases the inflammation and fights back the bacteria resulting in zits.
Moreover, green tea also encourages good health. More studies are required to prove the effectiveness of green tea on your healing. However, people who use it share positive reviews of using this home remedy over acne.
Medical treatments like medications, duac gel, and salicylic acid can cause side effects. Dryness, redness, and skin irritation are the common ones. On the other hand, home remedies do not lead to any side effects. It may be possible that a product does not suit your skin.
You can use home treatments along with the treatments prescribed by your doctor. They can help bring satisfactory results in pimple treatment. However, if you develop severe side effects of medications or other prescription drugs, reach out to your doctor. The doctor may suggest you an alternative and help treat your condition.
