Since there is no magic cure to get rid of acne that works for all people, the search is always on for new methods and products that work to cure acne. While many people seek the help of dermatologists and physicians for chronic acne cases, this simply is not an option for others. Laser treatments, prescriptions, microdermabrasion and other methods are not the answer for many. Some people prefer to cure acne at home with either home remedies or over-the-counter products.
Many over-the-counter products exist that can help you to cure acne at home. Special cleansers, toners, moisturizers, spot treatment gels, facemasks and other products work to reduce acne flare-ups and prevent future breakouts. These products can be found at drugstores and grocery stores and are offered by some of the top skin care brands. The effectiveness of these products is different for everyone, however, as everyone has a different skin type and different reactions to products. Many people find that over-the-counter products are more of a trial and error method than getting an exact prescription from a dermatologist would be. However, over-the-counter products still remain extremely popular for people of all ages. Often these products will be a first step in curing acne before more serious action is taken.
One home remedy that has been known to work in curing acne is witch hazel. Like many other products, witch hazel can either work to cure acne, or make acne worse depending on your skin type and skin reactions. The best way to find out if any acne remedy works for you is to try it on a very small patch of skin. If no reaction occurs, you are most likely safe to use the remedy on your entire face. Witch hazel is said to work for acne because of its anti-bacterial property called tannin acid. Witch hazel is known to reduce inflammation and work as an astringent to cleanse skin. As a natural product, witch hazel also does not affect the pH balance of your skin, or leave any harmful chemical residue behind. You can buy witch-hazel at many stores and simply swab it over your face with a cotton ball similar to a toner or astringent.
Apple cider vinegar is another home remedy that is popular for curing acne because it is a detox agent that helps dissolve fat deposits on your skin. Acne is caused by excess oil, so removing the oil should help clear up skin. You can either drink one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar a day, or dilute the vinegar with water and apply to your face. Never apply vinegar directly to your skin. Mix one part vinegar with eight parts water and combine with a ground up tablet of aspirin. Apply this mixture to your face with a cotton ball like you would a toner or astringent. Apple cider vinegar is a strong solution that can have an adverse reaction when applied to some people’s skin. Be sure to take an allergy medication immediately if you notice that you are developing an allergic reaction.
Baking soda is another product that can be used at home to cure acne. You can use baking soda in a number of different ways on your face to act as a natural bacteria-killing agent. Baking soda can be used as a cleanser when mixed with a small amount of water to form a paste. Baking soda can also be used as a toner when mixed with a large amount of warm water. You can put this mixture into an empty spray bottle and spray it gently on your face. The mixture can stay on your face all day. A baking soda mask is also a popular way to cleanse the face. Make this mask by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste and cover your face with the paste. Allow this mixture to completely dry on your face for about half an hour before rinsing off. As with any product, spot check to make sure that you are not allergic to baking soda before proceeding with this method.
Home remedies for acne can be an easy and affordable method to control acne breakouts and prevent future acne flare-ups. Many of the home remedies can be done using products that you already have at home, or can find easily at the grocery store. Be patient with any acne treatment, as instant results are never likely.