Acne is the curse that keeps on giving. While most closely associated with the teenage years, acne can last well into adulthood, affecting some 80% of teenagers and adults between 11 and 30. And it’s more than just oily skin and clusters of zits; the blemishes can leave noticeable scars behind, making you uncomfortable about your appearance no matter what your age.
Our expert team of aestheticians at Med Physique Center for Aesthetics in Austin, Texas, understands how self-conscious acne can make you feel. That’s why we offer several facial treatments and other procedures to clear your skin and remove the scars left behind.
You can also do many things at home to keep your skin clear. Keep reading to learn all about them.
Urban legend says acne comes from eating greasy foods, not being hygienic enough, and/or using the wrong kind of makeup. All of these can indeed contribute to outbreaks, but they’re not the main problems.
The real problem is the structure of your skin, which contains pores, small openings that permit oil and sweat to come to the surface, and follicles, from which hair grows. The pores and follicles fill up with oil mixed with bacteria, dirt, and dead skin cells, inflaming the tissue and creating a pimple lesion.
The most common forms of pimples are pus-filled whiteheads and blackheads, which are small and usually heal without scarring. If the inflammation persists or is severe, it can lead to different forms of acne that leave scars behind. These include:
Picking at or rubbing the lesions only increases inflammation, pain, and the potential for scarring.
Your first line of defense against acne starts at home with simple and easy DIY tricks.
A natural antibacterial, tea tree oil is believed to kill P. acnes, the bacterium that causes acne. In addition, its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the swelling and redness of pimples.
A 2019 review study looked at the existing evidence for tea tree oil’s effectiveness against acne and found that it reduced the total number of acne lesions of study participants after eight weeks.
You can apply tea tree extract directly to the lesions in cream, gel, or essential oil form.
Jojoba oil is a waxy substance that comes from the seeds of the jojoba shrub, and it works by helping to repair damaged skin, which also speeds up wound and lesion healing. In addition, some of its components may help reduce skin inflammation around acne lesions.
Researchers performed a study in which they gave 133 people clay face masks containing jojoba oil. After six weeks of using the masks 2-3 times per week, participants reported a 54% improvement in their acne.
You can mix jojoba essential oil with a gel, cream, or clay face mask to address your acne concerns.
Like tea tree oil, aloe vera is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, ideal for treating acne.
The gel from the aloe vera plant contains sugar molecules, amino acids, and zinc, making it an excellent skin moisturizer and protectant. It’s especially helpful for those who get dry skin from other anti-acne products.
In a 2021 study on aloe vera’s effect on acne, researchers determined that the number of bumps and lesions and the amount of dry skin decreased when aloe vera application was combined with ultrasound and soft mask applications.
After cleansing your face with soap, you should apply a thin layer of cream or gel twice daily.
Want more acne-busting tips? Need to take your treatment to the next level with one of our in-office facial treatments? Call Med Physique Center for Aesthetics at 512-361-2650 to schedule a consultation, or book online with us today.
