Conventional acne treatments can be expensive and often lead to undesirable side effects, with dryness, redness, and irritation being some of them. Although not backed by science, home remedies can be quite effective in reducing the occurrence of acne in adults. Read on to know more.

1. Zinc

This is important for cell growth metabolism and immune function and is known to lower the risk of acne as people with acne have been found to have lower levels of zinc in their blood. Those who consume zinc orally have shown a substantial reduction of around 80 to 100 percent in treating acne. The maximum recommended dosage limit of zinc is around 40mg per day. It is best not to exceed this unless recommended by a doctor because it is also known to cause stomach pain and gut irritation.

2. Tea tree oil

This tree that is native to Australia has been found to produce good results in treating mild to moderate acne and are easily available. The polyphenols in tea reduce sebum production and help in treating acne. This oil is very effective and should be diluted to have around 5% concentration before being applied to the affected areas. The results do take longer as compared to conventional peroxides, but the improvements were significant with fewer side effects.

3. Honey and cinnamon

With their anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, honey and cinnamon help fight bacteria and reduce inflammation. The skin responds better to applied antioxidants and is more effective than other chemical compounds containing peroxide. Honey and cinnamon should be ground together to form a paste which must be applied over the face and left for around 10 to 15 minutes and rinsed to remove the mask completely.

4. Apple cider vinegar

his is known to fight many types of bacteria and viruses. Besides several organic acids, it contains succinic acid that is known to kill acne-causing germs. The lactic acid also works to prevent scarring besides improving scars by helping to dry excess oil that causes acne in adults.

5. Moisturizing the skin with aloe vera

Aloe vera is a tropical plant whose leaves produce a gel that is often used in lotions, soaps, and creams; it helps to combat acne effectively. A moisturizer with a concentration of at least 10 percent of aloe gel soothes the skin and also has an anti-inflammatory effect. The gel can be scooped out of the aloe leaves and applied directly on clean skin twice a day.

6. Omega-3 fatty acids

These are a requirement in one’s diet. It has a lot of health benefits besides helping in preventing acne and managing oil production. The fish oil extract is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids besides walnuts, salmon, sardines, and flax seeds. Since most western diets do not contain enough of this, omega-3 supplements may be recommended to help prevent acne in adults.

7. Green tea

This has a lot of benefits for one’s health in general. Applying an extract of green tea directly on to the skin has shown to reduce inflammation and fight bacteria. The flavonoids and tannins in green tea help reduce and manage acne in adults.