How to clear acne is one of the most commonly posed questions to skincare experts around the world. Going by the dictionary meaning, acne is a skin condition characterised by red pimples on the skin, especially on the face. Synonyms: zit, pimple, woman’s worst nightmare

While tons of “beat-the-acne”, “acne-free” and “anti-acne” products are spread on every shelf of a supermarket, very few are trying to understand the underlying problem i.e. what causes acne? In addition to explaining just that, this post will spill out effective tips to clear acne.

So, Let’s Cut to the Chase! What Causes Acne?

To keep lubricated, glands under the skin secrete an oily substance called sebum. When dead skin cells, sebum, bacteria, and hair follicles come together, they make for a deadly result – acne.

Myths say that acne is the result of ageing and hormonal changes. While that’s true, 5 months’ worth of trips to different skin experts might make you realise that that’s not all.

A number of risk factors play a part in causing or exacerbating acne:

  • Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause
  • Genetic factors; having parents who dealt with acne
  • Excessive stress
  • Dietary factors; consuming foods that are really high on refined sugars, carbohydrates, and dairy.
  • Medication like birth control pills, or those that throw off the body’s hormonal balance.

What’s unfortunate is that skincare is a rather complex process. Buying countless anti-acne creams is not all that’s required to rid yourself from these zits.

If you want a clear face, you’ll need to start digging deeper. But on the greener side, we’ve done the tedious digging for you.

Top Tips to Achieve Acne-Free Skin

What follows is our top-picked tips on how to clear acne fast, quick, and cheap.

How to Clear Acne Tip #1: Exfoliate!

Since clogged pores are responsible for acne, it is necessary to keep skin clean. However, remember that acne-prone skin is sensitive.

As a tip, use chemical exfoliants instead of physical ones (products that contain rough materials). Physical exfoliants, and especially those with larger beads (for example, sugar scrubs) can cause micro-tears in the skin.

How to Clear Acne Tip #2: Alter Your Diet

Folks, it’s time to switch to an anti-acne diet. The goal is to avoid foods that stimulate the production of oil.

Fill your plates with foods like berries, lemons, salmon, and technically anything that provides you with proteins.

As much as we hate to say it, dairy products might be making your acne problems worse. Cheese, ice-creams and similar products are responsible for increased sebum production. Ugh, we know.

So, try to swallow your cravings for a week’s time and analyse your skin closely. It might just be worth making all those compromises.

How to Clear Acne

How to Clear Acne Tip #3: Buy the Right Products

This is something we simply can’t stress enough on. Imagine buying a pair of shoes without really knowing your shoe size. It just doesn’t work that way, does it? Similarly, it is very important for you to know your skin type.

Next, check the labels. Are you really using what your skin needs, or is it something you simply saw on the advertisement? Remember, the first step to getting rid of acne is using the right products.

How to Clear Acne Tip #4: Post-Workout Skincare

Sweating it out is great. It eliminates toxins and bacteria from your body. However, before you dance your way out of the gym in glory, spare 5 minutes to clean up. Letting sweat and dirt linger around on your skin will make acne problems worse.

Read More: Tips for a Workout-Proof Skin

How to Clear Acne Tip #5: Keep Your Hands Off Your Face

It’s certainly tough breaking habits that have been with you for a while. Involuntarily touching your face is one of those. Remember that on any given day, your hands come in contact with a variety of bacteria, germs, and dirt. To avoid transferring these to your face, try to keep your hands off your face.

Additionally, it would help to wash your hands about 5-6 times a day, and keep them clean.

How to Clear Acne Tip #6: Befriend Aloe Vera Gel

How can we not mention the mother of all healers – aloe vera gel? When applied to the skin, this all-natural gel can help heal wounds, eliminate hyperpigmentation, and fight acne problems.

You can either experiment with products containing aloe vera gel, or use it in its most unadulterated form, if you have access to the plant.

Aloe Vera to Prevent Acne

How to Clear Acne Tip #7: Switch to a Silk Pillowcase

The key to achieving acne-free skin really lies in making little changes. If you’re one of the many people that uses a cotton pillowcase, it may be time to get a silk one. Silk pillowcases eliminate a host of skin problems by reducing friction with your skin.

Additionally, wash your sheets and pillow covers regularly – at least once a week. It is necessary to sleep clean. 😉

How to Clear Acne Tip #8: Get Personalised Skincare

Every skin is unique, and so is every cause behind acne. Needless to say, if the cause of acne is different, so should be the cure. It can sound very intimidating, but you don’t have to worry about it.

Tell our skin experts about your skin type, skin goals and lifestyle choices, and they will curate your custom-made skincare regimen. Your stress levels, as well as your water, sleep, and smoke intake will be kept in mind!

Personalised skincare is an attempt at doing away with guesswork, and trial and error.

What a time to be alive…

The Bottom Line: Acne Is Curable

The bottom line is that acne is a universally experienced skin problem, with a number of underlying causes. The home remedies listed above may take time to show effect, but we’re positive they will.

After all, in a time when robots can travel the surface of Mars, achieving acne-free skin should definitely not be as tedious. 😉

Furthermore, in case you need a shoulder to rest on, we’re here! We can help you go at those zits by delivering personalised skincare that your skin needs. All you need to do? Take a free skin test!

About the Author

In-house skincare expert, loves books, tea, and dancing. Currently starring in her own reality show titled, A Modern Monroe; One Girl’s Search for true love.

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