How To Treat Inflamed Acne At Home?

Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages. While it may seem minor, it can greatly affect a person’s confidence and self-esteem. Firstly, it’s important to understand that acne is not simply a cosmetic issue. It is a systemic inflammatory disease affecting the entire body, not just the skin.

Inflammation is a key factor contributing to acne. Reducing inflammation can help minimize breakouts. You can reduce inflammation in several ways, including dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and medicines.

Role Of Inflammation In Acne

The entire breakout process is as follows: systemic inflammation causes oxidative stress, leading to acne, which triggers localized skin inflammation. The latter is the secondary role of inflammation in acne. Systemic inflammation, besides many other factors, plays a primary role in acne.

The common perception is that bacterial infection causes acne. However, recent research shows inflammation is the root cause, providing the playing ground for bacterial infection. Systemic inflammation is one of the reasons for the oxidation of sebum in the hair follicles, making its oxygen content low.

This low-oxygen environment is ideal for the acne-causing bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) to grow. The bacteria multiply in high numbers, colonize the hair follicle, and develop an infection.

The infection then leads to an inflammatory response by the immune system. This secondary inflammation is characterized by redness, swelling, and the formation of pus-filled lesions, which are often regarded as inflamed acne.

How To Reduce Inflammatory Acne

Treating local and systemic inflammation is key to getting rid of acne for good measures. Many methods can help relieve inflamed acne, like using antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients, spot treatment, and icing.

At the same time, lowering systemic inflammation and increasing anti-oxidants are also important. They can be done through lifestyle and dietary improvements.

1. Use Benzoyl Peroxide And Salicylic Acid

Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic are great ingredients for fighting inflamed acne. They are available in many OTC creams, cleaners, gels, and ointments.

Benzoyl peroxide works by killing the bacteria that cause acne and reducing inflammation. It also helps to unclog pores and remove excess oil from the skin. It is typically applied topically to the affected area once or twice a day.

Salicylic acid, on the other hand, works by exfoliating the skin and unclogging pores. It is an oil-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that can penetrate deep into the pores to remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce redness and swelling.

Note: use a moisturizer to help hydrate the skin, as these ingredients can cause dryness after repeated use.

2. Tea Tree Oil Can Help

Tea tree oil is a popular natural remedy for inflamed acne. It is a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent that can help to reduce redness and swelling associated with acne. Moreover, its antimicrobial properties can help reduce bacterial growth.

The oil is also known to help regulate sebum production, preventing the formation of new pimples. Dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or apply directly to the affected area with a cotton swab. Patch test the oil on a small skin area first and avoid using it undiluted as it can irritate the skin.

3. Aloe Vera Gel Is the Best Anti-Inflammatory

Aloe vera gel is another household name famous for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The gel contains salicylic acid, which helps to unclog pores and remove dead skin cells, as well as enzymes that reduce inflammation and redness.

To use aloe vera gel for inflamed acne:

● Cleanse the affected area with a gentle cleanser.

● Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel to the inflamed areas using clean fingers or a cotton pad.

● Allow the gel to absorb into the skin for a few minutes before applying moisturizer or other skincare products.

4. Try Spot Treatment

A great way to reduce inflamed acne overnight is a spot treatment. A spot treatment containing anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or tea tree oil, can reduce redness and swelling.

When using a spot treatment for inflamed acne, apply it only to the affected area, and avoid using it too much or too frequently.

5. Make Dietary And Lifestyle Changes

Making dietary changes is one of the most effective ways to treat acne. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help to reduce inflammation in the body, which can, in turn, help to reduce the severity and frequency of breakouts.

Take an anti-inflammatory diet, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fatty fish, nuts, and lean proteins. Anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric, ginger, and green tea can also help treat inflamed acne.

Stress and lack of sleep also cause inflammation, leading to acne. Try exercise, meditation, or breathing exercises that can lower your stress level and improve your sleep.

Conclusion

Reducing inflammation is an important step in managing and preventing acne. Eating well, practicing a healthy lifestyle, and using anti-inflammatory ingredients can reduce inflammatory acne and improve overall health. However, be cautious and consult your doctor before trying any home remedy for breakouts.

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