Best Products for Acne Treatment: How to Treat Acne Naturally?

What is Acne?

Acne is the first skin care problem in the world. It's unlikely you have not heard about red skin rash that primarily affects teenagers although there can be adult men acne and women acne as well. The face is the most affected area on your body but acne can appear on most areas of the body: chest, arms, neck and back.

In addition to physical effect of acne, it can have a long-term psychological effect. If a teenager or adult person suffer from acne and ignore acne treatment, he or she will suffer from decreased self-esteem and self-confidence which can lead to social withdrawal, depression and stress. Moreover, if a person does not know how to treat acne or just does not want to treat acne, acne can turn into severe form and lead to disfiguring scarring that cannot be removed at all.

Acne appears as a result of the blockage of a skin pores. This blockage can happen when excess sebum and/or dead skin cells have not left the hair follicle via the skin pore. Please note, you should not try to stop sebum production, sebum is your body's fatty oil that moisturizes your skin and hair. Without sebum, your hair will become thin, and your skin will be dry. The acne is not caused by sebum, it's believed to be causes by blockage of excess sebum.

Causes of Acne

As we mentioned before, the main cause of acne is an excess sebum that can get blocked when your body continually replaces it's skin. Sometimes these skin cells do not shed evenly causing a blockage of skin pores. The excess sebum continues generating in the hair follicle and cannot exit the skin pore. Sebum get back to the hair follicle and starts swelling. This causes acne pimples.

There are other causes of acne:

• The bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes can cause acne. These bacteria produce certain substances that cause inflammation and swelling. They also make enzymes, which turn the sebum into red irritating substances and then make the inflammation worse.
• Certain hormones called androgens are an additional factor that can cause acne. Androgens are male hormones but they are present in both males and females. Androgens can cause the following problems: First, they cause enlargement of the sebaceous glands. Second, they cause these sebaceous glands to significantly increase sebum production. As we learned before, the increased sebum production can lead to blockage of the skin pores and serves as more "meal" for the bacteria. Androgens crowd our bodies at puberty when teenagers develop armpit and pubic hair and when boys develop facial hair and deeper voices. In addition to the primary targets, this hormonal surge can also cause acne in teens.
• Estrogens are the female hormones. Changes in the estrogen levels in a woman's body cause monthly menstrual cycle but can cause acne as well. This is why women acne may get better and worse every month as she goes through her monthly cycle. You may need a specific acne treatment with birth control pills, which contain the helpful estrogens.
• Genetic factor can also be one of the causes of acne but this has not yet been proven.

Types of Acne

There are different causes of acne and each of them can cause different forms of acne. Pimples are the most common and known form of acne and the one most teens and adults are likely to suffer from. You should know that there are other forms of acne like acne vulgaris - comedones, the simplest of lesions.

Lesions are small patches of skin with acne. Acne lesions are the external form of comedones (see below), the hair follicles blocked by excess sebum.

Comedones are known as acne blackheads and acne whiteheads, depending on whether the skin pore is open or not. Blackheads are skin pores with an excess sebum that exits to the surface and can be seen as black spots. Whiteheads are closed skin pores filled with the sebum that swells underneath the skin.

Comedones are what you always want to pick and squeeze. However, when you open a pore in the conditions of your home without sterile tools, you can easily get an infection. An open pore is an entry point for all kinds of bacteria that can cause severe forms of acne.

Papules - The papule is a small and solid elevation of the skin that does not contain pus under the skin. Papules can appear in whole clusters, due to the skin's response to acne.

Pustules - Very similar to papules, pustules are small inflamed elevations of the skin but they are filled with pus under the skin. The pus is a combination of bacteria and dead skin cells. Pustules are usually formed around hair follicles.

Macula - A macula is a small red spot on the skin that appears after an acne lesion. Macula stands out against the surrounding skin and give the face or back an inflamed aspect.

Nodules - The nodule is the most painful lesions caused by acne. Nodules extend into the deeper layers of the skin. If you do not treat acne, nodules can lead to skin destruction and scars formation. Nodular acne is the most severe form of acne that can require even surgery!

Cysts - Cysts are lesions shaped like capsules and contain the same pus as found in pustules. However, cysts are larger than pustules, they can be infected and can extend deeper into the skin and leave scar tissue behind. The worst type of acne is nodulocystic acne. It is very hard to treat nodulocystic acne as it responds only to isotretinoin, the substance obtained from Vitamin A.

An Overview of Acne Treatment

The bigger a problem is, the more people try to find or develop a treatment. This phrase is an accurate description of acne treatment products available on the market today. This sort of products vary from skin exfoliation and the classic antibiotics and bactericidals and on to hormonal acne treatments, retinoids, photo therapy and laser. The list of acne treatment products and methods is very long. The average sufferer looking for an acne treatment is likely to be confused by all these products, all of which are 100% guaranteed to put an end to acne once and for all.

How to treat acne? If you don't consider surgery or painful injection, take a look at the idea of treating acne with a combination of healthy food and vitamins. OK, to be honest, the use of foods to treat various conditions is not a new idea but the concept that food could be used to treat acne is an interesting new twist. The main idea is to avoid certain food, rich with fat and sugar and focus on fresh vegetables, vitamins, fruits and water. The underlying cornerstone is that heavily processed food and fat-rich food are bad for the whole body and can cause acne and other conditions. Skin care problems are considered to be a side effect of processed food consumption.

However, acne treatment things are not that simple. This assumption is a good idea only for the people whose acne outbreaks are caused by hormones and bacteria found in "bad" food. There are so many forms of acne and they cannot have one single cause and one single acne treatment. Yes, eliminating certain food can help you treat acne but it can make your acne worse because people respond in different ways to different foods. A healthy diet is good for everybody, but it cannot be considered as an acne treatment. What you need is an natural acne treatment product that clears pores outside and kills bacteria inside, thus preventing hair follicles from clogging and turning into pimples. This is what you should be looking for if you want to treat acne naturally.

How to Treat Acne?

How to treat acne? Rule #1: do not ever try to squeeze or pick pimples! You will never treat acne by doing so, this is a job for your doctor and to be performed in sterile condition only. Try to resist this temptation even if your face or body is covered with unpleasant-looking red spots. This is why it's very important to treat acne and prevent the emergence of acne pimples. The best way of taking care of your skin care problem is to use an acne treatment that can really help your body put an end to basic cause of acne: widespread clogging of pores.

Acne treatment focuses on reducing oil production, removing dead skin cells, and fighting bacteria. Options vary from prescription medications to natural remedies. The choice depends on the type and severity of acne, skin type, and personal preference.

Conventional Treatments

• Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter creams, gels, and cleansers often contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids. These compounds help unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and kill bacteria. Prescription-strength topical treatments may include stronger retinoids or antibiotics.
• Oral Medications: Doctors may prescribe oral antibiotics for moderate to severe acne. These reduce inflammation and bacterial growth. Hormonal treatments like birth control pills can help regulate hormones in female patients. In severe cases, isotretinoin is used, but it may cause serious side effects including dryness, mood changes, and increased risk of birth defects.
• Professional Procedures: Dermatologists may perform chemical peels, light therapy, or manual extraction. These treatments target acne lesions directly and are often combined with topical or oral medications for better results.

Natural Treatments

• Plant-Based Creams and Gels: Natural products often contain plant extracts with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, or astringent properties. Tea tree oil, aloe vera, and calendula are commonly used in topical gels or serums. These reduce redness and swelling while soothing irritated skin.
• Herbal Supplements: Some supplements aim to balance hormones, support detoxification, and improve skin clarity. These may include ingredients like green tea extract, burdock root, or zinc. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
• Natural Cleansers and Toners: Products with chamomile, witch hazel, or apple cider vinegar help cleanse pores gently without stripping the skin's natural barrier. These are useful for individuals with sensitive skin who may react to chemical-based options.
• Clay Masks and Exfoliants: Natural clay masks made with bentonite or kaolin can absorb excess oil and impurities. Scrubs made with ground oats or fruit enzymes exfoliate dead skin cells and help keep pores clear.

Laser Surgery

Laser surgery could be used in the future to treat acne, instead of just dealing with the consequences but nowadays laser is still too dangerous acne treatment method since the extreme heat is known to cause long-term dryness of the skin and even spots.

Other research efforts focus on whole-genome DNA sequencing as a tool for identifying the genetic reasons why some people do not have acne at all, then try to modify it and prevent acne completely. This sounds better and probably some day we will not need acne treatment products at all. However, this technique belongs to the future and are unlikely to become available soon.

Finally, you could try to find a natural acne treatment in order to keep your skin clear and prevent pimples from even forming. You will be glad to find out that the natural acne treatment products have absolutely no side effects and are actually healthy for your skin and your body. That's why skin care professionals recommend only natural acne treatments.

Natural Approach to Acne Treatment

Do you remember causes of acne? This is a great help if you want to answer "how to treat acne naturally?" question. Take a look above, we wrote that there could be different causes of acne like blocked skin pores and bacteria inside the pores. The first problem is outside, the second problem is inside. That's why it makes sense to treat acne both from inside and outside. Natural acne treatment systems usually do the following:

• The first step of natural acne treatment includes deep skin washes that clear the pores from outside.
• The second step of natural acne treatment is to take a herbal pill that take care of the bacteria inside your pores.
• Finally, natural acne treatment can include protection cream that keeps the skin free of pimples yet to come.

This is what makes complex natural acne treatment so unique and effective.

How Natural Products Help Treat Acne

Natural products support acne treatment by targeting the root causes of breakouts - excess oil, clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation - without harsh side effects. They work gently with the skin's natural barrier and are often preferred for long-term use.

Anti-Inflammatory Action

Many natural ingredients reduce inflammation, which is a key factor in acne development. Red, swollen pimples and cysts often result from the body's immune response. Herbal extracts like green tea, chamomile, and calendula contain natural compounds that calm irritated skin and reduce redness.

Antibacterial Effects

Certain natural products contain antibacterial properties that help eliminate acne-causing bacteria, especially Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes). Tea tree oil is a well-known natural antibacterial agent. It penetrates pores and kills bacteria without disrupting healthy skin cells. Other botanicals like thyme and neem also help control microbial growth on the skin.

Oil Control and Detoxification

Excess sebum (skin oil) clogs pores and leads to breakouts. Natural ingredients like witch hazel, clay, and charcoal help absorb oil and keep the skin balanced. Clay masks made with kaolin or bentonite remove toxins and impurities from deep within the pores, preventing blackheads and whiteheads.

Skin Regeneration

Natural products promote healing and skin cell renewal. Ingredients such as aloe vera and rosehip oil support tissue repair and help fade acne scars. They also improve skin elasticity and texture without causing dryness or peeling.

Hormonal Support

Some natural remedies address internal hormonal imbalances that trigger acne, especially in adults. Supplements with spearmint, zinc, or chasteberry may help reduce breakouts related to menstrual cycles or stress-induced hormonal changes.

Common Ingredients in Natural Acne Products

Natural acne products often include plant-based and mineral ingredients known for their ability to cleanse the skin, reduce inflammation, and prevent breakouts. These ingredients are selected for their safety and compatibility with different skin types.

• Tea tree oil is one of the most researched natural remedies for acne. It has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Applied topically, it helps kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce swelling. It is typically used in diluted form to prevent irritation.
• Aloe vera gel soothes irritated skin, reduces redness, and promotes healing. Its cooling effect makes it ideal for inflamed or sensitive skin. It also supports skin regeneration and can help reduce acne scars over time.
• Witch hazel is a natural astringent that helps tighten pores and reduce oil production. It also has anti-inflammatory effects, which can help calm active breakouts. It's often used in toners and cleansing pads.
• Rich in antioxidants, green tea extract reduces inflammation and limits oil production. It contains compounds like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that fight bacteria and support overall skin health. It is used in both topical and oral acne treatments.
• Natural clays absorb excess oil, unclog pores, and draw out impurities from the skin. Clay masks are commonly used once or twice per week to help prevent buildup and keep the skin clear.
• Zinc is often included in creams or taken as a supplement. It reduces inflammation, supports wound healing, and may help regulate hormone levels that affect acne.
• Calendula extract has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It helps calm the skin, reduce irritation, and promote healing of minor acne lesions.

The Prognosis

The prognosis to treat acne is excellent. Most males and females experience their worst acne outbrakes during the teen years and "grow out of it". Some of them does not even know how to treat acne. But you should not wait for your acne to disappear. The goal in all acne treatment is to prevent permanent scarring. If you don't treat acne, it can turn into severe form and result in scarring. The acne scars can appear as small pits on the face or as big, bumpy scars on the chest and back. The acne scars can also be treated, your doctor can tell you about various ways available to treat acne scars. But why wait for acne scars when you can treat acne now and prevent scars?

Do you know that "less is better"? This saying definitely applies to acne treatment. Do not use too much medicine. Although natural acne treatment systems do not have side effects, be sure to follow the directions carefully and do not over-use it.

The same can be said about washing your face. It is a good idea, when you wash your face you remove dead skin cells, excess sebum, and dirt from your skin's surface and actually help your body treat acne. But again, over-washing or scrubbing your skin too hard can do only bad. Your skin becomes dry and irritated, which only makes acne worse. As a general rule to treat acne, gently wash your face no more than twice a day in the morning and in the evening. Also avoid products that include alcohol because it can dry out and irritate your skin.

How to Prevent Acne?

Preventing acne involves daily habits that support clear, balanced skin. Natural prevention strategies focus on reducing oil buildup, limiting bacteria, and promoting skin health from the inside out.

• Keep Skin Clean: Wash your face twice a day with a gentle, natural cleanser. Choose products with ingredients like chamomile, green tea, or aloe vera to remove dirt, excess oil, and bacteria without irritating the skin. Avoid harsh soaps and over-washing, which can strip natural oils and cause more breakouts.
• Avoid Pore-Clogging Products: Use non-comedogenic skincare and makeup products. These are designed not to block pores. Choose oil-free moisturizers and avoid heavy creams or greasy cosmetics, which may lead to blackheads and pimples.
• Maintain a Balanced Diet: What you eat can influence your skin. A diet high in processed foods, sugar, or dairy may trigger breakouts in some people. Focus on whole foods, fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and flush out toxins.
• Manage Stress Levels: Stress increases the release of hormones that can lead to acne. Natural ways to manage stress include exercise, deep breathing, and enough sleep. Herbal teas like chamomile or lemon balm may help reduce stress naturally.
• Keep Hands and Hair Away from Face: Touching your face or letting hair rest on the skin transfers oils and bacteria. Wash hands regularly and keep hair clean to reduce the chance of clogged pores.
• Use Natural Preventive Products: Daily toners with witch hazel, gentle exfoliants with fruit enzymes, and moisturizers with jojoba oil can help maintain skin balance and prevent acne. Spot treatments with diluted tea tree oil or herbal creams can stop early breakouts from progressing.

Consistent care and healthy choices are key to keeping skin clear naturally. Prevention is most effective when combined with a simple, regular skincare routine.