Acne is one of the most common skin diseases. It is not dangerous in itself, but can be very annoying and severely restrict the quality of life of those affected. The pustules, nodules and inflammations can cause pain, burning and itching. If the areas are scratched, this can lead to further inflammation, infection and scarring. Are there effective home remedies for acne? What can you do yourself to get acne under control? We will tell you and also introduce you to the gentle laser treatment with AviClear® against acne, which we have recently started offering at our institute. You don’t have to put up with your acne – we’ll show you what really helps.
How does acne develop?
Acne is a consequence of the body’s sebum production. Tallow is not a bad thing in itself, in fact it is very useful. It is an important component of the skin’s own lipid layer, which acts as a kind of protective shield to protect the skin from external influences and harmful germs and pathogens. However, if the sebaceous glands produce too much fat or sebum, the fine ducts can become blocked. Then the sebum builds up and blackheads, pimples and inflammation occur. The inflammations can become firm nodules, which are often painfully tight or burn. Acne therefore occurs mainly on areas of the body with many sebaceous glands. This includes the face, shoulders, back and chest.
At what age does acne usually occur?
An overproduction of sebum often occurs in connection with hormonal changes. This is why many teenagers struggle with skin blemishes and even acne during puberty. But unpleasant blackheads, pimples and lumps can also form in adulthood. Adult acne can also be triggered by hormonal fluctuations, other possible causes are stress, UV radiation, air pollution, incorrect care products, certain medications and a genetic predisposition to increased sebum production.
Can acne disappear on its own?
Yes, it can happen that acne disappears on its own, e.g. if the hormone status changes or stabilizes, triggering medication or products are discontinued or persistent stress subsides. Mild acne in particular does not necessarily need to be treated. Severe acne usually requires medical attention in order to soothe the skin and avoid secondary symptoms such as scars as far as possible.
Home remedies and tips against acne
Gentle, pH-neutral cleaning agents
Acne is not the result of a lack of hygiene. However, it can be triggered or aggravated by the wrong cleaning and care products. To avoid further stressing the already irritated skin, it is advisable to use washing lotions with a pH value of 5.5. These protect and support the natural skin environment. Care should also be taken not to use care products that are too greasy, as these can also clog the skin channels. Instead, a moisturizer can nourish and soothe the skin.
Sun protection
UV radiation can intensify acne breakouts, even worsen acne and can also increase the risk of scarring. Sun protection is always an important issue and should therefore also be taken into account for acne skin. Protect your skin from direct sunlight and avoid spending long periods in the blazing sun. Also use a sun cream with a high sun protection factor (50+). There are mild products that are especially suitable for stressed skin with allergies or acne.
Nutrition for acne
Whether and to what extent diet can influence acne has not yet been conclusively researched. However, some sufferers report that they have fewer problems with their acne if they avoid or reduce certain foods. Sugar, chocolate, milk or alcohol seem to aggravate acne in some people. Avoiding sweetened dairy products is scientifically proven, but there is no scientific basis for other nutritional issues in connection with acne.
Reduce stress
Persistent stress is also considered a trigger for skin problems and acne. Relaxation exercises and conscious time-outs can therefore help to calm the skin and improve acne. What relaxes you is completely individual and can be meditation, yoga, reading or simply music, for example. Sufficient and restful sleep is also important.
Sport in the fresh air
Regular exercise in the fresh air is important for general health and fitness, but also has visible effects on the appearance of the skin. Sport lowers cortisol levels and reduces stress. It also stimulates blood circulation. These factors can help in the treatment of acne. Remember to remove your make-up before exercise and shower after exercise so that the pores are not blocked by make-up residue or sweat.
Abstain from smoking
A direct link between smoking and acne has not been proven, but some studies suggest that smoking can make acne worse. Smoking releases numerous pro-inflammatory substances and impairs blood circulation. Giving up nicotine can have a positive effect not only on the appearance of your skin, but also on your overall health.
Acne medication only after consultation with a doctor
There are special ointments and creams for the treatment of acne. However, these should only be used after consulting a doctor. Although there are also over-the-counter products available from pharmacies, the success of the treatment depends on various factors. The product should therefore be tailored to the cause of the acne, accompanying illnesses or complications such as scars, the age and the characteristics of the skin. In the worst case, the wrong composition or application can even worsen acne instead of bringing the desired improvement.
State-of-the-art acne treatment: laser treatment with AviClear®
Home remedies, behavioral tips and creams do not always bring the desired success in the treatment of acne. Moderate and severe acne in particular is often accompanied by severe discomfort and can be persistent. One of the most modern methods of treating acne is gentle laser treatment. We carry this out in our skin center with AviClear®.
The laser emits laser energy with a wavelength of 1726 nm into the skin. There it is absorbed directly by the sebaceous glands. The energy is converted into heat. The sebaceous glands are easily damaged by the short, intense rise in temperature. This prevents the overproduction of sebum. Less sebum collects in the pores, which also reduces the risk of inflammation. Gradually, the typical acne symptoms recede and the complexion improves.
You can find out more about laser treatment with AviClear® here on our treatment page. You can also expect a detailed consultation in our practice. Simply make your appointment under “Consultation acne laser treatment with AviClear®” in our online appointment booking.
last update: 28.03.2024
