Struggling with acne? Add these 5 acne-fighting heroes to your skincare routine

The quest for clear, radiant skin is a universal pursuit, and acne can be one formidable foe in this journey. Getting a red pimple on the face happens to everyone, but that doesn’t mean you have to sit back and let it do whatever it wants. You should know how to fight acne. Whether it is a small blemish on the face or a major breakout, people who are prone to acne often wonder about the perfect solution for it. The fight against acne is a long one that needs attention. You need to take it step-by-step and heal your skin from the inside to get rid of acne permanently.

How to get rid of acne at home?

Dermatologist Dr Manasi Shirolikar recently took to her Instagram to share some tips for those struggling with acne. Here are some tips to get rid of acne:

1. BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid)

BHA or Beta Hydroxy Acid, is an exfoliant that protects your skin from ultraviolet skin damage. It also contains antibacterial effects that help you fight acne. As per a study published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that salicylic acid among Beta Hydroxy Acids is an effective method to get rid of acne. If you’re wondering how it works, BHA simply penetrates your pores, cleaning out all the gunk that leads to breakouts and acne, writes Dr Shirolikar.

Thanks to the properties of BHA, it helps reduce excess oil by slowing down sebum production and clearing out acne, blackheads, and clogged pores.

2. Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a common topical medication used for the treatment of acne. It contains both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in combating the factors that contribute to acne. It can help you zap those in no time, and that too from the root. However, you need to be careful while using it as it can make your skin dry and even bleach your pillow.

3. Pimple patches

Do you have a bad habit of touching your pimples? Or squeezing them out? Well, you are only going to make your acne worse if you don’t leave them alone. Enters – pimple patches! This magical thing will help you keep your hands off your acne and prevent it from getting worse. The dermatologist writes, “Pimple patches prevent you from worsening your pimple by constantly touching it! They also suck out gunk from the pimple itself, shrinking it!”

So, it’s a win-win! It’s time for you to get your hands on it now!

4. Clay masks

Clay masks are often considered beneficial for acne-prone skin due to several reasons. It is a great natural absorbent that sucks out the excess oils from the skin’s surface and gets you rid of clogged pores. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties hat calms the redness and inflammation caused by acne. It also promotes healing and reduces the appearance of existing acne. Dr Shirolikar calls it a better option than pore strips as they won’t take away the skin barrier from your skin after you peel them.

5. Low glycemic foods

Do you love eating greasy fries or burgers? Well, they might be the reason why you have acne in the first place. These foods are high glycemic foods, which have been proven to lead to acne. Low glycemic foods, on the other hand, reduce acne and don’t cause your blood sugar levels to spike either, as per the American Academy of Dermatology. When your blood sugar levels are high, it causes inflammation throughout the body and causes it to make more sebum, an oily substance in your skin.

If you want to get rid of the stubborn acne, you should add more foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your diet. These will help to stabilize your blood sugar levels, reduce oil production and risk of acne flare-ups.

While these tips and tricks may help you get rid of all the acne, it is best to check with your doctor to avoid them from getting worse.