How to Clear Acne Naturally

Unfortunately, acne has gotten the better of most of us at least once in our lives. So, if you’re struggling with acne, know you are not alone. Acne can be disheartening and discouraging, but it’s possible to experience complete healing from acne. This is an extensive breakdown of how to clear acne naturally.

What is Acne?

If you’re here, you likely know what acne is. But, just to clear up any confusion: acne is a common skin condition that affects teenagers, young adults, and adults. Acne arises when hair follicles become clogged with dead skin and body oils. There are many kinds of acne including:

• Whiteheads (closed pores)
• Blackheads (open pores)
• Papules (small red, tender bump)
• Pimples (pustules) 
• Nodules (large, solid, painful lumps under the skin)
• Cystic lesions (painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin)

If you’ve ever experienced acne (and, let’s face it: most of us have), you know the physical and emotional pain. Acne can be embarrassing, at least, and painful, at most. So, how can you clear up acne naturally?

What are the Root Causes of Acne?

While clogged pores lead to acne, there is always an underlying cause that triggers the clogged pores in the first place. The key is to understand the root cause to eliminate acne altogether. The most common causes of acne include:

• Hormones– Hormonal imbalances, which are very common in teenagers and adults, can promote acne breakouts. Specifically, high levels of androgens and estrogen are known to contribute to acne.
• Stress– Stress is the antithesis of health– even acne. During stressful times, big or small, acne breakouts are more likely to pop up. This might look like cramming for a test, experiencing trauma or loss, over-exercising or under-eating, not getting enough sleep, work projects, etc.
• Gut Imbalances– Gut imbalances, such as dysbiosis, infections, candida, SIBO, and more, are a common root cause of acne– especially chronic acne. If you’ve tried everything to clear your acne with no prevail, it’s time to look at your gut!

While addressing the root cause of your acne, it’s important to investigate why your acne started initially. Here are some thoughts to consider:

• Did you acne clear up with birth control? Does it improve by removing dairy? Is it cyclical? Is it around the chin/jaw area? This kind of acne is likely hormone related. 
• Did your acne clear up with antibiotics? Did it start after traveling internationally? Or after getting sick? Does it appear all over the face and on the back too? Does it appear as small pustules that don’t come to a head? This points to a gut-related cause. 
• Does your acne flare up when you’re stressed out? Needless to say, your acne is probably related to stress.

How to Clear Acne Naturally

Acne can prove to be stubborn, while taking a jab at your self-confidence. But, understanding the root cause of your breakouts is the first step to healing your acne for good. Whether your acne is related to hormones, gut health, or stress, try these at-home, natural tricks to clear up acne. 

• Hormones– First thing first: get your hormones tested. Then, focus on balancing your blood sugar levels with nutrition and supplementation, such as saw palmetto and/or spearmint tea.
• Gut– Support optimal gut health by eating a diverse diet with a variety of whole foods, including fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics. If these dietary changes don’t help, consider doing a stool test for further insight and investigation.
• Stress– This one is pretty straight forward. Stress-related acne is a great reason to get a handle on your stress levels. Reduce stress, if possible, and learn how to manage the cause of your stress. Focus on getting adequate sleep every night, staying hydrated, and eating balanced meals.
• Bonus: Vitamin A deficiency can also contribute to acne. Try consuming more vitamin A-rich foods, like grass-fed beef liver (or capsules). Topical creams, like retinol, are synthetic forms of vitamin A that have been proven to be helpful, too. Always check with your doctor before supplementing. 

Acne is an extremely common, yet dreaded skin condition that affects the majority of us. To overcome your acne breakouts naturally, use these tips!