Medication for acne is not only expensive but rarely prevents or contains acne to one area. Acne is most likely to stop as you grow older. Peer pressure and self-consciousness about appearance are some of the main reasons doctors say teens worry about acne. Talk to your parents and teachers if you feel uncomfortable about acne. Remember this is a temporary phase and will go away as you grow up. Also, acnes do not in any way define you, despite what your friends say.

However, if the acne flare-up is severe and becomes painful, there are some home remedies that can help to reduce pain and maybe redness too. You can prepare these home remedies with things available at home in your kitchen and pantry. Always clean your face gently before using a home remedy.

Apple cider vinegar
Unfiltered plain apple juice is fermented with yeast that turns over time into apple cider vinegar. It contains many acids that have numerous health benefits such as destroying acne, reducing inflammation and the impact of scars.

• Method
  Mix 1 part of vinegar to 3 parts of water. Use a cotton ball or Q-tips to apply the mixture to the acne-prone area and allow it to dry. Repeat twice a day. Always dilute the vinegar, otherwise, it can burn or irritate the acne.

Tea tree oil
Terpinene, a compound found in tree oil, has been proven to have anti-bacterial properties. They reduce the lesions caused by acne. It can be as effective as chemical medication, and the biggest advantage is that it has “no side effects”. Tree oil is a strong and potent herbal remedy. For this reason, it is advisable to not use it directly.

• Method
  Mix 1 part tea tree oil with nine parts of water. Use cotton swabs or Q-tips and apply the mixture. Allow it to dry. Apply moisturizer if you have dry or combination skin. Do this at least twice a day for better and faster results. However, if you notice that doing this twice a day dries your skin out, it is advisable to do this every alternate day.

Green tea
Green tea is best known for its antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. The topical application of green tea reduces the open blackheads and infected pimples that are inflamed and contains pus. It also can reduce lesions caused by acne scars.

• Method
  Boil green tea in water and let it cool down. Apply it using a cotton swab or fill it in a spray bottle and spray it in on the acne. Repeat twice a day.

Aloe vera
The gel from aloe vera is considered nature’s blessing for many skin and hair related conditions. It is now commonly found in creams, lotions, and soaps. Aloe vera naturally contains salicylic acid and sulfur that reduces inflammation.

• Method
  Scrape the gel from the plant. Directly apply it on the acne and rinse it off after it dries.

Along with these home remedies, follow a diet that has a low glycemic index. Foods high in glycemic index can quickly increase insulin, which can result in increased sebum production.

Avoid the intake of high-calorie dairy items that could bring change in your hormones, again resulting in acne flare-ups.

Remember that acne is a manageable condition and will eventually go away. You have to be positive about managing it and not give it so much thought that it affects your life and adds to stress. It is quite possible that many of your friends are having similar acne issues and the best thing would be is to support each other.