Acne is a common infection of the skin that occurs due to plugging of the skin pores by dirt, oil and bacteria. Acne is usually seen on face, neck, chest, back and shoulders of an adolescent. This is due to an increase in the male sex hormone, which is seen in both male and female at the time of puberty. However, acne is not restricted to adolescents, people who are in their thirties and forties also suffer from this skin condition. Acne varies from mild to severe. Mildest form of acne is manifested as whiteheads and blackheads, while the severe acne forms deeper lumps which are called cysts or nodules.

Acne is not a serious disease, however this is sufficient to cause psychological problems in adolescents which makes them strongly desire to be acne free. Puberty is the time when people are more conscious about their looks. Acne and the scars formed by the acne all over the face can be very depressing at that tender age and can cause reduced self-esteem and confidence.

Several medications are available in the market from over the counter medicine to prescription drugs for acne treatment. Those medicines are not only expensive but also harsh to the skin as they contain strong chemicals which may not be the best acne treatment. Hence, most of the people prefer home remedies to treat the outbreaks of acne.

Aloe vera is a natural gel from a plant that has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Soaps that contain aloe vera helps to keep the skin healthy as well as helps to heal the skin that is damaged by acne and helps how to get rid of acne scars. The simplest way to keep good health is by a good night's sleep. A good sleeping habit helps to reduce acne by relieving stress from the body. Well-rested stress free body develops strong immune system and can fight infection more efficiently and heals very quickly.

Apart from changing the life style, people who suffer from acne can also try some of the home remedies that can be easily done without any side effects. Orange peel has proven to treat the troublesome acne effectively. Applying a mixture of grated orange peel and water can reduce the acne to a greater extent. Lemon juice is one of the simplest acne remedies. Applying the fresh lemon juice to the skin for an hour on regular basis leaves the skin very clear.

Fresh tomato paste when applied to the skin for 15-20 minutes regularly is considered to be very beneficial in the treatment of acne. Tomato is rich in vitamin A, which helps to reduce the bodily oil production and thus reduces the formation of acne. Vitamin A content of tomato also helps to speed up the process of healing and hence removes the scar.

Applying a face mask made of mint paste for 15-20 minutes and washing thoroughly helps to prevent the acne. Garlic is another natural remedy for acne. Garlic contains sulfur, which helps to heal the acne. Cucumber is a skin toner and vastly used in the creams that are available in the market. Rubbing the cucumber slices on to the skin for 15 minutes helps to eliminate the acne.

Studies have shown that people who suffer from acne have low blood level of Vitamin A and Vitamin E. Therapeutic dosage of vitamin A and Vitamin E helps to reduce the outbreaks of acne. Zinc, an essential mineral, helps the absorption of vitamin A and helps to increase the immune system of the body and thus fights with the acne bacteria. Food substances that have zinc in abundance are sea food, legumes, and wheat germ and sunflower seeds. If body doesn’t get enough Zinc, it can be taken as a supplement. Zinc when taken in a therapeutic dose, helps to prevent the acne. However, before starting the supplementary consumption, it is a good idea to consult a physician or a dermatologist.

Prevention is always better than cure. The first step in the prevention of acne is changing the food pattern. Food that is high in starch, fat and sugar is known to cause acne. So, a well balanced diet with lots of fluids that is rich in vitamin C and vitamin E are recommended for people who have acne prone skin. Vitamin E is also known to remove the scar formed from acne. Drinking lots of water helps to flush out the toxins from the body and helps the skin to be healthy.

Washing the face twice a day helps to reduce the acne by cleansing the skin. Face wash should be done using water and mild soap. Women, who wear make up, should always remove the makeup before going to bed. Keeping the hands off from the face itself will prevent the formation of acne. Staying away from the creams and makeup also prevents acne. So, the best way to avoid acne is by being as natural as possible.