Acne of any kind and on any part of the body cannot be good. Chest acne, though not too common, can cause discomfort and may also dip your confidence levels because you begin to feel uncomfortable in your own skin.
The causes of chest acne are many, but the most common causes include the following:
- Clogged pores: When your oil glands, hair follicles, or sweat glands get clogged with excess oil, sweat, or dirt, they tend to cause acne.
- Hormonal imbalance: Stress, improper diets, and puberty can cause hormonal imbalances in the body and it can cause acne.
- Allergies: A skin allergy can trigger acne.
- Reproductive system issues: If you have issues with your reproductive system, there are chances you will have chest acne.
- Unhygienic conditions: If your clothes are not washed regularly or if you don’t shower regularly, bacteria may build up causing acne.
So, what can you do to get rid of these chest acne? Home remedies, though they take time, are an effective way to get rid of chest acne.
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Chest Acne
Let’s examine a few remedies that you can try at home to treat chest acne and, eventually, get rid of it. Also, remember to try a patch test before you try any of the remedies.
1. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is good to treat chest acne because it can absorb excess oil that can clog pores. Oatmeal also acts as a cleanser and a moisturizer. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it may also reduce the swelling caused by the acne.1
How To Use
- Cook a cup of oatmeal.
- After it cools down, apply it to the chest area.
- Gently massage the oatmeal on your chest for 5 minutes and let it remain for 15 minutes after the massage.
- Rinse with water and pat dry.
- You can also add a teaspoon of honey and lemon juice to the cooked oatmeal.
- Repeat this three times a week.
2. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice has antibacterial properties because it contains ascorbic acid.2 It can discourage the growth of bacteria that can cause acne.
How To Use
- Slice a medium-sized lemon into half.
- Massage the sliced lemon onto the affected area on the chest.
- Leave it on for half an hour, rinse, and pat dry.
- Repeat this three times a week.
- If you experience any irritation with raw lemon, consider diluting the juice with water.
3. Garlic
Garlic possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.3 Due to these two properties, it becomes an ideal remedy for treating chest acne. It can prevent the growth of the bacteria-causing acne and at the same time reduce any swelling caused on the chest.
How To Use
- Peel a garlic clove and crush it.
- Apply this crushed clove on the affected area.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse with water and pat dry.
- Repeat this at least once every day.
4. Baking Soda
Baking soda has antimicrobial properties and can be used to treat acne.4 It can clear dead skin cells and absorb the excess oil that can cause clogged pores.
How To Use
- Mix baking soda with water to form a paste.
- Apply it to the area on the chest with acne.
- Massage the area for 5 minutes.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse with water.
- Repeat this three times a week.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties and can prevent the growth of bacteria causing chest acne.5
How To Use
- Soak a cotton swab in a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
- Gently rub the cotton on the affected area on the chest.
- Let it remain for 30 minutes, rinse with water, and pat dry.
- Repeat this four times a week.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera with its antimicrobial properties has an inhibitory effect on the growth of bacteria that can cause chest acne.6 It also gives a cooling effect to the skin. It is a useful remedy for treating chest acne and can also moisturize the skin.
How To Use
- Using a spoon, scoop the aloe vera gel from one of the leaves.
- Apply this gel onto the affected area on the chest.
- Let it remain for 20 minutes and rinse with water.
- Try to apply this once every day for positive results.
7. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds, due to the presence of salicylic acid, have the potential to fight acne.7 These seeds can also absorb the excess oil that can cause acne.
How To Use
- Soak fenugreek seeds overnight.
- In a blender, blend the soaked seeds with water.
- Apply the paste on the chest and leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Wash it off with water and pat dry.
8. Toothpaste
Toothpaste can fight more than the bacteria present in the mouth. It can also be used for treating acne on the chest. Avoid any gel-based toothpaste or toothpaste that contains artificial flavors and colors. Always choose a paste with low fluoride content.
How To Use
- Apply pea-sized toothpaste on the chest acne before going to sleep.
- Do not spread it like a mask.
- Leave it overnight and wash it with water the following morning.
- Repeat as less often as possible, about one to three times a week.
9. Honey
The antimicrobial properties of honey make it effective in fighting bacteria causing chest acne.8 It can also moisturize the skin and keep the skin hydrated.
How To Use
- Spread a layer of honey on the chest acne.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water followed by cool water.
- Repeat this once every day.
- For better results, you can also add a pinch of turmeric or a teaspoon of sugar.
10. Banana Peel
The lutein compound present in banana peels have antioxidant properties and is good for cell growth.9 Banana peels can also reduce redness and swelling caused by chest acne.
How To Use
- Scrape the inner layer of the banana peel.
- Apply this layer onto the chest acne.
- Let it remain on the chest for about 20 minutes.
- Rinse with water and pat dry.
11. Tea Tree Oil
Even though it takes time, studies have shown that tea tree oil is an effective treatment for acne with almost negligible side effects.10
How To Use
- Place a drop of the tea tree essential oil on the affected area on the chest.
- Gently rub it and leave it to dry.
- Repeat this three times a day for good results.
12. Cinnamon And Honey
Studies have shown that a combination of cinnamon bark and honey is effective in fighting acne-causing bacteria and, therefore, can be used to treat chest acne.11
How To Use
- Make a paste of cinnamon and honey.
- Apply this paste on the affected area of the chest.
- Leave this paste on the chest for 15 minutes.
- Rinse with water and pat dry.
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