Home Remedies for Acne in Children

Home Remedies for Acne in Children

Acne in children can occur when the skin pores are clogged with excess sebum and dead skin cells. Bacteria present on the skin surface can also infuse themselves in the clogged pores and cause acne. As children grow and develop the hormonal changes stimulate the sebaceous glands to secrete more sebum. The excess sebum on the skin clogs the pores and cause acne.

Home Remedies for Acne in Children

Acne in children can occur on the face, arms, shoulders, neck, chest and upper back. Some of the simple home remedies for acne in children are listed below.

#1. Virgin Coconut Oil

One of the safest home remedies for acne in children is virgin coconut oil. Coconut oil control excess sebum on the skin, moisturises the skin, and soothes the inflammation of acne on the skin. Apply coconut oil 3-4 times a day till the acne clears up. 

#2. Vinegar

Due to its acidic nature, vinegar is an effective remedy for acne. Additionally, vinegar kills the skin bacteria and reduces the sebum production. Dilute 1:10 vinegar with water and dab on affected areas for best results. 

#3. Honey and Lemon

To treat acne in children, honey and lemon can be considered an effective remedy. Honey and lemon in combination possess anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties that naturally cleanse the skin, clear the clogged pores, and treats acne. Honey and lemon is mild on your child’s skin and is safe to use. Honey and lemon

#4. Sandalwood Paste

Known for its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties, sandalwood paste is considered to be one of the best home remedies for acne in children. Apart from treating acne, sandalwood paste also treats acne spots and scars formed due to acne. Sandalwood paste can be mixed with mustard oil and applied on acne affected area 2 times a day.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood

#5. Talcum Powder

Surprising but true, talcum powder is an effective remedy for acne in children. Talcum powder has cooling properties and helps control sebum production without clogging skin pores. Gently rub talcum powder on acne affected area twice a day for best results.

#6. Oatmeal

Although unconventional, oatmeal can be good remedy for acne. Blend oatmeal into powder and mix with water to form a paste. Apply this oatmeal paste on acne affected areas of the skin before bath and wash off with lukewarm water.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal

Precautions To Avoid Acne

Since acne can hurt in several children and takes time to clear up through remedies, it is advised to follow a few precautions to avoid acne in children.

  • Stop your child from eating too much junk food
  • Ensure that your children wash their face 2-3 times a day with mild soap or cleanser to avoid sebum build-up.
  • Always use an oil free moisturiser on your child’s skin.
  • Ensure that your child avoids touching his or her face frequently as skin on hands also contain bacteria.
  • Teach your child good skin care habits

If your child’s acne is not improving with the home remedies, it is advised to see a dermatologist. The dermatologist will be able to prescribe antibiotics, anti-acne skin creams, or other treatment methods to get rid of acne quickly.

References:

  1. https://www.verywellhealth.com/keep-teen-acne-to-a-minimum-15930
  2. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=acne-in-children-90-P01571
  3. https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/acne.html

Yaamini Radhakrishnan
Yaamini Radhakrishnan:I am a clinic research professional, graduate in biotechnology and post graduate in biochemistry. Have also pursued freelance writing since the past 5 years I am married and have a daughter. I am a native and reside at Bangalore.