If you suffer from acne, you're not alone. Acne can affect males and females of all ages—not just adolescents. Adults long past their hormonal teenage years can also get acne and may even have acne scars from previous breakouts. According to a study by the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 50 million Americans suffer from some form of acne. Dealing with acne—whether mild or severe, inflammatory or non-inflammatory—can be extremely frustrating and for some, even depressing, especially if you feel as if you’ve tried every skin care product imaginable to help eliminate the problem.

There is no universal cure-all for acne because skin conditions vary by individual, but there are simple yet effective steps you can take to treat your acne that can also benefit your overall health. Here are some natural ways to get rid of acne:

Be consistent in following a healthy skin care regimen.

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, so taking care of it is vital to staying healthy. Be sure to cleanse your skin thoroughly and moisturize your skin daily to keep dirt from building up in your pores. Do not go to bed with your makeup still on! Use gentle and all-natural products that won’t cause any additional irritation. Look for products that are free of parabens and other preservatives.

It may take a trial-and-error period to consider what product is best for your skin. Consult with a dermatologist or another skin care professional who can evaluate your skin and offer suggestions for which products you should try.

Visiting a holistic acne treatment center is a great way to become more educated on addressing your acne with natural solutions.  Having your skin treated by holistic-minded professionals can also present you with the opportunity to explore better ways to address other skin-related issues that you are facing. Here are three common treatments that a holistic acne treatment center may offer:

• Deep-pore cleansing facials that focus on treating those prone to breakouts, so the skin feels fresh and clean.
• Chemical peels to help even a person’s skin tone, making the skin more soft and smoothe. 
• Anti-aging facials that aim to reduce wrinkles, so the skin looks years younger.

By getting certain treatments done as often as recommended, you’ll improve your skin’s overall health and reduce the number of breakouts you have.

Don’t smoke.

There are no benefits to smoking. Not one. Smoking cigarettes not only increases your chances of developing diseases like lung cancer, but it also results in yellow teeth and premature wrinkles. Although there isn’t definitive proof that smoking itself causes acne, a 2016 study available through the National Center for Biotechnology explored the relationship between acne and smoking. One theory is that nicotine slows down the body's healing process, which can result in a build-up of bacteria on the skin, increasing the chances of an acne breakout.

Although plenty of non-smokers suffer from acne, smokers seeking to get rid of their acne may want to consider quitting to not only improve their skin but also their health.

Evaluate your diet.

Although the link between diet and acne has not been proven conclusively, another 2016 report, also available through the National Center for Biotechnology, examined the effects that specific foods have on people’s skin conditions and found some causality. “The impact of diet on the course of acne vulgaris is still a very controversial subject," the report stated, "but can no longer be overlooked.” The study also suggested that consuming a significant amount of milk and other dairy products or a high level of gluten may be associated with the severity of one’s acne.

"... seeking nutritional counseling can enhance other areas of your health."

To find out if your diet is contributing to your acne, start by eliminating one food product at a time and see if you notice any change in your skin condition. A nutritionist can help you improve your dietary habits. Nutritional counseling can also enhance other areas of your health by helping you to safely lose excess weight and increase your energy levels by fueling your body with healthy, natural foods.

Check your hair care products.

You may not be applying your hair care products on your face or back, but they come into contact with your skin every time you use them. Sodium laureth sulfate (SLS) is a common ingredient in shampoos that has a tendency to irritate or inflame sensitive skin, as pointed out by the American Academy of Dermatology. Some experts claim that the chemical compound can actually increase the likelihood of breakouts.

Just remember that your body may react to certain ingredients differently, so take notice of any change in the severity of your acne if you switch shampoos, conditioners or hair gels.

Learn more about the Northport Wellness Center's holistic acne treatment program.