As you grow older, you may start having random outbreaks of acne on your face elsewhere on your body. These breakouts may be due to stress, could be something you’ve eaten or even something in the environment.
Not everyone gets acne, but most everyone will deal with dark spots as they age.

Both dark spots and acne can be treated with various home remedies and different over-the-counter products. The Internet is filled with acne tips and ways to rid your body of dark spots. While some of the tips are outrageous and downright dangerous, others make sense and are recommended by most dermatologists.

Here are 4 safe and effective ways to clear up your skin from acne and dark spots:

Tips to clear your skin from spots and acne

1. Work from the Inside Out

Start taking the following supplements to combat acne before it forms:

Zinc – this is the number one recommended supplement for acne-prone skin. Its main function is to help cell regeneration and healing.

Fish oil – a strengthening agent for the skin, it also helps balance hormones, which is a major cause of acne.

Selenium – this helps with inflammation, the number one cause of acne. It is also helpful in balancing hormones.

Vitamin E – another anti-inflammatory vitamin which is also found in foods like spinach, avocados and nuts.

Vitamin A – this vitamin contains Retinol, which is a cell regeneration compound.

2. Retin-A

Retin-A will help with dark spots and acne scars. It’s not beneficial for raised acne scars or deep pitted type marks but works well on dark spots caused by acne or some age spots. This treatment takes time to first lighten the spots, then erase them from your skin.

Retin-A contains the medication Tretinoin, which is what lightens the dark spots. An added bonus to using this product is that it will also reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and helps to brighten dull skin. This will help to make you look younger.

3. Food Products
Many swear by different food products you may already have in your kitchen. These include:

Lemon Juice – this is an acidic and antioxidant-rich liquid that helps to minimize dark spots on the skin by “bleaching” them in a natural way.

Apple Cider Vinegar –  this has an alpha hydroxy acid that removes dead skin cells, a major cause of acne and the resulting dark spots. This also contains many different minerals and vitamins that will heal and brighten the skin.
Buttermilk – this contains lactic acid that helps to exfoliate and lighten the skin. Yoghurt also works well on dark spots.

4. Aloe Vera

This is a plant that contains several healing properties. Many people keep one of these floras in their homes for emergencies like burns from cooking or sunburns. Others swear by its ability to erase ageing signs on the skin. Besides being packed with Vitamins A, B, C and E, the plant’s gooey substance is loaded with beta-carotene that helps to nourish the skin.

On the final note, all pimples and acne spots begin as comedones. And the best way to prevent pimples or treat them in case you already have acne is regular exfoliation of your skin. Exfoliation not only keeps your skin pores from becoming clogged but also smooth and soften your complexion.

There are so many good products and exfoliators for acne scars in the market. Just check with your doctor or dermatologist before starting any new skincare regimen, even the natural, homemade kind.