8 Easy and Effective Home Remedies for Acne

Conventional treatments for acne can be expensive and often have undesirable side effects like redness, dryness, and irritation. Hence, a lot of people are resorting to some easy-to-do and effective home remedies for acne.

Acne is a common skin problem that affects up to 50 million Americans every year, making it the most common skin condition in the United States. Acne breakout is common during puberty when an individual’s sebaceous glands activate. However, acne can also occur at any age. And although it is not dangerous, its presence can be bothersome and can affect an individual’s self-esteem. Moreover, it can also leave acne scars that can be so hard to get rid of.

10 Home Remedies for Acne

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

It contains several organic acids that have been shown to kill Propionibacterium acnes, as well as acids that suppress inflammation caused by P. acnes (which can prevent scarring). Apple cider vinegar also helps in drying up the excess oil in the skin that causes acne.

How to Use It:

  1. Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar and 3 parts water (use more water if you have sensitive skin).
  2. After cleansing the area, apply the mixture using a cotton ball.
  3. Let it dry for 5-20 seconds before rinsing with water.
  4. Do this once or twice per day, or as needed.
  5. Before applying apple cider vinegar to your skin, you should be aware that it may cause irritation and burns. So, it’s advisable to do a skin test first and just use small amounts.

2. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective treatment for acne.

How to Use It:

  1. Mix 1 part tea tree oil with 9 parts of water.
  2. Dip a cotton swab into the mixture and apply to affected areas.
  3. You can also apply a moisturizer.
  4. Do this once or twice per day, or as needed.

3. Green Tea

Green tea contains a high amount of antioxidants called catechins. It also has other compounds that may help to reduce the skin’s sebum production, reduce inflammation, and reduce the presence of P. acnes.

You can purchase creams and lotions with green tea, but of course, you can always make your own solution at home.

How to Use It:

  1. Steep green tea in boiling water for 3-4 minutes.
  2. Let it cool.
  3. Using a cotton ball, apply the tea to your skin or pour it in a spray bottle to spritz on.
  4. Let it dry, and rinse the area with water and pat dry.

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the appearance of acne and prevent acne breakouts. It also contains lots of water, so it’s perfect for people who have dry skin caused by other anti-acne products.

How to Use It:

  1. Scrape the gel from the aloe plant using a spoon.
  2. Apply the gel directly to your skin.
  3. Repeat 1-2 times per day, or as needed.

If you don’t have access to the plant, you can also buy gels or creams with aloe vera, but make sure that it is made of pure aloe vera without added ingredients.

5. Honey

Honey has a lot of antioxidants, and it has been used to treat several skin conditions for over a thousand years.

How to Use It:

  • Using a cotton pad or using your finger, rub a little honey into your acne. You can also add honey to a body or face mask.

6. Garlic

It contains organosulfur compounds, which have natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Organosulfur compounds are also known to improve the immune system, thereby helping the body fight infection.

How to Use It:

  • Simply add more garlic into your diet in order to fight infection and inflammation caused by acne.
  • You can also chew garlic cloves, rub it on toast, or make a hot drink out of it.
  • You can also buy garlic powders or garlic capsules at grocery stores or natural health stores.

7. Lemon

Lemon helps prevent the formation of new acne, and it is also known to be effective in skin lightening and in reducing the presence of scars.

How to Use It:

  1. Dab a cotton ball or cotton swab in lemon juice.
  2. Apply on a clean face or at the affected areas.
  3. Rinse with cool water and let it dry.

 

8. Mint

Mint can be helpful in removing the oil that clogs the pores.

How to Use It Before Acne Appears:

  1. Combine two tablespoons of finely chopped fresh mint with two tablespoons of plain yogurt and oatmeal. As for the oatmeal, pulverize it first using a blender.
  2. Apply the mixture on your face and leave it there for 10 minutes.
  3. Rinse off with water.

Lifestyle Changes for Acne

The use of the home remedies above can be more effective if you embrace some changes in your lifestyle.

  • Never touch your acne.
  • Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day, or depending on your body’s needs and your lifestyle.
  • Reduce stress. You can practice simple ways to reduce stress such as getting more sleep, practicing yoga, taking deep breaths, and being more active.
  • Limit your dairy intake.
  • Eat more foods with a low glycemic index such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.
  • Limit your intake of foods with a high glycemic index such as white bread, sugary drinks, pastries, cereals, and processed foods.
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HealthStatus has been operating since 1998 providing the best interactive health tools on the Internet, millions of visitors have used our blood alcohol, body fat and calories burned calculators. The HealthStatus editorial team has continued that commitment to excellence by providing our visitors with easy to understand high quality health content for many years. Our team of health professionals, and researchers use peer reviewed studies as source elements in our articles. Our high quality content has been featured in a number of leading websites, USA Today, the Chicago Tribune, Live Strong, GQ, and many more.

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Written by HealthStatus Team
Medical Writer & Editor

HealthStatus has been operating since 1998 providing the best interactive health tools on the Internet, millions of visitors have used our blood alcohol, body fat and calories burned calculators. The HealthStatus editorial team has continued that commitment to excellence by providing our visitors with easy to understand high quality health content for many years. Our team of health professionals, and researchers use peer reviewed studies as source elements in our articles. Our high quality content has been featured in a number of leading websites, USA Today, the Chicago Tribune, Live Strong, GQ, and many more.

View all post by HealthStatus Team