25 home remedies for best acne treatment
Acne treatment is a topic discussed by millions of people around the world, seeking long lasting cure. Acne is notorious for making an appearance unexpectedly which is frustrating, especially because acne leaves scars that may last for months causing embarrassment.
Your epidermis is not the culprit. Your hormones are causing extra sebum that clog up your pores, not to mention the fact that bacteria is running rampant around your skin. Faced with such a predicament you are left frustrated and are prone to making impulsive decisions. You’re wondering how to cure acne and your mind convinces you to turn to harsh chemicals and expensive scrubs that not only provide you with temporary relief but also cause a dent in your wallet.
From my experience, sticking to natural acne treatment is the best way to get rid of acne. Natural methods are sustainable providing you with long lasting results while keeping your wallet happy. There is no risk of side effects from harsh chemicals and ingredients by using natural acne remedies which is the best form of acne treatment.
So lets look at some of the best home remedies to treat acne effectively below. Keep in mind, these are not designed to give you results overnight, but create long lasting sustainable results and prevent acne breakouts in the long run. These are the best home remedies for acne.
25 home remedies for best acne treatment
1. Facial steam
Steam is widely known to treat a range of skin problems from minimizing pores to removing blackheads. It does wonders for your skin suffering from acne breakouts. All you need is a plastic shallow bowl slightly bigger than your face, a towel, salt and a headband.
Before you begin, wash your face with cold water. Then put two handfuls of salt in the bowl and boil tap water. Wait till the salt gets dissolved in water and when you feel the steam coming up put the towel over your head and steam for 15-30 mins. You shouldn’t stop until you have completed at least 10 minutes.
Then wipe off your sweat and make sure you wash your face with cold water. You can continue to steam for another 10 minutes if you feel comfortable with the process.
This will help your pores open and the salt will disinfect your pores. Most of your pimples will pop and if you have excessive oily skin it will be gone. Facial steam is a good way to treat adult acne.
2. Drink green tea
Using green tea as a natural acne remedy is a practice that has been followed for a long time. It has been scientifically shown that drinking green tea substantially reduces skin inflammation, which is one of the main causes for acne.
Green tea consist of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) which is the predominant antioxidant, also the most potent and fights against the bacteria-causing acne. Green tea’s EGCG antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds are between 25 to 100 times more potent compared to Vitamin C.
The consumption of green tea also helps keep blood sugar and insulin levels stable that can help your skin, as high levels of blood sugar and insulin are very bad for acne.
3. Aloe vera
Aloe vera removes excess of sebum causing skin inflammation which is the root cause of acne. It’s anti-bacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory ingredients protect the skin from bacterial build up.
It contains gibberellins and polysaccharides which are hormones that not only kill acne causing bacteria but also restrict the growth of new skin cells.
You can use aloe vera in various ways to treat acne naturally. Below are some of them in brief:
- Extract gel from an aloe vera leaf and apply on the affected skin, leave over night and wash it off with cold water the next morning
- mix 1-2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel with freshly squeezed lemon juice and apply on affected skin. Leave overnight and wash it off with cold/warm water the next day
- Mix a tablespoon of aloe vera gel and honey in a bowl and apply on acne for 20 mins. Rinse with water and pat with towel to dry skin.
4. Sleep on clean, washed pillows
It’s easy to overlook this simple reason but the bacteria from unwashed pillows can cause unexpected breakouts. Not everyones skin is impacted by their pillows but people prone to acne breakouts should take more care when it comes to this subtle culprit.
No matter how good or what material your pillow case is, if it’s not changed regularly it will accumulate more sweat, dirt and ultimately rampant bacteria which will affect your skin adversely.
5. Potatoes
Potatoes are very useful in treating acne. An offbeat natural treatment for acne, using potatoes twice a day for 4 to 7 days will give you optimal results. Follow the steps below to use potatoes as a natural acne remedy:
- Carefully wash and dry a potato before slicing it into thin discs
- Use a slice of potato to gently massage part of your face. In order to prevent spreading bacteria make sure you use a new slice of potato for each part of your face. Potatoes kill dead skin cells by gently exfoliating the surface of the skin.
- Place potato slices over all acne breakouts and leave them for 5 to 10 minutes. The potatoes will work as a natural antibacterial agent killing all the bacteria thats causing the acne.
6. A few droplets of lemon juice can be miraculous
Nothing is as cost effective as lemon juice to treat acne. The L-asorbic acid that lemon juice contains which is a natural astringent, dries out the acne.
It also contains antibacterial compounds that fight acne-producing bacteria. While lemon juice can be very effective in treating acne, a lot of care needs to be taken in using this method properly:
- First wash your face to remove oil, dirt and sweat. Make sure your face is dry and moisturized before proceeding
- Use a cotton swab to saturate it in a bowl of fresh lemon juice
- After a few seconds use the cotton swab on the acne and scars. Your skin will tingle a bit but it should not hurt. Target your problem areas
- Use a plastic wrap to cover your face. You could wait for 30 minutes or wait overnight depending on your skin type. If you have sensitive skin do not leave the plastic wrap on for too long. Keep the duration short. As long as 30 minutes is fine.
7. Garlic is a blessing
You can use garlic alone or in combination with other natural ingredients that help maintain clear skin. Garlic can also be used on top and internally to treat and prevent acne.
What makes garlic a great natural acne remedy? Garlic contains antibacterial, anti fungal and antiseptic properties that prevent pores from getting clogged. Its anti oxidants effectively fight against bacteria which damage skin cells.
Following are 3 ways in which you can use garlic to treat acne:
- Peel and mince garlic cloves and apply to the affected areas of the skin for a few minutes and then wash off with cold water and pat dry
- Extract garlic juice by crushing about 2-3 cloves and add it to 1 cup of water. Stir well and leave it for about 10-12 minutes. Use a cotton ball to soak in it for a few minutes and then apply on the affected areas. Rinse it off with water after a few minutes.
- Add 1 tablespoon of yoghurt to a fine garlic paste, stir well and apply over affected areas. Massage gently and leave it on for a few minutes. Then rinse it off with clean water and pat your skin dry
8. Stop touching the affected areas
All of us have a natural tendency to scratch or pop our pimples. More often than not it is an involuntary action that should be avoided at all costs.
It is imperative to be aware of the damage constantly touching your acne does to your skin. A lot of times, by popping your pimples you can leave a mark on your skin for months.
Be aware of your involuntary actions that make you scratch or pop your pimples. By doing so you will stop touching the affected areas and will not aggravate your acne.
9. Papaya
Carica papaya, commonly known as papaya, is one of the most cheapest and cost effective methods to treat acne and prevent future outbreaks. Papaya contains papain enzyme, a proteolytic enzyme that has restorative properties for topical treatment of acne.
It soothes inflammation and reduces the formation of pus and thus works wonders in the treatment of swollen and harsh acne pimples.
Mash papaya to form a smooth paste and apply over affected areas. It can also be applied all over the face to be used as a face mask. Leave for about 10-15 minutes till the paste dries up and then rinse with cold water.
This substantially reduces inflammation caused by acne and is one of the best natural methods to treat acne effectively.
10. Orange peels are useful
Two properties of oranges make them a natural cure for acne. Their acidity coupled with high Vitamin C. It is safe to use orange peel as well as orange juice as often as you like to treat acne.
Rinse the orange to wash off dirt and debris from the peel and then peel the orange. Wash your face with warm water to dilate your pores which will makes it easy for the orange peel and juice to effectively reach the bacteria causing acne and eliminate it from your skin.
Rub the outside of the orange peel on affected areas. Make sure to use different peels for different areas to avoid spreading bacteria.
Squeeze the orange to expel its juice in a bowl and use a cotton swab to dip in it and apply to the affected areas. Again, make sure you use a different swab for different areas to avoid spreading bacteria.
Then lastly rinse your face with cold water to constrict your pores preventing them from getting clogged.
11. Don’t throw away banana peels
Another great home remedy for acne are bananas. Banana peels contain an antioxidant called lutein related to vitamin A. Banana peels also contain Vitamins A, B, C, E along with potassium, zinc, iron and manganese that help calm inflamed skin and prevent acne breakouts.
Although it has not been clinically proven, but has worked for many acne victims around the world. Try it out as it is very cost effective.
Get stared by using a mild cleanser to clean the affected areas and then rinse with cool water and pat your skin lightly. Pick out a ripe banana to wipe over the affected areas. Peel a banana and rub the banana peel over your skin using the interior part of the peel.
Gently rub against the affected areas and for 10 minutes. Keep checking if the peel turns black due to bacteria. In the case that it does peel another banana to use a fresh peel.
Let your skin absorb the nutrients and leave it like that till end of day. Then rinse your face with clean water and continue this process for the next few days to see optimal results.
12. Apple cider vinegar- The rival of bacteria
Apple cider vinegar is the superlative ingredient when it comes to eliminating bacteria. It is enriched with lactic and malic acid which can cure acne.
In other words, it balances the pH of your skin which is actually a pivotal factor in determining the survival of bacteria.
Mix vinegar and water in a 1:3 ratio and apply it directly on your face. After washing your face use a moisturizer to soothe your skin.
13. Cinnamon and honey mask is pure bliss
Honey and cinnamon are a power couple in my list of natural acne treatment methods. The antimicrobial potential of cinnamon is bad news for bacteria thriving on your face.
Use one spoon of cinnamon and mix it with two spoons of honey. Gently massage on affected areas and leave it undisturbed for 15 minutes.
Rinse it off with clean water and you’ll notice the difference in a few days.
14. Try on egg whites
Protein and vitamins are profoundly available in egg whites. Eggs whites have been used in the treatment for acne for a long time for a reason. Protein, needless to say, repairs skin cells and boosts up the renewal of new skin.
Egg whites also adsorb excess oil or sebum from the skin which is actually the food for bacteria. Give no food to bacteria, they die. Say goodbye to your expensive creams and equipment and follow these steps to use eggs whites to treat your acne:
Before you start wash your face with a mild cleanser and rinse it off with clean water. Either crack an egg and separate the yolk from the white or buy a bottle of egg whites. Then whisk the egg whites till their slightly fluffy so that they can be spread evenly onto the skin.
Dip a cotton ball in it and apply on your entire face. Place a tissue on your face to cover the egg white and wait for the egg white to dry for 30 to 60 minutes. Then gently peel off the tissue and rinse your face well with lukewarm water.
15. Tea tree oil is an effective remedy
Tea tree oil is another promising product for treating acne naturally. Although, one thing to note is tea tree oil can make your skin dry and can actually make your acne worse by overproducing its own oils. Therefore use this method very carefully. If done properly, it works wonders.
Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with 20 to 40 drops of witch hazel. Use a cotton swab to dip it in and apply on affected areas once or twice a day. Make sure you do not overdo it.
Another thing to note is that tea tree oil makes you sensitive to UV rays so make sure you stay out of the sun when applied.
16. Put together honey and strawberries
Such a sweet sounding mixture it is. Strawberries are abundant with salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a commonly used ingredient in beauty products. The fact that salicylic acid stimulates the epidermis to cast away dead cell leads to opened pores. Once the pores are opened, it works by washing the dirt.
This also kills a lot of bacteria. Honey removes excess oil and keep the skin smoothly moisturized. It is also rich in natural antioxidants. Mash the strawberries and blend it with two spoons of honey.
Apply it thoroughly on your face and let your face relax for a few minutes. Once done, rinse it off and follow it up with moisturizer.
17. Strange but baking soda works
Sodium bicarbonate or baking soda is antiseptic in nature which has a tremendous quality to fight with bacteria. Not just bacteria, it is detrimental for fungus too. It also drains out excess oil from your face lending your face a supple and smooth feel.
Start by mixing a thick paste of baking soda with water and apply on the affected area with cotton wool. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and if it hardens don’t take it off, it means it’s working. Rinse it off with clean water after 30 minutes.
18. Aspirin is much more than a pill to swallow
Aspirin is easily available in any pharmacy and is a simple solution for acne-plagued skin. Dissolve three to four pills in water and apply it on the face. It dries up the pus-filled acne and lessens the inflammation.
19. Include omega-3 fatty acids in your diet for acne treatment
Omega-3 fatty acids are another trusted source for natural acne treatment. Fish oil, walnuts, flax seeds and salmon are the sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Make it a point to include these foods in your diet on a daily basis.
20. Mint refreshingly adds life to your face
Mint leaves have menthol and anti bacterial properties. By using mint leaves naturally you may be able to get rid of your acne. Here’s how to do it:
Make a mint mask or buy one and gently apply the mask on the affected areas and allow it to dry. Mint masks may cause a tingling sensation. If it becomes uncomfortable to handle just rinse it off with cool water.
Once the mask dries off gently rinse with cool water. Do not rub it with a cloth with will increase sensitivity.
21. Try Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea effectively fights acne scars. It kills acne with its anxiolytic and antioxidant properties. There are two ways to use chamomile tea for acne treatment. It can be used orally or topically.
Either way, you have to brew the tea for active ingredients to get extracted into tea solution. In some cases, varies from person to person, acne can be treated both by drinking and rubbing teas leaves on the skin which is a very effective natural remedy for acne.
22. Start loving yoghurt
Yoghurt contains lactic acid that kills bacteria. It also possesses zinc and Vitamin B that helps cleanse and nourish the skin.
The lactic acid that kills bacteria also helps the pH balance of the skin, which plays a vital role in not only treating acne but also preventing future breakouts.
There are two ways to use yoghurt as a natural treatment for acne. It can either be consumed as part of your diet or also be used to make a face mask.
23. Fuller’s Earth is good to use
The use of Fuller’s earth to treat acne is a time honored tradition. Fuller’s earth is also known as multani mitti. It is exceptionally good for greasy and excessively oily skin.
Not unfamiliar are you to the fact that oily skin is more vulnerable to acne. Since, fuller’s earth absorbs oil and gets your face free from unwanted oil, acne is effectively contained.
24. Avocado and honey in unison is beneficial
The honey avocado face mask is probably the most popular natural face mask to treat acne the world has known that hydrates, moisturizes and soothes your skin.
Avocado contains Vitamin E, healthy fats and antioxidants that keep skin smooth. Honey is great for brightening the skin as well as its antibacterial properties thoroughly cleanse the skin.
The honey avocado mask is a must try if you’re trying to treat acne while also trying to get healthy glowing and naturally smooth skin.
25. Drink a lot of water
It is commonly known that drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day, consistently for months, keeps acne away. It’s the best preventive measure anyone can take.
Most of us only drink water when we are thirsty, but measuring how much water you drink consciously and making it a habit to drink 8 glasses of water a day will act as the best detox and will naturally rid your skin of a lot of toxins while making it glow and look healthy.
Which of these methods worked for you? Let us know in the comments below