13 Surprising Home Remedies for Acne
Updated: Jul. 16, 2019
Swap your spot treatment for an acne home remedy. Learn how to get clear skin with these natural remedies using things you have at home.
Acne Home Remedy: Tea tree oil
With its natural inflammation-fighting properties, a five per cent solution of tea tree oil is less harsh than a five per cent benzoyl peroxide solution and can be just as effective against acne, though it may clear up a little less quickly. For this acne home remedy, mix a few drops of tea tree oil with between 20 and 40 drops of witch hazel, then use a cotton swab to apply. Try this remedy up to twice a day; more could dry your skin and make the acne worse.
Acne Home Remedy: Green tea
Green tea has antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds that can help fight acne. To get its effects, use a cooled cup of green tea as a face wash or lay the bag over the affected area.
Acne Home Remedy: Honey
Honey’s antibiotic properties can help improve acne. Apply a teaspoon of honey to affected areas, or make a mask by mixing 1/2 cup of honey with 1 cup of plain oatmeal and leaving it on for 30 minutes.
Acne Home Remedy: Mint
Mint can help remove pore-clogging oil. To help clear acne before it begins, mix 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh mint with two tablespoons each of plain yogurt and oatmeal (use a blender to pulverize the oatmeal to powder). Leave the concoction on your face for 10 minutes, then rinse off with water.
Acne Home Remedy: Echinacea
Echinacea is traditionally used to speed wound healing and prevent colds and flu, but its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help you look your best and clear up acne as well. Use echinacea tea as a daily face wash by soaking a cloth with it, or put a few drops of tincture on a cotton ball and dab it on blemishes.
Acne Home Remedy: Aspirin
The salicylic acid in aspirin is a go-to for acne treatments, and the aspirin can dry up pimples and reduce inflammation. To take advantage of its benefits, form a paste by mashing aspirin in a little water, or dissolve four pills in 2 tablespoons of water.
Acne Home Remedy: Chamomile
Chamomile helps decrease inflammation from acne. In a blender or coffee grinder, combine the contents of a chamomile tea bag with enough water to form a paste, and apply that to acne. Alternately, steep two chamomile tea bags with 1 cup boiled water for 15 minutes. Let the tea cool, then use a cotton ball to dab it on your face after cleansing.
Looking for a boost from good brews? Read The Health Benefits of Tea: 6 Types to Sip.
Acne Home Remedy: Witch hazel
Witch hazel can act as an astringent, naturally drying and shrinking blemishes. To get its benefits, pour witch hazel onto a cotton ball and wipe your face each morning and night.
Acne Home Remedy: Aloe
Aloe vera, known for its burn-relieving properties, can promote healing, fight infection, and even reduce scarring. Scrape the gel from an aloe plant out with a spoon, and apply to acne. You can also buy aloe gel from health-food stores—just make sure it’s pure aloe, with no added ingredients.
Acne Home Remedy: Lemon
Lemons act as an exfoliant, skin lightener, and disinfectant to reduce the appearance of scars and prevent new pimples from forming. On a clean face, dab acne with a cotton ball or cotton swab dipped in lemon juice, then rinse with cool water.
Acne Home Remedy: Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains malic and lactic acids that can exfoliate, reduce red marks, and treat acne. For a DIY toner, mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water and apply to your skin with a cotton ball, making sure to shake well before each use.
Acne Home Remedy: Acidic foods
Acidic foods like citrus fruit juice or vinegar can flush pores. Dab a little onto a cotton ball to help battle acne; gently swipe the cotton on the affected areas.
Citrus fruit can benefit more than you face. Read: Nutrition: The Health Benefits of Citrus Peels.
Acne Home Remedy: Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can improve acne. Get the benefits from a taking a multi-nutrient capsule containing fish oil, or add more salmon, albacore tuna, flaxseeds, and walnuts to your diet.
Originally published as 13 Surprising Home Remedies for Acne on ReadersDigest.com.
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