Top 24 Home Remedies for Acne

Suffering from incessant acne breakouts that leave your skin looking like a beginner’s golf course? Don’t worry as you are not alone.

There are millions of people around the world who suffer from acne on a daily basis. There are many medications that treat the condition as well.

However, home remedies for acne are considered as wiser and safer ways to get rid of it without hurting your skin in the process.

What is acne?

Acne is characterized as a skin condition that tends to occur when the hair follicles on the skin get plugged with excess sebum aka oil, and dead skin cells.

The result of this is painful, puss filled pimples that erupt on the skin’s surface.

Acne is more prone to occur on the face, neck, shoulders, chest and back. It is also more prone to attack teenagers entering puberty.

However, of late, there have been many cases of middle aged and elderly individuals as well as even children getting acne.

Causes of Acne

Acne can be caused by a variety of reasons. However, most if not all of them filter down to these three main factors.

Excess oil production: This happens if your skin is naturally oily. In this case, the skin secretes more sebum or oil which clog up the hair follicles to cause acne.

Dead skin cells: The accumulation of dead skin cells on the surface over a period of time can also cause the pores to clog up, thus causing acne.

Bacteria buildup: Bacterial breakouts on the skin can also cause acne. A bacterial infection on the skin can cause the dirt and grime in the pores to become infectious and lead to painful acne breakouts.

Symptoms of Acne

The tell-tale symptoms of acne include:

• Pus filled pimples or boils on the skin’s surface
• Painful lumps or nodules beneath the skin’s surface
• Reddish bumps on the skin
• Blackheads and
• Whiteheads

Risk Factors Associated with Acne

Acne has several risk factors that can aggravate an existing condition. These include:

Dietary changes: Studies have related certain foods to acne breakouts. For instance, foods like chocolates, chips, bagels, breads and dairy products can cause acne frequently.

Oily substances:  Increased exposure to oily and greasy substances can increase your risks of contracting acne.

Hormonal changes: The body undergoes several changes during puberty. The excess secretion of hormones during this period can cause acne breakouts in teens.

Certain medications: Some medications that contain androgens, lithium or corticosteroids, etc. are known to cause acne.

Family History: If you are born in a family where more than one member suffered from acne, chances are you may get the condition too.

Effective Home Remedies for Acne

While there are many medications you can rely on for acne, there are certain home remedies that can help you treat the breakouts effectively without causing too much harm to your skin in the process.

Take these 24 ingredients for instance which can be easily found in most households and can be used in several different ways to combat acne.

For now, we will be focusing on the top two acne fighting methods for each ingredient, thus giving you the perfect excuse to sit up and take note of the remedies that are going to help you get rid of acne forever.

1. Aloe Vera for Acne

For those of you who don’t know, Aloe Vera is loaded with antibacterial properties that can reduce the inflammation (1) and itchiness caused by acne while also preventing bacteria from getting into and infecting acne wounds. Here are two ways to use Aloe Vera for acne.

Method I: Honey and Aloe Vera Mask

Aloe Vera also has astringent properties that reduce the secretion of excess oil from the oil glands on the skin. Honey on its part, helps moisturize the skin.

What you need:

• Aloe Vera Gel – 1 tbsp.
• Honey – 1 tbsp.
• Rose Water – 2 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix the Aloe Vera gel, honey and rose water to make a smooth, sticky paste.
• Apply this paste evenly on your face as well as the acne prone areas. Wait for about 20 minutes before washing off the paste with warm water.
• Follow this home remedy for acne at least thrice a week to treat acne effectively.

Method II:  Aloe Vera, Sugar and Milk Mask

Aloe Vera for face and skin care is also an excellent skin rejuvenator and can be used with sugar and milk to make a face mask which can get rid of acne quickly.

While the sugar acts as an exfoliating agent and removes dead skin cells, the milk nourishes and heals the skin.

What you need:

• Aloe Vera Gel: 2 tbsp.
• Milk – ½ tbsp.
• Sugar – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Add the sugar and milk together, stirring the mix until the sugar dissolves in it completely.
• Add the Aloe Vera gel to this mix and stir nicely.
• Apply a thin, even layer of this mix on the acne prone areas. Wait for 20 minutes or so and rinse off the paste with lukewarm water.
• Continue this Aloe Vera for Acne remedy on a daily basis. You will start noticing positive results within a week.

Note: Avoid this remedy if you are allergic to milk.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne

Apple cider vinegar is a great tonic for your skin. It protects the skin by restoring its natural pH balance.

It also contains antibacterial and antiseptic properties that help get rid of the acne causing bacteria and heal the wounds faster. Here are two ways you can use it for your acne treatment.

Method I: Apple Cider Vinegar Toner

A toner containing apple cider vinegar will offer your skin adequate levels of beta-carotene to fight off acne causing free radicals.

What you need:

• Apple Cider Vinegar – 5 tsp.
• Filtered Water – 5 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix the apple cider vinegar and water nicely. Store this mix in an air tight container.
• Using a cotton ball, apply a few drops of this toner to the acne affected skin.
• Wait for the toner to dry completely before applying your regular makeup over it.
• Doing this every day can protect your skin from acne breakouts in the long run.

Method II: Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda, Honey Face Mask

If your acne breakouts are a result of the excess oil secretion on your face, trust apple cider vinegar for acne to rescue you by absorbing all the extra oiliness.

You can even use apple cider vinegar to wash your face as well. Honey will nourish your skin while baking soda will exfoliate your skin and remove the dead skin cells.

What you need:

• Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 tsp.
• Honey – 2 tsp.
• Baking Soda – 1 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Make a thick, consistent paste with all three ingredients.
• Apply this paste on your face as well as the acne affected areas in your body.
• Wait for 10 minutes or so and rinse off the paste with warm water, using a soft washcloth to pat your skin dry afterwards.
• Follow this remedy once every two days to get relief from your acne issues.

3. Avocado for Acne

This nutritious super food has some pretty amazing health benefits for your body, including your skin.

Topical application of avocado on the skin can protect the latter from several skin related disorders, including acne. Find out how to use avocado for acne home remedies.

Method I: Avocado, Lemon, Honey Face Mask

Not many know that an avocado face mask can do wonders for the skin. An avocado face mask can be quite instrumental in dealing with your incessant acne problem.

What you need:

• Ripe Avocado – 1
• Lemon Juice – 2 tsp.
• Honey – 1 tsp.
• Warm Water – 2 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Peel the avocado and mash it nicely.
• Add the lemon juice to the avocado paste along with the honey and water.
• Mix nicely to get a smooth paste which you will need to apply on your face evenly.
• Wait for about 20 minutes or until the paste dries up. Use cold water to wash off the paste afterwards.
• Repeat this remedy thrice a week for fruitful results.

Method II: Avocado, Oatmeal Face Mask

Oatmeal can act as a great exfoliator for your skin and can easily remove dead skin cells as well as excess sebum from the skin’s surface.

Combine it with avocado to get a refreshing face mask that removes all traces of acne and leaves your skin supple and smooth in the end.

What you need:

• Ripe Avocado – 1/4
• Ground Oatmeal – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Peel and mash the avocado to get a paste.
• Mix this paste with the ground oatmeal to get a coarse mix.
• Wash your face with warm water to open up the pores first. Apply this mix on the acne affected skin and massage gently in circular motions.
• Wait for the mask to dry (about 15 minutes) and rinse it off with cold water.
• Repeat this Avocado for Acne remedy twice a week to clear your skin off acne.

4. Baking Soda for Acne

A very effective home remedy that can be found in every other kitchen, baking soda is a cost effective way to get rid of your pimples with ease. Baking soda also helps to get rid of clogged pores at home.

Baking soda contains anti-inflammatory properties that helps to control the swelling caused by the acne while its exfoliating properties keep away sebum and dead skin cells from clogging up your pores.

Note down these two baking soda for acne remedies which you can easily make at home with baking soda.

Method I: Baking Soda, Lemon Juice Face Mask

You can make use of this rather simple home remedy to treat acne using nothing but baking soda and some lemon juice.

What you need:

• Baking Soda – 3 tbsp.
• Lemon Juice – 1 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Add the ingredients and apply the resulting paste directly on the acne scars.
• Allow the paste to dry nicely and scrub the skin gently for 5 minutes afterwards.
• Wash off the paste with cold water and follow it up with a moisturizer of your choice.
• Follow this remedy once or twice a week for desirable results.

Note: Baking soda can dry out your skin. So make sure you apply moisturizer on your skin immediately after this treatment.

Method II: Baking Soda, Shampoo Paste

In case you have acne near the hairline, you can use a mixture of baking soda and shampoo to clear them off.

What you need:

• Shampoo – 2 to 3 tbsp.
• Baking Soda – 1 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix the shampoo and baking soda nicely.
• Apply this paste all over the acne filled area as well as your scalp.
• Wait for 10 minutes and rinse off the mix with lukewarm water.
• Follow this Baking Soda for Acne remedy twice a week to get rid of hairline acne.

Note: You can also choose to add a few grams of baking soda to a full bottle of shampoo and use the same to wash your hair. Ensure you rinse your hair properly after shampooing though.

5. Banana Peel for Acne

You may not have heard of this remedy. Surprisingly though, a banana peel have multiple health benefits and it can do wonders for your skin and can work quite well in removing acne as well as acne scars from your face.

The increased lutein content in the banana peel will also protect the skin from sun damage. Here’s how you need to use banana peel for acne.

What you need:

• Banana Peel – 1

What you need to do:

• Rub the inside part of the banana peel on the acne infected area. You will notice the peel turning black in color owing to the dirt on your skin.
• Once the peel has grown completely black, replace it with another peel and continue rubbing it against your skin gently.
• Do this for 10 minutes, replacing the banana peels regularly in between.
• Allow the remnants of the peel to remain on your face for the duration of the night. This will allow the chemicals in the peel plenty of time to do their work effectively.
• Wash your face with cold water the next morning. Follow this remedy every other day until the acne disappears from your skin.

6. Coconut Oil for Acne

The powerful antibacterial and regeneration properties of coconut oil can prove to be a blessing for your acne infected skin.

Coconut oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the pain and swelling caused by the pimples until they are treated completely. Check out these really simple ways in which you can use coconut oil to treat your acne.

Method I: Coconut Oil, Honey, Aloe Vera Face Mask

This refreshing face mask will not only treat acne effectively, but will also help in keeping your skin nourished and supple in the long run.

What you need:

• Coconut Oil – 2 tbsp.
• Aloe Vera Juice – 5 tbsp.
• Honey – 2 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Make a mask by mixing the three ingredients nicely.
• Apply this mask evenly on your face as well as the acne infected areas of the skin.
• Wait for about 20 minutes and wash off the paste with lukewarm water. Rinse your face in cold water immediately afterwards.

Alternatively, you can wipe off the paste with a cold wash towel. Repeat this remedy twice a week to say goodbye to acne and hi to wonderful, radiant looking skin.

Watch Video of Coconout oil, Honey, Aloe Vera Face Mask

Method II: Coconut Oil, Baking Soda Mask

This Coconut Oil for Acne face mask will help in eradicating acne as well as the dead cells on the skin’s surface that may be clogging up the pores.

The application of this mask will also create a thin protective film over the skin, protecting your face from the harshness of the sun’s heat.

What you need:

• Coconut Oil – 1 tbsp.
• Baking Soda – 1 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix the ingredients and add some water to form a paste.
• Apply this paste evenly on your skin and massage the latter using gentle, circular motions for about 10 minutes.
• Wash off the paste with cold water. Apply this cleansing face mask regularly to get rid of acne forever.

Note: It is considered wise to use organic coconut oil as other forms of coconut oil can contain pesticides and harmful chemicals that may aggravate your acne condition instead of treating it.

7. Cucumber for Acne

The healing effects of cucumber on the skin are known far and wide. If you suffer from frequent acne breakouts but can’t find solace in other remedies owing to your sensitive skin, There are many uses of cucumber face mask it is the savior you have been looking for all this time.

Method I: Cucumber, Brown Sugar Scrub

The cooling effects of cucumber help reduce the irritation and redness caused by pimples.

When combined with brown sugar, it creates a formidable scrub that can cleanse your face off all traces of acne.

What you need:

• Cucumber Juice – 1 tbsp.
• Brown Sugar – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix the brown sugar with the cucumber juice.
• Apply this mix on your face and neck. Wait for the paste to dry a bit.
• Using gentle, circular motions, massage the scrub coated skin with your fingers remove dead skin cells.
• Do this for 5 minutes and rinse off the mix with cold water.
• Follow this cucumber for acne remedy twice or thrice a week for great results.

Note: If you cannot find brown sugar, consider substituting it with baking soda or sea salt instead for similar results.

Method II:  Cucumber Toner

The healing effects of cucumber are also known to reverse the damage caused to the skin by acne.

This toner recipe using cucumber is just what you need to combat acne while sleeping as well.

What you need:

• Cucumber Juice – ¼ cups
• Distilled Water – 2 tbsp.
• Witch Hazel (or) Vodka – 2 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix all the three ingredients nicely and store inside an airtight container or a spray bottle.
• Apply a small amount of this toner to your face every night when hitting the bed. Do this every night and you will start to notice the difference almost immediately using Cucumber for Acne.

8. Castor Oil for Acne

A rather surprising beauty ingredient that can make your skin look healthy and young in no time at all, castor oil is a very effective remedy for acne and, including reducing the presence of acne scars on the skin. Here are some ways in which you can use castor oil to treat your acne problem.

Method I: Plain Castor Oil

This is a very simple way to make sure your skin remains fresh, supple and radiant for a very long time even after removing all traces of acne from your body.

What you need:

• Castor Oil – 1 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Wash your face with cold water to open up the pores. If need be, you can use a gentle cleanser to wash your face.
• Use your fingertips to massage the castor oil gently into the acne affected skin.
• Wait for an hour or so before rinsing off the oil with cold water.
• Follow this castor oil for acne remedy twice a day, preferably leaving the oil overnight for best results.

Method II: Castor Oil Cleanser

This cleanser can be applied to your skin at regular intervals throughout the day to keep acne away.

What you need:

• Castor Oil – 2 tbsp.
• Essential Oil of your choice – 1 tbsp.
• Sunflower Oil – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix the ingredients and store in an airtight container.
• Apply a small amount of this mix to your face and wait for about 15 minutes.
• Massage the oil into the skin nicely for another 10 minutes.
• Wash your face with lukewarm water afterward.

Note: If your skin is oily, consider increasing the proportion of sunflower/essential oils added to the mix. For instance, a mixture that contains 75% more of sunflower oil can work well for those with oily skin.

9. Clay Mask for Acne

Ever heard of Bentonite clay? It could very well be the answer to your acne problem considering the fact that it has been used for ages in treating different skin ailments.

Available as a fine, light green powder, bentonite clay (1) is got from volcanic ash and can help tackle your acne issues with ease.

Let’s take a look at how you can use this clay mask for acne for your benefit.

Method I: Plain Bentonite Clay Mask

Studies have revealed bentonite clay to have a certain static cling aka electrical charge effect.

This allows the clay to draw out the impurities on the skin with ease, thus offering a great detoxifying experience for your skin.

What you need:

• Bentonite Clay – 2 tbsp.
• Water – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix the water and clay nicely to form a thick paste.
• Rub this paste over the acne infected skin and wait for it to dry.
• Apply just a small amount of water on the clay to soften it. Wipe it off using a cold washcloth.
• Do this twice a week to combat frequent acne problems.

Method II: Bentonite Clay, Apple Cider Vinegar Face Mask

An even more powerful face mask can be created by using a combination of apple cider vinegar and bentonite clay.

The result is a mask which not only exfoliates the skin but also eradicates the bacteria causing the acne.

What you need:

• Bentonite Clay – 2 tbsp.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 tsp.
• Water – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix all three ingredients to form a paste which needs to be applied on the skin.
• Wait for the paste to dry nicely and then wipe it off using a washcloth dipped in cold water.
• Follow this clay mask for acne remedy once a week for best results.

Note: When applying bentonite clay, you may feel a slight tingly sensation in your skin. This can be dismissed as the clay’s electric charge action going to work.

10. Epsom Salt for Acne

It is a great natural cure for acne considering its potent anti-inflammatory properties that help control the pain and swelling caused by acne.

Epsom salt has many health benefits and it can be used in a number of ways to treat acne, including the two remedies mentioned here.

Method I: Epsom Salt, Honey, Lemon Juice, Olive Oil Mix

Epsom salt does a great job in purging out toxins from the body. Lemon works as an antibacterial agent while honey and olive oil can nourish the skin and help the skin heal faster from an acne attack.

What you need:

• Epsom Salt – 1 tbsp.
• Lemon Juice – 1 tsp.
• Honey – 1 tbsp.
• Olive Oil – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix the Epsom salt with the honey and olive oil. Add the lemon juice to the mix and stir nicely.
• Rub the skin gently in circular motions and wait for 15 minutes afterward.
• Rinse the area with warm water and wipe off the remnants of the mix with a soft towel.
• Apply a moisturizer on the skin.
• Follow this remedy twice a week or so to get rid of acne for good.

Note: Epsom salt has the tendency to dry out the skin. So don’t forget the moisturizing part in this routine.

Method II: Epsom Salt for Acne Scrub

A simpler approach involves simply using an Epsom salt saline solution to treat your acne.

What you need:

• Epsom Salt – 1 tbsp.
• Water – 1 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix the Epsom salt and water nicely.
• Gently rub this mix on the acne affected areas of the skin.
• Rinse off the mix with lukewarm water.
• Repeat every day for desirable results against acne.

Note: You can also choose to dissolve a cup of Epsom salt in warm bathwater and soak in the same for 15 minutes or so every day for relief from acne and its symptoms.

11. Egg White for Acne

Another radical cure for acne as it can drive out acne from deep within your skin. Egg whites mask are best for skin, in fact, used as active ingredients in many acne creams in the market.

But here are two ways you can use them to make a simple, but a very effective home remedy for acne.

Method I: Egg White, Lemon Juice Mix

While the lemon juice helps get rid of the bacteria causing the acne, the egg whites clean out your skin from deep within.

What you need:

• Egg Whites – from 2 eggs
• Lemon Juice – 1 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Add the lemon juice to the egg whites and whisk the mixture nicely.
• Wash your face with warm water to open up the pores.
• After drying your face, apply this mixture evenly all over your face.
• Wait for about 20 minutes and rinse off the dried mix with warm water. Splash your face with cold water immediately afterward.
• Follow up with a light moisturizer. Do this thrice a week and you don’t have to worry about acne again.

Method II: Egg White, Green Tea Rinse

Green tea is known to be loaded with plenty of antioxidants (2) that can help remove free radicals from the skin, offering you a clear, pimple-free skin with repeated use.

What you need:

• Egg Whites – from 2 eggs
• Green Tea – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Brew a cup of green tea and allow it to cool down to room temperature.
• Add the egg whites to the tea and mix nicely.
• You can either rinse your face with this mix or apply the same to your face like a mask.
• In case of the latter, wait for the mask to dry and then rinse it off with warm water.
• Apply this egg white for acne remedy thrice a week for acne free skin.

12. Garlic for Acne

Garlic has loads of benefits for your skin, including freeing it off stubborn acne. Loaded with all kinds of beneficial properties galore, it is that one miracle remedy you can trust on for any kind of skin or health related ailment. Here is how you can use garlic for acne though.

Method I: Garlic and Water Remedy

• Garlic Cloves – 2 to 3
• Water – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Peel the garlic cloves and crush them to extract the juice.
• Add the crushed cloves to the water and allow them to steep in the water for 20 minutes or so.
• Take a cotton ball and dip it in this solution. Place the soaked cotton ball on the acne affected skin.
• Wait for the solution to dry off before washing the area with lukewarm water.
• Do this every day to remove acne from your skin for good.

Note: You can also apply the extracted garlic juice on the pimples and leave it on overnight. Wash off the juice with warm water the next morning.

Method II: Garlic, Yogurt Face Mask

While garlic has its own antibacterial properties to remove the acne causing bacteria from your skin, the good bacteria present in yogurt will ensure all traces of the bad bacteria are removed from your skin for good, thus preventing acne attacks as well as recurrences.

What you need:

• Garlic Cloves – 4
• Yogurt – 1 tbsp.
• Water – 1 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Peel the garlic cloves and blend them to form a paste.
• Add this paste to the yogurt and mix nicely. You can add water if the paste appears to be too thick.
• Apply this paste on your face and wait for it to dry completely.
• Use cold water to wash off this paste from your face. Do this at least thrice a week until the acne disappears completely.

13. Green Tea for Acne

Drinking a cup of green tea a day can have a lot of benefits for your body. In addition to helping you lose weight, green tea can help the occurrence of acne while also reducing the inflammation caused by them considerably.

Now that you know green tea can be used to fight acne, here are some remedies for acne using green tea as a vital ingredient.

Method I: Green Tea, Honey Face Cleanse

The Vitamin C content of green tea can help eradicate acne and nourish your skin while the honey can moisturize your skin and make it look supple for ages.

What you need:

• Green Tea – 1 cup
• Honey – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Brew a cup of green tea. Allow the tea bag to cool down to room temperature.
• Remove the leaves from the bag and mix them with the honey to form a thick paste.
• Apply this paste all over the acne affected areas of the skin and leave it on overnight.
• Wash off the cleanser with warm water the next morning. Follow this Green Tea for Acne twice a week to notice desirable results.

Method II: Green Tea Toner

If your acne problem is due to hormonal changes in the body, green tea has a fix for that too. Use this home remedy to treat acne topically while also drinking a glass of green tea every day for the same purpose.

There are many homemade green tea face mask as well which can help you to get a naturally beautiful skin.

What you need:

• Purified Water – ¼ cup
• Green Tea Leaves – A handful

What you need to do:

• Add the leaves to the water and boil nicely and simmer over a low flame for about 15 minutes.
• Allow this solution to cool down to room temperature and apply it over your face (using a cotton ball) overnight. Wash your face with cold water the next morning.

Note: You can also choose to wash your face after the toner dries up. Extra toner can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.

14. Honey for Acne

This miraculous natural ingredient is one of the best-known home cures for pimples and acne.

It features as an active ingredient in numerous face packs, masks, creams, washes and so on.Here are two very effective home remedies for acne using honey that you can try out at home.

Method I: Honey, Strawberry Face Mask

Honey has potent antibacterial properties to remove the acne causing bacteria. Strawberries, on the other hand, contain lots of antioxidants that help flush out harmful toxins from the body.

What you need:

• Honey – 2 tsp.
• Strawberries – 4

What you need to do:

• Mash the strawberries to make a paste.
• Add honey to the paste and mix until a fine consistency is reached.
• Apply this paste evenly on your face and wait for about 30 minutes.
• Once the paste has dried off, wash your face with warm water. Follow up with a moisturizer.
• Follow this remedy twice or thrice a week to treat acne effectively.

Method II: Honey, Brown Sugar Mask

While honey nourishes your skin, the brown sugar will exfoliate the skin (3) and help remove dead skin cells from the surface.

In addition to treating acne, this remedy using honey for acne will also help your skin heal faster.

What you need:

• Honey – 1 tbsp.
• Brown Sugar – 1 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix the honey with the brown sugar nicely.
• Gently apply the resultant paste on your face, rubbing it gently against the skin as you do so.
• Using soft, circular motions, massage your skin for 10 minutes.
• Allow the paste to dry and then wash it off with warm water. Do this once or twice a week to get smooth, acne free skin.

15. Lemon for Acne

Lemon is one of the most versatile natural cures for your body. It can be used in myriad ways to treat several health related conditions, including acne. Here is how you can use lemon to combat acne.

Method I: Plain Lemon Juice Cleanse

This is a very simple way to get rid of painful pimples on your skin. It may cause a tingly sensation at first owing to its acidic properties.

However, repeated use twice or thrice a week can remove all traces of acne from your skin.

What you need:

• Lemon Juice – 2 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Dip a cotton ball in the lemon juice and allow it to soak up the juice.
• Squeeze out the extra juice and dab the cotton ball on the pimples on your skin.
• Wait for 10 minutes or so and wash the skin with cold water.
• Cleanse your skin with mild soap and water. Follow up with a light moisturizer.

Note: Lemon juice can make your skin dry. So moisturize your skin regularly if you use this remedy to treat acne.

Method II: Lemon Juice, Honey, Yogurt Mix

Add some skin nourishing properties to your lemon juice remedy with some honey. Yogurt can be an additional ingredient added for the anti-bacterial effect. You can also use DIY Lemon Face mask as it works wonder for your skin.

What you need:

• Lemon Juice – 1 tsp.
• Honey – 1 tbsp.
• Yogurt – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix the honey and yogurt nicely. Add the lemon juice and stir nicely.
• Apply this mix on your face as well as the acne affected areas on your body.
• Wait for 20 minutes or so and wash off the mix with cold water.
• This remedy using lemon for acne can work well for you if you repeat it twice a week.

Note: This remedy also favors those who want to use lemon as part of their acne fighting campaign, but have sensitive skin that cannot handle the acidic content of straight lemon.

16. Neem for Acne

The quintessential neem leaf has found a prominent place in Ayurvedic medicines as a potent acne eradicator.

Its powerful antibacterial properties make the neem leaf (4) one of the most effective cures against even the most stubborn pimples out there.

Got some neem leaves with you? Here are two ways you can use them to fight off acne and acne scars.

Method I: Neem Water Cleanse

This rather simple remedy will have the acne out of your skin in no time at all. You can choose to store the cleansing solution in an airtight container and use it on your face from time to time for quick results.

What you need:

• Neem Leaves – A handful
• Water – 2 cups

What you need to do:

• Boil the neem leaves in the water until the quantity of the water reduces to 1 cup.
• Strain the solution and wait for it to cool down.
• Rinse your face with this natural neem cleanser twice a day or apply it on your face at regular intervals throughout the day.

Method II: Neem, Basil, Honey Face Mask

Another remedy using neem for acne is to mix it with basil and honey to add more skin nourishing properties to the mask.

What you need:

• Neem Leaves – A handful
• Basil Leaves – A handful
• Honey – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Dry the neem and basil leaves for 2 to 3 days.
• Powder the leaves separately.
• Mix a teaspoon each of basil powder and neem powder with the honey to create a thick paste.
• Spread this paste evenly on your face. Massage your skin gently for about 10 minutes.
• Wash off the paste with lukewarm water afterwards. Follow this home remedy at least once a week to stop acne breakouts completely.

17. Olive Oil for Acne

The benefits of olive oil for the skin are not unknown. While its moisturizing properties can help smooth the texture of your skin with time, the oil’s nourishing properties can help it fight off acne effectively.

Here is a simple remedy using a combination of olive oil and lemon juice for your acne prone skin.

What you need:

• Olive Oil – ¼ tsp.
• Lemon Juice – 3 to 4 drops

What you need to do:

• Mix the lemon juice and the olive oil.
• Massage this mix onto your skin using firm but gentle, circular motions.
• Wait for about 15 minutes and wash off the mix with cold water.
• Repeat olive oil for acne remedy every day for quick and effective results.

18. Oatmeal for Acne

While most of us prefer to eat oatmeal, some of us prefer to lather it on our face; and for good reason as well.

Research has indicated that using oatmeal as part of a facial mask or scrub can help remove acne while also treating its painful symptoms.

If you have oatmeal at home, try cooking up these home remedies for acne with it to treat your acne affected skin.

Method I: Oatmeal, Honey, Lemon Juice Scrub

This power packed combination will remove the bacteria causing the acne while also exfoliating your skin and nourishing it in the process.

What you need:

• Ground Oatmeal – 2 tbsp.
• Honey – 1 tsp.
• Lemon Juice – 1 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix all the ingredients to form a thick paste.
• Apply this paste on the acne affected areas of the skin and massage gently.
• Wait for about 15 minutes and rinse the area with lukewarm water.
• Dry with a soft cloth and apply a moisturizer. Follow this remedy thrice a week to cure acne.

Method II: Oatmeal, Egg White Face Mask

A mixture of oatmeal and egg white can help remove acne causing impurities from your skin while boosting collagen production in order for the skin to heal faster.

What you need:

• Cooked Oatmeal – ½ cup
• Egg Whites – 1 tbsp.
• Olive Oil – 1 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix the cooked oatmeal and the egg whites and whisk the mixture nicely.
• Add in the olive oil and mix until you get a smooth paste.
• Apply this mask evenly on your face and neck. Wait for 30 minutes or so for the mask to dry.
• Wash off the mask with lukewarm water and splash cold water on your face immediately. Repeat thos home remedy using oatmeal for acne every other day for great results.

19. Papaya for Acne

This miraculous fruit is great in treating dry skin and wrinkles. It does a pretty good job of eradicating pimples as well.

A papaya face mask with other ingredients added to it can do wonders for your skin.

A combination of papaya pulp, lemon juice and honey can help remove even stubborn pimples from your skin. This is what you need to do for the same.

What you need:

• Ripe Papaya Pulp – 2 tbsp.
• Lemon Juice – 1 tsp.
• Honey – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix the honey with the papaya pulp nicely. Add the lemon juice to the mix.
• Mix nicely to form a thick, consistent paste and apply the same on your face evenly.
• Wait for an hour or so for the paste to dry. Wipe off with a cold wash cloth. Repeat once every three days for best results.

20. Sea Salt for Acne

Behold the wonders of natural sea salt (5)! Not many know that sea salt can be used as a very effective natural remedy for acne.

If you are blessed to live by the beach, consider using sea salt in the following ways for stubborn pimples.

A warm sea salt cleanse has been known to benefit individuals with severe acne conditions. In addition to cleansing the dead skin cells from the surface, this remedy will also kill the bacteria causing the acne.

What you need:

• Sea Salt – 1 tbsp.
• Warm Water – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix the sea salt and warm water to create a coarse paste.
• Wash your face with warm water to open up the pores.
• Apply the paste on the pimples and massage the affected skin nicely for about 10 minutes.
• Wait for the paste to dry completely and wash it off with warm water afterwards.

Note: If rubbing the coarse paste on the acne is too painful, you can wrap it in a washcloth and dab it on the skin for about 10 minutes.

21. Tea Tree Oil for Acne

Tea tree oil is another remedy for acne that is very effective in treating acne breakouts as well as preventing recurrences.

Here are two amazing ways in which you can use tea tree oil to combat acne in the long run.

Method I: Plain Tea Tree Oil Mix

The healing properties of tea tree oil will help your skin heal faster from an acne attack. This, in turn, reduces the pain, swelling and scars caused by the acne.

What you need:

• Tea Tree Oil – 2 o 3 drops

What you need to do:

• Add the tea tree oil to a cotton bud and place the bud on the pimples one at a time.
• Wait for about 10 minutes and rinse your face with lukewarm water.
• Repeat once every two days for desirable results.

Note: Always use original tea tree oil and not products that contain it.

Method II: Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera Gel Mask

While the antibacterial properties of tea tree oil will fight off the acne causing bacteria, the Aloe Vera gel will help nourish the skin and moisturize it.

This remedy will work well in case you have sensitive skin.

What you need:

• Tea Tree Oil – 2 to 3 drops
• Aloe Vera Gel – 1 ½ tsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix the oil and gel nicely.
• Apply the gel on the pimples using a cotton bud.
• Once the mix has dried off, wash it off with warm water. Follow this tea tree oil for acne remedy with a good moisturizer.

Note: You can also choose to leave the mask on your face overnight.

[Also Read: How to Get Rid of Blemishes from Face]

22. Toothpaste for Acne

Ever wondered how toothpaste could be helpful in treating acne? Well studies have found out that toothpaste contains plenty of antibacterial properties (6).

That’s right! The same antibacterial properties that keep your teeth and gums healthy can be used to drive out acne from your skin as well. And here’s how you go about doing that.

What you need:

• Toothpaste (Non-Gel Variety) – ¼ tsp.

What you need to do:

• Use your fingertip to dab a tiny amount of the toothpaste on the pimples.
• Leave the paste on the pimples for about 20 minutes.
• Wipe off the paste with a damp washcloth.
• Do this every morning at least thrice a week for quick results.

Note: Always use the white colored toothpaste for this remedy. Avoid using this remedy if the toothpaste starts to sting your skin.

23. Turmeric for Acne

Turmeric is loaded with antimicrobial properties that help clear your skin off any and every kind of bacterial infection.

It also helps remove excess oil from your skin while purging out radicals with its strong antioxidant properties. Here are two remedies for acne using turmeric that you can try out at home.

Method I: Turmeric, Gram Flour, Jojoba Oil, Lemon Juice Face Pack

This excellent home remedy for acne will have your skin pimple free and moisturized with continued use.

What you need:

• Turmeric Powder – 1 tsp.
• Gram Flour – 1 tsp.
• Jojoba Oil – 1 tsp.
• Lemon Juice – 1 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Add the turmeric powder and gram flour in a bowl and mix nicely.
• Add the jojoba oil and the lemon juice to the mix and stir nicely to form a paste.
• Dab a small amount of the paste directly onto the pimples and massage the skin in a circular motion.
• Wait for the paste to dry and wash it off with lukewarm water.

Method II: Turmeric Powder, Sandalwood Powder, Rose water mask

This remedy for acne using a combination of turmeric powder, sandalwood powder and rose water can help remove pimples while nourishing your skin and removing acne scars and gives you a clear face naturally at home in no time.

What you need:

• Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp.
• Sandalwood Powder – 2 tbsp.
• Rose Water – 3 to 4 drops

What you need to do:

• Mix the turmeric and sandalwood powder nicely. Add the rose water and make a paste.
• Apply the paste on the pimples and wait for about 20 minutes.
• Wash off the paste with lukewarm water and follow up with a moisturizer.
• Follow this remedy using turmeric for acne once every two days to get a pimple free skin.

24. Tomato for Acne

Tomato offers plenty of benefits for your skin. The natural substance can do wonders in abolishing acne and acne scars from your skin.

Here are two home remedies for acne using tomato for acne that you may find quite useful.

Method I: Plain Tomato Slices

A trouble-free way to remove pimples, this remedy requires nothing but a few slices of ripe tomato.

What you need:

• Tomato Slices – 5 to 6

What you need to do:

• Place the tomato slices directly on the acne affected skin. Wait for 30 minutes and remove the slices.
• Wash the area with cold water. Do this every day for best results.

Method II: Tomato, Cucumber Face Toner

The healing properties of cucumber play a vital role in healing your skin after the tomato is done with removing the acne.

What you need:

• Tomato Juice – 2 tsp.
• Cucumber Juice – 2 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix the tomato and cucumber juices.
• Use a small cotton ball to apply the juice mix directly on the pimples.
• Wait for about 5 minutes before washing the skin with cold water. For best results, repeat this tomato for acne twice a day for a week until the acne disappears completely.

[Also Read: Skin Care Benefits Using Glycerin]

Guidelines to Follow to Treat Acne Using Home Remedies

In addition to using these ingredients to treat acne, there are some general guidelines you will need to follow as well in order to treat the condition effectively. These include:

Washing your face regularly: If you are prone to acne breakouts, wash your face at least twice every day, especially when you return home from outside.

Use warm water to open up pores so that the dirt accumulated in them will get washed off when you use soap.

Using water based soaps: Don’t make the grave mistake of using body soap for your face as well. The skin on your face is more sensitive than the skin on the rest of the body. Hence, use separate water based soap or face wash for the face.

You can also try out antibacterial face washes if you get acne frequently. Rinse off the soap with cool water to close down the pores immediately afterwards.

Toning your face: This needs to be a regular practice if you suffer from frequent acne breakouts. Use a gentle toner to tone your skin after cleansing it.

Use a cotton ball to apply the toner gently on your face in order to protect your skin from dirt and grime that may cause acne.

Moisturizing well: Moisturize your skin frequently to avoid acne breakouts. Use light, oil free moisturizers that keep your skin dry without necessarily drying it out too much.

Avoiding oily products: This is the golden rule to avoiding more acne breakouts on your face in the future. Your best alternative is water based makeup and cosmetic products.

Drinking plenty of water: It is imperative that you drink at least 10 glasses of water a day to keep your body’s moisture levels adequate. This, in turn, will help you cleanse out impurities that can cause acne in the long run.

Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables: Adding lots of fresh vegetables and fruits to your diet on a regular basis is a must if you happen to get acne frequently.

Vegetables and fruits contain essential nutrients like vitamins, zinc, magnesium, calcium and chromium, etc. which are involved in keeping painful pimples away.

Not plucking out the pimples: This is by far, the worst thing you can do to a pimple. Plucking out pimples not only leads to more acne breakouts in the area but also leaves a permanent mark on the skin.

So keep your hands away from those pesky pimples apart from using these home remedies on them.

Visiting the doctor: This will be an alternative to treating your acne breakouts, and usually happens if the home remedies mentioned above have little or no effect on the pimples.

A dermatologist can help by prescribing stronger medications that can treat the condition with ease.

Summary

So there you have it! These are only some of the home remedies for acne you can try out for acne. Each of these ingredients can be used in several other ways to treat acne as well. So banish those thoughts of an acne ridden face and start using these remedies to get rid of those pesky pimples today!

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