How to Get Rid of Acne: 10 Home Remedies for Pimples
Supplements and spot treatments may help prevent acne and help heal pimples. Certain dietary changes may also help.
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the world, affecting an estimated 85 percent of adult.
Conventional acne treatments, like salicylic acid, niacinamide, or benzoyl peroxide, are proven to be the most effective acne solutions, but they can be expensive and have undesirable side effects, such as dryness, redness, and irritation.
This has prompted many people to try to cure acne naturally at home . In fact, a study found that 77 percent of acne patients had tried alternative acne treatments.
Many home remedies lack scientific backing, and further research on their effectiveness is needed. If you’re looking for alternative treatments, though, there are still options you can try.
What is acne?
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your skin follicles become blocked with oil and dead skin cells. It’s a very common condition, and most people have experienced acne in their lifetime, especially during their teen years as their sebaceous glands produce more oil.
However, there’s no age limit to acne and many people in their 40s and 50s have adult acne.
What causes acne?
Acne starts when the pores in your skin get clogged with oil and dead skin cells.
Each pore is connected to a sebaceous gland, which produces an oily substance called sebum. Extra sebum can plug pores, causing increased growth of bacteria known as P. acnes.
Your white blood cells attack P. acnes, leading to skin inflammation and acne. Some cases of acne are more severe than others, but common symptoms include whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples.
Many factors may contribute to the developement of acne, including:
- genetics
- diet
- stress
- hormone changes
- infections
Standard clinical treatments are the most effective for reducing acne. You can also try home treatments, though more research on their effectiveness is needed. Below are 10 home remedies for acne.
Apply apple cider vinegar
- Pros: affordable, easy to find, improves the appearance of acne scars
- Cons: may irritate the skin
ACV is made by fermenting apple cider, or the unfiltered juice from pressed apples.
Like other vinegars, research has noted its ability to fight many types of fungitypediseases
Apple cider vinegar contains organic acids, such as citric acid. notes citric acid has been found to kill P. acnes in conjunction with zinc oxide.
According to research the lactic acid in apple cider vinegar may also improve the appearance of acne scars.
While certain components of apple cider vinegar may help with acne, there’s currently no evidence to support its use for this purpose. Some dermatologists advise against using apple cider vinegar at all, as it may irritate the skin.
How to
- Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar and 3 parts water (use more water for sensitive skin).
- After cleansing, gently apply the mixture to the skin using a cotton ball.
- Let it sit for 5 to 20 seconds, rinse with water and pat dry.
- Repeat this process 1 to 2 times per day, as needed.
It’s important to note that applying apple cider vinegar to your skin can cause burns and irritation, and most dermatologists wouldn’t recommend it. If you choose to try it, use it in small amounts and dilute it with water.
Applying apple cider vinegar to the skin may cause burns or irritation, so it should be used carefully. Always do a patch test before you use it on your face.
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Take a zinc supplement
- Pros: supported by scientific studies, wide variety of benefits
- Cons: can irritate the stomach or gut, not beneficial when applied topically
Zinc is an essential nutrient that’s important for cell growth, hormone production, metabolism, and immune function.
It’s relatively well studied compared with other natural treatments for acne.
The recommended safe upper limit of zinc is 40 mg per day, so it’s probably best to not exceed that amount unless you’re under the supervision of a medical doctor.
Taking too much zinc may cause adverse effects, including stomach pain and gut irritation.
It’s also important to note that applying zinc to the skin has not been shown to be effective. This may be because zinc is not effectively absorbed through the skin.
Make a honey and cinnamon mask
- Pros: antibacterial, easy to make
- Cons: not enough research to back up the claims
A 2016 study with 136 people with acne found that applying honey to the skin after using antibacterial soap was no more effective at treating acne than using the soap on its own.
While the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of honey and cinnamon may reduce acne, more research is needed.
How to
- Mix 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to form a paste.
- After cleansing, apply the mask to your face and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rinse the mask off completely and pat your face dry.
Cinnamon may cause skin irritation. Always do a patch test before you apply it to your skin.
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Spot treat with tea tree oil
- Pros: don’t need a lot of product, can be left on overnight, natural
- Cons: drying, essential oils aren’t FDA approved
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that’s extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree native to Australia.
A 2016 study found that applying tea tree oil to the skin may reduce acne.
Tea tree oil is very potent, so always dilute it before applying it to your skin.
How to
- Mix 1 part tea tree oil with 9 parts water.
- Dip a cotton swab into the mixture and apply it to the affected areas.
- Apply moisturizer if desired.
- Repeat this process 1 to 2 times per day, as needed.
While research suggests there are health benefits, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil and dilute any essential oil with a carrier oil so it doesn’t burn your skin.
Apply green tea to your skin
- Pros: easy to make, a variety of benefits, natural
- Cons: not enough studies done
Green tea is very high in antioxidants, and drinking it can promote good health. It may also help reduce acne.
There isn’t much research exploring the benefits of drinking green tea when it comes to acne, and more studies are needed.
Applying green tea to the skin may also be beneficial.
You can buy creams and lotions that contain green tea, but it’s just as easy to make your own mixture at home.
How to
- Steep green tea in boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Allow the brewed tea to cool.
- Using a cotton ball, apply the tea to your skin or pour it into a spray bottle to spritz it on.
- Allow it to dry, then rinse it off with water and pat your skin dry.
You can also add the remaining tea leaves to honey and make a mask.
Apply witch hazel
- Pros: natural, found in many products
- Cons: very little research to back up the claims
Witch hazel is extracted from the bark and leaves of the North American witch hazel shrub, Hamamelis virginiana. Currently, there appears to be very little research on witch hazel’s ability to treat acne specifically.
Witch hazel was one of the ingredients in the second step of the treatment. Most participants experienced significant improvement in their acne by the end of the study.
How to
- Combine 1 tablespoon of witch hazel bark and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan.
- Soak the witch hazel for 30 minutes and then bring the mixture to a boil on the stove.
- Reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and let it sit for an additional 10 minutes.
- Strain and store the liquid in a sealed container.
- Apply to clean skin using a cotton ball 1 to 2 times per day, or as desired.
It’s important to note that commercially prepared versions may not contain tannins, as they are often lost in the distillation process.
Moisturize with aloe vera
- Pros: natural, found in many products, can be combined with other ingredients
- Cons: not a lot of studies to back up the claims, many products contain additives
Aloe Vera is a tropical plant whose leaves produce a clear gel. The gel is often added to lotions, creams, ointments, and soaps.
While research shows promise, the anti-acne benefits of aloe vera itself require further scientific research.
How to
- Scrape the gel from the aloe plant with a spoon.
- Apply the gel directly to clean skin as a moisturizer.
- Repeat 1 to 2 times per day, or as desired.
You can also buy aloe vera gel from the store, but make sure it’s pure aloe without any added ingredients.
Take a fish oil supplement
- Pros: easy, found in food
- Cons: takes some time to see results
Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that offer a multidue offer.
You can also get omega-3 fatty acids by eating:
- salmon
- sardines
- anchovies
- walnuts
- chia seeds
- ground flax seeds
- fish oil supplements
Exfoliate regularly
- Pros: easy to do at home, many products on the market, both chemical and physical options available
- Cons: possibility to over-exfoliate
Explotation is the process of removing the top layer of dead skin cells. It may improve acne by removing the skin cells that clog pores.
Exfoliating may also make acne treatments for the skin more effective by allowing them to penetrate deeper, once the topmost layer of skin is removed.
Currently, the research on exfoliation and its ability to treat acne is limited.
While these results indicate exfoliation may improve skin health and appearance, more research is needed on acne.
There are a wide variety of exfoliation products available, but you can also make a scrub at home using sugar or salt.
Note that physical exfoliation can be irritating and may damage the skin. As such, some dermatologists recommend gentle chemical exfoliation with salicylic or glycolic-acid products.
If you choose to try mechanical exfoliation, gently rub your skin to avoid damaging it.
How to
- Mix equal parts sugar (or salt) and coconut oil.
- Gently rub your skin with the mixture and rinse well.
- Exfoliate as often as desired, up to once daily.
Follow a low glycemic diet
- Pros: reduces insulin, good for the body
- Cons: harder to track, not enough studies to back up the claims
Eating high GI foods causes a spike in insulin, which likely increases sebum production. As a result, high GI foods may directly affect the development and severity of acne.
These small studies suggested a low glycemic diet may help those with acne-prone skin. Additional larger, longer studies are needed.
Foods with a high glycemic index include processed foods, such as:
- white bread
- sugary soft drinks
- cakes
- doughnuts
- pastries
- candies
- sugary breakfast cereals
Foods with a low glycemic index include:
- fruits
- vegetables
- legumes
- nuts
- whole or minimally processed grains
Cut back on dairy
- Pros: can reduce acne
- Cons: controversial, needs more research
The realtionship between dairy and acne is highly controversial.
Participants self-reported the data in these studies, so more research is needed to establish a true causal relationship.
The relationship between milk and acne needs further study.
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Reduce stress
- Pros: can reduce acne, good for the body
- Cons: needs more research
The link between strees and acne is not fully understood.
When you’re stressed, you might also be more likely to pick at spots on your face. Touching or picking your skin more than necessary can increase acne by spreading bacteria.
How to
- get more sleep
- engage in physical activity
- practice yoga
- meditate
- take deep breaths
Exercise regularly
- Pros: can reduce acne, good for the body, regulates hormones
- Cons: not washing your face after exercising could lead to more acne
There’s little research on the effects of exercise on acne. Still, exercise affects bodily functions in ways that may help improve acne.
If you’re exercising outside, always protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays with a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
Remember: Always wash your face after exercising. Washing with water and a cleanser will remove sweat and bacteria to prevent breakouts.
Try brewer’s yeast
- Pros: can take orally or topically, easy to find
- Cons: takes a few months to work
Brewer is another option that may have benefits for fighting acne.
With these conflicting findings and limited research, more studies are needed to confirm the role of brewer’s yeast in the treatment of acne.
How to
- Mix one packet of powdered brewer’s yeast with 1 tbsp lemon juice.
- Blend thoroughly.
- Add mixture to a clean face and leave for 1 minute.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
- Pat dry.
You can also incorporate brewer’s yeast into your diet by mixing it with juice or water, or you can take it in supplement form.
Use caution when applying any citrus juice, including lemon, to your skin. It can cause photosentivity that can lead to irritation and rash if exposed to sunlight.
Be sure to apply extra SPF, and wear a hat or scarf to protect your skin if you’re exposed to the sun.
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