Acne is the most common skin problem faced by people of all ages. The problem gets worse in teenagers because of the change in hormone levels in their body. Sleep deprivation, unhealthy eating habits, excessive stress and hectic lifestyles can also be the reason for acne. Acne can occur on face, chest, scalp and back. While there is no foolproof cure for treating acne, there are a few home remedies that can help in prevention as well as lessening acne.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera gel has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties and is found really effective at treating acne. Apply it on the affected area, twice in a day for best results.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar acts like an astringent and helps in getting rid of the excess oil while maintaining the pH balance of your skin. Apply a mixture of one part apple cider vinegar with three parts of water using cotton balls on the affected area. Reapply this mixture several times during the day for best results.
Baking Soda
Sodium bicarbonate or baking soda acts as a gentle exfoliator for your skin. It unblocks the pores and helps in getting rid of dead skin cells. It helps in regulating the pH balance of the skin and has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. All these making it an essential ingredient for the home remedies for acne. Make a paste of one to two teaspoons of baking soda with a little amount of water. Apply this paste on your face and rinse it off after a few minutes. Alternatively, you can also mix two tablespoons of baking soda with a tablespoon of cinnamon powder, juice of half of lemon and five tablespoons of honey. Apply this mixture on your face, let it sit for five minutes before rinsing it off. These face packs can be used once or twice a week.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is another great exfoliator, which helps in reducing acne by cleansing the skin pores and getting rid of excess oil. To a cup of cooked oatmeal, add the juice of half of lemon with a teaspoon of honey. Apply this mixture on your face and leave it on for at least half an hour. Rinse it off with lukewarm water. This pack can be applied once or twice a week.
Cinnamon and Honey
Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties while honey is a natural antibiotic. Both thus form a great home remedy for effectively treating acne. Make a paste of a teaspoon of cinnamon with two tablespoons of honey and apply this mask on the affected area. Let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. In fact, you can also store this mixture in empty pill capsules (check here for more information) so that you will not need to prepare it each time you want to use it.
Neem or Indian Lilac
Neem has been found highly effective at treating acne due to its antiseptic and anti-microbial properties, which helps in getting rid of acne-causing bacteria. It also helps in soothing the inflammation and redness of acne. Grind the leaves with water and add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to the paste. Apply this mixture on the affected area and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Wash it off with warm water. You can apply this mixture twice a week.
Orange Peel
Another fruit high in citric acid, orange is one of the perfect home remedies for treating acne. While you can use either the juice or the peel, the peel is considered to be most effective. Dry orange peel in the sun. Once completely dry, grind it and make a paste with water. Apply this paste on the affected area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Papaya
If you are prone to pimples, try using papaya as a home remedy for treating them. Raw papaya helps in removing dead skin cells and excess oil and leaves you with a soft and fresh skin. Papaya also has an enzyme papain, which is highly effective at reducing inflammation, and has antiseptic properties. Mash the flesh of papaya to make a paste. Apply this mixture on the affected area and let it sit for 15-20 mins. Rinse it off with warm water.
Fuller’s Earth or Multani Mitti
It is great for oily and acne prone skin as it helps in getting rid of the excess oil without over-drying your skin. It helps in getting rid of acne too by unclogging pores. When applied over a period of time, it helps in improving the complexion too. It is easily available at Indian grocery stores. Make a paste of equal proportions of Fuller’s earth (multani mitti), sandalwood powder and rose water. Apply this pack and let it dry. Rinse it off once it is dry. You can apply this pack once a week.
Egg Whites
Egg whites not only help in treating acne but are also effective at getting rid of acne scars. They help in rebuilding the skin and are also effective at getting rid of excess oil. Beat egg whites and apply the froth on your face. Rinse your face with lukewarm water once the mask is dry.
Fenugreek Leaves
Fenugreek leaves also have anti inflammatory and antiseptic properties and are effective at treating acne. Make a paste of fenugreek leaves with water and apply it on the affected areas. Let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing it off. Apply this pack three-four times a week for best results.
Lemon Juice
Lemons have citric acid, which has been found effective at treating acne. It helps in getting rid of dirt accumulated in the pores. It can become a bit drying when used everyday so try to use it every three days. Rub a slice of lemon on acne prone areas and leave it for an hour before rinsing it off. You can also use a mixture of rose water with lemon juice in equal parts and use it for washing the affected area.
Toothpaste
The most commonly used home remedy for treating acne; toothpaste helps in reducing the swelling of acne. Apply a small amount on the affected area and leave it overnight. Wash it off in the morning. Within a day or two, you will start noticing the improvement in the appearance of acne.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an effective antiseptic and helps in unclogging the pores. It also helps in getting rid of acne causing bacteria. Apply a drop of tea tree oil on the affected area two to three times a day for best results. If undiluted tea tree oil causes skin irritation or redness or over drying of your skin, use 5% tea tree oil solution instead.
Sugar Scrub
White or brown, sugar helps in getting rid of excess oil and cleaning up pores. Mix sugar with olive oil and honey and give yourself a gentle scrub to treat your acne. Mix one cup of white sugar with 1 cup of brown sugar along with 2 tablespoons of salt and honey each and half cup of extra virgin olive oil. Let the oil soak in the mixture. Gently scrub the affected area with this mixture and then rinse off with warm water. Use this mixture once a week
What are your favorite home remedies for acne? Please share it in the comments below.
