12 Natural Remedies For Acne That Actually Work

Acne is a skin condition that affects 85% of the population. It can be mild, moderate or acute. In any case, it can generate low confidence and self-awareness. Sometimes, acne is especially hard to remove.

Especially if you have tried every single acne medication available. Not only may they have not worked but they may also have had side effects. Natural remedies on the other hands are much gentler.

And they are not less efficient. They are acne remedies that work while being natural, accessible and affordable. Tried and tested, those 12 natural remedies for acne will sure help your skin get better!

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oils has several benefits for the skin. First, it has anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, it can reduce the swelling and redness of pimples.

It is also a natural antibacterial. That means it can kill P. acnes, the bacteria that causes acne. Tea tree oil is a great natural remedy and is much more gentle to the skin than benzoyl peroxide. And it works just as well.

Treating acne with tea tree oil is easy. Simply mix 12 drops with half a spoon of goldenseal power. Make a paste and apply on acne spot for 20 minutes twice a day. Rinse off.

Don't leave on too long as it may irritate the skin.

Essential oils

Tea tree oil is not the only essential oil that can help with healing acne. Other essential oils are amazing natural remedies too. Such is the case of cinnamon rose or lavender.

This is because many essential oils have anti bacterial and inflammatory properties. They can help clear up pimples quickly.

For example, cinnamon, rose, lavender, and clove fight the acne-causing bacteria S. epidermidis and P. acnes. Rosemary and lemongrass were also shown to inhibit P. acnes.

Gel containing acetic acid, orange, and sweet basil essential oils resulted in a 75% increase in the healing rate of pimples.

However, these essential oils are very concentrated. They can cause irritation if applied directly to the skin. That is why it is safer to dilute them with a carrier oil.

Green tea

Another well-known home remedy is green tea. Not only does green tea has amazing health benefits, but it is also great for skin care. It is especially helpful if applied directly to the skin.

This is because green tea contains flavonoids and tannings. Both help fight inflammation and the bacteria that causes pimples.

Green tea is also rich in antioxidant. It reduces sebum production and inhibit the growth of certain bacteria in people with acne-prone skin.

Green tea is a treatment for acne that is very affordable, simple and accessible. A lot of skincare products are indeed available on the market.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a very convenient way to treat acne and one of most common natural remedies. Its natural properties help fight bacteria and infections. Thus, it can help reduce the appearance of acne and prevent breakouts.

Aloe vera is also a great moisturizer. This is because it contains a lot of water. Thus, it is very suitable for people with dry skin. Indeed, they may not be able to use some acne medications or topical anti-acne products.

Studies show that using aloe vera gel and tretinoin cream can lead to significant skin improvement. The tests were conducted on people with mild to moderate acne. Both treatments are available over the counter.

Aloe vera may help fighting pimples on its own. However, it is always more efficient when paired with other remedies and treatments.

Honey

Using honey to treat skin conditions is nothing new. It has been done for over a thousand years. This is because it is natural and easily accessible. Honey contains many antioxidant.

Those can help clear waste, debris and dead skin cells from clogged pores. When dead cells stay trapped in pores and hair follicles, they can develop into infections and turn into pimples. Clearing pores will help prevent that from happening.

Honey is also used in wound dressings. Indeed, it has wound-healing properties and can help fight bacteria. Available in most supermarkets, it is not hard to access.

You can rub honey into pimples gently using a clean finger or cotton pad. A honey-based face mask will also help treat the skin on your face.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is one of those natural remedies for acne that is widely accessible and affordable. It contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds.

Those properties mean coconut oil can help fight acne-causing bacteria. It can also reduce redness and the swelling of pimples. Coconut oil may also speed up healing in open acne sores.

You can rub pure, virgin coconut oil directly to the area with acne. Coconut oil can be found in the natural food section of grocery stores.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is quite a popular ingredient for skin remedies. It is a popular cure-all for many applications. However, you must be cautions while using it. This is because, even though it may be unfriendly to bacteria, it still is an acid.

Vinegar encourages mild exfoliation. But it can have side-effects if not used right. Do not jump all in. Get your skin used to apple cider vinegar gradually.

You can use apple cider vinegar as a toner. It can be damaging to sensitive skin so a full-strength application is not advised. Dilute the vinegar one part to four parts water before using.

If you are unsure, you can test on your hand or the inside of your arm. If you do not see any reaction, you may use it on your face.

Turmeric

While not as widely used as other natural remedies, turmeric can actually really help with treating acne and other skin conditions. This is because it is a natural anti-inflammatory agent.

Turmeric on its own would not work. It is efficient when mixed with other components. Gentle exfoliating bases such as chickpea flour, oat power or kaolin clay will do fine.

In some occasions, turmeric can also help with reducing hyper-pigmentation and evening out skin tones.

Avocado oil

Avocado is a great vegetable. Packed with Omega 9 fatty acids, it has amazing health benefits. And is delicious in a salad or on a toast. Avocado oil is also a great alternative to olive oil for cooking.

It also does much more. Avocado oil is also rich in linoleic acid and oleic acid. It also contains minerals and vitamins A, C, D and E. Used topically, it fights off free radicals.

It is perfect to help with dry or chapped skin. Plus, avocado oil helps speed up the healing process and is full of antioxidants. Your skin will look smoother and softer.

Quinoa

Quinoa is a very well-known superfood. It has now made its way into the skin care space. Indeed, quinoa can be used as a physical exfoliator.

Once cooked, it is a gentle scrub. It is non-abrasive and friendly to the environment. Because it is great for exfoliation, it can help remove debris and dead skin for follicles and pores.

Doing so will prevent upcoming infections and irritation. This will help stop pimples from popping up and stop breakouts in the making.

Lemon

Lemon and other citrus fruits are often used in skin care and skin products. It can act as an exfoliant, skin lightener and antiseptic. Thus, lemon can help reduce the appearance of scars.

Its antiseptic property prevents new pimples from forming.

You can dab acne with a cotton ball or swab dipped in lemon juice. Make sure your face is clean before you do anything. Rinse with cool water afterwards.

A clean diet

Your diet has an impact on your skin and breakouts. This is no secret. This is because if your digestive system is upset, it will show you by way of breakout. Thus, paying attention to what you are eating is a preemptive measure against acne.

Try to avoid sugar and dairy. Indeed, bacteria feeds off both. It can also make acne worse. On the other hand, it has been proven that a healthy diet can help reduce acne.

Foods that are rich in nutrients are linked to lower legs of acne. However, some other foods can raise your blood sugar very fast. When it happens, the body releases an hormone called insulin.

Excess insulin in the blood can cause oil glands to produce more oil. This increases risks of acne. Foods that can induce insulin spikes include pasta, white rice, white bread and sugar. Avoid carbs, dairy, saturated fats and trans fats.