5 Natural Home Remedies for Acne

Acne is a very common problem, affecting almost 85% of young adults. Hence, it should be treated by using natural products.

Conservative acne treatments like salicylic acid, niacinamide, or benzoyl peroxide are proven to be the most effective acne solutions. But these treatments can be expensive and have undesirable side effects, such as dryness, redness, and irritation.

Here you can explore many popular natural home remedies for acne:

#1. Apply apple cider vinegar

Fermentation of apple cider vinegar leads to the formation of apple cider vinegar. It is known to fight against bacteria and fungi.

Some dermatologists advise against using apple cider vinegar at all, as it may irritate the skin.

How to use it

1. Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar and 3 parts water (use more water for sensitive skin).
2. After cleansing, gently apply the mixture to the skin using a cotton ball.
3. Let sit for 5–20 seconds, rinse with water and pat dry.
4. Repeat this process 1–2 times per day, as needed.

NOTE: Applying apple cider vinegar to your skin can cause burns and irritation. If you choose to try it, use it in small amounts and dilute it with water. Use it carefully.

#2. Honey and Cinnamon Face Mask

Both these natural elements have the ability to fight bacteria and reduce irritation which triggers acne. So, they may diminish acne.

How to use it

1. Mix 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to form a paste.
2. After cleansing, apply the mask to your face and leave it on for 10–15 minutes.
3. Rinse the mask off completely and pat your face dry.

#3. Apply green tea

Green tea is rich in antioxidants and it also helps with acne. Probably because it contains polyphenols.

How to use it

1. Steep green tea in boiling water for 3–4 minutes.
2. Allow the tea to cool.
3. Using a cotton ball, apply the tea to your skin or pour it into a spray bottle to spritz it on.
4. 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.

#4. Aloe vera, sugar, and coconut oil scrub

Combine aloe vera with coconut oil and sugar for a DIY exfoliator. This will help you get rid of dead skin cells. And rubbing sugar will make way for aloe vera to enter your skin and stimulate healthy skin growth. Coconut oil has antibacterial properties of its own, and it also works as a natural emollient.

How to use it

1. Add about 1/2 cup of coconut oil to 1/2 cup of white sugar and mix well.
2. Pour in 1/4 cup of pure aloe and gently scrub it all over your face. (Avoid eye area)
3. Rinse well with water after using.

#5. Apply witch hazel

Witch hazel contains tannins, which have strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

But currently, there is a very little research about this theory.

How to use it

1. Combine 1 tablespoon of witch hazel bark and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan.
2. Soak the witch hazel for 30 minutes and then bring the mixture to a boil on the stove.
3. Reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, for 10 minutes.
4. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it sit for an additional 10 minutes.
5. Strain and store the liquid in a sealed container.
6. Apply to clean skin using a cotton ball 1–2 times per day, or as desired.

NOTE: Commercially prepared versions of hazel may not contain tannins, as they are often lost in the distillation process.