22 Natural Home Remedies to Remove Pimples and Acne

22 Natural Remedies for Acne You Can Find at Home

Acne may show up anytime, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about it. You can find these natural remedies for acne at home, so there’s no need to rush to the store to buy the first treatment you see, only to find that it contains harsh chemicals!

You might think that once you pass puberty, you’ll be clear of pimples, zits, spots, acne, blemishes..whatever you call them. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. This annoying problem can show up when you least expect it. Breakouts always seem to happen at the most inconvenient times – the day before a job interview, the night of a big party or worst of all – right before a promising date.

I know that you want to squeeze them out to clear your face, but don’t. Chances are, you’ll just make the situation worse. Although a dermatologist can recommend the best cure for acne, there are plenty of natural remedies that can help. What’s best about them is that they can be found at home.

1. Tea Tree Oil​

Known for its inflammation-fighting properties, tea tree oil is a natural cure for acne (source). Compared to benzoyl peroxide, it’s less harsh, but can be equally effective when it comes to treating pimples.

To use, mix a few drops of tea tree oil with about 20 drops of witch hazel. And then, wet a cotton swab with the solution. Apply to the affected area. You can do this up to twice a day only because too much can dry out your skin and make the situation worse.

2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids​

Due to the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids, they have a soothing effect on acne. You can benefit from these acids by taking capsules that contain fish oil. If you prefer to up your intake via food, you can add more walnuts, albacore tuna, salmon, or flax seeds to your diet.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar​

Apple cider vinegar is rich in lactic and malic acids that reduce red marks, exfoliate the skin, and cure acne. For a DIY remedy, mix equal parts of water and apple cider vinegar. Apply the solution to the skin using a cotton ball. Before using, make sure to shake well.

4. Coconut Oil​

Known for its many surprising uses, coconut oil can also soothe the skin. Whenever applied, it instantly reduces inflammation from zits. To use, make sure you find the best coconut oil variety and apply an ample amount to the acne. Remember that a little goes a long way, so don’t over apply.

5. Lemon​

Lemon can effectively lighten, disinfect, and exfoliate the skin to prevent zits from forming. After cleaning your face, dip a cotton ball in lemon juice and dab onto the pimple. Rinse with cool water.

6. Witch Hazel​

A popular ingredient among astringents, witch hazel can naturally dry and shrink pimples. To enjoy its benefits, wet a cotton ball with several drops of witch hazel.Wipe onto your face every morning and night.

7. Aloe Vera​

Because of its natural healing and bacteria-fighting properties, aloe vera is used to relieve burns and soothe pain. But aside from that, it can also be used to combat acne! Simply extract the gel from the aloe plant and apply to the stubborn zit. If you don’t have an aloe plant, you can purchase an aloe gel from health-food stores. Double check to ensure you get nothing but pure aloe.

8. Chamomile​

Yes, chamomile is an ingredient commonly found in tea bags. We drink it for its relaxing powers. In addition, it is an effective remedy for acne, helping decrease redness and inflammation. To use, mix the contents of a chamomile tea bag with water to form a paste. And then, apply to that zit.

Another way to use chamomile is to soak two tea bags with a cup of boiled water. Do this for at 15 minutes. Once it is cool, get a cotton ball and dip it to the tea. Dab on your clean face.

9. Aspirin​

Aspirin is a reliable treatment for acne. It can quickly dry up zits and reduce swelling. To use, form a paste by mashing it in a little water. You can also dissolve four aspirins in two tablespoons of water.

10. Mint​

Mint does a pretty great job at eliminating pore-clogging oils. To clear out acne before it shows up, mix at least two tablespoons of fresh, finely chopped mint with two tablespoons of oatmeal and yogurt. Leave it on your face for at least 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

11. Echinacea​

Traditionally used to speed up healing of wounds and to prevent flu and colds, Echinacea has antibacterial properties that help cure acne as well. Prepare it as a tea and use it as a daily facial wash. You can also put several drops of this on a cotton ball and apply to blemishes.

12. Honey​

Honey has properties that get rid of acne. Grab a teaspoon of honey and apply to affected areas. You can also create a mask by mixing 1 cup of plain oatmeal with ½ cup of honey. Leave it on your face for at least 30 minutes.

13. Green Tea​

Like other remedies in this list, green tea has antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds that combat acne. To maximize its effects, use a cup of cold green tea as a facial wash.

14. Egg Whites​

Egg whites are an affordable and effective way to reduce and fade away acne scars. Many use them because they contain vitamins and proteins that fight acne and revitalize the skin. Just make sure that you moisturize after using because they can dry the skin a bit.

15. Papaya​

Plain raw papaya is a natural remedy that gets rid of dead skin cells, leaving the skin soft and smooth. No wonder it’s used in many beauty products on the market. To use, mash the flesh of papaya and apply to your face. Leave it there for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water. For better results, use a moisturizer after cleansing.

16. Banana Peel​

The next time you eat bananas, don’t throw away the peels. They contain lutein, an antioxidant that that effectively alleviates inflammation and swelling. So, when you think an acne is about to breakout, rub banana peel on your face.

17. Garlic​

Garlic is popular for its antibacterial properties (source). It can be ingested or applied topically to prevent breakouts. Do not apply it directly to your skin. Make sure you dilute it first. If you can extract the juice from garlic, then great. Otherwise, mash it up and soak in water.

18. Oatmeal​    

Oatmeal can be used as a mask to reduce redness and inflammation, which usually accompany breakouts. For a tasty acne remedy, you can add several drops of honey to your mask. But keep in mind that oatmeal will not eliminate acne on its own. Rather, it should be used as a part of a skin care routine.

19. Sugar​

Brown or white sugar can eliminate excess skin oils that clog up the pores. Mix it with olive oil or honey for an instant scrub. After a few days, much of your acne woes should go away.

20. Potato​

Potato is a popular vegetable as is, but its ability to tame acne is something you might not have heard of. Grate a piece of potato and rub its pulp and juice onto your face. Leave it there for 15 minutes.

21. Avocado​

There has been plenty of rumors saying avocado can cure acne breakouts. While there is no concrete evidence to prove this, many have found success in using it. It’s so rich in vitamins and minerals that tone down zits.

22. Steam​

Steam can soothe many different skin problems; acne is among them. It opens up the pores and eliminates impurities hiding within the skin. To use, pour water into a large bowl and allow to cool for several minutes. When the temperature has lowered a bit, put your face above the bowl and cover your head with a towel to trap the steam. After 10 minutes, remove the towel and dry your face.(source)