8 Home Remedies for Acne

Anyone who’s ever dealt with skin issues knows how stressful, frustrating, and embarrassing it is. Our skin is a reflection of our internal health. Acne, whiteheads, blackheads, blemishes, and other skin imperfections are painful, unattractive, and lowers our self-esteem. They’re also difficult to resolve.

To achieve youthful, healthy, glowing skin, many of us have resorted to topical remedies and dermatologist prescriptions with somewhat promising results. But as soon as we quit these treatments, our skin condition returns. Many of the over-the-counter and prescription options may not be safe with continued use, plus they strip away your natural oils, making your acne worse. Exasperated? Me too.

We all want an effective solution that offers long term results, but without harming our skin. Did you know there are some simple and natural solutions available? And these home remedies don’t have the many side effects that can come with harsh over-the-counter and prescription drugs.

Let’s explore some skincare practices that go beyond traditional approaches. Essential oils, gentle cleansing and proper nutrition, and various remedies will not only clear up your skin but they also budget-friendly and they’ll make you feel good about yourself.

Most of us associate acne with puberty and adolescence, but it’s now affecting millions of adults. The main causes of acne include clogged pores, bacteria, excess oil production, and dead skin cells. Research has also shown that sleep deprivation, hectic life stress, hormonal changes, and poor diet also contribute to the health of our skin.

Healthy Eating

You’ll probably be told by doctors that diet doesn’t matter, it’s just your hormones and a prescription is all you need. Your diet makes a huge difference in the health of your skin. It’s important to understand that your skin must be treated from the inside out. As part of the protocol to treat skin conditions from the inside out, it’s important to avoid foods that cause blood sugars to spike which leads to the production of insulin. Focus on leafy green vegetables, berries, clean proteins, and drinking lots of clean water.

The omega-3s in flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts help decrease inflammation. Add zinc-rich foods like spinach, pumpkin seeds, kidney beans, garlic, chickpeas, and dark chocolate to name a few.

Gentle Cleansing

There are many organic face cleansers on the market or you can use a product from your kitchen pantry, raw honey. Dampen your skin, and massage about 1/2 teaspoon over your face and neck. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. This treatment can be done in the morning and evening.

Clay draws toxins out of your skin and diffuses any inflammation. It can be used as a daily face wash and a face mask.

Yogurt is a perfect skin cleanser. It’s rich in protein and lactic acid which help detoxify the skin. Lactic acid helps get rid of the dead cells through exfoliation, and protein helps tighten pores, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and hydrate. Apply a thin layer of yogurt to your skin and use your fingertips to cleanse. Rinse with warm water.

Toners

Apple cider vinegar helps restore the natural pH balance and is choke full of potassium, magnesium, acetic acid, and various enzymes that kill bacteria on the skin. You can use pure raw apple cider vinegar with mother on its own as your morning and evening toner. You can also combine 1/3 raw apple cider vinegar with 2/3 alcohol-free witch hazel and mist your face morning and night.

Another good toner recipe is 3/4 cup of strong green tea and 1/4 cup of raw apple cider vinegar. You’ll need to store in the refrigerator and it’s good for up to two weeks.

Aloe is another great toner. You can either put the aloe straight on your skin or you can dilute it with a little water and apply as needed. It’s also great for sunburns and rashes.

Healing Masks

To hydrate and heal the skin, masks should be applied a couple of times per week. Combine a few home ready ingredients together and you’ll be well on your way to clearing up your acne.

Honey & Cinnamon Mask: Honey just happens to be a natural humectant with antibacterial properties that can help you spot-treat annoying pimples. Cinnamon has a lot of great skin attributes. It has antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial properties that can help with acne and blemishes. It can also dry out pimples, remove excess oil, and increase blood flow to the skin. An easy recipe is blending one teaspoon of cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of honey. Apply evenly to your face and neck and leave on for 10 – 15 minutes. Rinse well and pat dry.

Honey & Lemon Mask: Lemons are antibacterial and ideal for treating acne. They have an abundance of vitamin C and citric acid and women have used lemon juice for centuries to brighten and lighten their skin. Hop in the shower and let the steam open your pores. After your shower, combine 2 teaspoons of both lemon juice and raw honey and apply it to the skin. Leave on for 15 – 20 minutes.

Add a couple of drops of tea tree oil to either of the mask recipes above. Tea tree oil is considered one of the best home remedies for acne.

Exfoliate

Exfoliation removes the dead and dry skin cells from the outermost surface of your skin. Exfoliation is very beneficial to your skin if you want healthy skin that glows. Exfoliation increases blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, stimulates collagen synthesis, unclogs pores, helps prevent acne and improves skin tone.

Finely ground sea salt, brown sugar, baking soda, ground oatmeal, kefir, honey, are also good for exfoliating your skin. I mix vegetable glycerin with pink sea salt and exfoliate a few times a week.

Moisturize

As odd as it sounds, oil and acne-prone skin still need a moisturizer. It’s a matter of choosing a light oil that will soften and hydrate your skin, and not reclog your pores. Organic Jojoba, sweet almond oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil, hemp oil, hazelnut oil, and kukui oil are great for your skin plus they’re fantastic carrier oils if you want to add some essential oils. I like to add a few drops of lavender oil to a carrier oil.

Probiotics

To fight acne, our bodies need internal support as well. According to the media and natural health websites, probiotics use may extend beyond the digestive tract. Probiotics are the next big thing when it comes to having clear skin. Aside from balancing our gut flora, and supporting our immune system, probiotics have shown some improvement in our skin by fighting acne.

Supplement with Holy Basil

Holy basil/tulsi has powerful antimicrobial properties. Basil leaves contain antibacterial and antifungal agents that help prevent acne and pimple breakouts, plus they purify your blood by removing toxins.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this post is general in nature and for informational purposes. It is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or health care professional.