21 Home Remedies for Acne That Actually Work

Sr. No.

Natural Remedies

Benefits

Tips To Use

1.

Tea tree oil 

Tea Tree Oil is a powerful active which is used in many skincare products. It is a very popular plant-based antibacterial that is derived from the leaves of the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia shrub. Tea tree oil is widely researched as a natural antimicrobial in the field of dermatology. It contains high concentrations of terpinen-4-ol which is a volatile organic compound that disrupts the cellular membranes of acne causing bacteria. It neutralises in a very effective manner as it is milder and more skin friendly. It causes reduction in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions with fewer side effects like peeling, burning as well as severe dryness.

You should not apply any pure essential oil directly onto your face as it can disrupt the skin barrier. Dilute 1 drop of pure, organic tea tree oil with 9 drops of a non-comedogenic carrier oil such as jojoba or hemp seed oil. You need to dip a small and clean cotton swab into the mixture. Apply it precisely to the affected area as a nighttime spot treatment.

2.

Aloe Vera Gel

Pure aloe vera gel helps to accelerate skin healing and reduce the redness on the inflamed skin. The gel taken from the interior part of the leaves of the Aloe barbadensis plant helps to manage compromised skin barrier due to acne. The aloe vera gel contains many naturally occurring active phytoconstituents such as Salicylic acid. It is a beta-hydroxy acid that penetrates deep into the pores of the skin barrier. It dissolves dead skin cells and the trapped sebum from the clogged pores. It is very rich in acemannan which is basically a complex polysaccharide. It functions by stimulating the activity of macrophages. This totally helps to accelerate tissue regeneration and wound healing. It also contains lupeol which exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial action against localized skin infections. 

Take a fresh aloe vera leaf, dip it in clean water overnight and scrape out the clear jelly like substance from the interior part with the help of a sterile knife and a spoon the very next day. Blend this gel in a proper manner till it has a smooth consistency without lumps. Start applying an even layer of this high efficacy gel across your face. Leave it on for a few minutes then rinse afterward. 

3.

Witch Hazel

Being a natural astringent, it is best suited for oily skin and combination skin types as well. It is a liquid distillate which is derived from the bark, leaves and twigs of the Hamamelis virginiana shrub. It exhibits strong antioxidant properties. This helps to prevent the oxidation of squalene in sebum since altered sebum quality impacts the pore clogging. It is naturally rich in tannins which are polyphenolic compounds. These are powerful biological astringents. Tannins temporarily totally constrict skin proteins, visibly tightening dilated pores and removing excess surface sebum. This helps to form a protective as well as anti-inflammatory shield over broken skin when applied to the skin. 

Witch Hazel and Aloe Vera Mask: To make a

calming mask, combine witch hazel and aloe

vera gel. Focus on the acne-prone areas of your face when applying the mixture. After around 15 to 20 minutes, leave it on and rinse with

water.

4.

Rose Water

Rose water mist helps in balancing pH of the protective barrier of the skin and soothing irritation due to acne. It is prepared via steam distillation of pure rose petals (Rosa damascena). It is globally celebrated for its ability to regulate the skin's surface pH. The pH of the skin can become too alkaline with use of harsh bar soaps or foaming cleansers. It leads to the disruption of the normal skin microbiome. It completely allows C. acnes to grow as well as multiply in an uncontrollable manner. This mist instantly restores optimal acidity while delivering anthocyanins and flavonoids to the skin barrier that calm micro-vascular swelling. This instantly reduces the appearance of irritated and red skin. 

Use it as a gentle and calming base toner immediately after washing your face at night.

5.

Turmeric and Yogurt Mask

Turmeric and yogurt mask totally help in fading post-acne dark spots and scars. 

Turmeric is a very popular household spice which contains curcumin. Curcumin is a polyphenolic in nature. It helps to prevent the pathogenesis of acne and strongly inhibits the lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase. This totally blocks the key enzymatic pathways that generate inflammatory prostaglandins in order to promote inflammation on the skin in a very effective manner. When it is paired with unsweetened yogurt then its efficacy is enhanced in a proper way. Yogurt contains lactic acid. It functions to remove dead skin cells from the surface with its exfoliating action in a gentle manner. It also helps by delivering beneficial probiotics to the skin microbiome. It totally assists in accelerating the fading of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

Mix 1/2 teaspoon of pure organic turmeric powder with 1 large tablespoon of plain yogurt. Apply this golden paste evenly to your face. While applying, try to avoid staining your clothes. Turmeric can stain fabrics easily. Allow this mask to dry for a few minutes. Wash it off thoroughly with lukewarm water with gentle rubbing.

6.

Neem Leaf Paste

Neem (Azadirachta indica) has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It is power packed with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains active compounds. These are nimbin and nimbidin which have powerful inhibitory effects against acne-causing bacteria. Neem cleanses surface impurities, decreases redness as well as actively prevents the formation of new pimples with its deep oil-control action. It totally acts as a natural astringent that helps regulate excess sebum production. Its antioxidant feature shields the skin in a proper way from environmental stressors that exacerbate acne breakouts.

Take a handful of fresh and clean neem leaves. Grind them with a few drops of water. Do it by using a mortar and pestle to make a thick, smooth green paste. Apply this paste in an even manner as a localized mask over your skin prone to acne. Let it dry. Rinse well.

7.

Tomato Pulp Mask

Tomatoes are naturally acidic. These are rich in Vitamins A, C and K. These are power packed with a powerful antioxidant which is called lycopene. The natural acids in tomato juice help balance the skin's delicate pH mantle. It also acts as a clarifying astringent that dissolves stubborn plug-like accumulations of oil as well as dead cells inside the pores. Lycopene reduces skin redness, fights off oxidative stress and promotes cellular repair in an effective manner. This mask is particularly beneficial for individuals who have extremely oily skin. Oily skin type people can apply it if they are struggling with blackheads with utmost ease.

Cut a fresh tomato. Squeeze the juice and pulp into a small bowl. You can apply the fresh pulp directly to your skin. When you apply, use a cotton swab. You can also mix it with 1 teaspoon of simple oatmeal. This approach helps give the mask a thicker consistency. Spread the tomato mask over your face for some period of time. Rinse your face in a thorough manner with Alite Neem and Aloe vera Face Wash before applying the tomato mask. 

8.

Cucumber Juice Toner

Cucumbers are composed of roughly 95% water. It totally makes them an excellent source of light as well as oil-free hydration for stressed and inflamed skin. They are also highly power packed with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), caffeic acid and silica. These nutrients work altogether to cool down inflamed skin. It helps to alleviate the swelling around breakouts and aid in the structural rebuilding of damaged skin tissue. Applying cucumber juice truly helps to hydrate the epidermis. It does not clog pores. It keeps the skin plump, calm as well as well-balanced when you apply it.

Grate a cucumber and squeeze it through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. You can apply this fresh juice directly to your face using a cotton pad. You can also pour it into a mini spray bottle. then  use it as a hydrating facial mist throughout the day with refrigeration. Let the juice dry in a natural manner on your skin. It can be used on an every day basis to soothe active breakouts.

9.

Rice Water Toner

Rice water is a traditional remedy. It is rich in ferulic acid, allantoin and a variety of skin-loving vitamins as well as minerals. Allantoin is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent that actively totally calms skin irritation and promotes skin cell renewal. Ferulic acid is a powerful antioxidant that assists in making skin tone lighter, helps reduce stubborn dark spots which are caused due to acne breakouts. A simple rice water toner supplies lightweight and mineral-rich hydration to the skin barrier that balances the surface oils while providing skin brightening action.

Wash your face with Alite Neem and Aloevera Face Wash to properly cleanse the skin surface.  Rinse thoroughly half cup of organic uncooked rice with water to remove any surface dirt properly. Place the clean rice into a bowl with two cups of distilled water and let it soak for 30 to 45 minutes. Swirl it nicely until the water becomes cloudy. Strain the liquid into a clean glass jar. Then discard the rice. Splash this nutrient-rich rice water onto your face like your regular toner water after cleansing it in a proper way or you can apply it on an every day basis all by using a soaked cotton ball.

10.

Fuller’s earth

Fuller’s earth (multani mitti) is good for greasy and ache-prone skin because it absorbs excess oil and unclogs the pores. It is primarily composed of hydrous aluminum silicates and montmorillonite. Montmorillonite is the primary active clay mineral responsible for its high absorptive capacity.

Just mix equal parts of fuller’s earth in rose or sandalwood powder. Use this mud pack to your face. Just wash it. This process can be repeated once a week. 

11. 

Raw potato 

Potatoes are rich in minerals such as potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. They are also rich in an enzyme that may help inhibit excess melanin production called catecholase.  Starch in potatoes acts as a physical exfoliant to clear out the excess oils. It aids in relieving acne and dark spots and promotes the growth of new skin cells. 

Take raw potato and rub the pulp and juice on the face for a few minutes, let it dry for 15-30 minutes and then rinse off completely with lukewarm water.

12.

Strawberries and honey paste

Strawberries can team up with the goodness of honey. It creates a potent combination used in many moisturizers, facial scrubs and cleansers. Strawberries contain salicylic acid that aids the epidermal layer of the skin in shedding dead skin more easily. It cleanses the clogged pores and destroys bacteria on the skin. Honey has exceptional moisturizing properties for the skin.

Three fresh strawberries are crushed and mixed with two teaspoons of honey to make a smooth paste. Apply it to the skin. Keep it for some period of time. Rinse well.

13.

Chamomile

Chamomile is beneficial in treating the appearance of an inflamed acne lesion since it has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Its numerous phytoconstituents such as apigenin, luteolin, chamazulene, matricin and bisabolol have been known to have a good anti-inflammatory, soothing, anti-bacterial as well as anti-oxidant effects and they also accelerate cell renewal as well as skin healing process. The terpenes found in it facilitate cell repair. The anti-oxidants such as apigenin, luteolin and quercetin in chamomile will combat free radicals and combat the bacteria responsible for acne lesions.

Prepare a cup of chamomile tea and dab it into your skin with a cotton ball to act as a mild toner or you can also try adding dried chamomile flowers to boiling water and inhale the resulting chamomile steam. This relaxing steam will help to open up the blocked pores of the skin.

14.

Garlic

Garlic contains allicin. It is a sulfur compound with powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that fight acne-causing bacteria. It is a good natural remedy to fight acne. It has antibacterial properties. It can be applied topically to aid to reduce the breakouts in the future.

The garlic juice extract is mixed in one teaspoon of water or mash up two or three cloves in water or aloe vera gel for ten minutes. Using a cotton pad, apply the mixture on acne. 

15.

Calendula extract

Calendula is a totally beneficial skincare ingredient that consists of potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds that work to support and defend skin. Calendulosides and faradiol help support the skin’s natural defenses against environmental irritants. The plant’s carotenoids are effective antioxidants. Oleic acid and linoleic nourishes skin and strengthens our barrier.

Gently massage the infused oil into the afflicted region of skin directly after application.

Tinctures of calendula are also applied topically to the skin after being diluted with water.

16.

Liquorice 

There are three major bio-active compounds in Licorice that benefit skin health. The major sweet component in liquorice is glycyrrhizin which provides medicinal benefits to your inflamed skin. Glabridin is also an exceptional phytoconstituent that has been extensively researched for its remarkable anti-oxidative properties & helps in skin brightening. Licorice also has liquiritin which is widely known for helping to effectively reduce pigmentation.

You can add licorice extract or powder to

homemade face masks by combining it with

other health-promoting components like

yogurt, honey or clay.

17.

Tulsi

Tulsi contains many active compounds which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which enable it to combat acne along with calming inflammation on the skin. Eugenol, linalool as well as ocimene aid suppress acne forming bacteria, helping avert future break outs as well as fading dark spots. To calm the irritation on the skin due to acne, eugenol, ursolic acid, apigenin and linalool show anti-inflammatory action which reduces swelling and redness.

Make a paste by crushing fresh Tulsi leaves. On the skin's afflicted areas, apply

the paste directly. For roughly 15 to 20

minutes, leave it on. Use water to rinse it off or you can also  use Tulsi powder as a face mask by mixing it with water or other natural ingredients like yogurt or honey. Distribute the mask evenly across your face. Let it air dry for

fifteen to twenty minutes. Use water to rinse it off.

18.

Orange Peel

Remedies incorporating orange peel have various active agents which can help in the management and prevention of acne. The fresh or even dried rind of orange along with its oil has many valuable phytoconstituents. For instance flavonoids, limonene and linalool. They naturally possess strong cleansing, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that aid in combating bacteria causing acne as well as reducing skin irritation in a gentle manner. Moreover, volatile components like linalool acetate, geraniol and the presence of limonoids helps to achieve clear skin.

Take a few orange peels and dry it under shade. Powder the dried peels and sieve them. Take one teaspoon of this powder and mix it with fresh milk to make a paste. Before going to bed, apply this paste on the face. Keep it for 10-15 minutes and wash it off. Take the peel from an orange or lemon or both and put in a blender. Apply the juice several times daily to the acne affected areas for about 5 to 10 minutes then wash off with Alite Neem and Aloe Vera Face Wash . 

19.

Walnut

Walnut can be used as a good natural exfoliating agent. It actively removes impurities from the skin surface. The acne-fighting ability of the walnut plant is primarily from its constituents such as astringent tannin ellagitannin. Juglone-like active naphthalene compounds work along with flavonoids and quercetin. They exhibit potent antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that combats active acne and soothes inflammation due to acne lesions.

Boil the walnut husks with enough water to cover them to a depth of about 2 inches for 1 hour or until half the liquid remains (no lid should be put on the pot). This is then strained and stored in corked jugs until ready to be used. The extract can be put on acne affected areas of the skin.

20.

Coriander

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum Linn) has many active plant constituents that fight against acne in a very effective manner. It is rich in active constituents such as linalool, borneol, p-cymene and geraniol for antimicrobial activity and anti-fungal properties that help in destroying harmful skin irritants. They are also helpful to promote skin repair barrier with its anti-inflammatory benefits of fatty acids such as petroselic, oleic as well as linolenic acids along with hydroxycoumarins found in coriander.

Take 2 teaspoons of fresh coriander leaf juice. To this add a pinch of turmeric powder and apply it on your face 2 to 3 times daily after face wash.

21.

Asparagus 

Asparagus extract is a great ingredient when it comes to dealing with acne. The asparagus roots contain the steroid glycosides such as asparagusic acid and yamogenin which enhance the anti-inflammatory properties  to control skin swelling on the skin. It includes prebiotic fibers such as inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides together with beta-sitosterol. They are crucial in modulating your body’s gut and the microbiome of your skin. This also helps to remove the impurities from the skin and achieve a clear and refreshed skin. 

Asparagus powder and extracts are used for topical application in DIY masks as kitchen remedies acne to cleanse the face.