10 Home Remedies for Acne

Acne is a common skin ailment which affects nearly everyone at some time or the other. Acne as such is not harmful but the ugly marks and blemishes that they leave behind on the skin somehow mar one’s beauty. The scars that remain take a long time to heal further adding to our woes. If you are fed up the nasty zits that appear on your face frequently then these tried and tested home remedies will promise you deliverance from these pesky acnes. However if you have a severe acne problem, we suggest you consult a dermatologist.

1. Apply baking soda

Sodium bicarbonate commonly known as baking soda is a very effective ingredient in treating acne primarily because of its antiseptic nature. To make a face pack of baking soda you would require a packet of baking soda and some water. Take some baking soda and add water to it to make a thick paste. Apply this pack on your face and keep it on for 10 minutes. Then wash it off and pat dry. Overuse of baking soda might make your skin dry hence it is suggested that you can apply this paste not more than twice or thrice a week.

2. Apply apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a wonderful substance to treat your acne problems. Due to its alkaline nature it hinders the growth of bacteria and its astringent nature helps to dry out the excess oil. However always remember to dilute apple cider vinegar before applying to the face. Take 1 part of vinegar and add to 3 parts water to make a solution. Dip a ball of cotton in the solution and gently dab on your problem areas. Keep it on for a minimum of 10 minutes or until it dries out. You can apply this solution 3 – 4 times a day.

3. Make  a face pack of cinnamon and honey

A honey and cinnamon face mask is very effective against acne and their attendant scars. The anti-bacterial properties of honey are well known. Combine this to cinnamon, a potent anti-inflammatory agent and you get a deadly combination. Take a bowl and mix in two tablespoons of honey with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder to form a smooth paste. Now apply it to your face and leave it on for about 15 minutes. Rinse off thoroughly.

 4. Apply papaya extracts

Papaya is a great anti-acne agent as it contains an enzyme called papain that makes it a good anti-inflammatory substance. Papayas are good exfoliants hence regular use of papaya on the skin leaves it soft and supple. Making a papaya face mask is very easy. Take the flesh of a papaya and mix it well. If necessary add a few drops of water. Now apply this face pack to your skin until it dries up completely. Next rinse it well with warm water.

5. Apply egg whites

Applying egg whites to one’s face is another great way to get rid of acne and blemish spots. Egg whites help soak up the excess oil which means less chances for bacteria to thrive. The application of egg whites to acne scars is very simple. All you have to do is to break a few eggs in a bowl. Separate the whites and whisk them thoroughly. Now apply this mixture to your face and keep it on for about 20 minutes, Wash well with warm water.

6. Apply a face pack of oatmeal and honey

Oatmeal is a great exfoliating agent hence works as a great scrub. Apart from that oatmeal helps prevent inflammation which makes it a successful tool to be used against acne. An oatmeal honey scrub works wonders on the skin. To a cup of cooked oats add two tablespoon of honey and one teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply this as a face pack and keep it on for about 30 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water. You can repeat this process 2-3 times a week.

7. Apply toothpaste

This is probably the easiest way to get rid of acne. All you have to do is apply a dab of toothpaste on your acne. Leave it overnight. It will ease the swelling and help dry out the acne. Continue for 4-5 days to see improvement.

8. Apply tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is very effective against acne as it helps to opens up the clogged pores allowing the skin to breathe. Due to its antibacterial nature it kills off the bacteria causing acne and also prevents future acne breakouts. To use tea tree oil, take 1 part of tea tree oil and add it to 9 part of water to form a diluted solution. Gently swab the acne affected area with this solution. If you have extra-sensitive skin you can substitute water with aloe vera gel.

 9. Apply an orange peel mask

Oranges are not only good for our body; they are good for our skin too. Being a rich source of vitamin C oranges help in the formation of new cells. The astringent properties of oranges make it a powerful tool against acne. Take about 2-3 orange peels and grind them to a smooth paste by addition of some water. Now apply this paste to your face and wait for about 30 minutes till the pack completely dries up. Then wash it off and apply a moisturizer if your face feels a bit dry.

10. Apply lemon juice

Applying lemon juice to acne is a very simple but extremely effective remedy against acne. Because of its astringent quality lemon juice is good for acne as it dries out the acne. It is also a good exfoliant. Take some lemon juice and apply to the acne breakouts with a piece of cotton. If your skin burns then mix a bit of yoghurt to the lemon juice to cut its sting.  If your skin feels dry after this procedure apply some moisturizer to help restore the ph balance.