16 home remedies to fight acne

There is a wide variety of home remedies to combat acne, which combine ingredients that we can have at home . Aloe vera, honey, mint, baking soda, low-fat diets, and even exercise are among the many alternatives.

Likewise, home remedies to combat acne have the advantage of being cheaper and easier to apply, compared to traditional clinical treatments. And while the latter are usually effective, they are also more expensive.

Remember that you should always mediate a medical consultation. Serious cases of acne can only be addressed with certain drug combinations. In any case, the specialist could authorize you to use some of these supplements.

Know the home remedies to combat acne

It is estimated that acne affects up to 85% of young people between the ages of 12 and 25 . It is thus considered the most common dermatological condition worldwide. It is not always easy to treat, and the use of home remedies to combat acne can help you in the process. We leave you with a wide selection of the most popular.

1.Aloe vera

The aloe vera plant is widely used in the cosmetics industry . The gel obtained from the pulp of its leaves is often added to skin creams and lotions, as well as soaps, shampoos, and other personal care products.

Great benefits are attributed to it in the treatment of various skin conditions. It is also used in combination with other substances, such as tretinoin, proving to be effective for mild or moderate acne vulgaris, according to studies carried out in this regard .

2. Honey

Among the various benefits of honey, it is worth mentioning that it has antiseptic and antibacterial properties , which is why researchers consider it suitable for treating skin problems. And since bacteria are the main factor that aggravates breakouts and pimples, it’s no surprise that honey is among the natural acne-fighting remedies.

You can use it in several ways:

• Make a preparation with two tablespoons of honey and a teaspoon of lemon juice and spread it over the affected area, leaving it to act for 15 minutes. Then wash with lukewarm water.
• You can also apply honey alone, directly on the grains . In this case, leave it for 30 minutes and then wash your face.

3. Lemon

And since we mentioned lemon, this is also one of the home remedies to combat acne. According to research , lemon oil can be used as a natural agent for skin problems , due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.

You must cut a lemon in half. Then you rub it on the affected area or squeeze it, letting a few drops fall.

The juice can also be placed on a cotton pad, which is then passed over the skin. Let it act for 10 minutes and wash with lukewarm water. It is important to avoid getting drops of juice in the eyes and exposing yourself to the sun (so as not to stain the skin) .

4. Baking soda

There are various properties and uses of this substance. There is even talk of the benefits of baking soda in exercise .

It is considered to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. In particular, it can help fight pimples and blackheads, using it as a poultice . Although its effectiveness has not been proven for this specific context, studies have supported its use for disorders such as psoriasis

It is recommended to take a large spoonful (10 grams) of baking soda and mix it with enough water to obtain a homogeneous and pasty mixture. This should be applied to the affected parts with acne and left for 10 minutes . Then it is removed and the skin is washed well, with neutral soap and cold water.

5. Cinnamon

Studies have found that cinnamon may be able to inhibit the growth of strains associated with acne development: Propionibacterium acnes , Staphylococcus epidermidis , and Staphylococcus aureus .

Cinnamon can be used alone or combined with honey, in a ratio of two tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon. Together they form a paste, which is applied to the face for 10 to 15 minutes .

6. Green tea

Green tea is an infusion rich in polyphenols that you can also use as a home remedy to combat acne. Its main antioxidant, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), is considered to be an important factor in reducing sebum and inhibiting Propionibacterium acnes .

There are creams and lotions that contain green tea, but it’s also easy to make at home . Only tea is left in boiled water, like an ordinary infusion. It is applied to the skin with cotton or with a spray.

7. Tea tree oil

This is one of the so-called essential oils  that is extracted from Melaleuca alternifolia , a plant species from Australia. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties , which is why tea tree oil can be used in the treatment of acne .

It is applied directly, although it is necessary to dilute it: one part of oil in nine of water . There is also the option of applying on a cotton ball and placing it on the affected area.

8. Mint

You can fight acne by using a mint mask . Take advantage of the natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits of this plant. Evidence supports its benefits over placebo or no treatment.

The process is very simple. You require 250 milliliters of water and 15 grams of mint leaves. Put the leaves to macerate in warm water until they soften. They are crushed in a mortar to form a paste. You apply on the affected area directly and leave for 15 minutes . Then you rinse the skin.

9. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains organic acids , which help fight various types of bacteria; even those related to acne. However, it should be used with caution and diluted, as it can be irritating. It is only left for about 15 seconds on the skin and washed off with plenty of water.

10. Witch hazel

Hamamelis virginiana (also called witch-chestnut ) is a typical North American species. It is considered to contain tannins with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

A topical is processed from its bark and leaves, used as a natural product or as a base in cosmetics. It is credited with benefits for treating skin conditions, from dandruff to eczema. A work published in Antioxidants in 2022 endorsed its properties in favor of acne.

As a home treatment to combat acne, it is recommended to take a tablespoon of witch hazel bark mixed with a cup of water . After boiling, cook over low heat for 10 minutes. Let it rest to strain it. The application of the mixture is done with a cotton pad, 1 or 2 times a day.

11. Home exfoliation

Exfoliation can help with acne treatment by removing dead skin cells and other pore-clogging impurities . Currently there is a wide variety in terms of exfoliating procedures and products.

But you can also do it at home, using salt or sugar mixed in equal parts with coconut oil. This gently rubs the skin. Help yourself with a horsehair glove and wash well.

12. Zinc Supplements

Regarding the role of this mineral, various studies have been carried out . In this sense, it is considered that people with acne tend to show relatively low levels of the substance , so taking zinc supplements (10 milligrams) could help reduce the problem.

13. Omega-3

In addition to the benefits related to cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health in general, omega-3 fatty acids affect chronic inflammation factors , which would help reduce acne. They can be obtained by consuming fish (salmon, sardines, anchovies), as well as nuts (walnuts) and chia or flax seeds.

14. Diet

The relationship between diet and acne is still the subject of debate. A low glycemic load diet is recommended , avoiding processed foods, refined flours and sugars.

15. Exercises

Another subject on which more research is considered to be needed is the influence of exercise on acne. However, there is no doubt that physical activity affects blood circulation and hormonal regulation , as well as fat metabolism .

16. Stress management

Although there is not a complete consensus among researchers, some studies suggest that stress, although it is not the cause, can make acne worse. The hormones released during stressful situations would increase sebum production and the inflammatory response.

Therefore, among the home remedies to combat acne, we must consider everything we can do to reduce stress. This includes regular rest, participating in leisure activities, exercising, applying meditation and relaxation techniques.