Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the world, affecting an estimated 85 percent of young adultsTrusted Source.
Conventional acne treatments, like salicylic acid, niacinamide, or benzoyl peroxide, are proven to be the most effective acne solutions, but they can be expensive and have undesirable side effects, such as dryness, redness, and irritation.
This has prompted many people to try to cure acne naturally at home. In fact, a 2017 study found that 77 percent of acne patients had tried alternative acne treatments.
This article explores 14 popular home remedies for acne.
1.Apply apple cider vinegar
Pros: affordable, easy to find, improves the appearance of acne scars
Cons: may irritate the skin
Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting apple cider, or the unfiltered juice from pressed apples.
Like other vinegars, research has noted its ability to fight many types of bacteriaTrusted Source and fungiTrusted Source.
Apple cider vinegar contains organic acids, such as citric acid. Research from 2016Trusted Source notes citric acid has been found to kill P. acnes in conjunction with zinc oxide.
According to research from 2017, the lactic acid in apple cider vinegar may also improve the appearance of acne scars.
While certain components of apple cider vinegar may help with acne, there’s currently no evidence to support its use for this purpose. Some dermatologists advise against using apple cider vinegar at all, as it may irritate the skin.
How to
Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar and 3 parts water (use more water for sensitive skin).
After cleansing, gently apply the mixture to the skin using a cotton ball.
Let it sit for 5 to 20 seconds, rinse with water and pat dry.
Repeat this process 1 to 2 times per day, as needed.
It’s important to note that applying apple cider vinegar to your skin can cause burns and irritation, and most dermatologists wouldn’t recommend it. If you choose to try it, use it in small amounts and dilute it with water.
2.Spot treat with tea tree oil
Pros: don’t need a lot of product, can be left on overnight, natural
Cons: drying, essential oils aren’t FDA approved
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that’s extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree native to Australia.
A 2018 studyTrusted Source found that applying tea tree oil to the skin may reduce acne.
A small 2019 studyTrusted Source found that, compared with benzoyl peroxide, participants using a tea tree oil ointment for acne experienced less dry skin and irritation. They also felt more satisfied with the treatment.
According to a 2017 studyTrusted Source, tea tree oil may be an effective substitute for topical and oral antibiotics that could cause bacterial resistance if used long term.
Tea tree oil is very potent, so always dilute it before applying it to your skin.
How to
Mix 1 part tea tree oil with 9 parts water.
Dip a cotton swab into the mixture and apply it to the affected areas.
Apply moisturizer if desired.
Repeat this process 1 to 2 times per day, as needed.
3.Apply green tea to your skin
Pros: easy to make, a variety of benefits, natural
Cons: not enough studies done
Green tea is very high in antioxidants, and drinking it can promote good health. It may also help reduce acne.
According to 2017 researchTrusted Source, this is likely because the polyphenols in green tea help fight bacteria and reduce inflammation, which are two main causes of acne.
There isn’t much research exploring the benefits of drinking green tea when it comes to acne, and more studies are needed.
In a small 2016 studyTrusted Source with 80 women, participants took 1,500 mg of green tea extract daily for 4 weeks. By the end of the study, women who took the extract had less acne on their noses, chins, and around their mouths.
Applying green tea to the skin may also be beneficial.
A 2020 studyTrusted Source found that applying green tea extract to the skin significantly reduces sebum production and pimples in those with acne.
You can buy creams and lotions that contain green tea, but it’s just as easy to make your own mixture at home.
How to
Steep green tea in boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes.
Allow the brewed tea to cool.
Using a cotton ball, apply the tea to your skin or pour it into a spray bottle to spritz it on.
Allow it to dry, then rinse it off with water and pat your skin dry.
You can also add the remaining tea leaves to honey and make a mask.
Papaya enzyme, Vitamin E, honey, and green tea and fruit extracts
Suitable for all skin types
For skin hydration and protection
Ingredients
4.Apply witch hazel
Pros: natural, found in many products
Cons: very little research to back up the claims
Witch hazel is extracted from the bark and leaves of the North American witch hazel shrub, Hamamelis virginiana. Currently, there appears to be very little research on witch hazel’s ability to treat acne specifically.
In one small 2017 studyTrusted Source funded by a skin care company, 30 individuals with mild or moderate acne used a three-step facial treatment twice daily for 6 weeks.
Witch hazel was one of the ingredients in the second step of the treatment. Most participants experienced significant improvement in their acne by the end of the study.
Research from 2019Trusted Source also suggested witch hazel may fight bacteria and reduce skin irritation and inflammation, which can contribute to acne.
How to
Combine 1 tablespoon of witch hazel bark and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan.
Soak the witch hazel for 30 minutes and then bring the mixture to a boil on the stove.
Reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, for 10 minutes.
Remove the mixture from the heat and let it sit for an additional 10 minutes.
Strain and store the liquid in a sealed container.
Apply to clean skin using a cotton ball 1 to 2 times per day, or as desired.
It’s important to note that commercially prepared versions may not contain tannins, as they are often lost in the distillation process.
5.Make a honey and cinnamon mask
Pros: antibacterial, easy to make
Cons: not enough research to back up the claims
A 2017 studyTrusted Source found that the combination of honey and cinnamon bark extract exerted antibacterial effects against P. acnes.
Research from 2020 indicated that honey on its own can block the growth of or kill P. acnes. Although, this finding doesn’t necessarily mean that honey effectively treats acne.
A 2016 studyTrusted Source with 136 people with acne found that applying honey to the skin after using antibacterial soap was no more effective at treating acne than using the soap on its own.
While the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of honey and cinnamon may reduce acne, more research is needed.
How to
Mix 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to form a paste.
After cleansing, apply the mask to your face and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.
Rinse the mask off completely and pat your face dry.
Cinnamon may cause skin irritation. Always do a patch test before you apply it to your skin.
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