5 of the Best Acne Home Remedies

Did you know the state of our skin is a reflection of our overall health and well-being? That’s why people who eat a nutrient-dense diet and properly hydrate their body are much less likely to suffer from inflamed, irritated and pimple-ridden skin. Of course, eating the right foods is only part of the equation. If you suffer from whiteheads, blackheads and other types of pimples, it could be due to hormonal imbalances.

Acne isn’t fun. Not only can it be physically painful, but it also causes many people a lot of emotional grief. We’re here to tell you that you don’t have to suffer from acne forever. You also don’t have to spend your entire life-savings on expensive acne treatments. In fact, some of the most effective acne treatments are the ones you’ll find in your kitchen cupboard. Before we get into talking about the best acne home remedies, let’s take a look at some of the causes of acne.
 

The Main Causes of Acne

Acne can be caused by a range of issues, including but not limited to:

• Clogged pores (caused by excess oil production and dead skin cell build-up)
• Bacteria
• Hormone fluctuations or imbalances
• An imbalanced or poor diet
• Stress, depression and anxiety
• Certain medications
• Irritation to the skin (from clothing, electronics etc.)
• Genetics

While acne can develop from of a range of factors, the following acne home remedies will provide you with the relief you’ve been searching for. However, it’s important to remember everyone’s skin is different. It’s often the case that the best acne treatment involves a multi-disciplinary approach.

Perhaps one of the most important pieces of advice we can give you is the best acne treatments start from the inside out, so a nutrient-dense diet and keeping your body hydrated is half the battle when it comes to curing acne for good.
 

5 of the Best Acne Home Remedies

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

You’ve probably heard about the powerhouse that is apple cider vinegar when it comes to acne home remedies. Apple cider vinegar is a powerful acne treatment because it kills off the bacteria that may be causing your acne woes. It also balances the pH level of your skin, which makes it harder for bacteria to thrive. Apple cider vinegar is also what’s known as astringent, meaning it helps dry up any excess oil on your face.

How to use apple cider vinegar

Mix 1-part vinegar to 3-parts water and apply the solution directly onto your blemishes (use a Q-tip or cotton ball). Leave on for 10 minutes and then rinse off and moisturise.

2. Tea Tree Oil

Another one of the best home acne remedies involves the use of melaleuca, also known as tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is used all over the world as an antiseptic, helping to fight bacteria and fungi.

How to use tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is very strong, so start by mixing 4-8 drops of tea tree oil with one teaspoon of carrier oil, like coconut or jojoba oil. Dab the mixture lightly onto your problem areas. While a light tingling is normal, if it’s painful, use less tea tree oil.  

3. Lemon Juice

Searching for one of the best acne home remedies that almost every household will have in their fruit bowl? Look no further than the humble lemon. Lemon juice is one of the best acne treatments due to its high vitamin C content, which is good for all types of skins. It’s also a citric acid, which helps to gently exfoliate the skin and remove any dead skill cells. And, like apple cider vinegar, it’s astringent, meaning it will dry out the blemish and any excess oil on your face.

How to use lemon juice

Rinse your face with warm water and pat dry. Dab a cotton ball or a Q-tip in lemon juice and apple to affected areas. If it begins to sting, try diluting the lemon juice with warm water.

4. Sodium Bicarbonate

Perhaps the best of the best award when it comes to acne home remedies should go to sodium bicarbonate, AKA baking soda. Baking soda is a powerful acne treatment due to its mild antiseptic properties, plus its ability to fight off fungus and bacteria while drying up excess oil. It also gives your skin a nice exfoliation via microdermabrasion, leaving your skin soft and supple.

How to use sodium bicarbonate

To make a facial mask, mix equal parts baking soda to water until you form a thick paste. Massage the paste onto your face and leave it on for about 15 minutes, before rinsing with warm water, patting dry and moisturising.

 

5. Essential Oils (for Reducing Acne Scars)

This final acne treatment won’t get rid of acne, but it’s helpful for after you’ve followed the above steps, your acne is gone, and now you want to reduce acne scarring. Here’s a quick tip: to avoid scarring altogether, don’t pop or pick your blemishes.

If you do have acne scarring, massage rosehip oil on the scars twice a day until you notice a difference. Coconut oil, lavender oil, honey and gentle exfoliation can also help clear up acne scars, but it does depend on your skin tone and texture.

We hope you’ve found the information in this article helpful! Just remember, when it comes to treating acne, the best acne treatment starts from the inside. 

 

...and remember, qualified nutritionists at Healthy Being are available to offer further general advice to help guide you in selecting the right products. So please, feel free to contact us at any time!

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Dr Peter Succar heads up the Product Research Team at Healthy Being and is an enthusiastic Health & Fitness Lifestyle Coach. He's passionate about helping others obtain optimum health, advocating realistic and achievable changes in diets and lifestyles that promote the body’s natural immunity, its ability to self-heal and achieve overall mental and physical well-being.