A lot of people suffer from acne and nobody can deny the fact that it is a really annoying skin concern that just never seems to get resolved. And the worst part is that our pimples almost always decide to coincide with important events. All of us know how annoying that can get! To prevent this problem from recurring all the time, it is really important to take care of your skin both inside out. A regular skincare routine and a balanced diet form the cornerstone of problem-free skin (read: acne-free) skin.
But if you are wondering if there is anything more you can do for flawless and radiant-looking skin, well you can! Home remedies for acne is a super effective yet safe way to deal with this problem. While these remedies take a while to show any change and have to work alongside your normal skincare routine, you surely can’t discount their effect. These home remedies for acne help balance sebum production, thoroughly cleanse your skin and reduce inflammation. Read on to find out what those remedies are...
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is considered as one of the best home remedies for acne and acne scars. It has been used since centuries to treat various skin problems and achieve clear skin. This is because tea tree oil has amazing antiseptic and antibacterial properties that inhibit the growth of fungi and bacteria. The best part about using tea tree oil is that it can reach deep into your pores and help disinfect the skin. This essential oil can help unblock the sebaceous glands by penetrating deep into the skin and unclogging the pores. Since acne often forms inside the pores, this is where any acne treatments have to reach, thereby making tea tree an essential oil one of the best treatments for oily and acne prone skin.
How to use: Tea tree oil is best used a spot treatment for acne. To do so, mix 4 – 8 drops of tea tree essential oil with about one teaspoon of coconut oil or jojoba oil. Using a cotton ball, lightly dab this oil on problem areas. Remember to always mix essential oils with carrier oils as essential oils used alone can be too harsh for the skin.
Green tea
The high concentration of antioxidants in green tea makes it one of the best home remedies for acne. Antioxidants help protect the skin and body from damage caused by free radicals in the environment. A rich source of polyphenols called catechins, green tea is very effective at reducing skin inflammation and redness. This helps give your face a clearer appearance over time. When consumed, green tea is a great way to treat hormonal imbalances that often cause acne. Additionally, the antioxidants in green tea are effective in healing the scars that acne often tends to leave behind. Large pores attract dirt and grease, leading to clogging and the formation of a pimple. Green tea is an efficient toner that helps unclog and refines your pores.
How to use: You can simply drink a cup or two a day, preferably post meals. You can also brew some green tea and wait for it to completely cool down. Pour the tea in a spray bottle and spritz this on your face post cleansing and let it dry completely. Follow this up with a hydrating moisturiser such as the Lakmé Peach Milk Soft Crème Moisturiser. The lightweight texture of this moisturiser will keep your skin extremely hydrated and supple without clogging your pores.
Aloe vera
If you are looking for some effective home remedies for acne, then you need to give aloe vera a try. Aloe vera has been used since years as a part of natural medicine to heal minor rashes, cuts, and sunburns, and is also equally effective against acne. The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera prevent acne as well as redness. Pure aloe vera gel is a storehouse of about 75 active ingredients that include amino acids, salicylic acid, lignins, vitamins, minerals, saponins, and enzymes. All of these are super effective at combating acne and making your skin look radiant and glowing. Additionally, aloe vera also promotes collagen synthesis and helps in fast healing of wounds and scars, making it super useful to deal with acne scars as well. The amino acids and zinc in aloe vera soften your skin and tighten the skin pores too.
How to use: It is always better to use fresh and pure aloe vera gel as it is extremely safe and effective. To use aloe vera to reduce acne, mix 2 tablespoons of pure aloe gel with 4 tablespoons of magical honey and ½ a teaspoon of cinnamon powder and mix well. Spread the mask over the affected area and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Rinse your face and pat dry.
Honey
Honey has been used to treat skin conditions such as acne for thousands of years. A rich source of antioxidants, honey is amazing when it comes to clearing waste and debris from clogged pores. This is what makes it one of the most effective home remedies for acne. The truck load of fine antibacterial capacities gives honey its unmatched power to kill the germs outside as well as inside your skin. Besides, what makes honey an excellent acne remedy is its ability to detoxify your body. If consumed religiously, it helps cleans your blood, boost metabolism, and rejuvenate the immune system. Whether applied externally or taken with a drink, it has notable effects against acne.
How to use: You can simply apply raw honey to the affected spots on your face. It is a great way to reduce swelling and kill acne-causing bacteria. You can even make an acne eliminating face scrub by mixing together 2 teaspoons of raw honey with one teaspoon of baking soda. Use this scrub on your face in a light, circular motion for three to five minutes and rinse it off with warm water.
Jojoba oil
One of the reasons why jojoba oil is an excellent home remedy for acne is its skin nourishing and moisturising properties. Jojoba oil is extremely gentle on the skin and keeps it hydrated for longer periods of time. Jojoba oil has antifungal and antimicrobial properties that help against the bacterial and fungal infections. The anti-inflammatory properties of this oil make it an effective remedy to deal with acne and acne scars as it heals wounds faster and facilitates collagen production. This amazing oil also helps reduce redness and swelling around pimples, whiteheads, and other inflamed lesions. It helps balance the sebum production of the skin, which in turn controls acne up to a great extent. The best part is that jojoba oil can rehydrate your skin without clogging your pores and making it worse.
How to use: You can use the cold pressed jojoba oil or the essential oil, depending on the availability. If you are using the essential oil, remember to dilute it using a carrier oil of your choice. One way to deal with acne using jojoba oil is to mix the essential oil with a gel, cream, or clay face mask of your choice and applying it to your face. Alternatively, you can even place a few drops of jojoba oil on a cotton pad and rub this gently over acne sores.
Written by Urvi Dalal on Oct 31, 2019
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!