Acne is a common problem affecting millions around the world. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), it is also the most common skin condition in the U.S with around 50 millions of people suffering from it; in different severity levels. Acne occurs when skin pores get blocked with dead skin cells, bacteria, and excess oil. Teenagers suffer most from acne due to increased hormonal levels in their body. Stress, sleep deprivation, hectic lifestyle, consuming too much junk food can all lead to acne. They appear commonly on chest, face, scalp and back because these areas of skin have most sebaceous (oil) glands. These oil or sebaceous glands are connected to hair follicles. Acne often causes blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples.
The pimples are slight raised reddish spots with a white center and are caused due to bacterial infection or inflammation of blocked hair follicles. These breakouts appear reddish and are filled up with pus. The formation of pus is due to immune response against bacterial infection. Excess sebum secretion by the oil glands is the most common cause of pimples among other reasons such as hormonal fluctuations and stress. Pimples are most common on the face, back, shoulders and neck. These might not be a very serious health issue, but significantly impact a person’s self-confidence and self-esteem.
A lot much is written over the internet on how to get rid of acne and pimples including many highly advertised over-the-counter medications, lotions, and creams. Interestingly, several home remedies can work wonders in getting a smooth and acne-free skin. Know about these easy-to-do home remedies to treat acne or pimples naturally at your home.
Here are some easy-to-do home remedies to cure acne or pimples naturally:
1. Baking Soda
Sodium bicarbonate or baking soda works as an excellent natural exfoliant for skin. It unplugs the pores and eliminates dead skin cells. Baking soda has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, thus making it an effective home remedy for acne or pimples. It also helps in maintaining natural pH balance of the skin.
Ingredients:
- One teaspoon baking soda
- Half a teaspoon lemon juice
How to use it:
- Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with half a teaspoon lemon juice to form a smooth mixture.
- Wash your face with cold water and leave it slightly wet.
- Apply this paste over the affected areas and leave it for five to seven minutes.
- Wash your face with lukewarm water.
- Repeat this process two times a day for quick results.
2. Fuller’s Earth
Fuller’s earth is an excellent home remedy for acne. It can absorb excess oil without over-drying the skin. It unclogs the pores, improves skin complexion, and reduces inflammation, thereby treating acne naturally. It is a one stop natural solution for acne, other skin issues and to reduce enlarged skin pores.
Ingredients:
- One tablespoon fuller’s earth
- One tablespoon sandalwood powder
- One tablespoon rose water
How to use it:
- Mix one tablespoon each of rosewater, fuller’s earth, and sandalwood powder to form a thick paste.
- Apply this pack over your face or affected areas elsewhere.
- Let it dry naturally.
- Wash the pack off with lukewarm water.
- Apply this pack twice or thrice a week.
3. Lemon
Lemons are rich in vitamin C and have acidic properties. This acidic property of lemon helps in getting rid of acne or pimples naturally. Lemon can eliminate the dirt accumulated in the blocked skin pores. You can use it daily if it is not causing excessive skin dryness. It is recommended to use fresh lemon juice and not the processed ones (as these are loaded with preservatives).
Ingredients:
- One tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- One tablespoon rose water
How to use it:
Method-1:
- Dab a cotton ball into freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Apply lemon juice all over the affected areas and let it stay for around 20 minutes.
- Wash it off with cold water.
- Repeat the process daily or alternative days for best results.
Method-2:
- Mix one tablespoon each of lemon juice and rose water.
- Apply this mixture over affected areas and leave overnight.
- Wash it off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the process few times a week.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an excellent natural remedy to treat acne and pimples. It has several antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that inhibits bacterial growth which causes these skin breakouts. Tea tree oil reduces the redness and inflammation, thereby providing a calming effect on the affected area. Whiteheads and blackheads can also be treated naturally by using tea tree oil.
Ingredients:
- One teaspoon tea tree oil
- One tablespoon aloe vera gel
How to use it:
Method-1:
- Dip a cotton ball in tea tree oil and apply over affected areas.
- Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Rinse off the oil with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the process once daily for best results.
Method-2:
- Mix a teaspoon of tea tree oil in a tablespoon of aloe vera gel.
- Apply this mixture over the affected areas.
- Let it stay for around 20 minutes.
- Wash the mixture off with cold water.
- Repeat this process daily for getting quick relief from pimples and acne.
5. Honey and Oatmeal Pack
Oatmeal gently exfoliates skin, unclogs the pores and absorbs excess oil. Honey acts as a natural moisturizer and also has several antibiotic properties. It can be topically applied and kept overnight to reduce inflammation. Together honey and oatmeal help in naturally treating acne and pimples.
Ingredients:
- Three tablespoons honey
- Two tablespoons of crushed oatmeal
How to use it:
- Mix three tablespoons honey into two tablespoons of crushed oatmeal to form a thick paste.
- Apply this pack over affected areas and leave it to dry for 30 minutes.
- Wash off the pack with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the process twice or thrice a week for best results.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has several anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help in reducing inflammation due to pimple and acne. It is also useful in treating several other skin issues including acne scar removal. It is an excellent natural moisturizer and helps in achieving smooth and flawless skin.
Ingredients:
- One aloe vera leaf or one tablespoon aloe vera gel
How to use it:
- Extract aloe vera gel from the leaf by cutting open the sides and scooping out the gel.
- Apply this gel to the affected areas.
- Let it stay overnight or for at least 30 minutes.
- Wash the gel off with cold water.
- Repeat the process twice daily for best results.
7. Indian Lilac and Turmeric Pack
Indian lilac has several antiseptic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that inhibit bacteria responsible for skin breakouts. It soothes the skin and also reduces redness and inflammation due to acne and pimples. Turmeric also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which help in treating acne and pimples naturally. Together turmeric and Indian lilac are very effective in getting rid of acne, pimples, and acne scars.
Ingredients:
- 10 to 12 fresh neem leaves
- Half a teaspoon turmeric powder
How to use it:
- Grind 10-12 neem leaves along with water to form a smooth paste.
- Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric in the neem paste.
- Apply this pack over affected areas.
- Let it dry naturally for about half an hour.
- Wash the paste off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat this remedy twice or thrice a week for best results.
