How to remove acne from face
Evidence Based
How to Get Rid of Acne: 14 Home Remedies for Pimples
By Erika Klein and Kayla McDonnell, RD — Medically reviewed by Amanda Caldwell, MSN, APRN-C — Updated on July 6, 2022
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What's in this article:
Apple cider vinegar
This vinegar made by fermenting apple cider may fight acne-causing bacteria
Zinc
An important nutrient that may reduce acne when taken orally
Tea tree oil
This antibacterial and anti-inflammatory essential oil calms skin irritation
Green tea
This antioxidant tea lowers blood sugar levels to help fight acne
Witch hazel
Derived from the witch hazel shrub, this extract fights skin irritation
Aloe vera
Gel from this tropical plant soothes skin to reduce inflammation
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5 Powerful Home Remedies for Acne
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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.
Many home remedies lack scientific backing, and further research on their effectiveness is needed. If you’re looking for alternative treatments, though, there are still options you can try.
This article explores 14 popular home remedies for acne.
What is acne?
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your skin follicles become blocked with oil and dead skin cells. It’s a very common condition, and most people have experienced acne in their lifetime, especially during their teen years as their sebaceous glands produce more oil.
However, there’s no age limit to acne and many people in their 40s and 50s have adult acne.
What causes acne?
Acne starts when the pores in your skin get clogged with oil and dead skin cells.
Each pore is connected to a sebaceous gland, which produces an oily substance called sebum. Extra sebum can plug pores, causing increased growth of bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes.
Your white blood cells attack P. acnes, leading to skin inflammation and acne. Some cases of acne are more severe than others, but common symptoms include whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples.
Many factors may contribute to the development of acne, including:
genetics
diet
stress
hormone changes
infections
Standard clinical treatments are the most effective for reducing acne. You can also try home treatments, though more research on their effectiveness is needed. Below are 14 home remedies for acne.
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.