Homemade Acne Remedy

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Audrey has been in the beauty editorial industry for over 8 years, interviewing celebrities, writing investigative features, and testing countless makeup, skin care, and hair products. She has previously held editorial positions at Vanity Fair, Allure, , and Refinery29. Today, she is a contributing writer rounding up the best products in makeup, skin, and hair. You can also find her freelance work at Vogue, Harper’s BAZAAR, Bustle, POPSUGAR, WWD, Martha Stewart Living, and Well+Good.

When it comes to preventing acne, natural remedies aren't always top-of-mind. Instead, many of us reach for antibiotics, prescription topicals, or harsh, over-the-counter measures. But sometimes the best thing to do when fighting acne isgo back to the basics—or go natural.

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We spoke toS.W. Basics founder Adina Grigore, celebrityfacialist Joanna Vargas of Joanna Vargas Salon, and board-certified dermatologists Dendy Engelman and Keira Barr about natural ways to treat acne.

While many of us drink coffee in the morning and soda throughout the day, this can wreak havoc on the skin. Looking at caffeine consumption is another thing to consider when it comes to acne, says Barr. Studies show that consuming a dose of caffeine (specifically 400 mg, in one study) up to six hours before bedtime can disrupt sleep.

And lack of sleep can lead to a cascading effect on the body. Disruption of sleep messes with your circadian rhythm and hormone balance between cortisol and melatonin, leading to increased cortisol levels, she adds. Increased cortisol leads to increased sebum, inflammation and dysbiosis which equals more breakouts.

Using Honey And Cinnamon For Acne

As difficult as it can be, limiting stress is often key to preventing breakouts. Too much stress not only causes skin irritation, inflammation, accelerates fine lines and wrinkles,   it also contributes to breakouts, says Barr.

So, how does one cope? Barr recommends movement, meditation, breathwork, art, journaling, time in nature and time spent doing things you enjoy with people you enjoy as a way to help minimize stress levels. Most importantly, she adds, offering yourself grace and self-compassion when your complexion is offering insight that your body is inflamed is vital.

Technically, baking soda and water soften blackheads and any clogged pores in the skin, Vargas says, adding that baking soda is best for congested skin as this type is the most prone to pore blockages. She recommends a DIY baking soda mask, which you can leave on for 10 minutes and follow up with a moisturizer.

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Baking soda may also work to neutralize the pH level of your skin. This could be important because, if your pH is imbalanced, you may become prone to acne breakouts, dryness, and other skin irritations.

It's the best astringent in nature because it helps to balance the skin’s pH, making you both less oily and less dry, says Grigore of using ACV on your skin. But beware, because apple cider vinegar is very pungent, you should dilute the substance before using it. I recommend using a mixture of one part vinegar to four parts water. Apply to your face with cotton or a spritzer. No need to wash it off, she says.

ACV may also chemically exfoliate the skin, fight blackheads, and improve hyperpigmentation, but only when used correctly, Engelman cautions. Without dilution, the ingredient can cause burns and skin irritation, especially if there are any open wounds on your skin.

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Our experts recommend Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar ($10) for at-home skincare remedies, to be used four times per week or less.

Turmeric is packed with antioxidants that provide many benefits for the skin, including brightening and purifying the skin. It also has an antibacterial property that [makes turmeric] great for treating eczema and psoriasis as well as acne by calming inflammation and reducing flare-ups, Engelman says.Try mixing it with gentle, exfoliating bases like chickpea flour, oat powders, or kaolin clay.

Turmeric powder is made from the root of Curcuma zedoaria, a form of ginger native to Southeast Asia. Its active ingredient, curcumin, is what gives it a yellow-orange tinge; it's also what makes it such a potent anti-inflammatory. In addition to treating acne, turmeric can also lighten hyperpigmentation.

What Are Some Homemade Remedies For Acne?

Honey is a well-known natural remedy due to its antibacterial and humectant properties. But perhaps what is less recognized is that not all honey is created equal—manuka honey, one that's made by honey bees that feed on manuka trees in New Zealand, contains the most antimicrobial activity and is great for treating acne, inflammation, and skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, Engelman says. And since it's also a humectant, which means that it traps moisture in the skin once applied, honey leaves the skin smooth and hydrated, not oily.

For a DIY facial, mix honey, aloe vera, one teaspoon of chickpea flour, and a pinch of turmeric to make a paste. Spread the paste on your face, and once you rinse off with cool water, use an ice cube on the skin for 30 seconds to further treat a congested face.

Fine-grain saltcleans deeply, removes dead skin cells, balances moisture, and pulls toxins from pores, making it especially great for preventing acne or quick treatments during flare-ups on the face and body, says Grigore. And since it contains antibacterial properties, sea salt may help treat skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne, and even wounds.The simplest way to use sea salt is to wet your face or body, put some salt on your wet hand so it sticks, then pat it gently onto your skin. You can leave it for a few minutes or rinse immediately. Just make sure not to scrub too hard—it is too abrasive by itself.

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Tea tree oil is a great antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent, according to experts. It's renowned for its antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-fungal properties, making it an easy and effective spot treatment, Grigore explains.

Per its anti-inflammatory nature, it reduces redness and swelling of the skin while also minimizing acne breakouts and reducing dandruff-causing fungus, Engelman says.

Grigore suggests diluting tea tree oil in a dab of extra virgin olive oil or organic jojoba oil and applying it directly on a zit. 

Fresh Ingredients For Homemade Effective Acne Remedies On Light Background, Flat Lay Stock Foto

Takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Is the secret to clearer skin hiding in your kitchen? Homemade acne treatments from foods such as honey, cucumbers, and grapes may help complement professional treatment from a dermatologist.

Acne can be stubborn and seem to pop up at the worst times. The good news is that over-the-counter and prescription medications can zap pimples and help stop new breakouts. The bad news is that some acne products can cause side effects like redness, discoloration, or dryness, notes the Mayo Clinic. (1) For this reason, some people prefer treating acne at home with natural solutions.

Typically, the more mild the acne, the more easily it can be treated at home, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. In more severe cases, though — especially if there are cysts or nodules —  professional treatments often are necessary.

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For mild acne, you might be surprised to learn that you already have several acne remedies in your own home — and in your kitchen of all places.

You can mix common foods and ingredients, such as cucumbers, oatmeal, grapes, and yeast, into a facial mask and create an acne treatment. A homemade facial may help prevent or clear acne, as well as keep your skin glowing, moisturized, and healthy.

Grapes are a refreshing snack, whether eaten plain as a snack, halved as a salad topping, or frozen as a healthy dessert. But grapes likely don’t come to mind when you think of acne treatments.

Natural Treatments For Acne That Work

So grab a few fresh grapes from your fridge, and you've got an easy facial cleanser. Cut two or three grapes in half and rub the flesh over your face and neck, says Fran E. Cook-Bolden, MD, a dermatologist and director of Skin Specialty Dermatology in New York City. Follow with a cool water rinse.

If you’ve ever been to a spa, you’ve likely put cucumber slices on your eyes to reduce puffiness — and they may not be a sham treatment.

A past review suggests that cucumbers can have a soothing effect on the skin, reducing irritation, swelling, and pain. (3) Hence, they can potentially relieve inflammation specifically associated with acne.

Natural Acne Remedies

In the case of acne, “inflammation develops within the oil