11 Powerful Home Remedies To Cure Pimples And Acne

Saturday 18 June 2022

What is the cause of acne?


The pores in your skin get clogged with oil and dead skin cells cause acne.

Each pore in our skin is connected to a sebaceous gland, which produces an oily substance named sebum. Production of extra sebum can plug pores which result in increased growth of bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes or P. acnes.


The white blood cells present in your skin attack P. acnes, which ultimately leads to skin inflammation and acne. Some cases of acne are worse than others, but common symptoms include blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.

There are some other factors that result in the development of acne which includes:

  • genetics
  • Diet
  • Stress
  • Infections
  • Hormonal Changes

Dermatological treatments are the most effective treatment for reducing acne. But, you can also try home remedies, though more research on their effectiveness is needed. Below are 11 home remedies for acne.

11 Powerful Home Remedies To Cure Pimples And Acne



Home Remedies For Acne And Pimples


1. Aloe vera


Aloe vera is considered a tropical plant whose leaves produce a clear gel. The gel is frequently added to lotions, creams, ointments, and detergents.

According to some research, it’s commonly used to treat:

  • Scrapes
  • Rashes
  • Burns
  • Injuries
  • skin inflammation

Aloe vera contains salicylic acid and sulfur, both of which are used considerably in the treatment of acne. Research from 2017 found that applying salicylic acid to the skin reduces acne.

According to a 2018 study aloe vera gel, when combined with other substances like tea tree oil or tretinoin cream, may reduce acne.

While research shows indicate, that the anti-acne benefits of aloe vera itself bear further scientific research.


How To Use:


  1. Extract the gel from the aloe vera with a knife or spoon.
  2. Apply the gel to clear skin as a moisturizer.
  3. Repeat this process 1 to 2 times per day, or as needed.

You can always buy aloe vera gel from the store, but make sure it’s pure aloe without any extra added ingredients.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar


The unfiltered juice of pressed apple is apple cider vinegar or you can say apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting apple cider.

Like any other vinegars, research has told its ability to fight many types of fungi and bacteria.

Apple cider vinegar contains organic acids, such as citric acid which are very beneficial for the skin. Citric acid has been proven to kill P. acnes in conjunction with zinc oxide.

According to some research, the lactic acid in apple cider vinegar may also help in improving the appearance of acne scars.

While some components of apple cider vinegar may help with acne appearance, there’s currently no evidence to support its use for reducing acne and pimples. For some people, apple cider vinegar can irritate their skin.


How To Use:


  1. Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar and 3 parts water. Usage of water should be more as apple cider vinegar may irritate sensitive skin types.
  2. After mixing the proportion, gently apply the mixture to the skin using a cotton ball.
  3. Let it sit for 5 to 30 seconds, rinse with water and pat dry.
  4. You can repeat this process 1 to 2 times per day, as per your needs.

It’s important to note that applying apple cider vinegar to your skin can cause irritation and burns, and most dermatologists wouldn’t recommend it for sensitive skin. But, if you choose to try it, you can use it in small amounts. Don’t forget to dilute it with water.

3. Honey And Cinnamon Mask


A 2017 study found that the mixture of honey and cinnamon bark extract contains antibacterial effects against P. acnes.

Another research from 2020 found that honey has the ability to block the growth of P. acnes. Although, this research doesn’t completely mean that honey can effectively treat acne.

In 2016, a study with 136 people with acne found that applying honey to the skin after using antibacterial soap was no longer effective at treating acne than using the soap on its own.


How To Use: 


  1. Mix 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of honey to form a paste.
  2. After mixing, apply the mask to your face and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.
  3. Rinse the mask off completely with water and pat your face dry with a soft towel.

4. Tea Tree Oil


Tea tree oil is an essential oil that’s uprooted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree native to Australia.

A study that has been done in 2018 found that applying tea tree oil to the skin may reduce acne.

Another small study found that, compared with benzoyl peroxide, people using a tea tree oil ointment for acne endured less dry skin and irritation. They also felt more satisfied with this treatment.

According to another 2017 study, tea tree oil may be an effective cover for topical and oral antibiotics that could result in bacterial resistance if used long-term.

Tea tree oil is extremely potent, so always adulterate it before applying it to your skin.


How To Use:


  1. Mix 1 ratio of tea tree oil with 9 ratios of water.
  2. Dip a cotton ball into the mixture of tea tree oil and water and apply it to the affected areas.
  3. Apply moisturizer if you want.
  4. Repeat this process 1 to 2 times per day, as desired.

5. Green Tea


Green tea is immensely high in antioxidants, and you may know drinking it can promote good health.

According to a 2017 study, this is most likely because the polyphenols in green tea help to fight against bacteria and help to reduce inflammation, which are two main reasons for acne.

In a small 2016 study with 80 women, all the participants took 1,500 mg of green tea excerpt daily for 4 weeks. By the end of the study, women who took the excerpt had reduced acne on their noses, chins, and around their mouths.

Applying green tea to the skin may also be helpful for the skin.

Another study found that applying green tea extract to the skin significantly decreases sebum production and pimples in those with acne.

You can always buy some creams and lotions that contain green tea, but it will be easy if you make your own mixture at home.


How To Use:


  1. Put green tea in boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes.
  2. After boiling, allow the brewed green tea to cool.
  3. Using a cotton ball, apply the tea to your skin or pour it into a spray bottle to spray on your skin.
  4. Allow it to dry, also wash it off with water and pat your skin dry with a soft cloth. 

You can also add the remaining tea leaves to honey and make a mask.

6. Do exercise


There is some research that says that exercise helps to reduce acne. Still, exercise affects bodily functions in ways that may help to reduce acne and pimples.

A study also indicated that exercise also affects hormone levels and regulation.

Another 2018 study found that exercise can decrease anxiety and stress, which can contribute to the development of acne.

It is recommended that adults should do two types of physical activity each week for a total of 2 hours. This can include anything like walking, yoga, running, and lifting weights.

If you’re exercising outside, you must protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays with a sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

Remember to always wash your face after exercising. Wash with water and a cleanser. It will help to remove sweat and bacteria to prevent breakouts.


7. Use Turmeric


Cook-Bolden says, Indian brides traditionally use a turmeric mask before their wedding to look beautiful. This is likely due to the turmeric’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant ingredients, and its capability to significantly improve bad skin conditions like acne, pimples, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, pruritus, and oral lichen planus.

Ingredients for this acne and pimple remedy are available at grocery shops, markets, and ethnic food stores.

How To Use:


  1. Mix half a cup of chickpea flour and 2 tablespoons each turmeric powder, sandalwood powder, and almond oil.
  2. Make a paste of all these ingredients by applying water.
  3. Apply it to your face and leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes.
  4. After some time. rub the paste with both palms and fingers to remove all the paste.
  5. The final step is to rinse your face with water. 

8. Jojoba Oil


Jojoba oil is a waxy, natural substance uprooted from the seeds of the jojoba shrub.

The waxy substances present in jojoba oil are helpful to repair damaged skin. Jojoba oil is also helpful in wound healing, including acne lesions.

Some of the ingredients in jojoba oil may help to reduce skin inflammation, which means it is helpful in reducing redness and swelling around pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and other inflamed lesions.

In a study, experimenters gave 133 people clay face masks that contained jojoba oil. After using the masks 2 to 3 times per week for 6 months, people reported a 54 percent decrease in their acne.


How To Use:


Mix jojoba oil with a gel, cream, or clay face mask and apply it to acne. Or you can apply a few drops of jojoba oil on a cotton pad and rub the cotton pad over your acne.

9. Rosemary


Rosemary extract known as Rosmarinus officinalis, contains compounds and chemicals that have antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Some studies found the effect of rosemary extract on acne, but a 2013 study on mice models and human cells suggested that rosemary extract is helpful in reducing inflammation from the acne-causing bacteria P. acnes.

10. Coconut Oil


Like any other natural remedy, coconut oil also contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial compounds.

The availability of these properties means that coconut oil is helpful to destroy acne-causing bacteria and reduce the redness and swelling of pimples. Coconut oil may also speed up healing in open acne pores.


How To Use:


Rub pure, virgin coconut oil directly on the acne area. You can look for coconut oil in the natural foods section of grocery stores.

11. Baking Soda


It is said that baking soda mixed with water softens blackheads and clogged pores in the skin. Also, baking soda is best for congested skin as this skin type is the most prone to pore blockages. You can make a DIY baking soda mask, which you can leave on for 10 minutes on your face and then follow up with a moisturizer.

Baking soda is also helpful in neutralizing the pH level of your skin. This is important because, if your pH level is imbalanced, your skin may become prone to acne breakouts, dryness, and other skin irritations.

What you can do to avoid acne?


Along with home remedies, some lifestyle changes may have an important effect on keeping the body healthy, making the skin less oily, and reducing acne flare-ups.

Lifestyle changes to improve acne include:


1. Don't touch your pimples


Sometimes, it becomes very tempting, but touching the acne area will irritate your skin, it can make the pimple worse, and can spread pimples to other areas.

Touching, squeezing, rubbing, or popping acne may also introduce more bacteria into the lesion, leading to further infections.

Squeezing a pimple can push bacteria and debris further into the skin, so the pimple may become back worse than it was before.

Consult with a doctor about your acne to find out how to remove them safely.

2. Choose the right cleanser for your skin type


Many regular soaps contain acid, or the pH level is too high which can irritate the skin, making acne worse.

Choose the right cleanser for your skin type, rinse, and wash your face.

3. Stay hydrated


Hydration is very important because it makes it easier for acne to heal and decreases the overall risk of outbreaks.

When the skin is dry, it becomes damaged or irritated, resulting in pimples and acne. Staying hydrated also ensures the development of new skin cells.

There is no research on daily recommended water intake because each person’s water needs are different, depending on temperature, age and how active they are, and any medical conditions.

Numerous health authorities recommend drinking between six and eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily.


4. Reduce stress


The American Academy of Dermatology founds that stress is a possible cause of acne flare-ups.

Tips for managing stress include:

  • Talk to family, friends, a doctor, or other supportive people
  • Get enough sleep
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet and avoid skipping meals
  • Exercise regularly
  • Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption
  • Practice deep breathing, yoga, mindfulness, or meditation

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