DIY Beauty: natural acne treatments
Not everyone with acne likes the idea of using over the counter acne medications or prescription drugs as these may cause side effects for some people. In this case, natural treatments maybe a better alternative to the harsh chemical treatments as they present a more holistic approach to combat mild acne. So what are the natural remedies available?
Here are some suggestions on natural acne treatments based on what I’ve read from Acne Treatment Guru as well as what I already know.
1. Use of botanical ingredients
Many extracts found in plants have useful properties and medicinal purposes for acne treatments.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree oil is commonly recommended for topical treatment of acne because it can kill the skin-dwelling bacteria that is involved in causing acne. You can dab tea tree oil directly on the affected area and let it sit overnight.
Aloe Vera Gel
Besides Tea Tree oil, Aloe Vera gel can also be applied to eliminate acne as it acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and as an immune booster which helps in eliminating acne to some extent. In fact, you can get straight tea tree oil and dilute it in pure aloe vera gel before applying to your acne.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil has a similar calming effect on the skin and this makes it very useful in treating acne. However, it is too strong to be applied directly to the skin and should be diluted with another oil such as grapeseed or almond oil before application.
2. Use of homemade ingredients
If you conduct an online search, you should be able to find a number of homemade acne treatments involving ingredients found in the kitchen.
Vinegar
Vinegar which is a weak acid can be used as natural acne treatment as it helps to reduce the redness and inflammation that usually accompany an acne breakout. If you can’t tolerate the smell of white vinegar, use apple cider vinegar instead. What you can do is to mix equal parts of purified water to the vinegar and apply the mixture with a cotton ball and leave on for no longer than 5 – 10 minutes before rinsing off thoroughly.
Garlic
Garlic juice is an excellent cleanser with antibacterial and antiseptic properties and said to be a great natural medicine for acne. Simply squash a garlic clove, mix it in a cup of warm water, and apply the mixture on the affected part with a clean piece of cotton cloth. Leave on for 5 – 10 minutes before rinsing off thoroughly.
Oatmeal
If you have very oily skin, you can use an oatmeal mask to get good results. Oatmeal when grinded into powder and mixed with purified water not only acts as a great scrub but also effectively soaks away the excess oil from your face. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse off with cold water to help contract the pores. Alternatively boil the oatmeal in water for a few minutes, and then let it cool down to room temperature before applying to your face. Leave on for 10 – 15 minutes and wash off with warm water.
Honey & Apple
Other homemade acne treatments involve mixing honey with grated apples into a paste and left on the face for about 15- 20 minutes to dry before rinsing off with warm water. This treatment can be used twice or thrice a week depending on your skin type.
3. Use of natural clays
Natural clay masks, when used 2 – 3 times a week are very useful for those with oily and acne skin types and what they do is to help the skin cleanse and detoxify. The most common types of natural clay used in acne skin care are Kaolin clay, Bentonite clay, Sea clay, and Rhassoul clay which I’ve reviewed recently. However, some people may experience a little breakout when using these clays the first time as they’re supposed to draw out the impurities.
Always perform a patch test
As with any other skin treatments, not all the ingredients are suitable for everyone. Even if they are natural, some people may still be allergic to them. Hence, always perform a patch test on the inside of your elbow before applying the product to your face. In addition, these natural remedies may work for mild acne. If you have cystic acne or other severe form of acne vulgaris, then these may not work and the best course is to seek treatment from a qualified dermatologist.
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Definitely a fan of aloe vera for zits. Tea tree oil is a very popular natural remedy but I always felt it was too strong for me. I would take up your tip on mixing it with some aloe vera.
I took a look at your DIY clay posts — kudos for all that effort! And to be so experimental… Was an interesting read.
astrorain: Glad you found it interesting. ?
Garlic stinks but works wonders on acne and blackheads. Great post Sesame:)
Leon: Thanks Leon! Yeah, garlic stinks. It’s also good when consumed. I used to hate eating garlic but now I’ve grown accustomed to it. ?
Oh but I love Garlic in food:) It has loads of health benefits.
Lol. I like the smell of garlic. Haha…
Tea tree oil is one of the best acne treatment I’ve found. Dries them up real quickly. But the area will get red and dry. So have to calm it down with aloe vera.
Feel like trying the natural clays. But I’m afraid it’ll cause little breakouts from the impurities it drawed out. Can I still continue using them even though I get little zits?
Ms Blacklace: You can continue using them. My suggestion is if you’re using them as clay mask, don’t leave on for too long. Go gradual. When I left the mask on for too long and it dried up, I developed zits afterwards. Or with Rhassoul clay for example, use it to cleanse first, and once your skin is used to it, you can move up the process to try it as a mask.
Such a great post! I have never combined aloe vera with tea tree oil, and it sounds like a super spot treatment.
My favorite clay cleanser/mask is from Sukipure and they combine kaolin clay, white willow extract, zinc, and lavender. I also used a mask made with French red clay and had good results with it.
Jen Hill: Thanks for your comments Jen! ? Wow, your clay mask sounds so interesting. I’ve never come across that brand here though.
I read somewhere that Sandalwood powder is very good for treating acne. Does anybody know where i can get this product. thx
Great information! I can tell you put so much work into this! I am really looking forward to trying some of these things at home! I’m going to be giving this thumbs up! Another great article on
Homemade Beauty Remedies
hi, my brother has acne problem when he wakes up in the morning finds some new white pimples an oily skin .plz advise.
ayesha: He has oily skin? What does he wash his face with? And how old is your brother because it can also be caused by hormone changes.
thanks for ur reply.
he is 25 and he use dettol anti bec soap and not usig anything for acne problem, its like if he eats yogurt, meat, or eggs his acne gets worse.
Ayesha: One common cause of acne I’ve come to understand from reading is diary products. So if you’re saying his condition gets worst with those food, it might look like diary food is contributing to his problems and he should cut down altogether. Do some search on the link between food and acne and you’ll probably get more information.
hi, Sandal wood powder is very very good for acne.
take one table spoon of sandal wood powder mix with 5 or 10ml of rose water[pure one only] make a smooth paste. lightly massage with clean wet fingertips let dry for 10 minutes and wash with water.
Nini: Thanks for the info! I’ve just come across this info recently but I can’t get my hands on sandal wood powder. I would certainly like to give it a try.
i really have a big problem with my face and i dont know how to deal with it. my face gets rough and it was covered with small achne. what is the best home remedies for me hope you can help me.
Eralou: First off, do you know what’s your skin type? Is it oily? Or you have an oily t-zone? How old are you if you don’t mind me asking cos from what you wrote in the other comment, it sounds like you’re a teenager. I also need to know what products you’re currently using to comment further. Oh, and are you male or female cos I can’t tell from your name. Male and female skin are different…
pls replay i really dont know how to deal with it. im shy going outside and going to school. because of my face problem.
IM ONLY 20 YEARS OLD AND I HAVE AN OILY SKIN AND IM A GIRL. I USES A RENOW-D CREAM AND MYRA-E MOISTURIZER. IN A DAY ILL COMBINED MY MOISTURIZER AND CREAM. AND I THINK IT ALL BEGUN WHEN I COMBUINED ALL THOSE STUFF. CAN YOU HELP ME.
Eralou: I’ve never heard of those products. If you think the problem is with the two products, why don’t you stop using them together? Perhaps just use the moisturizer and see what happens. Your skin could also be sensitive. Is your moisturizer oily and creamy? If so, perhaps change to something lighter – a lotion would be more suitable.
For homemade remedies, you can try mixing blended strawberries and cucumber and apply it on your skin. You can leave on for half an hour or so before washing off with warm water. Apply witch hazel after that.
I can’t guarantee that this will work for you but I suggest if your skin doesn’t get any better, see a doctor.
and then i try garlic mask in two cosecutive days. then my face gets a little burn because of garlic. in other words it gets worst.
i know your the one who can help me about my problem. and the4 one who can recommend the best home remedies for me.
THANKYOU FOR YOUR SUGGESTION AND ALSO FOR THE ADVICE…
Eralou: You’re welcome! I hope your skin will get better soon. Make sure you cleanse your face well too. ?
Great ideas, is there a place to elaborate on this all?
I know people that have 35 year old and I still have outbreaks!
I wash as required but beware of washing too much as this can rid you of essential oils and cause your skin to produce even more.
It depends on your cleanser Victor. If your cleanser has SLS that strips you of your natural lipids, then yes, your problems will become worse. But with gentle cleansers, you can even double cleanse without worries of your natural sebum being stripped.
i am 37 and mother of 2 but still suffer from acne especially days before period. i have had oily skin in the past 30 yrs and all of a sudden skin seems to be dehydrated all the time. i never thought dry skin and breakout would go well together but apprently i was wrong. anyone out there has similar problem and has come out with a skincare routine that will keep the oil off but keep the water stay in?
If you have dry skin, you need more moisture. The drier it gets, the more oil it secrets. Have you tried using oil on your face? I have combination skin and I used grapeseed oil with much success. It’s moisturizing but not too oily. If your skin is dry, you can try others which are richer.
Hi. I dont have any pimples or blackheads but i have all of these dark and red spots underneath my skin. I have had them for about 6months now and nothing can make them go away. Can you help me?
Sounds like skin congestion to me. It looks like a skin deep issue and usually, it’s related to your well being too. Very hard for me to recommend anything and would suggest you seek expert advice instead as they can see and diagnose your problem.
Where are you based? If you’re in Singapore, I can recommend you some places.
I hope you’re still checking this post! I had used to have teen acne then my skin got pretty clear a couple years ago.. but recently it has been breaking out like crazy. I stopped using over the counter creams and gels a few months ago and that could be why, but I think it’s due to stress. Recently I began using a mix of honey, apple cider vinegar, green tea and sugar as a mask and it helps but then I get nasty acne again after a few days. I also recently bought french green clay to make a mask out of that too but I haven’t tried it yet. I used to only get blackheads on my nose and a fews small pimples around my face but it’s gotten so terrible and I have blackheads even on my cheeks and cyst-like pimples on my cheek and I even breakout on my neck and jaw-line. please help me with any advice!
You have to try to determine what’s causing the outbreak…although it might take awhile. I’m having similar problems too.
Take a look at the latest post:
https://www.vivawoman.net/2010/01/26/diy-beauty-cinnamon-nutmeg-acne-mask/
I found this remedy to be extremely effective. But do check your skin if it’s sensitive. Or I suggest do a spot treatment first just in case this burns your skin.
I’ll do the vinegar and garlic therapy.
It’s available all the time because it’s just a homemade treatment.
I guess this time I can do it and I’ll do it successively.
I hope it’s effective.
Good advice! People need to understand how important these concepts are.
sorry, can i ask where can you buy different types of clays in singapore?
You can get it from here: http://www.milagrotrading.com/store/
sorry, can i ask a question, I currently suffering from acne and I heard that MSM (Methyl sulfonyl methane) is a natural, safe and odorless sulfur compound that can help removes many of the harmful toxins in the body, improve acne condition, lighten acne scars and help joint pain. Do anyone know where I can get MSM powder in singapore?
so I read all of these treatments and just thought I should let people know what I did. First off here’s alittle background information. I am 20 years old and have been suffering from acne since the age of 13. I also have insomnia and it really messes with my acne, My diet is horrible and it also messes with my acne. For spot treatment I use polysporin but since last night I did not clean or take off my make-up My face was really bad when i looked in the mirror so i came online and found all of these remedies, I also had found one that was done with crushed up aspirin but could not find aspirin in my house. Anyways what I did was first mix water, vinegar and lemonjuice in a little bowl and in a little dish i had some sugar. I then rinsed my face with hott water, once i was sure all my make up was off and my face was clean I put dabbed the liquid solution onto my face making sure it was dripping so it was not just a thin layer i then dipped my finger tips into the sugar and scrubbed it all over my face i scrubbed it rough to make sure it got deep into my pores. I then waited 13 minutess and rinsed it off using hott water again. I already see a major difference in my face. and on the remaining red pimples I have put polysporin. I will repeat this proceedure either 1 or 2 more times before I go out tonight to make sure my skin is clear.
so I read all of these treatments and just thought I should let people know what I did. First off here’s alittle background information. I am 20 years old and have been suffering from acne since the age of 13. I also have insomnia and it really messes with my acne, My diet is horrible and it also messes with my acne. For spot treatment I use polysporin but since last night I did not clean or take off my make-up My face was really bad when i looked in the mirror so i came online and found all of these remedies, I also had found one that was done with crushed up aspirin but could not find aspirin in my house. Anyways what I did was first mix water, vinegar and lemonjuice in a little bowl and in a little dish i had some sugar. I then rinsed my face with hott water, once i was sure all my make up was off and my face was clean I put dabbed the liquid solution onto my face making sure it was dripping so it was not just a thin layer i then dipped my finger tips into the sugar and scrubbed it all over my face i scrubbed it rough to make sure it got deep into my pores. I then waited 13 minutess and rinsed it off using hott water again. I already see a major difference in my face. and on the remaining red pimples I have put polysporin. once it is done i will wipe down my face with an icecube. I will repeat this proceedure either 1 or 2 more times before I go out tonight to make sure my skin is clear.
I really hve a problem with M̶̲̥̅γ̲̣̣̥ face, very serious acne but I hve tried SÌ…Ì²Ì¶Ì¥Æ Í¡Ì´Ì´Ì´Ì´Ì´Ì´ many antibiotics and recommendments, but none seem to be working on me, I cant get all this natural remedies here i̶̲̥̅̊n̶̲̥̅̊ nigeria…. Pls advice me on what to do
HI I like to know where can i buy french green clay powder in singapore?
PLEASE HELP!
I don’t suffer from acne on my face, but, my back is horrible!
I never had this problem but since I hit 20yr I just have a mess. It’s so embarrassing going out with tank tops or shirts that show my back and my acne is in plain view! I don’t know what to try. I have oily skin. Any advice!?
You may want to read the following two articles:
https://www.vivawoman.net/2011/03/11/diy-beauty-vinegar-aspirin-for-back-acne/
https://www.vivawoman.net/2012/05/11/how-i-got-rid-of-my-back-acne-using-a-beetroot-detox/
Hi Sesame,
Thanks for sharing these helpful tips and remedies on how to naturally treat acne! Just want to add another remedy that worked well for me:
Before bedtime, on your face apply a cotton towel, soaked in water in which lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), soapwort (SaponariaOfficinalis),and black elder (Sambucusnigra) was boiled – in equal portions.
I’ve been doing the procedure every 2nd day during the course of at least 1 week (or more if needed). Works wonders, and can happily say that my acne outbreaks are under control now!
Thanks again for putting this extensive article together and publishing it!
Cheers
Nicole
Nicole Plume last post is: How To Get Rid Of Acne With 23 Topical Remedies
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