10 Home Remedies for Acne or Pimples

Suffering from acne or pimples can not only be uncomfortable or even sometimes painful, but in serious circumstances, it can leave you without the confidence to face the world outside your house. Reactions to harsh chemicals can leave your skin looking worse, not to mention get expensive. Save yourself money by using DIY home remedies for treating acne or pimples. You can find most of these skin-loving ingredients in your pantry or fridge, and if not, pick up your ingredients at the grocery store.

Egg Whites

We all know that the vitamins and proteins found in egg whites provide for a healthy breakfast, but did you know that those same vitamins and proteins can work wonders when applied topically to the skin? To absorb extra oil and sebum using egg whites, you're going to need 2-3 eggs, a bowl, and a washcloth. Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites and whisk the whites until frothy.

Apply a thin layer of egg white to your skin like a mask and wait for it to dry, which should take about 20 minutes. Using a wash cloth soaked in warm water, remove the egg whites completely. Because egg whites can dry out your skin, be sure to apply a moisturizer.

Milk and Honey

Milk and honey baths were a favorite for Cleopatra. The acids found in milk can not only treat breakouts, but lighten dark marks for a more even skin tone and can sooth redness. Honey is helpful because it is antibacterial.

To create a milk and honey mask, you will need a tablespoon of both raw honey and plain, full-fat milk or yogurt. Be sure you are using raw honey and not one loaded with extra preservatives or sugars! These unnecessary additives could lead to a break out. Layer the milk and honey mixture on your skin like a mask and let it dry for 10-15 minutes. Use a warm washcloth to remove the mask. A milk and honey mask can be moisturizing, but be sure to follow up with your favorite moisturizer.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Raw apple cider vinegar makes for a great toner. When applied topically to the skin, apple cider vinegar can kill of skin bacteria and restore the skin's pH. It can also absorb excess oil. You'll want to dilute apple cider vinegar with water before adding it to your skin. A ratio of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water works best. You can use the apple cider vinegar and water mixture as a spot treatment or as an overall toner. No matter how you choose to use the mixture, be sure you're not over drying your skin. Use a moisturizer after every use.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil is frequently used for the treatment of acne or pimples. It is antibacterial, so it will kill acne-causing bacteria and unclog pores. Like apple cider vinegar, you should dilute tea tree oil before applying it to your skin. It can be incredibly drying and should be used for topical use only. A good ratio for tea tree oil use is 1 part oil to 9 parts water. Use a cotton swab to apply the tea tree oil mixture to troubled areas.

Aloe

From using aloe to treat sunburns, we know that aloe is soothing and can reduce redness. This also applies when it is used to treat acne or pimples. Aloe also has antibacterial properties to kill acne-causing bacteria. If you have access to an aloe plant, a bit of fresh natural aloe is the best form you can use for your skin. If not, you can purchase a gel from the store, just be sure it doesn't have too many extra additives. Apply the aloe directly to clean skin and let it dry.

Oatmeal

Another healthy food product that does wonders for skin is oatmeal. Oatmeal is loaded with vitamins that will calm and treat any blemishes, acne, or pimples. You can use a bit of steel cut oats as a weekly scrub, or create a oatmeal and honey mask. To make a mask, make a bowl of oatmeal as you would if you were going to eat it. Add a few tablespoons of honey and let cool. Once it is back down to a comfortable temperature, apply it to your skin. Leave it for about half an hour and rinse off.

Avocado and Honey

Avocado is another food full of skin-loving vitamins and nutrients that can soothe and relieve acne and redness. It is even better when mixed with the antibacterial properties of honey. To make this mask, you'll need one full avocado and one tablespoon of honey. Mash the avocado and mix in the honey until it turns to a paste-like consistency. Cover your face with the mixture or apply it only to your troubled areas. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and then wash away with a warm washcloth.

Cinnamon and Honey

Cinnamon makes another great mask additive to honey. Because cinnamon has antimicrobial properties, it treats the bacteria that is known to cause acne. You can create a honey and cinnamon mask using 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of honey. Mix them until you've developed a paste. Because honey is the base of this mask, it will be a little stickier than the others. Apply the cinnamon and honey mask to your skin or use as a spot treatment and let it soak in for 10-15 minutes. You'll need warm water to remove this mask and a washcloth to ensure you don't leave any sticky residue behind!

Sugar Scrub

Sugar can work as a gentle exfoliator to remove the extra or dry skin cells that might be clogging your pores. When mixed with another skin-loving ingredient, like honey, you can clear your pores and fight away bacteria. Create a mixture of white or brown sugar with a few tablespoons of honey or olive oil. Olive oil is very moisturizing for the skin and will glide across the skin easier than honey if you are using this mixture as a scrub. Use the scrub once a week for best results.

Tea

Tea is great for drinking but also for applying topically. Create a cup of tea like you would if you were going to drink it. Green tea works best. Apply to skin with a spray bottle or as a toner to calm skin and give a burst of moisture. Studies have shown that certain chemicals in the tea may potentially protect the skin from sun damage, as well as others that claim tea applied topically may even play a positive role in treating skin pigmentation disorders.