10 Best Natural Remedies Acne Treatment

Written by Gracious Humphrey

Everyone wants unblemished skin free from acne, dark circles, and other skin anomalies. Acne is a predominant skin disease affecting close to 85% of people. The widespread symptom of acne is persky pimples which you might find very troublesome to treat.

Although there are various conventional treatments to get rid of acne, most of them often leave some adverse effects on your skin, such as skin irritation and dryness. That is why many people have turned to natural remedies to eliminate acne. 

Nonetheless, only some of the natural remedies out there have been proven scientifically to help. Then what are the best natural acne remedies to use? By the end of this article, you will know how to use different natural remedies for your acne.

What is Acne

Acne is a skin disease that prompts pimples. Acne results when your skin pores become blocked by dead skin cells, bacteria, dirt, and oil. In research conducted, an estimated 9.4% of people worldwide have acne.

Although acne does not present any serious risk to your health, it can be excruciating, especially when it’s severe. It might also cause scarring as time goes on. There are different types of acne. The most common type of acne lesion is whitehead and blackheads, also known as comedones.

Whitehead, also known as closed comedones, is acne that forms under your skin’s surface as raised bumps. They stay as fresh-colored acne on your skin.

Blackheads are also known as the open comedones on your skin’s surface. Oxygen contributes to the darker color of this acne type.

Other inflamed acne includes;

  • Papules
  • Pustules
  • Nodules
  • Cysts

Signs of Acne

The common signs of acne you can suffer from are:

  • Skin blemishes such as dark spots and redness
  • Swelling and inflammation
  • Irritation when touched

You can mostly find acne on your face, neck, back, shoulders, and chest. However, no matter how tempting getting rid of acne immediately is, it’s best to avoid popping your pimples since it increases the chance of scarring.

Natural Ways to Get Rid of Acne

1. Tree Oils

Tree oil is from Melaleuca alternifolia, found in Australia. The tree oil can fight bacteria and reduce skin inflammation. It helps explicitly fight against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis, the two main bacteria that cause pimples. 

One study shows that 5% of a tree oil gel is four times more active at lessening lesions caused by acne and six times more beneficial at curtailing the harshness of acne than a placebo.

Another research proves that gel containing 5% tea tree oil reduces pimples, as does the lotion containing 5% benzoyl peroxide, the standard medication for acne.

Tree oil has limited adverse effects, such as dryness, irritation, and skin burning. But when used directly on the skin, it can cause redness and irritation. So it’s best to dilute the oil with a carrier oil.

How to Use Tree Oil for Your Acne
  • Dilute one drop of tree oil with one tablespoon of carrier oil.
  • Use a cotton swab to apply the mixture to your acne spot.
  • You can choose to apply moisturizer or not.
  • Repeat the process one or two times daily.

2. Aloe Vera 

Aloe vera leaves produce a gel that helps fight bacteria, reduces inflammation, and aids the healing of wounds when applied to the skin. You can also use aloe vera to treat various skin conditions such as psoriasis, rashes, burns, etc.

Aloe vera contains some bacteria inhibitors such as lupeol, salicylic acid, phenols, cinnamonic acid, urea, nitrogen, and sulfur that cause pimples. Aloe vera gel alone is not very effective in treating spots. Still, combining it with other remedies such as clove basil oil, honey, lemon juice, or retinoic cream becomes more effective and clears your acne.

Ways to Use Aloe Vera Gel for Acne
  • The first thing you need to do is scrape out the gel from the leaves with a spoon.
  • You can apply the gel in two ways: First, you can decide to mix the gel with other treatments before applying it to your skin. Or, you can choose to apply other acne treatments first before applying the gel over it
  • Repeat the process one or two times daily.

3. Applying Green Tea to Your Skin

Drinking green tea has a lot of health benefits and can also be helpful when you apply it to your skin. Green tea contains flavonoid and tannins that can fight against inflammation and bacteria that causes pimples.

Due to its high antioxidants epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), it can reduce inflammation, decrease sebum generation and restrict the growth of Propionibacterium acnes in acne-prone skin.

Various studies have shown that applying about 2 to 3% of green tree extract to your skin will reduce sebum production and pimples on your skin.

Ways to Apply Green Tea to Your Skin.
  • The first step is to soak green tea in simmering water for about five minutes. Then leave the tea to get cold.
  •  Use the cold tea on your acne spot with cotton wool, or use a sprinkle container. 
  • Leave for about ten minutes or overnight, depending on your decision. Then wash your face with water.
  • Apply one to two times daily. You can store the boiled tea in the refrigerator for two weeks.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider balances the PH level of your skin, making them less oily or dry. They exfoliate the skin chemically, fight against blackheads and enhance hyperpigmentation. However, because it is pungent, you can not use it directly on your skin. 

So, it’s best to dilute the substance (dilute a mixture of one part vinegar to about four parts of water) before you apply it to your skin. Use it four times or less per week.


5. Honey and Turmeric

Turmeric is good for the skin since it contains a lot of antioxidants that purify and brighten the skin. It also possesses antibacterial properties that are excellent for acne and eczema treatment. 

Honey also includes antibacterial and humectant properties that trap moisture in the skin or make it smooth and hydrated.

How to Use Honey and Turmeric 
  • Mix honey and turmeric with aloe vera and chickpea flour to make a paste and apply it to your face.
  • Leave it for a while. Then wash off with cool water.
  • If your face is full of acne, use an ice cube for 30 seconds.

When you are treating acne, its best to take note of the following:

  1. Reduce your processed meat and crab intake. Doing so will reduce acne lesions.
  2. Too many milk products, such as ice cream and milk, can sometimes worsen acne. It’s best to choose non-dairy products such as cheese.
  3. Eat more omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids-rich foods.

Final Thoughts

Acne is one of the widespread skin diseases that can be very frustrating to treat. Although many natural remedies are sometimes not practical, you can try out the remedies in this article.  However, it’s best to visit a dermatologist if you are battling severe acne. He will offer more guidance on the best treatment for your acne conditions.