27 March 2024 
Dealing with acne is a common skin concern, affecting about 85 percent of young adults worldwide. While conventional treatments like salicylic acid, niacinamide, and benzoyl peroxide are effective, they often come with side effects such as dryness and irritation, leading many to seek natural alternatives.
According to a 2017 study, 77 percent of acne patients have tried home remedies. Although some lack scientific evidence, there are several natural options worth exploring. This article consists of 5 popular home remedies for acne, offering an understanding of their potential effectiveness.
What is Acne?
Before discussing the natural home remedies to cure acne, first, we need to understand what is acne. Acne arises when skin follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, presenting a common challenge for many. While often associated with teenage years due to increased oil production, acne knows no age limits, with adults in their 40s and 50s also experiencing its effects.
Causes of Acne
Acne originates from the blockage of skin pores by a combination of oil and dead skin cells. Each pore is linked to a sebaceous gland, which produces sebum, an oily substance. Excess sebum can clog pores, promoting the growth of bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes, also known as P. acnes. When these bacteria are attacked by white blood cells, it triggers skin inflammation and acne. While the severity of acne varies, common symptoms include whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples.
Various factors can play a role in the onset of acne, such as genetics, diet, stress, hormonal fluctuations, and infections. While conventional clinical treatments remain the most reliable for acne reduction, home remedies can also be attempted, although their efficacy requires further research. Below, we present 5 natural home remedies for managing acne.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne Treatment
Apple cider vinegar is crafted through the fermentation of apple cider, which is the unfiltered juice extracted from pressed apples. Its antimicrobial properties have been recognized in research for combating various types of bacteria and fungi. Notably, apple cider vinegar contains citric acid, which, in conjunction with zinc oxide, has been observed to eliminate P. acnes, a bacteria associated with acne.
Additionally, studies from 2017 suggest that the lactic acid present in apple cider vinegar may aid in diminishing the appearance of acne scars. Despite these potential benefits, there is currently insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar in treating acne. Moreover, some dermatologists caution against its use due to the potential for skin irritation.
Benefits:
Cost-effective, readily available, enhances the look of acne scars.
Drawback:
May cause skin irritation.
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Treat Acne?
- Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 3 parts water (recommended for sensitive skin).
- After washing your face, carefully apply the mixture to your skin using a cotton ball.
- Leave it on for 5 to 20 seconds, then rinse with water and pat dry.
- Repeat this procedure at least 1 to 2 times daily, as necessary.
Keep in mind that applying apple cider vinegar directly to your skin can cause burns and irritation, so it’s important to use caution. Most dermatologists do not recommend this method. If you decide to try it, start with small amounts and dilute it with water.
Honey and Cinnamon Mask
In 2017, a study revealed that combining honey and cinnamon bark extract demonstrated antibacterial effects against P. acnes.
Recent research from 2020 suggested that honey alone can inhibit the growth of P. acnes or even eliminate it. However, this doesn’t guarantee that honey effectively treats acne. A study conducted in 2016 involving 136 individuals with acne found that applying honey to the skin after using antibacterial soap didn’t show significant superiority in treating acne compared to using only soap.
Although honey and cinnamon possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that may help alleviate acne, further research is necessary to establish their efficacy conclusively.
Benefits:
Antibacterial properties, sample preparation
Drawback:
Lack of extensive research to support claims
How to Apply Honey and Cinnamon Mask for Acne Treatment:
- Combine 2 tablespoons of honey with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to create a paste.
- Apply the mask evenly and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes once you clean your face.
- Remove the mask thoroughly and gently pat your face with a towel.
Tea Tree Oil for Acne Treatment
Tea tree oil, derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree in Australia, has garnered attention for its potential acne-fighting properties.
Recent research from 2018 suggests that applying tea tree oil topically may help reduce acne. A small-scale study conducted in 2019 compared the effects of tea tree oil ointment with benzoyl peroxide, a common acne treatment. Participants using the tea tree oil reported less dryness and irritation, along with greater satisfaction with the treatment.
Additionally, a study from 2017 suggests that tea tree oil could serve as an alternative to topical and oral antibiotics, which may lead to bacterial resistance with prolonged use. Given its potency, it’s essential to dilute tea tree oil before applying it to the skin.
Benefits:
Economical usage, suitable for overnight application, natural
Drawback:
May cause dryness, Essential oils lack FDA approval
How to Apply Tea Tree Oil for Acne Treatment:
- Dilute 1 part tea tree oil with 9 parts water.
- Apply the mixture to the affected areas.
- Optionally, follow up with moisturizer.
- Repeat this process 1 to 2 times per day, as required.
Remember, tea tree oil is highly potent, so always dilute it before applying it to the skin.
Aloe Vera for Acne Treatment
Aloe vera, a tropical plant renowned for its clear gel extracted from its leaves, is widely incorporated into various skincare products like lotions, creams, and soaps. This natural remedy has been traditionally utilized for treating a range of skin conditions such as abrasions, rashes, burns, wounds, and skin inflammation.
Moreover, aloe vera contains salicylic acid and sulfur, both recognized for their acne-fighting properties. A study from 2017 demonstrated the efficacy of salicylic acid in reducing acne.
Furthermore, another study from 2018 suggested that combining aloe vera gel with other acne-fighting substances like tretinoin cream or tea tree oil may enhance its effectiveness in treating acne.
Despite requiring more research to definitively establish, the direct anti-acne benefits of aloe vera show promise.
Benefits:
Aloe Vera is natural and versatile, commonly available, and can be combined with other remedies
Drawback:
Limited scientific evidence, potential additives in store-bought products
How to Use Aloe Vera for Acne Treatment:
- Extract the gel from the aloe plant using a spoon.
- Apply the gel directly onto clean skin as a moisturizer.
- Repeat this process 1 to 2 times daily, or as needed.
Alternatively, you can purchase pure aloe vera gel from stores, ensuring it contains no additional ingredients.
Low Glycemic Diet for Acne Treatment
The glycemic index (GI) of a food indicates how fast it can raise your blood sugar levels.
Consuming foods with a high GI can lead to a rapid increase in insulin, potentially triggering higher sebum production. Consequently, these high GI foods may directly impact the occurrence and severity of acne. In a recent study from 2018, 66 participants followed either a regular or low glycemic diet. After just 2 weeks, those on the low glycemic diet showed reduced levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a hormone associated with acne development.
In a study from 2017 involving 64 participants, it was observed that individuals with moderate to severe acne tended to consume diets with higher carbohydrate content and a greater glycemic load compared to those without acne.
These preliminary findings suggest that adopting a low glycemic diet could potentially benefit individuals with acne-prone skin. However, further extensive and prolonged studies are necessary to validate these findings.
Processed foods like white bread, sugary drinks, cakes, doughnuts, pastries, candies, and sugary cereals can worsen acne due to their high glycemic index. On the other hand, acne-friendly foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains have a lower glycemic index.
Benefits:
Lowers insulin, beneficial for health
Drawback:
Difficult to monitor, limited scientific evidence
