Home Remedies for Acne

From old wives tales to internet legends, home remedies for acne abound. They're easy enough to find, but do they work?

Are Home Remedies for Acne Effective?

Unfortunately, there are no hard and fast rules about home remedies for acne. Some people have, in fact, had excellent results using common household ingredients. Others, however, haven't had the same luck. Since there are no real studies done on home remedies, it is difficult to measure their success. Still, certain ingredients are recognized as having acne-fighting properties.

Mint

Menthol, found in peppermint and spearmint, has cooling and soothing properties. It is also known for its ability to kill germs, and is a common ingredient in mouthwash. It can also be found in many cleansers and toners, including Murad's Clarifying Cleanser.

Witch Hazel

Witch-hazel is a shrub that blooms in cooler months. It also has highly effective astringent qualities. Witch Hazel extract is available in bottle form at any drugstore. This common ingredient is found in many toners, including the one made by Proactiv.

Citrus Fruit

Citrus fruits, such as lemons and limes, feature several ingredients that make them effective in the fight against acne. Vitamin C, a natural antioxidant, is essential in the formation of collagen. Citric acid is also an effective astringent and antioxidant. In addition, citrus fruits are a good source of flavonoids, yet another naturally ocurring antioxidant.

Cinnamon

Although not widely recognized for its uses beyond spicing and seasoning food, cinnamon actually has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. This could explain the spice's presence in many home remedies for acne.

Honey

Due to its natural sugar content, honey acts as an antibacterial and antimicrobial. It also reacts with body fluids, creating a form of hydrogen peroxide. Even doctors have recognized the antiseptic qualities of honey, using it to treat wounds and burns.

Home Remedies for Acne

Since many common kitchen ingredients do have medicinal qualities, perhaps some people will have success using home remedies to treat acne. Keep in mind, though, that over-the-counter and prescription strength acne treatments feature only small amounts of the natural ingredients. Most have long and complicated lists of ingredients that have been formulated through years of scientific research.

Still, as long as you are not allergic to any of the ingredients, you have nothing to lose by trying. Here is a partial list of recommended home remedies for acne:

• Honey and Cinnamon: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder. Apply the paste to the face each night at bedtime.
• Toothpaste: Simply apply a dab of mint toothpaste over existing pimples and allow to dry overnight. Do not use gel.
• Orange Peel: Mix pounded orange peel with water, and rub the mixture directly on the acne.
• Lemon Juice: Lemon juice can be applied directly on the blemishes.
• Lemon and Rose Water: Mix equal parts lemon juice and rose water and rub the mixture directly on the skin.
• Mint: Rub mint juice over the skin.
• Witch Hazel: Mix witch hazel with water. Apply mixture with a cloth or cotton ball over the entire face.
• Cinnamon and Lemon: Mix equal parts cinnamon powder and lemon juice. Apply the mixture directly on pimples.
• Cinnamon and Milk: Mix cinnamon powder with milk, and rub on affected areas.
• Garlic: Peel garlic cloves and rub over the skin.
• Aloe Vera: Rub aloe vera juice directly over affected skin.
• Cucumber: Grind cucumber to a paste and apply over entire face. Rinse after 30 minutes.

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