11 Home Remedies for Pimples

Acne is something that just about everyone will experience at some point in their lives. It affects both men and women, young and old. Many commercially produced cosmetic products do nothing more than dry out your skin, leaving you prone to even more breakouts in the future. Instead, try these natural remedies to fight your pimples and achieve bright, smooth skin!

Garlic

Garlic has antimicrobial properties that make it ideal for combating the bacteria that can cause acne. To prevent irritation, you should always dilute it before you apply it to your skin. Peel a clove of garlic, then mash it up with water or aloe vera juice. Apply the mixture directly to your pimple, rubbing it in gentle circles over the inflamed area. Let it soak in for an hour or so before rinsing it off with water.

Honey

Acne-fighting products often leave your skin dry and flaky, especially when treating pimples. Then, when you try to moisturize these areas, you reintroduce oil and bacteria, leading to more breakouts. Try honey instead. It not only helps to kill bacteria but also gently moisturizes the skin. Apply a thin layer to your whole face, and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes as a mask. Wash it off gently with warm water.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Many over-the-counter medications have strong anti-inflammatory properties. In many cases, this comes from natural salicylic acid in the medication. Salicylic acid is one of the main ingredients in commercially produced acne products. Crush up a few tablets, and mix them with a little bit of water to make a paste. Apply the paste to your blemishes, then cover with a bandage. Let the mixture sit on your skin overnight, then wash it off with water in the morning.

Strawberries

Strawberries are high in natural salicylic acid, allowing them to fight pore-clogging bacteria and brighten up dull skin. They can also help to tighten pores, preventing them from becoming clogged again in the future. Crush up a few strawberries, and mix them with water or honey to make a gentle, sweet-smelling mask. Rinse it off with warm water after 10 to 15 minutes.

Jojoba Oil

It may seem counterintuitive to treat acne with oil, but some pimples actually result from a lack of oil. Your skin produces sebum, a light layer of natural oil that protects and hydrates your skin. When you strip this sebum by over-cleansing, your skin compensates by producing even more sebum. The result is that this extra oil then clogs your pores and causes pimples. Jojoba oil is similar to sebum and can help rebalance your skin. Simply rub a few drops into areas where you notice your pores becoming clogged or where your skin seems especially dry.

Turmeric

Turmeric is rich in curcumin, an anti-inflammatory compound that reduces swelling and irritation. Turmeric can help to reduce the frequency of pimples, speed up the healing process, and calm down any infections that form. Mix some turmeric with water to create a paste. Apply the mixture directly to your acne, but be aware that it will leave a slight yellow stain for an hour or so after application. Incorporating more turmeric into your diet by using it to season your food may help as well.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is strongly astringent, which helps to shrink inflamed pores and prevent the clogging that can lead to pimples. It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and redness. Witch hazel is also quite effective when it comes to fading acne scars and evening out hyperpigmentation. Apply witch hazel extract to your whole face with a cotton ball or soft cloth. You can also dab it directly onto a pimple with a cotton swab.

Egg Whites

Eggs whites are rich in protein and vitamins that support the process of healing and rebuilding your skin after a breakout. They also help to reduce the scars and hyperpigmentation left behind by past breakouts. Whip the egg whites until they are light and frothy. Apply the frothed egg whites to your face with your fingers, and let the mask sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is widely known for its natural antibacterial properties. It helps to kill the bacteria living on your skin and infect your pores. You can dilute tea tree oil by adding three to four drops to filtered water. Use a cotton swab to dab the mixture onto problem spots. Tea tree oil can be a bit drying to your skin, so it is best to use it overnight. You can then moisturize your skin in the morning to counteract the drying effect.

Green Tea

Green tea contains a lot of antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation. These antioxidants fight the bacteria on your skin and speed up the healing process of inflamed pores. Drink a cup or two of green tea per day to see the positive effects. You can also apply green tea directly to your skin. Let your green tea steep for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain out any tea leaves. Let the mixture cool before applying it to your skin with a cotton pad or cloth. Rinse it off after a few minutes, or simply let it soak into your skin.

Potatoes

Potatoes are rich in essential minerals, such as potassium, sulfur and chloride, all of which help to fight pimples. Potatoes also contain antioxidants, which speed up the growth of new skin cells and prevent scarring. You can simply rub a slice of raw potato onto inflamed areas of your skin, or you can make a potato mask. Grate the raw potatoes with the peel on, and rub the mixture onto your skin in a circular motion. Let it dry for about 20 minutes before rinsing your face with lukewarm water.