7 Easy Home Remedies for Acne Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Acne
7 Easy Home Remedies for Acne
Is the secret to clearer skin hiding in your kitchen? Homemade acne treatments from foods such as honey, cucumbers, and grapes may help complement professional treatment from a dermatologist. By Valencia HigueraMedically Reviewed by Ross Radusky, MDReviewed: May 29, 2020Medically ReviewedFor clearer skin, open your kitchen cabinet.Mihajlo Ckovric/StocksyAcne can be stubborn and seem to pop up at the worst times. The good news is that over-the-counter and prescription medications can zap pimples and help stop new breakouts. The bad news is that some acne products can cause side effects like redness, discoloration, or dryness, notes the Mayo Clinic. (1) For this reason, some people prefer treating acne at home with natural solutions. Typically, the more mild the acne, the more easily it can be treated at home, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. In more severe cases, though — especially if there are cysts or nodules — professional treatments often are necessary. For mild acne, you might be surprised to learn that you already have several acne remedies in your own home — and in your kitchen of all places. You can mix common foods and ingredients, such as cucumbers, oatmeal, grapes, and yeast, into a facial mask and create an acne treatment. A homemade facial may help prevent or clear acne, as well as keep your skin glowing, moisturized, and healthy. 1 Grape Cleanser
iStockGrapes are a refreshing snack, whether eaten plain as a snack, halved as a salad topping, or frozen as a healthy dessert. But grapes likely don’t come to mind when you think of acne treatments. Yet according to an article published in April 2016 in Advances in Dermatology and Allergology, resveratrol in the skin of red grapes may exhibit bactericidal activity against Cutibacterium acnes. formerly called Propionibacterium acnes, C. acnes is a bacteria in the sebaceous glands that contributes to acne. (2) So grab a few fresh grapes from your fridge, and you've got an easy facial cleanser. Cut two or three grapes in half and rub the flesh over your face and neck, says Fran E. Cook-Bolden, MD, a dermatologist and director of Skin Specialty Dermatology in New York City. Follow with a cool water rinse. 2 Cucumber Face Mask
iStock (2)If you’ve ever been to a spa, you’ve likely put cucumber slices on your eyes to reduce puffiness — and they may not be a sham treatment. A past review suggests that cucumbers can have a soothing effect on the skin, reducing irritation, swelling, and pain. (3) Hence, they can potentially relieve inflammation specifically associated with acne. In the case of acne, “inflammation develops within the oil gland and follicle, leading to red, angry bumps in the skin,” explains Dr. Zeichner. When acne develops deep within the skin, “a cyst may develop and become filled with oil. If the cyst wall ruptures and the oil becomes exposed to the deeper skin layers, a robust inflammatory reaction often occurs,” he says. How can cucumbers help? “Cucumbers have skin soothing and hydrating benefits, so if your skin is inflamed from acne, cucumbers may offer a modest calming benefit,” notes Zeichner. But he warns that they’re not effective at treating the underlying pimples. Here’s how to reap the benefits: "Make a paste by blending one small cucumber and 1 cup of oatmeal," says Dr. Cook-Bolden. Mix 1 teaspoon [tsp] of this paste with 1 tsp of yogurt and apply it to your face. Leave it on for 30 minutes, and then rinse. 3 Cucumber Face Pack
iStock (2)If you don’t have oatmeal or yogurt in your kitchen, use this cucumber remedy instead. This cooling, soothing mask will help smooth your skin, which can feel rough from acne. "Mash one whole cucumber, strain the water, add 1 tablespoon of sugar, and mix well," says Cook-Bolden. "Apply to your face and leave it on for 10 minutes; then wash with cold water." 4 Simple Honey Mask
Edward Fury/StocksyHoney has many healing properties. According to the Mayo Clinic, some people use it as a natural cough syrup and to relieve a sore throat. (4) According to an article published in August 2016 in the Central Asian Journal of Global Health, in vitro studies suggest that the antibacterial properties of honey may also promote healing of burns and wound infections, and inhibit the growth of C. acnes. (5) Before applying this mask, rinse your face with warm water, says Cook-Bolden. Then apply the honey and leave it on the skin for 30 minutes. Rinse the honey off with warm water. 5 Yeast and Yogurt Mask for Oily Skin
iStock (2)Although more research is needed, evidence published in April 2015 in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology suggested that fermented dairy products like yogurt may promote skin health. Yogurt is also a probiotic, which has been shown to inhibit C. acnes. (6) To make the mask, combine 1 tsp of brewer's yeast with a little plain yogurt to create a thin mixture. Cook-Bolden says, "Apply it thoroughly to all the oily areas and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water; then use cold water to close the pores." 6 Oatmeal Facial
Debbi Smirnoff/iStockThe anti-inflammatory properties of oatmeal are naturally soothing and may relieve irritation caused by dermatological conditions like rashes, erythema, burns, itch, and eczema, according to research published in January 2015 in the Journal of Drugs and Dermatology. (7) Oatmeal has skin protecting, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory benefits, says Zeichner. “It’s not specifically effective in treating acne, but it can help soothe dry, inflamed skin. I commonly recommend oat-based moisturizers for my patients who use potentially irritating acne treatments,” he further notes. Mix together 2 tsp of oatmeal, 1 tsp of baking soda, and enough water to form a paste. Smooth the paste all over your face and gently rub it in. Rinse thoroughly afterward. 7 Turmeric Facial Mask
Nataša Mandić/StocksyFor beautiful skin, brides in India traditionally use a turmeric mask before their wedding, says Cook-Bolden. This is likely due to the spice’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, and its ability to significantly improve the severity of skin conditions like acne, alopecia, atopic dermatitis, oral lichen planus, pruritus, and psoriasis, according to a review published in August 2016 in Phytotherapy Research. (8) Ingredients for this acne remedy are available at spice markets and ethnic food stores. Mix 1/2 cup of chickpea flour and 2 tsp each turmeric powder, sandalwood powder, and ghee (clarified butter) or almond oil, and then combine them with enough water to make a paste. "Apply and leave on for 5 to 10 minutes," says Cook-Bolden. "Rub with pressure with both palms and fingers to remove all the paste." Rinse well with water. A Final Word on Home Remedies for Acne
Homemade facial masks can rejuvenate your skin and help clear acne — and all of these recipes use common ingredients found in your pantry and refrigerator. Try one or more of these remedies to treat pimple-prone skin and see how your skin responds. If at-home treatments don’t help after two to four weeks, touch base with a dermatologist for help, says Zeichner. “Unfortunately, delays in treatment increase the risk of developing stains in the skin, or in some cases, permanent scars,” he warns. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking
Acne: Treatment. Mayo Clinic. February 18, 2020.Kucharska A, Szmurlo A, Sinska B. Significance of Diet in Treated and Untreated Acne Vulgaris. Advances in Dermatology Allergology. April 2016.Mukherjee PK, Nema NK, et al. Phytochemical and Therapeutic Potential of Cucumbers. Fitoterapia. January 2013.Steckelberg J. Honey: An Effective Cough Remedy? Mayo Clinic. May 2, 2018.McLoone P, Oluwadun A, Warnick M, Fyfe L. Honey: A Therapeutic Agent for Disorders of the Skin. Central Asian Journal of Global Health. August 4, 2016.Kober M, Bowe W. The Effects of Probiotics on Immune Regulation, Acne, and Photoaging. International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. April 6, 2015.Reynertson KA, Garay M, Nebus J, et al. Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Colloidal Oatmeal (Avena sativa) Contribute to the Effectiveness of Oats in Treatment of Itch Associated With Dry, Irritated Skin. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. January 2015.Vaughn AR, Branum A, Sivamani RK. Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence. Phytotherapy Research. August 2016.Show LessNEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Healthy Skin Newsletter
SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Acne
If You Wrote a Letter to Your Acne What Would You Say
In this unusual study, participants voiced their frustration with a condition that often resists treatment and can leave emotional scars.By Niki Davis-FainbloomSeptember 2, 2022 Acne Types and Symptoms
Got a problem with acne? Recognizing the different types of acne and their symptoms is one of the first steps to getting clear skin.By Valencia HigueraAugust 11, 2022 Better Acne Treatments May Be in Our Genes
Scientists have identified 29 new gene variants that are common in people with acne, a discovery that researchers believe could lead to treatment breakthroughs...By Lisa RapaportFebruary 15, 2022 Speaking Acne A Glossary of Common Terms
Learning the lingo can help you better understand what causes acne — and how to prevent breakouts and get rid of pimples.By Jessica MigalaSeptember 20, 2021 What Is Acne Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and Prevention
By Valencia HigueraOctober 14, 2020 Maskne Is the Latest Skin Problem — Here s How to Prevent or Get Rid of It
Red spots and bumps along your mask line are potential signs of "maskne." Don't not wear a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic; instead, follow these tips...By Jessica MigalaAugust 7, 2020 Buttocks Breakouts How to Get Rid of the Bumps on Your Behind
Those may look like pimples, but it’s unlikely they are. Still, they can be painful and uncomfortable. By Madeline R. Vann, MPHJune 3, 2020 6 Dos and Don ts for Treating Teen Acne
When your oil glands go into overdrive, your pores can get clogged, causing acne. Fortunately, these scientific strategies can help you tame breakouts...By Valencia HigueraJune 3, 2020 Back Acne Bacne Why Pimples Pop Up and How to Prevent and Get Rid of Them
By Valencia HigueraMay 15, 2020 10 Surprising Causes of Adult Acne and How to Get Rid of It
Still battling annoying acne as an adult? Here are some causes you may not have expected — and the solutions dermatologists recommend for making acne ...By Valencia HigueraAugust 20, 2019 MORE IN Acne Types and Symptoms
What Are Exfoliating Gloves and Should You Be Using Them
Why Using Calamine Lotion as a Makeup Primer Is a Bad Idea Dermatologists Say