Oh, acne. An infamous nuisance, indeed. Remedies for acne can be found in the drugstore, but have you tried any at home? A little tender, loving care might be all your skin needs to clear up and get back to its natural state--smooth and glowing.
Tee Tree Oil
This powerhouse of a substance is known for its strong, herby smell and antiviral properties. It kills bacteria and soothes the skin. Tea tree oil has been used for its healing properties for centuries! It’s one of the most affordable and accessible remedies for acne. Just make sure that it’s diluted before applying any to your face. It’s strong stuff!
Aloe Vera
This popular succulent is most famous for working its magic on sunburns. But aloe vera is also effective in reducing acne. Perhaps one of the most soothing remedies for acne, it has anti-inflammatory properties, both cooling and healing the skin. Pure aloe vera gel is best, but if the plant isn’t native to your area, you can purchase some at a drugstore or health food store. While simply applying some of the gel has its benefits, try making a mask or cream with it! Who can say no to a succulent spa day?
Honey
Honey has had a myriad of uses for centuries, from a topical healing agent to a natural cooking ingredient. Honey has incredible antioxidant properties, which can help reduce acne and soothe your skin. Try dabbing a bit on your pimples once a day, letting it sit, and rinsing it off. You can also make facial scrubs by combining honey and sugar. This sloughs away dead cells and allows the freshly exposed layer of skin to receive the benefits of the honey. Scrub away, sweet stuff!
Green Tea
Green tea is another age-old remedy! This lovely herbal concoction contains high amounts of catechins, which are antioxidants. Both drinking green tea and applying it topically can reduce redness, swelling, and irritation of your skin. Sip some daily, or brew some and use cotton rounds to apply it directly to your skin. (Important tip: let it cool first!) You can also find green tea extracts online and in some stores. Green tea face masks are on the market as well!
Apple Cider Vinegar
This stuff has become widely popular as of late. From gut health to skin cleansing, it’s receiving the attention for the right reasons! Apple cider vinegar helps restore your skin’s natural acidity and defense against bacteria and dirt. After all, regardless of how well you clean and scrub every night, your skin needs to be able to fight those pesky microscopic wreakers of havoc.
Make your own apple cider vinegar toner right at home! Be sure to use an unfiltered, unpasteurized, unrefined variety. Also in the apple cider vinegar should be “mother,” which is a beneficial bacteria that is necessary in the fermentation process. These qualities will be written plainly on the bottle you choose. (It should be golden-brown with yellow-brown gooey strands. It sounds really gross, but it’s worth it for clear skin!) Pour some of the apple cider vinegar into a glass container. Add purified water to the container to dilute it (using it undiluted would be too harsh) and you have homemade toner! Simply cleanse your skin as usual and use a cotton round or ball to swipe the solution over your face once a day.