If you are prone to recurrent acne breakouts, or even if you only suffer from the occasional bout of acne, chances are you have purchased a few over-the-counter (OTC) products to clear your skin. Before you run out and buy another OTC miracle product, you may want to try some homemade remedies to battle your acne. Chances are you already have some of the ingredients.
Lemon Juice
The citric acid in lemon juice battles acne a few ways. It unclogs pores and promotes even skin cell sloughing. It also encourages new skin cell growth. Try lemon juice instead of your regular astringent or acne pad. Use a cotton ball to soak up some lemon juice and rub it over your face. If straight lemon juice proves too strong for your skin, then dilute it with water until it is tolerable. Reapply the lemon juice after each washing to unclog pores and give your skin a healthy glow.
Honey
While honey seems like an unlikely candidate for acne fighting potential, it is actually has powerful bacteria-fighting properties. The antimicrobial properties of honey fight Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), the bacterium that contributes to acne breakouts. Honey also clings to dirt and debris that clogs the pores and pulls it out and away from the skin. Additionally, the antioxidants in honey may actually make your skin look younger. Organic honey will be closer to the natural state of honey, as it will have undergone less processing. The closer honey is to its natural state, the more bacteria-fighting power it will have. Look for organic honey at your local supermarket or natural foods store. To use on your skin, simply spread a layer over your face with clean hands. Allow it to sit for up to 10 minutes. The honey will begin to drip after a few minutes on your skin due to the heat, so drape a towel around your shoulders or wear an old shirt to catch any dripping honey.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has been used for centuries to treat wounds and burns. If you don't already have a bottle hidden away in your medicine cabinet, you can purchase it for under $10 at most drugstores. Most people can use straight tea tree oil on their skin without irritation. However, for some people it may be too strong. Perform a patch test before using this remedy by testing a small amount behind your ear. Leave it on for 24 hours to test for skin sensitivity or irritation. If you do find that you're sensitive to tea tree oil, you can dilute it with water. To treat your blemishes, use a cotton swab to soak up some oil and apply it directly to your breakout. Reapply after each washing as you would your regular acne cream.
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