Natural Cleansers For Acne

When treating the symptoms of acne, such as painful facial blemishes and swelling, gentle remedies are usually best. According to the book "Acne for Dummies," cleansers for acne shouldn't contain harsh ingredients that can further irritate your skin. Natural cleansers focus on stripping your skin of dirt and oil while moisturizing the area. Natural homemade cleansers are not a substitute for prescription treatments.

Grain Mask

Rosemary Gladstar, author of "Herbs for Natural Beauty," recommends a grain mask as an acne cleanser for teens who have unpredictable skin. Gladstar says that using this formula daily to gently scrub skin can spread excess oil evenly across the surface of your skin, remove dead skin cells and improve overall circulation. To make a grain mask, combine in a large bowl 1 cup of finely ground oats, 2 cups of powdered white clay and 1/4 cup of finely ground almonds. Stir in 1/8 cup each of finely ground dried lavender, finely ground dried rosebuds and poppy seeds. Store the mask mixture in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. To use the mask, mix 2 tsp. of the mixture with enough water to form a paste. Gently massage the mask into your face, then rinse it away with warm water.

It's best to check with your doctor before using a grain mask to treat acne, especially if you're taking other medications for your condition.

Yogurt Cleanser

The book "Beauty by Nature" offers a recipe for a yogurt cleanser that the author claims works well on oily, acne-prone skin. Yogurt's natural acidity cleans away irritating oils and dirt, while the natural protein is a moisturizer. To make a yogurt cleanser, combine 4 tbsp. of plain, unsweetened yogurt with 4 tbsp. of fresh-squeezed lemon juice. Pour the mixture into a small glass jar with a lid, and store it in the refrigerator. To use the cleanser, scoop out about 1 tbsp. and apply it to your dry face with your fingertips. Wipe it away with a clean, soft cotton cloth.

The acid in a yogurt cleanser could further irritate your skin if you have particularly angry blemishes. Consult a doctor before using this cleanser if that is the case.

Witch Hazel Cleanser

Witch hazel has natural antibiotic properties that can decrease swelling and prevent infection. "Beauty by Nature" reports that a witch hazel cleanser can clear up stubborn acne-related breakouts. Combine 1/4 cup of distilled witch hazel, which can be found at most natural foods stores, with 20 drops of lavender essential oil; store the solution in a clean glass jar. Soak a cotton ball in the witch hazel cleanser and apply it either to your entire face or just to problem areas twice daily.

Though witch hazel is a common natural treatment for blemishes, most medical professionals do not recognize it as a standard acne cleanser.