How to Get Rid of Acne With Household Items

How to Get Rid of Acne With Household Items
Photo Credit woman's side view washing face image by Jane September from Fotolia.com

Acne is condition that can affect nearly anyone. It is often characterized by raised red bumps that sometimes appear with a white top, called a whitehead. Treating acne whether using a household item or specialty products requires diligence. Acne doesn't clear up completely overnight and requires some steps to prevent the production of new pimples. Consult a health care professional before attempting to treat acne with household items. Any acne treatment can increase the risk of skin irritation or infection.

Step 1

Break off a piece of aloe plant.

Step 2

Squeeze out or scrape off the soft part of the stem.

Step 3

Rub the aloe gel into the skin as you would a facial cleanser. Use a clean washcloth to gently exfoliate the skin. Removing dead skin cells can prevent pores from getting clogged. Rinse thoroughly. An aloe-based soap can be used in place of fresh aloe gel.

Step 4

Soak a cotton ball with witch hazel or lemon juice and rub it over your face. Witch hazel has astringent properties that dry and calm the inflammation associated with skin conditions like acne according to Drugs.com. Health911 explains that lemon juice and similar acidic substances can flush out pores.

Step 5

Spot treat inflamed pimples by holding a piece of ice to the area for several seconds. This won't have any effect on the acne itself but can minimize the appearance temporarily.

Step 6

Wash your face with oatmeal paste each night before bed. Mixing a few tbsp. of oatmeal with warm water to form a paste. Apply this paste to your face and rub it in gently. Rinse off the mixture, removing dead skin cells and excess oil.

Tips and Warnings

  • If skin dryness occurs, skip witch hazel and use apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to cleanse the skin. Follow up with a thin layer of honey on the face. Allow it to dry before washing it off.

Things You'll Need

  • Aloe vera plant or aloe containing soap
  • Washcloth
  • Witch hazel or lemon juice
  • Cotton balls
  • Ice cubes
  • Oatmeal

References

Article reviewed by Lisa Dittrich Last updated on: Aug 12, 2010

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