19 Totally Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Acne

When it comes to getting rid of acne, many of us may feel like we've tried everything on the market. And in a way, maybe we have. But have you tried everything in the marketplace? Because there are plenty of natural ways to heal acne if those typical OTC washes and treatments just aren't cutting it.

And really, there are so many benefits with using a natural acne treatment. For one, you can easily know exactly what all the ingredients you're putting on your face are. No 15-letter words you've never heard of before. On top of that, going natural is generally less expensive than specially formulated products, and it allows you to get your DIY on. But my favorite benefit? Yummy snacks to eat while you treat. Because as it turns out, many foods that you might normally just enjoy munching on are also perfect for zapping annoying zits. It's like the perfect excuse to be a messy eater. So whether you just want to avoid putting chemicals on your face, want to save a few bucks, or just love a good DIY, here are 19 natural ways that could help you get rid of acne. Of course, you may have to experiment a little to find out which ingredients work best for you, and the results likely won't be instant — but yeah, your face will smell totally amazing.

1. Aloe

Along with its antibacterial properties, aloe also reduces inflammation (as anyone who's ever had a really bad sunburn might know). Apply a thin layer of the gel straight from the plant (bottled gel works fine, too) onto any spots you may have, and leave it on overnight.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is antibacterial, balances skin's pH, and absorbs excess oil. Using a ratio of one part apple cider vinegar to three parts water, apply this mixture with a cotton pad to trouble spots. Leave on anywhere from 10 minutes to overnight before rinsing. Just remember that the longer it is left on, the more it will dry your skin.

3. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a popular natural acne-remedy because of its antiseptic properties. Allow it to zap bacteria and excess oil by combing it with a small amount of water to form a paste. Apply a thin layer over trouble spots, and leave it on for about 20-30 minutes before rinsing off.

4. Banana Peel

The peels of bananas are antioxidant-rich, and help reduce inflammation while encouraging cell-turnover. All you have to do is rub the inside of the peel over your face, and let it sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing.

5. Basil

Basil has antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful in treating pimples. Muddle a handful of leaves before boiling them in one cup of water. After it cools, strain out the leaves and apply the mixture to trouble spots using a cotton ball or swab.

6. Cucumber

Besides the fact that cucumber has good-for-skin vitamins like A, C, and E; it also has a soothing effect on the skin. Wash your face with cucumber-infused water, or mash some up and apply it as a mask for 15 minutes.

7. Egg Whites

The vitamins and amino acids in egg whites make them great for healing acne and acne scars. Just whisk up the whites of a couple eggs and spread onto problem areas with your fingers. Let it sit for about 20 minutes and then either rinse or peel off.

8. Garlic

If you can stand the smell, garlic actually has anti-fungal and antiseptic properties along with antioxidants and sulfur to help quickly heal acne. Cut open a fresh clove, and rub it on trouble spots. Wait five minutes before rinsing.

9. Green Tea

Green tea is actually capable of reducing oil production, inflammation, and bacterial growth. Using a cotton pad, swipe some cooled green tea over your face, and leave it on overnight.

10. Ice

Ice will help reduce the redness and swelling of a pimple. Simply wrap a piece of ice in a towel, and hold it against the affected area for a few seconds at a time.

11. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a natural exfoliator and astringent. Dab it only on trouble spots with a cotton swab so that it doesn't dry out other areas, and wash it off after a few minutes if it feels too strong.

12. Manuka Honey

Honey is a natural antibiotic that will help expedite the healing process. Manuka honey is the extra-strength version. Apply either one directly on pimples, and leave on for about 30 minutes before rinsing off.

13. Papaya

Papaya is a natural exfoliant and also has enzymes that help reduce inflammation and pus. Mash up some of this healing fruit, and apply it to the skin. Let it sit for about 20-30 minutes before rinsing.

14. Potato

Potatoes contain sulfur along with antioxidants to help reduce blemishes while encouraging healthy cell-turnover. Grate a raw potato, and rub the pulp over your face. Let it sit for about 20-30 minutes before rinsing.

15. Steam

If your pores are clogged, steam will help. Fill a bowl with hot water, put a towel around your head (to help trap the steam), and lower your face a comfortable distance over the bowl. The steam will help open your pores so that any trapped dirt or oil can more easily be washed away.

16. Strawberries

Strawberries are actually a natural source of salicylic acid. Mash up a few (You can even mix in some honey!), and spread onto your face. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing.

17. Tea Tree Oil

Not only does tea tree oil have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, but it is also capable of drying out stubborn blackheads and whiteheads. Using a cotton swab, apply a dab to affected areas, and leave on overnight.

18. Tomato

The lycopene and antibacterial properties in tomatoes allow them to be able to reduce redness, treat blackheads, and shrink pores. Just apply fresh tomato juice to your face, and leave it on for one hour before rinsing.

19. Yogurt

Plain yogurt has antibacterial properties while also just being able to soothe the skin. Apply a thin layer to the skin, and let it sit for 10-20 minutes before rinsing.

See? All your acne woes are just a grocery store away from being cured.

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