10 home remedies for acne

 Here are the best home remedies for acne, according to dermatologists.

1. Aspirin

Aspirin contains salicylic acid, which is also common in many topical acne products as an active ingred

ient. “Crush one aspirin in water and make a paste,” Debra Jaliman, a New York City based dermatologist and author of Skin Rules, told Health.com. She suggested applying the paste directly to the pimple using a cotton swab for up to 10 minutes. Warm water should then be used to clean the aspirin paste.

2. Egg whites

Jessica Krant, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, said egg whites offer the protein and vitamins that could help tighten and draw oil out of the skin. She said putting egg whites on the areas affected by acne for 10 minutes could help unclog pores and reduce inflammation. “Egg whites are an age-old beauty secret,” Krant said. 

3. Banana and orange peel

Both Krant and Jaliman suggested rubbing the peel on the affected skin for 5 to 10 minutes to improve the skin's all-over appearance. “Banana peel applied with the inside layer against the skin has been a reported cure for plantar warts on the soles of the feet, so there's reason to think it may be helpful applied to pimples,” Krant said. Jaliman also explained that orange peel contains vitamin C, which works to boost skin regeneration.

4. Aloe

Aloe has burn-relieving properties that can promote healing, fight infection and reduce scarring, according to Reader's Digest. Simply apply the gel from the plant on the acne-affected areas.

5. Lemon juice

Jaliman said lemon juice contains citric acid and L-ascorbic acid that serve as a natural astringent and antioxidant. To reduce acne, use a cotton ball to apply the juice on the pimples. Jaliman said it is better to leave it on overnight for better effects. 

6. Garlic

“It has mild antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which may help when applied topically, and garlic in the diet is extremely healthy, with both anti-cancer and anti-clotting properties,” Krant said. Jaliman added that crushed garlic also delivers an antibacterial compound, called allicin, to the skin.

7. Honey

The skin experts suggest using raw, organic Manuka honey instead of regular honey. “Manuka honey has been shown to aid in wound-healing with its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties,” Krant said. “Regular honey may help, but it's not as proven medically.” Leave the honey for five minutes on the skin and use warm water to rinse off. 

8. Potatoes 

Potatoes are known to be anti-inflammatory and antiseptic and contain niacin, which may help lighten acne marks. Apply shredded white potato to the skin like a mask and massage the affected area for two minutes.

9. Mint

According to NurseBuff, mint could help treat acne due to its high amount of salicylic acid, which helps loosen dead skin cells to make them easier to shed. Mint also has vitamins A and C and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as antioxidants, which could help improve skin health. Apply crushed mint leaves with honey on the affected areas for about 20 minutes and use warm water to clean the paste. 

10. Ice

Ice is the easiest to find and use among other home remedies for acne. Ice simply reduces inflammation in a pimple. “Wrap an ice cube in a wash cloth and hold it on the pimple for a minute,” Jaliman said. “It will vasoconstrict the blood vessels and take down the redness and swelling.”