The Best Natural Ways to Get Rid of Acne

These are the do’s and don’ts of natural skin care.

With hundreds of acne-fighting products on the market, it can be hard to figure out just what acne cure is right for you. When faced with a breakout, people are often quick to turn to harsh products in the hopes of getting clear, blemish-free skin. While over the counter products are formulated to offer safe concentrations of their compounds, some products can cause irritating side effects. One of the most popular and conventional acne products, benzoyl peroxide, an antibacterial agent, can cause dry and peeling skin when overused. It’s important to know all the good skin care tips available such as the organic, chemical-free ways one can treat acne. Take a look at these non-invasive acne solutions that are known to get rid of acne and promote glowing skin.

Natural Acne Treatments

Manuka Honey

This skin care wonder is as useful as it is sweet. Hailing from the South Pacific, Manuka honey is produced by bees that feed on the Manuka Shrub on New Zealand’s North Island. Using raw honey for acne is a homeopathic staple but this particular variety has been found by researchers to have stronger medicinal properties than other types of honey. It’s used in products to help promote cell regeneration, heal acne, and hydrate skin.

Manuka Honey is graded as “12+” or “16+” to indicate its amount of beneficial compounds and antioxidants. So the higher the number the stronger the antibiotic effect. Apply Manuka honey with a cotton swab to your blemishes and watch its anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties go to work. Best of all, when your skin is clear again you can use the leftover honey to sweeten your tea.

Spearmint Tea

This new remedy on the scene is backed by research. According to a study by the American Academy of Dermatology, people who ingested two cups of spearmint tea daily saw their acne lesions reduced by 25% after one month and 51% after three months. Spearmint has a high amount of anti-inflammatory properties which makes it incredibly useful for lessening the size of those big unsightly bumps.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This natural toner can work wonders, so it’s no surprise that celebrities like Mindy Kaling and Scarlett Johansson rave about using apple cider vinegar for acne. Apple Cider Vinegar is an antiseptic and pH balancer that works as a natural astringent. Washing your face of cosmetics can disrupt your protective oil barrier. Apple Cider Vinegar alkalizes your skin and rebalances its pH levels. Thanks to its strong antibacterial properties, this solution also kills bacteria that causes acne.

Create an organic toner by mixing a tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar with two to three tablespoons of filtered water—for sensitive skin, use a little more water—then pour the toner onto a cotton pad and apply to your skin after cleansing.

Tea Tree Oil

While tea tree oil is relatively new to mainstream stores, homeopaths have been using this herbal remedy for acne for years. Tea tree oil is antibacterial. Dilute the oil with water and use a cotton cue tip to swab your pimple one to two times per day. Stay out of the sun afterwards, since tea tree oil can cause your skin to be more sensitive to UV rays, and apply the treatment no more than twice a day, since overuse can dry out your skin.

Witch Hazel

This natural acne treatment is a proven anti-inflammatory. Witch hazel works best when paired with antibacterial tea tree oil and diluted water. Mix 1-part water to 1-part witch hazel then add a few drops of tea tree oil to create a natural and hydrating astringent.

Ice Cubes

Ice cubes are a grandmother’s favorite home remedy for pimples. Applying ice wrapped in a tissue to your zit can reduce its inflammation and quicken the healing process. For extra potency, freeze rose water or chamomile tea into ice cubes and use them on your skin. Rose water adds an antibacterial benefit to your ice cube while chamomile tea soothes red skin.

ESPADA Blue Light Acne Treatment

There are few things more natural than visible light wavelengths. Blue LED light is an ideal acne treatment: noninvasive, chemical-free and clinically proven to eliminate acne-causing bacteria. ESPADA provides professional-strength treatment in a convenient at-home device; no mess, no pain, no breakouts.

Everyday Habits that Promote Healthy Skin

Limit Dairy Intake

This celebrity endorsed acne solution is also a proven fact. Studies have shown that the presence of hormones in dairy stimulates acne, so reducing your dairy intake is one way to try to avoid breakouts. Stars like Victoria Beckham, Woody Harrelson, and Megan Fox have all raved about how cutting dairy from their diets has helped them gain clearer skin. Eating less ice cream might be hard—moderation is key—but this change might be worth it to have skin like a movie star.

Cut Out Sugar

It’s no secret that reducing the amount of sugar you eat is good for your health. Is it possible that less sugar could mean better skin too? Fortunately, (or unfortunately) the answer is yes. Studies show that eating high amounts of sugar increases hormones in your body that stimulate sebum production and clog pores. If you didn’t have enough reasons to ditch that daily soda habit, now you do.

Wash Your Face

This advice seems like a no-brainer, yet a surprisingly large amount of men and women choose to ignore it. Remembering to wash your face at night can be difficult when your body is willing you to hit the hay; however, washing your face before you go to bed will get rid dirt and makeup, ensuring that your pores will stay unclogged during your beauty rest.