Home Remedies for Acne

Your skin is your friend. You like your skin. Your skin likes you. It protects you from the elements and literally keeps you together. You in turn do your best to protect it from any kind of damage. Then, one day, acne rears its ugly head, and you suddenly hate your skin. What do you do then? Turn to harsh chemicals, and expensive scrubs? That’s a fine way to thank a friend who’s been there for you since day one. Your epidermis isn’t at fault here-it can’t help that your hormones are causing all that extra sebum to clog up your pores, or the fact that bacteria is running rampant. If your skin could talk it would say something along the lines of “patience, grasshopper. Treat me right and I shall repay you in kind.”

That’s just a guess, anyways. The point is, natural acne remedies are a good way to get rid of it, or at least hold it at bay. They make you step back and really figure out what’s going on with your skin, and how to work with it. Chances are, your skin will repay you in kind for not simply ravaging it with strange chemicals-and your wallet will probably thank you too.

Grape Cleanser

Grab a few fresh grapes from your fridge, and you've got an easy facial cleanser. Cut two or three grapes in half and rub the flesh over your face and neck, says Dr. Cook-Bolden. Follow with a cool water rinse.

Cucumber Face Mask

"Make a paste by blending one small cucumber and 1 cup of oatmeal," says Cook-Bolden. Mix 1 teaspoon of this paste with 1 teaspoon of yogurt and apply it to your face. Leave it on for 30 minutes, and then rinse.

Cucumber Face Pack

This cooling, soothing mask will help smooth your skin, which can often feel rough from acne. "Mash one whole cucumber, strain the water, add 1 tablespoon of sugar, and mix well," says Cook-Bolden. "Apply to your face and leave it on for 10 minutes; then wash with cold water."

Simple Honey Mask

Before applying this mask, rinse your face with warm water to open up pores, says Cook-Bolden. Then apply honey and leave it on the skin for 30 minutes. Rinse the honey off with warm water; then rinse again with cold water to close the pores.

Yeast and Yogurt Mask for Oily Skin

Oily skin is prone to acne, and this home remedy can reduce excess oil and help clear acne. To make the mask, combine 1 teaspoon of brewer's yeast with a little plain yogurt to create a thin mixture. Cook-Bolden says, "Apply it thoroughly to all the oily areas and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water; then use cold water to close the pores."

Oatmeal Facial

Oatmeal is naturally soothing, and this simple oatmeal mask can also help clear acne. Mix together 2 teaspoons of oatmeal, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and enough water to form a paste. Smooth the paste all over your face and gently rub it in. Rinse thoroughly afterward.

Lemon-Egg Face Mask

This is a great all-purpose acne home remedy that can boost any skin type. "Squeeze half a lemon and mix the juice with one beaten egg white," recommends Cook-Bolden. Apply to the face, and leave the mask on overnight while you sleep. In the morning, wash your face with warm water. Be sure to keep the raw-egg mixture out of your mouth and eyes.

Turmeric Facial Mask

For beautiful skin, brides in India traditionally use a turmeric mask before their wedding, says Cook-Bolden. Ingredients for this acne remedy are available at spice markets and ethnic food stores. Mix together 1/2 cup of chickpea flour and 2 teaspoons each turmeric powder, sandalwood powder, and ghee (clarified butter) or almond oil, and then combine them with enough water to make a paste. "Apply and leave on for 5 to 10 minutes," says Cook-Bolden. "Rub with pressure with both palms and fingers to remove all the paste." Rinse well with water.

Homemade facial masks can rejuvenate your skin and help clear acne — and all of these recipes use common ingredients found in your pantry and refrigerator. Try one or more of the acne remedies to treat pimple-prone skin and see how your skin responds.