13 home remedies for acne

13 home remedies for acne

Whether it's that last-minute zit that crops up, or whiteheads that refuse to part company with your nose, we'll agree that the "how to get rid of pimples" conundrum is one that we all have faced at some point.

While there are many skincare products in the market that promise help with the issue, maybe you don't have one on hand in an emergency. Or maybe you're not too keen on dealing with the issue with over-the-counter products. Whether you want to save the trip to the chemist or just start using more natural ingredients, we've got 13 home remedies for pimples that will help cure every kind, approved by Mumbai-based celebrity dermatologist, Dr Jamuna Pai of SkinLab.

How to get rid of pimples: 13 home remedies for acne

1) Turmeric and honey 

Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory, which will help shrink the size of the pimple. It also helps remove excess oil from the skin. Honey helps ward off bacteria in a pimple and also has anti-microbial properties. Add 1⁄2 teaspoon of turmeric to 1 tablespoon of honey and mix well. Apply on wet skin and leave on for five minutes. Rinse off with water. 

2) Chickpea flour 

Chickpea flour or gram flour is an ideal home remedy for pimples, especially for anyone with oily skin, as it helps reduce greasiness by absorbing excess sebum secretion. Mix 1 tablespoon with water and apply to cleansed skin for 10 minutes. Rinse off.

3) Multani mitti (Fuller's earth) 

Multani mitti is a rich source of magnesium chloride, which helps get rid of pimples and prevents breakouts. It is known for being a deep cleanser for the skin and also for removing impurities and dirt particles that can clog our skin pores. Mix 1 1⁄2 tablespoons of multani mitti with water or rose water and leave on your face for 20 minutes. Rinse off.

4) Lime juice 

Lime juice is anti-bacterial, hence it can help get rid of pimples by killing the bacteria once it's formed. It is also rich in vitamin C and citric acid, so it can help brighten your skin when used over time. Using a cotton pad, apply directly onto the pimple and leave on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off.

5) Oranges, kiwis and strawberries 

These three fruits all have a high content of citric acid, which aids in drying the sebum. Blend them together to make an at-home face mask and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off.

6) Almonds 

This superfood is rich in minerals and Vitamin E, which make it an important ingredient in most scrubs and face masks, as it helps to revitalise the skin. Pulse in a blender and then mix with water or the above fruit. Apply as a mask or a spot remedy for pimples and leave on for up to 30 minutes.

7) Rose water 

Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, rose water is ideal for reducing the size of a pimple. It also acts as a soothing agent, which helps reduce redness and calms the irritated skin. Spritz it onto your skin in place of a toner, morning and night.

8) Oats 

Oats are a great home remedy for pimples because they absorb oil and also soothe the skin. Pulse oats and add it to any homemade face mask to give the mask a thicker texture while treating the pimple. 

9) Mint 

Mint leaves are rich in Vitamin A and C, which are both essential for clear skin. Apply fresh mint juice all over the face every night to get rid of pimples without drying the skin excessively.

10) Tea tree oil 

This miracle oil is a great home remedy for pimples of every kind: whiteheads, blackhead or cystic acne. Zap the zit by dabbing the oil onto the affected area, morning and at night. Tea tree oil is anti-bacterial and anti-microbial, which are both needed to get rid of pimples. It also has soothing properties that can help relieve pain that comes with deeper pimples. If you have sensitive skin, dilute the oil with a soothing carrier oil, like coconut oil, before applying to the skin.

11) Yoghurt 

Yoghurt contains lactic acid, which removes dead skin cells. The live cultures in it promote clear skin by containing anti-bacterial properties. Using a small brush, brush on 1⁄4 cup of organic, plain yoghurt onto your face. Leave on for 10 minutes or until dry, and wash off. A bonus tip: Having a healthy gut can help cure acne; so eating yoghurt regularly is also a good way to promote healthy skin from within.

12) Aloe vera 

If you have a pimple that has flared up, and is becoming red and painful, aloe vera is a great way to treat it. Use aloe vera that is taken directly from the plant, for maximum results. Aloe vera has anti-bacterial properties that are effective at treating and reducing redness. It also speeds up the recovery of a pimple. If you suffer from boils or cysts, it will effectively treat them because of its anti-fungal traits. Aloe vera is an astringent that helps remove excess oil from a pimple. It is also helpful at lightening any scars caused by acne, if applied daily.

13) Papaya 

Papaya is a staple fruit in many of our households, which makes it an easy ingredient to use to get rid of pimples. Papaya contains many properties that prevent and treat pimples. It contains anti-oxidants, Vitamin A and C, which help speed up cell turnover, which can help prevent acne from occurring. When applied topically, it's a great exfoliator that isn't harsh like many other products. Blend or mash papaya the, and let it sit on your skin for 10 minutes before washing.