Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the world, affecting an estimated 85% of young adults.

Conventional acne treatments like salicylic acid, niacinamide, or benzoyl peroxide are proven to be the most effective acne solutions, but they can be expensive and have undesirable side effects, such as dryness, redness, and irritation.

Many home remedies lack scientific backing, and further research on their effectiveness is needed.
If you're looking for alternative treatments, though, there are still options you can try.

 

This article explores 8 popular home remedies for acne:

 

1. Apply apple cider vinegar

 

Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting apple cider, or the unfiltered juice from pressed apples.
Lactic acid, another acid in apple cider vinegar, may also improve the appearance of acne scars.
While certain components of apple cider vinegar may help with acne, there's currently no evidence to support its use for this purpose.

Some dermatologists advise against using apple cider vinegar at all, as it may irritate the skin.

 

How to use it
1. Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar and 3 parts water (use more water for sensitive skin);
2. After cleansing, gently apply the mixture to the skin using a cotton ball;
3. Let sit for 5–20 seconds, rinse with water and pat dry;
4. Repeat this process 1–2 times per day, as needed.

It's important to note that applying apple cider vinegar to your skin can cause burns and irritation.
If you choose to try it, use it in small amounts and dilute it with water.

 

 

2. Make a honey and cinnamon mask

 

Honey and cinnamon have the ability to fight bacteria and reduce inflammation, which are two factors that trigger acne.
A 2017 study found that the combination of honey and cinnamon bark extract exerted antibacterial effects against P acnes.
A study in 136 people with acne found that applying honey to the skin after using antibacterial soap was no more effective at treating acne than using the soap on its own.

 

How to make a honey and cinnamon mask:
1. Mix 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to form a paste;
2. After cleansing, apply the mask to your face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes;
3. Rinse the mask off completely and pat your face dry.

 

 

3. Spot treat with tea tree oil

 

Tea tree oil is an essential oil that’s extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree native to Australia.
What's more, several studies have found that applying tea tree oil to the skin may reduce acne.
Tea tree oil is very potent, so always dilute it before applying it to your skin.

 

How to use it
1. Mix 1 part tea tree oil with 9 parts water;
2. Dip a cotton swab into the mixture and apply it to the affected areas;
3. Apply moisturizer if desired;
4. Repeat this process 1-2 times per day, as needed.

 

 

4. Apply green tea to your skin

 

Green tea is very high in antioxidants, and drinking it can promote good health.
Research has also found that drinking green tea may lower blood sugar and insulin levels, which are factors that can contribute to the development of acne.
You can buy creams and lotions that contain green tea, but it’s just as easy to make your own mixture at home.

 

How to use it
Steep green tea in boiling water for 3-4 minutes;
Allow the tea to cool;
Using a cotton ball, apply the tea to your skin or pour it into a spray bottle to spritz it on;
Allow it to dry, then rinse it off with water and pat your skin dry.

 

 

5. Moisturize with aloe vera

 

Aloe vera is a tropical plant whose leaves produce a clear gel.

The gel is often added to lotions, creams, ointments, and soaps.
It’s commonly used to treat abrasions, rashes, burns, and other skin conditions.

When applied to the skin, aloe vera gel can help heal wounds, treat burns, and fight inflammation.

 

How to use it
Scrape the gel from the aloe plant out with a spoon;
Apply the gel directly to clean skin as a moisturizer;
Repeat 1-2 times per day, or as desired.

 

 

6. Take a fish oil supplement

 

Omega3 fatty acids are healthy fats that offer a multitude of health benefits.
You must get these fats from your diet, but research shows that most people who eat a standard Western diet don’t get enough of them.
Fish oils contain two main types of omega3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
You can also get omega3 fatty acids by eating salmon, sardines, anchovies, walnuts, chia seeds, and ground flax seeds.

 

 

7. Reduce stress

The hormones released during periods of stress may increase sebum production and inflammation, making acne worse.
Stress may also affect gut bacteria and cause inflammation throughout the body, which could be linked to acne.
What’s more, stress can slow wound healing, which may slow the repair of acne lesions.
Multiple studies have found an association between stress and acne.
However, each of these studies was relatively small, so more research is needed.
One study in 80 participants found no association between stress intensity and acne.
However, it noted that acne severity may be related to people's ability to cope with stress.

 

 

8. Exercise regularly

 

There's little research on the effects of exercise on acne.
Still, exercise affects bodily functions in ways that may help improve acne.
For example, exercise promotes healthy blood circulation.
The increase in blood flow helps nourish the skin cells, which may help prevent and heal acne.
Exercise also plays a role in hormone levels and regulation.
Several studies have suggested that exercise can decrease stress and anxiety, both of which can contribute to the development of acne.