7 Home Remedies for Acne That Work: How to Use Them, Side Effects and More

• Home remedies are most effective for mild to moderate acne.
• Popular home remedies include tea tree oil, honey and green tea, as they work to reduce levels of sebum, bacteria and inflammation. 
• Home remedies are generally safe, but some can cause dryness and irritation. 

Home remedies for acne focus primarily on natural ingredients such as aloe vera, green tea, tea tree oil essential oil and honey. They aid in reducing acne breakouts by addressing the root causes—clogged pores and excess sebum—or by reducing symptoms of inflammation and irritation.

Acne is a common skin condition that results in whiteheads and blackheads, referred to as comedonal acne. Comedonal acne develops when excess sebum or dead skin cells block pores. If bacteria become trapped within pores, this results in inflammatory acne which causes red, inflamed and sometimes pus-filled lesions. 

Do Home Remedies for Acne Work?

Home remedies cannot completely cure acne, but they do offer specific benefits, especially in cases of mild to moderate acne. Home remedies are able to soothe the skin and reduce oiliness, inflammation and bacteria. 

Over the counter (OTC) treatments and home remedies share similarities; both combine anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, astringent and exfoliative properties. However, OTC treatments are more potent and offer stronger effects. This makes OTC treatments more effective in treating severe cases of acne, including severe comedonal acne and cystic acne. 

Home Remedies for Different Types of Acne

Home remedies vary in their healing properties. Some can treat both noninflammatory acne (whiteheads and blackheads) and inflammatory acne (pimples and pustules).

While home remedies provide a wide range of benefits to treat different types of acne, they are less effective when acne symptoms are severe. They are not effective for cystic acne, or acne that’s triggered by hormones or stress. These types of acne are effectively treated by oral medication and/or lifestyle changes.

Home remedies for acne scars and scabs

Home remedies are not able to treat depressed or raised acne scars, but they can address acne scar hyperpigmentation as well as inflammation, redness and itching associated with acne scabs. 

Aloe vera, green tea and soy milk can be used as treatments for hyperpigmentation. Aloesin, a compound present in aloe vera, is thought to hinder the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Green tea inhibits tyrosinase activity—a vital component of melanin production—to reduce hyperpigmentation. Lastly, topical application of soy milk helps fade acne scars by inhibiting the transfer of melanin to the skin’s surface.

To treat scabs that form during the healing process, intermittently apply warm and cold compresses. A warm compress will soften the scab and help it peel off more easily and reduce any associated itchiness; the cold compress will reduce swelling and redness. 

Best Home Remedies for Acne

The best home remedies for acne will depend on your acne symptoms. 

To help treat inflamed papules and pustules, choose ingredients that reduce bacteria and ease inflammation—such as honey, aloe vera, zinc, green tea and tea tree oil—to provide the best results. 

Tea tree oil is also effective in treating noninflammatory comedonal acne, as well as witch hazel and african black soap. These ingredients target blackheads, whiteheads and general oiliness. 

African black soap

African black soap has antibacterial properties that may help fight the bacteria that causes acne. Additionally, it has exfoliating properties that promote the shedding of dead skin cells and prevents clogged pores by removing excess oil from the skin.

This soap is made from cocoa pods, coconut oil, shea butter, plantain ash and lemon. There are several blends available for different skin types and needs.

How to use African black soap for acne

African black soap can replace your facial cleanser. If you have sensitive or very dry skin, you may want to limit use to a few times a week. African black soap can be drying, so ensure you moisturize your skin afterward. 

Side effects

African black soap is safe and well tolerated. Some of its minor side effects include burning, itchiness, irritation and flaking.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a plant with many medicinal properties. It is an anti-inflammatory in its natural form, helping to soothe and reduce redness and swelling in inflammatory blemishes. Additionally, its antimicrobial properties may decrease the amount of bacteria on the skin.

How to use Aloe vera for acne

Aloe vera is best used in its raw form, fresh from the leaves. You can also purchase aloe vera gel but ensure to check the ingredients list to confirm that aloe vera is the main ingredient in the formulation.

Ingredient:

• Aloe vera

Instructions:

1. Cleanse face; pat dry
2. With clean fingertips, apply a layer of aloe vera to the entire face, avoiding the eye area;  alternatively, apply as a spot treatment 
3. Follow with your skin care routine

Side effects

Aloe vera is safe and suitable for all skin types.

Green tea

Green tea contains compounds known as polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to kill C. acnes bacteria. Additionally, evidence indicates that green tea is effective as both a preventative and a treatment for acne as it can reduce sebum production.

How to use green tea for acne

Green tea can easily be incorporated within a mask to provide soothing effects.  

Ingredients:

• Green tea bags
• Water or aloe vera gel 

Instructions:

1. Remove the leaves from the tea bags
2. Combine the leaves with water or gel
3. Apply mixture evenly onto your face
4. Allow to rest for 10 minutes
5. Rinse off thoroughly 

Side effects

Green tea is safe for most skin types but may cause irritation including burning and redness for sensitive skin. 

Honey

Honey is an age-old remedy for many skin conditions. As an acne treatment, honey has antimicrobial properties to inhibit the growth of bacteria. 

However, not all honey is made equal; some types are more effective for acne than others. Some evidence suggests that Manuka honey, in particular, may be effective at treating inflammatory acne. This is because it contains a higher concentration of the enzyme methylglyoxal, a potent antibacterial, than other forms of honey. 

Although honey is a very popular acne treatment, the number of studies conducted on its efficacy is limited.

How to use honey for acne

Honey can be used as a face mask or as a spot treatment.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp raw honey
• 1 tbsp fresh ground oatmeal

Instructions:

As a mask

1. Combine both ingredients in a small bowl
2. Cleanse face; pat dry
3. Apply mixture evenly onto your face
4. Allow to rest for 10–20 minutes
5. Wash off thoroughly 

Side effects

Honey is a safe home remedy for acne and is generally suitable for all skin types. Although rare, some people with pollen allergies may have reactions to honey. An allergic reaction causes stinging on the skin, dizziness or nausea.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil that has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, making it a popular treatment for a multitude of skin conditions. Many studies have demonstrated its efficacy regarding acne. This oil has antimicrobial compounds that inhibit Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes), the bacteria that play a large role in acne development. 

Additionally, tea tree oil is as effective as benzoyl peroxide for noninflammatory blemishes.

How to use tea tree oil for acne

Tea tree oil should be diluted first to avoid irritation, as it is potent; use 2 drops essential oil to 12 drops carrier oil.  

Ingredients:

• Tea tree oil
• Jojoba oil

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, dilute tea tree oil with carrier oil 
2. Cleanse face; pat dry
3. Dip a cotton ball in the mixture and lightly dab on the entire face or use as a spot treatment; avoid the eye area
4. Allow to dry
5. Follow with moisturizer

This can be done twice daily.

Side effects

Tea tree oil is safe and generally well tolerated. However, you may experience mild side effects such as itching, burning, stinging, redness and dryness.

Witch hazel

Witch hazel is a natural plant extract that’s typically used as a skin toner. Its astringent properties make it effective at removing excess sebum from the skin and drying out blemishes. Lastly, it provides anti-inflammatory benefits to help soothe swelling and redness. 

How to use witch hazel for acne

Witch hazel can be purchased and applied in its pure form, but if you have dry or sensitive skin, you should instead opt for a witch hazel product that includes soothing ingredients, such as aloe, to avoid exacerbating these issues.

Ingredients:

• Witch hazel

Instructions:

1. Cleanse face; pat dry
2. Moisten a cotton pad or ball with witch hazel
3. Swipe the cotton ball across your skin
4. Follow with your skin care routine

Witch hazel toners can be found in pharmacies and beauty stores. Be sure to check the ingredients list, as some toners contain irritating ingredients such as alcohol that may aggravate your acne.

Side effects

Witch hazel is safe and can be used daily, although it can be drying and mildly irritating. Those with sensitive or dry skin may want to use this toner less frequently.

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that is essential to many of the body’s functions. Although studies are limited, evidence suggests it is effective at treating acne through its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and immune-response regulating properties.

How to use zinc for acne

Zinc can be used topically or taken in supplement form. You can buy zinc supplements in health stores and pharmacies; topical products include gel, cream or ointment forms. For both options, follow the instructions on the packaging. 

Side effects

Oral zinc can cause many side effects, especially if taken in large doses. These include stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting. Research shows that topical zinc, however, is generally safe, but there have been some anecdotal cases of side effects such as skin rashes, itchiness, burning and hives. 

Home Remedies to Avoid

Some home remedies are popular, but should in fact be avoided, as they can irritate or damage skin.

Baking soda

Baking soda is widely promoted as an effective acne home remedy. Baking soda does have antimicrobial and exfoliating properties that can help clear breakouts. However, its rough texture can cause irritation and inflammation, resulting in worsening acne symptoms. It can also strip skin of oils. Because of these risks, baking soda should be avoided

Toothpaste

Toothpaste is used by some as a spot treatment for acne. The ingredients (including fluoride, hydrogen peroxide and alcohol) found within toothpaste can theoretically help dry out blemishes and get rid of them quickly. 

In reality, toothpaste contains many other ingredients that can irritate and inflame skin and worsen acne. It is not designed as a skin care product and should be avoided as such.

Takeaway

Home remedies can be used to effectively treat or manage mild to moderate cases of acne. Some of the best options include African black soap, tea tree oil, aloe vera, green tea, honey, witch hazel and zinc. These ingredients reduce symptoms associated with acne, such as inflammation and redness, as well as help reduce the bacteria that cause pimples. 

While most skin types tolerate these ingredients well, some can still cause minor reactions such as dryness, rashes or itching. Some acne remedies should be avoided and include baking soda and toothpaste. They are more likely to do harm to your skin than to treat your blemishes. 

If you have a persistent or severe case of acne, consider combining your home remedies with OTC acne medications such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. For best results, consult with your dermatologist to devise an effective treatment plan.