When faced with a breakout, people are often quick to turn to harsh products in the hopes of clearing their skin. With hundreds of options on the market, it can be hard to figure out just which acne-fighting products and treatments are right for you. While over-the-counter products are formulated to offer safe concentrations of their compounds, some products can cause irritating side effects. For example, 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 inform yourself and search for available skincare solutions to treat acne breakouts. Consult a professional when incorporating natural remedies into your routine and always patch-test new ingredients to ensure they don’t cause any adverse reactions. Even though it’s not always clinically proven, these remedies can be effective but can take time to show results, so be patient and stick to your skincare routine. With dedication and the right approach, you can achieve clearer, healthier skin naturally, and remember – consistency is key!

Natural Acne Treatments

Manuka Honey

This skincare 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 researchers have found this particular variety 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 work. Best of all, when your skin is clear again you can use the leftover honey to sweeten your tea.  

Spearmint Tea

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 many anti-inflammatory properties, kills bacteria, and is high in antioxidants, 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 can disrupt a protective oil barrier, and apple cider vinegar alkalizes the skin and rebalances its pH levels.

Thanks to its strong antibacterial properties, it also kills bacteria that cause acne. However, apple cider vinegar is highly acidic and can cause burns if applied directly on the skin for longer. Because of this, it’s important to mix it with two to three tablespoons of filtered water—for sensitive skin, use a bit more water—then pour your natural toner onto a cotton pad and apply it to your skin after cleansing.  

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This makes it a great natural acne treatment. Derived from the Australian Tea Tree, tea tree oil is relatively new to mainstream stores, but homeopaths have been using this herbal remedy for a very long time. After cleansing your face, mix the tea tree oil with a carrier oil and use a cotton cue tip to swab your pimple one to two times per day, and don’t forget to moisturize your skin after it has soaked into your skin. Since it can cause sensitivity to UV rays, stay out of the sun afterward and apply the treatment no more than twice a day since overuse can dry out your skin.  

Witch Hazel

This natural acne treatment, approved by the FDA as an over-the-counter product, can help reduce inflammation and decrease skin irritation and oil production. Witch hazel works best 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.  

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera, often called the plant of immortality, was used for various skin and medical conditions for centuries. The first record of human usage dates back to Mesopotamian civilization circa 2200 BC and was used by big names, such as Cleopatra, Alexander the Great, and Christopher Columbus. Due to anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, aloe vera is often used as a natural remedy for acne – you can use it alone overnight, make a mask in combination with cinnamon and honey, or scrub with coconut oil and sugar.

Aloe vera, often called the plant of immortality, was used for various skin and medical conditions for centuries. The first record of human usage dates back to Mesopotamian civilization circa 2200 BC and was used by big names, such as Cleopatra, Alexander the Great, and Christopher Columbus. Due to anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, aloe vera is often used as a natural remedy for acne – you can use it alone overnight, make a mask in combination with cinnamon and honey, or scrub with coconut oil and sugar.

ESPADA™ 2 Blue LED Therapy Acne Treatment Device

Want to combine natural remedies with a device clinically proven to treat and heal acne-prone skin quicker and more efficiently? Try ESPADA™ 2 plus, an FDA-cleared medical device designed to clear recurring acne and regulate sebum production. It features a precise light guide to target individual spots with an ultra-concentrated blue LED light that penetrates below the skin to kill acne-causing bacteria at the source, preventing future breakouts. 

For an even better outcome go for the trifecta - use your natural remedy of choice and the ESPADA™ 2 plus device in combination with ESPADA BHA+PHA Blemish Solution -  the only acne gel in the world that was designed to be activated with blue LED light and T-sonic™ pulsations.

Everyday Habits for Healthy Skin

Limit Dairy Intake

A study on 78,529 children, adolescents, and young adults has shown that the consumption of dairy was associated with a higher chance of acne in people aged 7 to 30. The presence of hormones in dairy stimulates acne, so reducing your dairy intake is one way 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. 

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.

Wash Your Face

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

While breakouts can be hard to treat, simple solutions like altering your hygiene habits, eating a healthy diet, and applying the right ingredients can go a long way toward having a clear complexion. It’s important to remember that everyone’s skin is different, so it will take some trial and error to get rid of acne and find the best routine for your skin. Finally, if you suspect you have a medical issue, contact a dermatologist.  

Disclaimer: The information on this website and any related links are for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have, or suspect you have a medical problem, contact a professional healthcare provider.