Virtually everyone suffers through acne at some point in their life, as it affects roughly 85 percent of people in the world. Given how common of an issue it is, especially for younger people, there are too many acne treatments on the market to count, but the best treatments often cost more than many can reasonably afford. As well, clinical acne remedies can result in unpleasant side effects, such as redness, irritation, and dryness. These concerns have led some to seek out home acne remedies that are considered cheap, natural, safe, and effective. With that, here are some home acne remedies your dermatologist would most likely sign off on.
Aspirin
Aspirin tablets contain salicylic acid—a common active ingredient in a number of topical acne treatments. “Crush one aspirin in water and make a paste,” says Debra Jaliman, who is an NYC-based dermatologist. Jaliman also suggested directly applying this paste onto pimples using cotton swabs for about 10 minutes. You would then use warm water to rinse the paste.
Orange and Banana Peels
Both Jaliman and Jessica Krant, who is a dermatologist with SUNY Downstate Medical Center, suggested rubbing an orange or banana peel on affected areas of skin between five and ten minutes, which should improve your skin’s appearance. “Banana peel applied with the inside layer against the skin has been a reported cure for plantar warts on the soles of the feet, so there’s reason to think it may be helpful applied to pimples,” says Krant. Jaliman also said that vitamin C in orange peels could help in boosting skin regeneration.
Egg Whites
Krant added that an egg white has the vitamins and protein necessary for tightening and drawing oil from the skin, adding, “Egg whites are an age-old beauty secret.” She says placing egg whites onto acne-affected areas for about 10 minutes may help to unclog pores while also reducing inflammation.
Lemon Juice
Per Jaliman, the L-ascorbic acid and citric acid in lemon juice can act as natural antioxidants and astringents. To treat acne this way, use cotton balls for applying lemon juice on your pimples. Jaliman says you may get better results if you leave the juice on overnight.
Manuka Honey
According to Krant, “Manuka honey has been shown to aid in wound-healing with its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Regular honey may help, but it’s not as proven medically.” To use, leave the Manuka honey on your skin for about five minutes before rinsing with warm water.
Potatoes
Potatoes, known for containing niacin and having antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, may help you lighten any acne marks. After shredding it, you can apply white potato onto your skin as a mask before massaging any affected areas for about two minutes.
Ice
Among the various home acne remedies out there, ice is by far the simplest to use and to make, and all it does is decrease the inflammation in your pimples. “Wrap an ice cube in a washcloth and hold it on the pimple for a minute,” says Jaliman. “It will vasoconstrict the blood vessels and take down the redness and swelling.”
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