Skin outbreaks like acne have become one of the most talked about topics today. While it's true that physical appearance is not the highest criterion of beauty, a flawless complexion can definitely boost your self-esteem. With that being said, searching for the best acne treatment can sometimes be stressful and often times expensive. What if you can use home remedies instead? The use of home remedies is not  superstitious. There are scientific explanations to back-up these claims. If you remember, back in the olden times, people rely on plants to cure their discomforts. It was only in today’s modern society that the use of plants has become less significant and mostly ignored. For that reason, this article would enlighten you about the most commonly used home remedies for acne.

Aloe Vera
Credit: Anna Langova (

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is one of the most reliable plants you can use for acne because of its anti-inflammatory effects. If you’re familiar with the common causes of acne, it is a fact that either bacterial infection or hormonal imbalance are the primary culprits. This would lead to inflamed hair follicle and sebaceous gland of the skin. Inflammation is commonly characterized as swelling, redness and sometimes pus formation. With that, aloe vera’s main function is to treat and stop inflammation from progressing.

To apply Aloe Vera, just rub the gel like part of its leaves on the infected area and rinse. You can apply facial creams or lotions after washing and repeat this regimen at least twice a day. Results will be visible as early as 5 days.


Another valuable remedy for acne treatment is garlic. This is due to its sulfur components, known to fight microbes. As mentioned earlier, bacteria namely Staphylococcus species can cause acne. Garlic’s antimicrobial properties either kills or stops bacterial overgrowth leading to skin infection. However, the most effective way of using garlic to cure skin problems is by applying it directly to the infected area and not by eating it.

To use garlic, rub some fresh cloves, let it dry for about 5 mins and wash thoroughly. If you feel any signs of irritation such as burning sensation and itching, it is strongly advised to wash it immediately. Furthermore, you should also refrain from using this home remedy again.

Credit: Petr Kratochvil

Lemon juice

One of the most accredited  natural products today is lemon juice. First and foremost, lemon has antibacterial properties like garlic. Aside from that, it also has ascorbic acid. This constituent cleanses clogged pores. Remember, even though bacteria is the primary cause of acne, excessive oil and dirt triggers bacterial overgrowth leading to infection.  Hence, topically applied lemon juice will not only act as an acne treatment but as a preventive measure as well.


If you browse the internet or any herbal medicine books, you would find more home remedies for acne. So far, these three are the widely used remedies. However, not because they are popular, its efficacy is 100% guaranteed. No, the effectiveness of these products would depend on varying factors such as your skin type, the cause of acne and the skin care regimen. If you’re having second thoughts about using herbal medicine, you can seek professional help to decide the best treatment you can take. As for preventive measures, the best way to avoid acquiring acne is to eat healthy foods and practice proper skin care regimen.

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