The American Academy of Dermatology reports that up to 50 million Americans are affected by acne annually! While many Americans may first experience this skin condition during puberty, it can rear its ugly head at any age or stage of life!
With an estimated $3 billion spent on acne treatments, it is no wonder that many of us are left frustrated, emptying our bank accounts in an effort to win the battle. We have good news! Expensive commercial treatments aren’t your only option!
There are a number of tried, tested and true alternatives using ingredients found in your own home.
Unclog your pores and clean up your skin with these 18 home remedies
1. Garlic
Containing allicin which has strong antibacterial properties, garlic will help to clear your acne quickly and effectively. Crush a single garlic clove, mixing it with water to create a paste. Apply the paste to your acne and allow it to sit for 5 minutes, rinsing it off afterward.
 2. Cucumber
Cucumber does a great job of removing the irritation that you will feel from the appearance of acne. Place a slice of cucumber onto your skin in order to cool and hydrate the area, lower swelling and reduce any discomfort that you may be feeling.
 3. Papaya
An ingredient in many natural beauty products, papaya will work to remove dead skin cells and excess oils, reduce inflammation and prevent future pimples from forming. Â Mash up a single papaya into a paste like consistency and apply it to the affected areas, allowing it to sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse it from your skin with warm water.
 4. Tea Tree Oil
Both working as an anti-inflammatory and an antiseptic, tea tree oil will help to clean out your pores while also eliminating redness. Dab the oil directly onto your acne and allow it to sit for a couple hours. For best results, use it at night.
 5. Egg Whites
Separating any yolks (you don’t want to use these, only the whites), apply the whites of the egg to the affected areas and allow it to sit for approximately 10 minutes, washing it off when the time has passed. They will work both to reduce inflammation in the area and unclog the pores.
 6. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera can help with your acne in a number of ways – working as an anti-inflammatory, decreasing redness and swelling, and possessing antibacterial properties to clear up your skin. Simply apply the gel directly to the affected area, rubbing it into your skin completely.
 7. Banana
Next time you are enjoying a fresh banana take the peel and rub it onto the spots that have been affected by your acne, massaging gently for approximately 5-10 minutes. Afterward washing your face to remove any residue.
 8. Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix 1 part apple with 3 parts water to create your own DIY toner. Apply in the same way that you would a commercial toner, soaking a cotton ball and applying it to your face. This will work to rid your face of the bacteria causing the acne.
9. Raw White Potatoes
While potatoes contain a compound called niacin which has been found to work on the appearance of acne marks. Shred a single, raw potato and massage it into your face for 2 minutes.
 10. Honey
Organic honey has been found to carry tremendous antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties! This is why you see so many honey face masks – they can work wonders! Don’t have a honey face mask available? Just place a little bit of honey directly on the pimple and allow it to go to work.
11. Strawberries
Strawberries contain salicylic acid, an ingredient found in many commercial acne treatments. This will work to open clogged pores and neutralize the bacteria responsible for your acne. For best results, mash 3 strawberries, then add a couple teaspoons of honey to the mixture. Apply this to your face and wait 20 minutes before rinsing it off. Repeat this process twice a week for at least a month.
12. Baking Soda
Often used in various skincare treatments, baking soda is a great option for creating an anti-pimple mask that will work wonders! Combine 1 part water and 3 parts baking soda, mixing to create a paste and then apply your mask to your face, massaging it in as you apply it. In order to allow time for the mask to work its magic leave it in place for approximately 5 minutes before washing it off.
13. Toothpaste (Original White Paste)
Don’t try this with the blue gels or other newer, fancier types of toothpaste, this will only work with the original white paste. Apply it to the pimple and allow it to sit for a few hours, washing it off afterward. Do not repeat this too often as it can cause a rash.
14. Lemon Juice
Lemons have a number of great health benefits, two of which will help you in your battle against acne: it is a natural antioxidant and astringent! Apply the juice to your face using a cotton ball and then leave it for the night to give it time to work.
15. Aspirin
If you read up on the ingredients in aspirin you will find that it, like strawberries, contains salicylic acid. Create a paste by crushing an aspirin tablet and adding a bit of water to the resulting powder. Apply this paste to your acne and allow it to sit for 10 minutes, washing it off with warm water when you are finished.
16. Orange Peel
Packed with vitamin C, and possessing a high level of antioxidant properties, don’t dispose of your peel the next time you are enjoying an orange! Instead, grind it up and mix it with a little bit of water, creating a paste. Apply this paste to your face, massaging it into the skin and allow it to sit for 10 minutes before washing it off.
17. Eye Drops
We all know that eye drops can work to reduce the redness in your eyes, but that ability will also carry over to your skin! Soak a cotton ball in the eye drop liquid and then place it in the freezer. If you notice a pimple appearing, grab the cotton ball from your freezer and use it to massage the affected area.
18. Ice
Part of the problem that makes pimples so glaringly obvious is the swelling that occurs when your pores become clogged. Reduce the inflammation by wrapping an ice cube in a clean wash cloth or hand down and applying it to the pimple for approximately 1 minute.