Here’s your magic bullet if you want to control your acne problem: Change Your Bad HABITS!!

This site has some of the best home remedies for acne that will ever be found anywhere, but you will only receive minimal gains from them unless you change those habits that lead to acne formation within your life. Yes, it’s true that some natural remedies for acne work better than others depending on the type of acne and your skin type. You might have to experiment with a couple different acne home remedies before you find one that works for you. However, you will never know which one works until you do all the other things right.

So what are these bad habits that you need to drop?

Well, I can’t tell you all of the bad habits out there, but I can tell you a few new habits that you probably need to develop: (1) Eat healthy, (2) exercise regularly, (3) don’t sleep on your face, (4) get enough sleep, (5) wash your hands regularly, (6) manage your stress, and (7) use your home remedy for acne on a consistent basis.

Washing your hands regularly helps.

I honestly can’t say enough about eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. There is a show in the United States called the Biggest Loser. The contestants on this show are extremely overweight. They get taken to a secluded place where they are forced to exercise regularly, eat healthy, and get enough sleep. Guess what happens? They lose tons of weight. Guess what else happens (even though the show is not about this)? Their skin starts looking a hundred times better. Their skin, especially the skin on their face, goes from looking very sickly to looking fresh and vibrant. Even if you don’t need to drop some weight, doing these simple things will help get your skin healthier (thus helping your acne problem). Exercising regularly might be one of the best natural remedies for acne available.

Sleeping on your face can cause some serious acne problems. This is a habit that most people who suffer from acne don’t think about. If you usually sleep on your stomach, try sleeping on your side, or on your back. In any situation wash your pillow case frequently.

Once you are doing all these small things that attribute to good health, then you can start worrying about which of the many home remedies for acne you should be using. If you are trying home remedies (or any acne treatment for that matter) and you aren’t practicing the other good habits listed above then you will have no idea if the treatment or remedy is working or not. The remedy might be doing its part, but it could be all that bad food you ate that is the problem. Or it could be that you never exercise, or that you are touching your face with dirty hands all day.

Once you have some good habits formed, then start applying home remedies for acne on a consistent basis. Consistency is the key. With good habits and good remedies, your acne shouldn’t be a problem for long.

Photo credit to Svenska Cellulosa Atkiebolaget

were used as a cure for athlete’s foot, bad breath, and body odor. Now, however, they have started to make a name in the industry that fights off acne. In fact, tea tree is said to be the next “benzoyl peroxide” in terms of popularity among users.

However, there are still doubts on tea tree oil acne remedy’s efficiency as an anti-acne treatment. Some say that it can cure acne, while others say it can only manage the symptoms but not deal with the root cause. It pains me to say this, but the latter is actually correct. Unfortunately, acne cannot be cured by the topical application of tea tree oil as it needs to be treated from the inside out.

But you need not throw away your tea tree oil just yet because like I said, it is still effective in controlling the symptoms of acne. That means it can lessen redness and inflammation; and it also kills the bacteria that causes more severe acne breakouts. Here are the steps you can follow when using tea tree oil for acne:

1. Remember that pure tea tree oil is very strong and may cause an allergic reaction if placed directly on the skin; thus, you need to dilute it depending on your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, take a tablespoon of tea tree oil and mix it with 9 tablespoons of water. If your skin is a little sensitive mix the tea tree oil with aloe vera gel instead of water. The gel will neutralize the chemical reactions to make sure you do not develop rashes.
2. Before you use the tea tree solution, wash your face with a mild cleanser first. With a cotton ball, apply the solution to form a thin layer on your skin. When it’s dry, put on a moisturizer (preferably oil-free). Do that before you go to bed too.
3. Experiment with tea tree oil for acne. Add a few more drops when you feel like your skin is reacting well to the solution. But if you notice some redness, dilute the oil a bit until you get the perfect solution.
4. Once or twice a week, make a tea tree oil mask so you can control acne breakouts more effectively. Get a hypoallergenic green clay powder and add two or three drops of the tree oil. Pour water on  (little by little) until the solution turns in to a paste. Use the mixture as a facial mask and you are set.

Acne breakouts can be devastating. But now, you have what it takes to minimize them and hopefully have a way to stop those nasty breakouts too. You can always find more home remedies for acne if this one doesn’t suit you.

for you because you are looking at a possibility of a lifetime relationship with that ugly scar; and as if adding insult to injury, scar removing creams are hilariously expensive! Luckily for you and me (yes, I still have scars from my acne too) there is a natural way to remove those disgusting scars – using honey for acne.

Okay, if you ever meet people who try to convince you that honey masks can actually cure acne, head for the door and run as far away as you can; you are being hoaxed. Honey cannot cure acne; it simply does not have the properties to do this. However, honey can help slowly fade acne scars away. I admit, the healing process is really long and it might take a few days and even weeks before you start seeing initial results, but the wait will be worth it.

I also admit that I do not know what exactly it is with honey that helps with the acne scars but years of observation, coupled with my personal experience, have proved to me that honey is really effective in removing acne scars. Other than that, honey masks also help give your skin a certain healthy glow and they aid in retaining moisture in your skin too.

Tasty and effective for acne scars. You can't beat that.

Take note though that there are a lot of honey types out there and although they are all effective, some work better than others. For starters, raw and natural honey is always best. Processed honeys are usually devoid of their natural juices and the elements that make honey oh-so-sweet for your skin. The best among the best, however, is the Manuka honey which is the richest and the purest of them all.

How To Make  A Honey Mask For Acne

You can use a honey mask like a regular mask and you can apply it every day if you have the time. Take a spatula of honey and spread it evenly on your clean face. You know how this works; let it dry for 20 minutes and rinse it off with warm water. You will instantly feel that your skin is softer and it will look healthier and revived too. Be sure to wash all the honey off though, you wouldn’t want to wake up to a swollen face from ant bites.

Honey for acne gets a big fat check mark on my list of home remedies for acne. The next time you eat pancakes for breakfast, use the syrup and save the honey for later.

Photo Courtesy of Danilo Rizzuti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

(if you know what I mean), you might be skeptical about this; and for good reason. A lot of individuals take advantage of people’s pains and sufferings by giving false hopes. There are a lot of acne myths online and offline making it more and more difficult to pin-point what really works and what does not.

I still think that research is the best defense against opportunistic people. Let me cut to the chase and share what I found out after extensive reading and research. Decades ago, witch hazel gained a following in the home remedies for acne industry and the fad just simmered down. Recently, however, it has somehow made a comeback. Many people believe that witch hazel has helped them achieve clearer skin; but many also say that it has actually made their condition worse. In fact, witch hazel as a cure for acne triggers a little debate in the “acne industry.”

This is what Witch Hazel Looks Like (You can buy the Witch Hazel used for acne in most medical shops).

So, what makes witch hazel for acne a viable idea? Witch hazel has an anti-bacterial property called tannin acid. Thus, in theory, it can help reduce the inflammation caused by acne and pimple production per se. Moreover, tannin acid is a strong astringent making it great for skin cleansing. Also, witch hazel is known to cause little to no allergic reaction to almost everyone; except for those who are practically allergic to everything – dust, banana, chicken, nuts, toilet paper, regular paper, pencils… oh you get my point.

One other reason why I love the idea of using witch hazel for acne is the fact that it is a natural product; therefore, it does not disrupt the pH balance of your skin. Also, witch hazel is very cheap and accessible; and on top of that, it is easy to use too. All you have to do is soak a cotton ball with witch hazel solution and apply it on the affected area of your skin; much like using a regular astringent. You can do this twice a day but never more than thrice.

I personally believe that using witch hazel for acne is an excellent idea. However, let me leave you with this insider tip: try the concoction in less prominent areas of your body first. Assuming that you have acne on your back or what I fondly call “backne”, try the witch hazel solution there first. If you see positive results, then proceed with your face.

Photo Courtesty of Lady-Bug at Flickr

treatments are either growing in our backyard or are already in our refrigerators. Secondly, and just as important, natural skin care ideas offer more reliable effects in the long run and they promise minimal side effects.

Apple cider vinegar is one of those natural home remedies for acne that has gained popularity over the years. Apple cider vinegar is an excellent detox agent. This type of vinegar is rich in alpha-hydroxy acids, which help dissolve fat deposits on your skin. As we all know, acne is caused by excess oil (a.k.a. fat) production on the skin. Thus, it is actually logical to say that apple cider vinegar can really cure acne; not just its symptoms, it can actually cure acne.

However, while many people claim that it only took two days for them to start seeing positive changes from using apple cider vinegar for acne, there are some who swear that it actually made their condition worse; which brings us to the discussion of possible sensitivity to this treatment.

Looks Tasty Right?

Alright, let’s face it; apple cider vinegar is a strong solution. It may not be as strong as all other synthetic products in the market but it is relatively strong. That is why it’s no shocker that some people are allergic to it. How to remedy this? You can either take anti-histamine for the entire duration of treatment just to make sure you do not develop an allergic reaction (which is not a good idea if you’re driving because it can cause excess sleepiness) or you go the easier route and just test it on a small portion of your skin first before trying it on your face. I think we can all agree that the latter is the smartest idea.

So, how to use apple cider vinegar for acne? After you determine whether not you are allergic to the vinegar, you can either drink it or apply it on your skin. If you choose to drink it (which can also help if you have cough or colds) and you can tolerate the taste and stench of it, take one tablespoon of the vinegar and drink it once daily. If you cannot tolerate the taste you can always mix it with lemon juice or any drink that goes well with vinegar.

If you choose to apply the vinegar topically, do not use pure vinegar on your face. Neutralize the solution with water. As a rule of thumb, always remember to mix one part vinegar to 8 parts of water. Place the solution in a closed-lid bottle and mix a grounded tablet of aspirin. The salicylic acid in the drug can help dry-up your acne. Use the solution like you would your toner – wash your face like you normally do and apply the solution afterwards. Since apple cider vinegar has a really strong stench, it is best to use it at night before going to bed.

Apple cider vinegar for acne – wouldn’t you know it? Life really is, full of surprises!

Photo Courtesty of AndyRob at Flickr

it has polysaccharides that are ideal for skin repair. But the question remains – does Aloe Vera help acne? Do we now have the million-dollar solution to this world-wide dilemma?

I am sorry to disappoint ladies and gentlemen but our quest for the most effective home remedies for acne does not end here. Does Aloe Vera cure acne? – Yes and no. Like I said, Aloe Vera has polysaccharides that serve as the building blocks for skin repair. So yes, Aloe Vera can help cure the wounds of acne by decreasing the inflammatory process and by helping eliminate or lessen the ugly scars that pimples leave behind. However, no, it does not cure acne per se. As is always mentioned by most experts, acne should be cured from the inside out and most topical agents cure only the symptoms of acne.

Even though Aloe Vera cannot cure acne, it does not make it completely useless. It is still extremely effective at healing acne wounds so take a pen and paper and take note of the following Aloe Vera acne tips:

This is what Aloe gel looks like up close. Credit to Matt Biddulph at Flickr for this great shot.

1. Establish a routine to cleanse your face using Aloe Vera products. It is best to do it day and night. Consistent and regular use of Aloe Vera can significantly improve symptoms of acne and the scarring from it.
2. Take a topical Aloe Vera gel and apply it on the heavily affected area. The gel works well as a spot treatment and it can diminish swelling and redness from acne too.
3. Wash your face once in the morning and again in the evening using facial cleansers with Aloe Vera components. There are many soaps and cleansers that incorporate Aloe Vera in their products so make sure you choose one that is ideal for oily skin.
4. Use an Aloe Vera acne cream and lotion as a facial moisturizer. Regular moisturizing products usually promote oil production on the face but Aloe Vera moisturizers won’t.
5. You may also use Aloe Vera gel at night to serve as a facial mask. Spread it evenly and generously on your face before going to bed and let it stay overnight. Wash it off with warm water the morning after.

You might be disappointed to know that Aloe Vera does not necessarily cure acne. But look at the brighter side of things; at least they can help you get rid of ugly scars.

become resistant to common treatments. Lucky for you, there are ways to combat this kind of acne. Even better news is that this treatment does not cost a fortune and it do not require new technology.

Is Baking Soda Good For Acne?

Photo Courtesy of INeedCoffee and Flickr

Have you ever heard stories of people who have gotten rid of acne with baking soda? It is hard to believe, I know, but there is some legitimacy to these claims; and more and more people are using baking soda for acne. No, seriously! You can use the same baking soda pastry chefs use every day to cleanse your face. This remedy, like most home remedies for acne, is not made of strong chemicals and it has amazing bacteria-fighting tendencies.

There are many ways to use baking soda for acne, and those are the following:

1. Baking Soda as a Facial Cleanser – You can use baking soda as natural skin cleanser by mixing it with a small amount of water, or until the consistency of your solution looks like that of your toothpaste. Rub the paste on your face in a circular motion and feel the solution gently remove all the dirt your face has accumulated over the day. After 1 to 2 minutes, wash your face thoroughly and pat dry.
2. Baking Soda as a Toner – toners are amazing tools that help in minimizing your pores and this in turn decreases acne-formation too. Create a toner by taking a clean and empty spray bottle, fill it with warm water, and pour a tablespoon of baking soda into it. Shake the bottle rigorously to make sure that you have successfully mixed the baking soda powder with the warm water. After making sure that your face has been cleansed and toweled dry, spray the concoction on your face and let it dry. There is no need to rinse it off. However, before you do this on your face, try the mixture on a small area of your skin and let it sit for at least 12 hours. That is done to make certain that you are not allergic to baking soda. This natural remedy is also great for eczema and psoriasis.
3. Baking Soda Mask – Like that of a baking soda facial cleanser, create a paste-like mixture with the baking soda. However, instead of rinsing it off after a few minutes let the solution stay for half an hour or until it is completely dry. Rinse your face with water after 30 minutes. Please check if you are allergic to baking soda before doing this too. Baking soda, acne (who would have thought that the two couldn’t coexist?)

See? Using baking soda for acne treatment is really as easy 1-2-3!

breathe to have clear skin. The  problem is, going to a dermatologist to treat your acne is not going to be cheap; you can spend thousands of dollars before you come close to saying bye-bye to acne. But because I know how you feel, I have gathered the best home remedies for acne that are not only cheap, they are also effective.

The first of my collection of home remedies is detoxification. A lot of people underestimate the effect of diet and lifestyle on their skin so they focus more on what they put on the outside, rather than what they take inside. Detoxification can be done in more ways than one; like exercising, eating more organic foods, and spending some time in the sauna. By releasing those harmful toxins off of your body, you not only become healthier, you will have clearer and more radiant skin.

Second, drink lots of water. Our body is made up of 70% water so it basically fuels our very existence. Drinking plenty of water will help us flush out excess dirt from our body. Drinking water is proven to be healthy for our skin and many people who follow drink some extra water see results in less than a month. Remember to drink an average of eight to ten glasses of water daily so your skin is hydrated, and you can keep looking fresh and clean. Sometimes, the best remedies are that simple.

Lastly, and hold your breath for this, use fresh, raw garlic as one of your home remedies for acne. Garlic is nature’s anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drug. It is very effective at reducing the swelling and redness of your acne. More importantly, however, it helps kill the bacteria that cause your acne. Do not rub garlic on your skin though as it will only sting and burn your skin. Just incorporate fresh garlic into your daily diet. You can even boil them, cool the broth down, and drink it as a juice. To make its taste more bearable, you can add a little honey to that solution.

Having acne can be one of the worst things that can happen to a teenager, or even an adult. It ruins your self-esteem and it can prevent you from doing things most people your age do. What’s worse is that pimples even leave scars that you will have to carry your entire life. You’ll want to find some remedies that stop your pimples before they scar.

showing up to school every single day  with red spots on your face. Worse, treatments for acne are really expensive. Thus, a lot of people resort to home remedies for acne. They are not only affordable; they are also very easy to whip up. One of the most unlikely of these home remedies is the use of garlic.

Yes, you read that right; garlic is one of the most effective home remedies for acne. Many people still have doubts as to why and how garlic can help them with their skin problems; and I can’t blame them. It is really difficult to understand how that foul-smelling spice can cure acne. Here is the thing, nature actually has a lot in it that can cure many known diseases, and garlic happens to be one of them. We all know that garlic adds an exotic flavor to dishes, but not everybody knows that garlic has very strong antibiotic and anti-inflammatory components.

Remember that acne is caused by an overpopulation of bacteria in your skin. Thus, garlic can very well kill those bacteria and get to the root cause of your problems; difficult to believe right? But numerous studies have shown that garlic’s antibiotic component is one per cent as potent as penicillin. This plant is more effective as a broad spectrum antibiotic; that means they can kill a wider range of bacteria. One other good thing about garlic is that bacteria do not seem to develop resistance to it so you do not even have to increase your dosage even after using it for a long period of time.

Furthermore, garlic has been tagged as one of the best remedies for acne because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Remember that one of the cardinal signs of infection is swelling. It is in fact what makes acne very unsightly. Garlic helps in stopping the inflammatory process of acne, while at the same time reducing its redness.

Now, there is one thing you have to remember about this great home remedy for acne – you do not apply it directly on your acne. Although it seems to make sense to just crush it and let its juice work its magic on your face, they are more effective when eaten. It is best if you eat them raw (but you may have to brush your teeth more than you usually do) because cooking it will decrease its therapeutic values.

website has ranked it as the fifth most prevalent reason for teenage depression. Yes, that is how serious having pimples is for many of us; not only in the United States but in the entire world. Being plagued by pimples is not simply a medical condition, it has become a determinant of your social status too. Kids with pimples are losers and outcasts… they are at the bottom of the high school food chain.

Pimples are caused by an accumulation of things; such as excessive oil production, hormones, clogged pores, and bacteria. Because of that, there are also a lot of treatment options for this condition. Two of the most common chemical treatments for pimples are salicylic acid and Benzoyl peroxide. Yes, they are effective but many people just want something that they can find at home. Besides, we also need to be flexible and creative when it comes to pimple treatment.

Speaking of creativity, have you ever heard of using toothpaste for acne? It may sound crazy but do not be too quick to judge because a lot of people attest to the healing powers of toothpaste; and yes, I am talking about regular toothpaste, the kind you use to brush your teeth. So, does toothpaste get rid of pimples?

Does Toothpaste Get Rid of Pimples?

In one way or another, toothpaste can help get rid of pimples. However – and let me be clear on this – it cannot cure the condition. Because toothpaste is usually high in sodium content, it dries out your pimples. Most toothpaste does not have ingredients that directly control acne breakouts or kill the bacteria-causing pimples. Therefore, this treatment is only best for overnight or “emergency” purposes. Let’s say there is a huge pimple sitting comfortably on top of your nose the night before a very important date. You can take a pea-sized paste, spread it on top of the pimple and let it dry overnight. Or you can simply leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse it off.

Most people only use toothpaste for spot treatment because it is so powerful, but some people report using toothpaste as a facial mask by evenly spreading a very thin layer on the face. Let the paste dry for 10-15 minutes and wash it off. Do not let it stay for more than 30 minutes as it can absorb all the moisture in your face. You probably shouldn’t do this very often (once a week at the most). Most people don’t recommend using toothpaste as a mask because it can really discolor and try out your skin.

There you have it; toothpaste is one of those “treatments” that do not necessarily treat pimples. They only lessen the pain it causes. It’s easy to try out, but you should probably only use it for spot treatment.

Photo Courtesy of WWarby at Flickr