By Davan 
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the world, affecting an estimated 85 percent of young adultsTrusted Source.
Conventional acne treatments, like salicylic acid, niacinamide, or benzoyl peroxide, are proven to be the most effective acne solutions, but they can be expensive and have undesirable side effects, such as dryness, redness, and irritation.
This has prompted many people to try to cure acne naturally at home. In fact, a2017 study found that 77 percent of acne patients had tried alternative acne treatments.
Many home remedies lack scientific backing, and further research on their effectiveness is needed. If you’re looking for alternative treatments, though, there are still options you can try.
This article explores 14 popular home remedies for acne.
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your skin follicles become blocked with oil and dead skin cells. It’s a very common condition, and most people have experienced acne in their lifetime, especially during their teen years as their sebaceous glands produce more oil.
However, there’s no age limit to acne and many people in their 40s and 50s have adult acne.
Acne starts when the pores in your skin get clogged with oil and dead skin cells.
1. Establish a Consistent Skincare Routine
Morning Routine:
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Cleanser: Use a gentle, non-comedogenic face wash (e.g., salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide-based if acne-prone).
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Toner (optional): Use an alcohol-free toner to balance the skin’s pH.
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Serum (optional): Niacinamide or vitamin C can help with acne marks and inflammation.
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Moisturizer: Use an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
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Sunscreen: Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, even if staying indoors.
Night Routine:
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Cleanser: Wash off dirt, oil, and sunscreen from the day.
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Treatment: Apply acne treatment (e.g., benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids like adapalene).
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Moisturizer: Hydrate with a light moisturizer to prevent skin dryness and irritation.
2. Healthy Lifestyle Habits
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Hydration: Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.
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Diet: Reduce sugar, dairy, and high-glycemic foods. Eat more fruits, vegetables, and omega-3-rich foods.
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Sleep: Get at least 7–8 hours of quality sleep to allow skin to repair.
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Exercise: Helps increase circulation and reduce stress, but always wash your face afterward.
3. Hygiene Tips
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Avoid Touching Your Face: Hands carry bacteria that can worsen acne.
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Clean Pillowcases & Towels Regularly: Wash them at least once a week.
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Disinfect Your Phone Screen: Daily use can transfer bacteria to your face.
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Hair Care: Keep hair clean and away from your face; oils and products can cause breakouts.
4. Over-the-Counter Treatments
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Salicylic Acid (1–2%): Helps unclog pores.
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Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5–5%): Kills acne-causing bacteria.
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Adapalene (Differin): A retinoid that prevents clogged pores and reduces inflammation.
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Tea Tree Oil: A natural antibacterial, but use with caution to avoid irritation.
5. When to See a Dermatologist
Consult a dermatologist if:
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Acne is severe or cystic.
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OTC treatments don’t work after 2–3 months.
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You’re developing scars or post-acne dark spots.
They may prescribe:
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Oral antibiotics.
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Hormonal treatments (like birth control or spironolactone).
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Stronger topical retinoids.
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Accutane (for severe cystic acne).
6. Things to Avoid
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Popping pimples: Can lead to scarring and more inflammation.
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Harsh scrubs or over-washing: Can irritate skin and worsen acne.
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Oil-based makeup: Use non-comedogenic makeup only.
🧼 1. Build a Consistent Skincare Routine
Morning Routine:
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Cleanser: Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to remove excess oil and impurities without stripping the skin’s natural moisture.
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Toner (optional): Apply an alcohol-free toner to balance the skin’s pH and prepare it for subsequent treatments.
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Treatment: Apply targeted treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to combat acne-causing bacteria and unclog pores.
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Moisturizer: Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to hydrate the skin without clogging pores.
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Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect the skin from UV damage, which can exacerbate acne and cause scarring.
Evening Routine:
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Cleanser: Cleanse the face to remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities accumulated throughout the day.
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Exfoliation (2–3 times a week): Use a chemical exfoliant containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores.
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Treatment: Apply topical treatments such as retinoids (e.g., adapalene) to promote cell turnover and prevent new breakouts.
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Moisturizer: Use a hydrating moisturizer to replenish the skin’s moisture barrier.
💊 2. Topical and Systemic Treatments
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Benzoyl Peroxide: Effective against acne-causing bacteria and helps reduce inflammation.
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Salicylic Acid: A beta-hydroxy acid that penetrates pores to exfoliate and reduce blockages.
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Retinoids (e.g., Adapalene): Promote cell turnover and prevent clogged pores.
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Topical Antibiotics (e.g., Clindamycin): Reduce bacteria and inflammation.
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Systemic Antibiotics (e.g., Doxycycline): Prescribed for moderate to severe acne to reduce bacteria and inflammation.
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Oral Isotretinoin: Reserved for severe, treatment-resistant acne; requires close monitoring due to potential side effects.
It’s important to note that combining certain treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide and retinoids, can enhance efficacy. However, they should be used at different times to prevent irritation.
🧴 3. Choose Non-Comedogenic Products
Opt for skincare and makeup products labeled “non-comedogenic,” meaning they are formulated not to clog pores. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide, which hydrate and soothe the skin without causing breakouts.
🛌 4. Maintain Healthy Lifestyle Habits
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Diet: Limit intake of high-glycemic foods and dairy products, as they may exacerbate acne in some individuals.
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Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated and flush out toxins.
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Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep to support skin repair and reduce stress.
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Stress Management: Engage in stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or regular exercise to lower cortisol levels, which can trigger acne.
🧼 5. Practice Proper Skin Hygiene
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Avoid Touching Your Face: Hands carry bacteria and oils that can transfer to the face, leading to breakouts.
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Clean Pillowcases and Towels: Wash them regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and oils.
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Disinfect Your Phone: Regularly clean your phone screen, as it comes into contact with your face and can transfer bacteria.
🩺 6. When to Consult a Dermatologist
If over-the-counter treatments do not improve your acne after 2–3 months, or if you experience severe breakouts, scarring, or emotional distress, consult a dermatologist. They can provide personalized treatment options, including prescription medications and professional procedures.
🧴 Over-the-Counter (OTC) Acne Treatments
1. Benzoyl Peroxide
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How It Works: Kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation.
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Usage: Apply a thin layer to affected areas once or twice daily.
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Products: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment.
2. Salicylic Acid
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How It Works: Exfoliates skin and unclogs pores.
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Usage: Apply to affected areas once or twice daily.
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Products: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash.
3. Adapalene (Differin)
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How It Works: A topical retinoid that promotes cell turnover and prevents clogged pores.
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Usage: Apply a thin layer to affected areas once daily in the evening.
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Products: Differin Gel 0.1%.
💊 Prescription Acne Treatments
1. Topical Antibiotics
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How It Works: Reduces acne-causing bacteria and inflammation.
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Usage: Apply to affected areas once or twice daily.
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Examples: Clindamycin, Erythromycin.
2. Oral Antibiotics
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How It Works: Treats moderate to severe acne by reducing bacteria and inflammation.
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Usage: Taken orally, typically for 12 weeks.
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Examples: Doxycycline, Lymecycline.
3. Oral Isotretinoin
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How It Works: Reduces oil production, shrinks sebaceous glands, and prevents clogged pores.
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Usage: Taken orally for 4–6 months, with close monitoring due to potential side effects.
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Note: Reserved for severe, cystic, or treatment-resistant acne.
🧼 Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin
Morning Routine:
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Cleanser: Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser.
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Treatment: Apply benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
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Moisturizer: Use an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
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Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
Evening Routine:
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Cleanser: Cleanse to remove makeup and impurities.
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Treatment: Apply adapalene or topical antibiotics.
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Moisturizer: Use a hydrating, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
🥗 Lifestyle Tips to Support Acne Treatment
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Diet: Limit intake of high-glycemic foods and dairy products, as they may exacerbate acne in some individuals.
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Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated and flush out toxins.
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Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep to support skin repair and reduce stress.
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Stress Management: Engage in stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or regular exercise to lower cortisol levels, which can trigger acne.
🩺 When to Consult a Dermatologist
If over-the-counter treatments do not improve your acne after 2–3 months, or if you experience severe breakouts, scarring, or emotional distress, consult a dermatologist. They can provide personalized treatment options, including prescription medications and professional procedures.