Home Remedies for Acne

Almost 85 percent of people have acne at some point in their life, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. If you've tried everything the doctor has ordered -- but nothing has worked -- why not try some acne clearing remedies right in your own home?!

Here are 11 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Acne:

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera gel has been used for centuries to heal burns, damaged skin, and for digestive and intestinal problems. It has proven to accelerate healing because it is filled with aloe polysaccharides which are the naturally occurring active components that promote absorption, digestive health, immune qualities, anti-inflammatory, and overall health benefits.

Simply breaking an aloe vera leaf and applying a watery gel to the affected areas will help heal the the damage caused by your acne and lesson any redness or swelling. Aloe taken internally (by capsule) is also effective in treating acne.

Sandalwood Paste

Sandalwood is a popular skin care natural remedy used in India. The antimicrobial properties of sandalwood, is what gives it its skin healing power. Application of sandalwood paste will leave your face glowing, and clear. Aside from protecting the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun, this powder also leaves the skin clean, germ-free and moisturized.

Bonus: Sandalwood's healing powers also include the ability to calm the nervous system -- alleviating stress and anxiety.

Cucumber

Unlike lemons and vinegar, cucumbers don't dry your face, quite the opposite, it moisturizes your skin and supplies it with vitamins. Use a cucumber mask twice a week and see definite improvements to your skin condition. This mask will also serve as an effective acne prevention cream.

Rose Water

Rose water is a well-known skin tonic, made from rose petals, and has been used as a toner and facial cleanser. It is comprised of hundreds of components which help stimulate blood circulation in blood vessels underlying the skin, thereby reducing scars, sunburns, thread veins, aging skin and other skin conditions. For best results use rose water to take off your make-up in the evenings.

Bonus: A rose water bath will help get rid of allergic rashes and skin inflammations.  

Strawberries

Strawberries are a natural source of salicylic acid, which is one of the most common ingredients used in acne treatment products. Strawberries also contain antioxidants and various vitamins which will help to repair acne scars. The strawberry can be applied directly onto the infected area or you can make a face mask using strawberries mashed with cream. Leave on for about 20 minutes before washing off with water.

Garlic

Garlic is believed to cure acne because its antibacterial or antiseptic properties kill those bacteria which are responsible for acne. Anti-inflammatory properties of this herb also stop the inflammatory process of acne, reducing redness.

Egg Whites

Eggs are not just a breakfast food! Egg whites are chock-full of vitamins that can be beneficial for clearing acne by helping to reduce your oily skin and tighten your pores. Apply an egg white and watch the eggs draw oil and dirt from your skin over night!

Potato Juice

The juice from raw potatoes helps to cure skin blemishes and clear acne scars due to their high concentration of potassium, chlorine, sulfur and phosphorous. Be sure to use only raw potatoes as they only contain live organic atoms.

Rubbing raw potato slices on affected acne areas is also an effective method of treatment.  

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil has great value in helping the skin heal itself, stimulating cell growth, reducing inflammation, preventing scarring and balancing the production of oil. Lavender oil also cuts down on localized pain and has therapeutic effects on the skin.

Lemons and Oranges

Lemon and orange peels contain citric acid which inhibits the growth of the bacteria, therefore exacerbating acne. Orange peels can be applied to the acne area either by rubbing as a peel or by crushing the peel with water and mixing with gram flour and using as a face scrub. Lemon juice contains vitamin C which acts as an astringent that help to dry pimples. Also, by drinking lemon juice, you will gently flush the toxins out of your body which will help reduce the acne.

Oatmeal and Honey

An oatmeal skin mask will help remove excess oils and dirt from your skin, working to reduce redness and inflammation caused by acne.

How to? Mix together oatmeal with a little water and honey to form a sticky paste that can be applied to the face as a mask and left on for about 20 minutes. Wash off with water.

While waiting for these remedies to kick in, don’t miss Maria Menounos’ tips to cover up your pimples at LCTV.com

For more life-changing information watch Dr. Drew’s Lifechangers everyday at 3 and 3:30 PM on the CW. Find out what channel it’s on in your area.

More from Dr. Drew’s Lifechangers:

DIY Facial Masks for All Skin Types -- http://www.lctv.com/2011/09/28/diy-facial-mask-for-all-skin-types/

Zits Not Funny! -- http://www.lctv.com/2011/09/18/zits-not-funny/

Crazy Skin Care Products Under $10 -- http://www.lctv.com/2011/08/30/crazy-skin-care-products-under-10/

Nurse Jamie’s Fountain of Youth -- http://www.lctv.com/2011/09/07/nurse-jamies-fountain-of-youth/