17 Home Remedies to End Your Acne Woes!

Updated on: 20th March, 2025

If you have got acne-prone skin, your skin probably looks dull and has large pores & if attention is not paid on time, your skin can develop scars, spots and blemishes. The good news is that it is possible to treat your acne and pimples with simple home remedies. The first and basic step is choosing the right ingredients to treat your acne-prone skin.

This is not difficult because a majority of ingredients you can find in your home so there is nothing to worry about. Acne home remedies are the most efficient and harmless way to treat your acne.

The pores on the skin are connected to a gland, called sebaceous gland, which produces an oil-like substance known as sebum.  Acne starts when the pores in your skin get clogged with oil and dead skin cells.

Excess production of sebum can clog pores. This, in turn, creates an ideal environment for the growth of the bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes. White blood cells (WBCs) attack this bacteria, resulting in acne.

There are several other factors that may lead to an acne breakout. These include genetics, stress, hormonal changes, diet, etc. Without further ado, let’s dive into discussing acne home remedies for pimples treatment at home.

Here are 17 quick and safe acne remedies for you:

Method of preparation: 

Mix 3-4 tablespoons of lime juice in an equal amount of regular water.

Method of use:

• Soak a cotton ball in it and apply this to your face and neck.
• Do not apply it to the skin near your eyes.
• Leave it for 10-15 minutes and rinse off your face with warm water.

Lime is known for its antibacterial properties that help in treating acne and pimples.

Method of preparation:

Mix 3 spoons of oatmeal in boiled water and leave it for 10 minutes. Add 2 spoons of honey in this paste and mix it well.

Method of use:

• Apply this pack to your face and neck area and leave it for half an hour.
• Rinse off your face and neck with warm water.
• Dry your face with a soft towel.

This is an effective pack that cures acne and pimples quickly. Regular use will make your skin clean, soft and supple.

Method of preparation: 

Mix 3 spoons of honey with one grated apple.

Method of use:

• Apply this mixture to your face and neck.
• Leave it for 15-20 minutes and wash off your face and neck with warm water.

This pack works as an excellent source of vitamin C for your skin.

Method of preparation: 

Add 6-7 spoons of water in half grated cucumber. Leave this mix in your refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.

Method of use: 

• Use a good cleanser to clean your skin. Now apply this mix to your face and neck.
• Leave it for 20-30 minutes and rinse off your skin with plain water.

Method of preparation: 

No matter how weird it sounds a salt mask can do wonders on acne-prone skin. Simply add two spoons of sea salt or regular salt in a glass of water. 

Method of use:

• Leave it for 15 minutes and then wash off your face with the water.
• Wash off your face with plain water after 30 minutes. Salt cleanses your skin from inside and helps you get rid of acne.

Method of preparation: 

Add grated carrot in egg white and apply it to your face. Leave it for at least 20 minutes and rinse off with warm water.

Method of use

Individuals with oily skin should add lime juice with egg in place of carrots.

The egg is an excellent ingredient that is quite effective in curing acne-prone skin.

Method of use

Simply apply a small amount of toothpaste to the acne affected area before going to sleep. The paste will lessen the swelling and dry out the pimples.

Toothpaste can be a powerful product to treat your acne. It not only cleans your teeth, it can also help you ward off your pimples & acne condition. However, it’s worth noting that applying toothpaste on skin can, at times, cause skin irritation.

Diets and home remedies are the sideline or supporting therapies for the clinical management of acne. & Hence many of the times, after longer try people come to know the results, ineffectiveness or limited effects of such measures.

Method of preparation:

It is important to dilute this oil  with water since it is very potent. 

Method of use: 

• Combine one part of tea tree oil to 9 parts of water.
• Use a cotton swab to apply this mixture to the acne-ridden skin.
• Apply moisturiser.

Tea tree oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It is believed to be one of the most potent home remedies for pimples for destroying the bacteria that causes acne and controlling the redness and swelling of the affected skin. Tea tree oil can be used in the form of gels, creams and essential oils, which are readily available in the market. It is also used as an ingredient in face wash.

Method of preparation:

Clean the acne-prone area before applying the gel.

Method of use:

• Scoop out the gel from an aloe vera leaf with a spoon.
• Apply the gel directly on the affected skin.
• Do this one or twice daily, or as recommended by your doctor

The gel of the aloe vera plant is considered to be beneficial as one of the most efficient remedies for pimples, rashes, abrasions, and burns because of its anti-inflammatory properties. The tropical plants comprises salicylic acid and sulphur, which are used clinically for treating acne. It also helps in healing wounds and other skin conditions. Some studies have claimed that mixing aloe vera gel with tea tree oil or tretinoin cream can brush away your acne blues.

Method of preparation:

Jojoba oil can be used in its pure form. Alternatively, it can be used in the form of gel or cream, or mixed with a face mask.

Method of use:

• Take a few drops of jojoba oil on a cotton wool.
• Dab it on the acne-prone skin gently.

Jojoba oil contains certain wax-like substances that are considered to treat wounds including marks and lesions left by acne. Some of these substances may also help in reducing inflammation and redness of the skin around acne. 

Method of preparation:

Coconut oil can be applied directly to the skin. However, it may cause a burning sensation, so it is advisable that you use it carefully.

Method of use

Apply coconut oil on the affected area and let the skin soak it up.

Coconut oil is yet another remedy for pimples as it has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Method of preparation: 

Mix 2 tbsp of honey with 1 tbsp of cinnamon.

Method of use:

• Clean your skin thoroughly before using the face mask.
• Apply the mask evenly on the acne lesions and leave it for 10 to 15 mins.
• Wash off the mask and gently pat the skin dry.

Honey is believed to impede the growth of and also destroy P. acne, the bacteria that causes acne. It is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. A blend of honey and cinnamon is believed to be a potential treatment for acne.

Method of preparation: 

Add green tea in water and let it boil for 3 to 4 minutes.

Method of use:

• Allow the boiling tea to cool down.
• Dip a cotton swab in the green tea and apply it to the acne. Alternatively, you can pour the tea into a bottle and spray it onto your acne-ridden skin. 
• Wait for the skin to dry completely.
• Wash your face with water and gently pat the skin dry.

The antioxidant properties of green tea acts as a useful treatment for acne. The polyphenols in green tea may control inflammation and kill bacteria.

Method of preparation:

Combine one part of apple cider vinegar to 3 parts of water. Increase the quantity of water, if you have sensitive skin.

Method of use:

• Clean your skin thoroughly.
• Apply the mixture using cotton wool and keep it for 5 to 20 seconds.
• Rinse it off your face and pat the skin dry.
• Repeat this 1 or 2 times every day.

The citric acid present in apple cider vinegar is known for destroying P. acnes. Succinic acid, which is also present in apple cider vinegar, controls inflammation caused due to acne and prevents lesions and marks from appearing on the skin. What’s more, lactic acid in apple cider vinegar is beneficial for removing acne scars.

Method of use:

Garlic can be taken as a whole for oral consumption or it can be used in greater quantities in food. Not just that, it can be taken with cheese toast or added to a hot drink like tea. 

Garlic contains organosulfur compounds that are known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, making it one of the most beneficial home remedies for pimples.

The two primary types of fish oil or Omega-3 fatty acids – eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are recognised sources of anti-inflammatory compounds. These compounds control the risk of acne outbreaks. The natural sources of fish oil are sardines, salmon, walnuts, anchovies, and chia seeds. Alternatively, you can take them in the form of fish oil pills that are readily available in the market. 

Zinc is associated with controlling acne. Oral consumption of zinc is believed to be an effective remedy for pimples, mostly severe acne condition than moderate acne. A daily dose of 30mg to 40mg of electoral zinc is recommended unless your doctor prescribes otherwise. Elemental zinc is present in varying percentages in different forms of zinc. From these varied forms, zinc oxide has the highest quantity of elemental zinc. 

Applying zinc on the skin to treat acne does not usually show results and, therefore, oral consumption of zinc is usually recommended for getting the desired results. Take them only under a doctor’s supervision as excessive consumption may lead to irritation and pain of the gut and stomach.

Seeing a doctor is often not necessary when the acne condition is moderate. However, it is important to know the symptoms that indicate that it’s best to visit one.

Here are some of the prominent symptoms where you must consult a Skin Specialist:

• Painful acne sores
• Frequent acne infections
• Spread over an extensive area of the skin
• Emotional stress related to acne

Applying zinc on the skin to treat acne does not usually show results and, therefore, oral consumption of zinc is usually recommended for getting the desired results. Take them only under a doctor’s supervision as excessive consumption may lead to irritation and pain of the gut and stomach.