The Top 10 Most Useful Home Remedies For Your Acne

Home remedies for acne are a good option for those concerned about possible side effects of prescription products. They are generally safer, less irritating, and are not terribly expensive.

Here are the top 10 acne remedies:

10: Zinc pyrithione. This compound is found in many dandruff shampoos and a few soaps. Simply putting some of the lather from the shampoo onto the face or other areas affected with acne can help curb the condition.

9: Sunlight. Cautious exposure to sunlight can help boost vitamin D and assist with clearing or minimizing breakouts. It is also one of the only free home remedies for acne.

8: Vitamin B6. Also called pyroxidone, vitamin B6 has been shown to help prevent breakouts. It is especially effective for women during menstrual periods, as it helps regulate hormone balance.

7: Garlic. While eating raw garlic may not be very pleasant, garlic contains high amounts of sulfur. Sulfur is used in many prescription acne treatments and has considerable antibiotic properties that can curb the growth of the bacteria which leads to acne.

6: Willow tree bark. The bark of this tree contains a chemical which the body converts to salicylic acid. Salicylic acid has long been used as an acne medication, and taking willow bark can augment the natural bacteria-fighting ability of the body.

5: Tea tree oil. Another natural product that contains antibacterial chemicals, tea tree oil has been shown to improve acne in many cases. It is especially effective against skin redness associated with breakouts.

4: Witch hazel. While this common astringent is used for a number things, it is quite useful for reducing oiliness of the skin.

3: Oatmeal. Long known for its beneficial effects for the skin, oatmeal helps to detoxify the surface of the skin and contributes to overall skin health. Apply cooked oatmeal as a facial mask, and peel it off when dry.

2: Camphor oil. The benefits of camphor oil for acne are twofold: First, it helps in maintaining healthy skin. This keeps the skin strong and better able to resist bacteria. Second, it provides temporary pain relief for the sometimes painful pimples.

1. Azelaic acid. Similar to prescription retinoid preparations, azelaic acid helps to kill bacteria and exfoliate the skin. There are prescription forms of this available, but many non-prescription versions of this are approved for home use. Azelaic acid is one of the most potent home remedies for acne.