• Pros: easy to make, a variety of benefits, natural
• Cons: not enough studies done

Green tea is very high in antioxidants, and drinking it can promote good health. It may also help reduce acne.

According to 2017 researchTrusted Source, this is likely because the polyphenols in green tea help fight bacteria and reduce inflammation, which are two main causes of acne.

There isn’t much research exploring the benefits of drinking green tea when it comes to acne, and more studies are needed.

In a small 2016 studyTrusted Source with 80 women, participants took 1,500 mg of green tea extract daily for 4 weeks. By the end of the study, women who took the extract had less acne on their noses, chins, and around their mouths.

Applying green tea to the skin may also be beneficial.

A 2020 studyTrusted Source found that applying green tea extract to the skin significantly reduces sebum production and pimples in those with acne.

You can buy creams and lotions that contain green tea, but it’s just as easy to make your own mixture at home..

How to

1. Steep green tea in boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Allow the brewed tea to cool.
3. Using a cotton ball, apply the tea to your skin or pour it into a spray bottle to spritz it on.
4. Allow it to dry, then rinse it off with water and pat your skin dry.

You can also add the remaining tea leaves to honey and make a mask.

• Pros: natural, found in many products
• Cons: very little research to back up the claims

Witch hazel is extracted from the bark and leaves of the North American witch hazel shrub, Hamamelis virginiana. Currently, there appears to be very little research on witch hazel’s ability to treat acne specifically.

In one small 2017 studyTrusted Source funded by a skin care company, 30 individuals with mild or moderate acne used a three-step facial treatment twice daily for 6 weeks.

Witch hazel was one of the ingredients in the second step of the treatment. Most participants experienced significant improvement in their acne by the end of the study.

Research from 2019Trusted Source also suggested witch hazel may fight bacteria and reduce skin irritation and inflammation, which can contribute to acne.

How to

1. Combine 1 tablespoon of witch hazel bark and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan.
2. Soak the witch hazel for 30 minutes and then bring the mixture to a boil on the stove.
3. Reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, for 10 minutes.
4. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it sit for an additional 10 minutes.
5. Strain and store the liquid in a sealed container.
6. Apply to clean skin using a cotton ball 1 to 2 times per day, or as desired.

It’s important to note that commercially prepared versions may not contain tannins, as they are often lost in the distillation process.

• Pros: natural, found in many products, can be combined with other ingredients
• Cons: not a lot of studies to back up the claims, many products contain additives

Aloe vera is a tropical plant whose leaves produce a clear gel. The gel is often added to lotions, creams, ointments, and soaps.

According to 2018 research, it’s commonly used to treat:

• abrasions
• rashes
• burns
• wounds
• skin inflammation

Aloe vera contains salicylic acid and sulfur, both of which are used extensively in the treatment of acne. Research from 2017Trusted Source found that applying salicylic acid to the skin reduces acne.

A 2018 studyTrusted Source indicated aloe vera gel, when combined with other substances like tretinoin cream or tea tree oil, may improve acne.

While research shows promise, the anti-acne benefits of aloe vera itself require further scientific research.

How to

1. Scrape the gel from the aloe plant with a spoon.
2. Apply the gel directly to clean skin as a moisturizer.
3. Repeat 1 to 2 times per day, or as desired.

You can also buy aloe vera gel from the store, but make sure it’s pure aloe without any added ingredients.

• Pros: easy, found in food
• Cons: takes some time to see results

Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that offer a multitude of health benefits. Fish oils contain two main types of omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

A 2019 studyTrusted Source showed that high levels of EPA and DHA can decrease inflammatory factors, which may reduce the risk of acne.

You can also get omega-3 fatty acids by eating:

• salmon
• sardines
• anchovies
• walnuts
• chia seeds
• ground flax seeds
• fish oil supplements

• Pros: easy to do at home, many products on the market, both chemical and physical options available
• Cons: possibility to over-exfoliate

Exfoliation is the process of removing the top layer of dead skin cells. It may improve acne by removing the skin cells that clog pores.

Exfoliating may also make acne treatments for the skin more effective by allowing them to penetrate deeper, once the topmost layer of skin is removed.

Currently, the research on exfoliation and its ability to treat acne is limited.

In one small 2016 studyTrusted Source, 38 patients with acne received eight microdermabrasion treatments at weekly intervals. The participants with acne scars showed some improvements following the treatments.

A small 2017 studyTrusted Source found that six weekly microdermabrasion treatments helped stimulate skin repair.

While these results indicate exfoliation may improve skin health and appearance, more research is needed on acne.

There are a wide variety of exfoliation products available, but you can also make a scrub at home using sugar or salt.

Note that physical exfoliation can be irritating and may damage the skin. As such, some dermatologists recommend gentle chemical exfoliation with salicylic or glycolic-acid products.

If you choose to try mechanical exfoliation, gently rub your skin to avoid damaging it.

Try Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant.

How to

1. Mix equal parts sugar (or salt) and coconut oil.
2. Gently rub your skin with the mixture and rinse well.
3. Exfoliate as often as desired, up to once daily.

Follow a low glycemic diet

• Pros: reduces insulin, good for the body
• Cons: harder to track, not enough studies to back up the claims

A food’s glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how quickly it raises your blood sugar.

Eating high GI foods causes a spike in insulin, which likely increases sebum production. As a result, high GI foods may directly affect the development and severity of acne.

In a 2018 studyTrusted Source, 66 people followed either a normal or low glycemic diet. After 2 weeks, the individuals consuming a low glycemic diet had lower levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a hormone involved in acne development.

Another 2017 studyTrusted Source with 64 people found that those with moderate or severe acne ate diets with more carbohydrates and a higher glycemic load than those without acne.

These small studies suggested a low glycemic diet may help those with acne-prone skin. Additional larger, longer studies are needed.

Foods with a high glycemic index include processed foods, such as:

• white bread
• sugary soft drinks
• cakes
• doughnuts
• pastries
• candies
• sugary breakfast cereals

Foods with a low glycemic index include:

• fruits
• vegetables
• legumes
• nuts
• whole or minimally processed grains

• Pros: can reduce acne
• Cons: controversial, needs more research

The relationship between dairy and acne is highly controversial.

A 2019 studyTrusted Source with people ages 10 to 24 found that drinking whole milk three or more days each week was linked to moderate or severe acne.

In a 2018 studyTrusted Source including 114 participants, those with acne were found to drink significantly more milk than people who didn’t have acne.

On the other hand, another 2018 studyTrusted Source involving over 20,000 adults found no association between milk consumption and acne.

Participants self-reported the data in these studies, so more research is needed to establish a true causal relationship.

The relationship between milk and acne needs further study.

• Pros: can reduce acne, good for the body
• Cons: needs more research

The link between stress and acne is not fully understood.

When you’re stressed, you might also be more likely to pick at spots on your face. Touching or picking your skin more than necessary can increase acne by spreading bacteria.

According to 2017 researchTrusted Source, the hormones released during periods of stress may increase sebum production and inflammation, making acne worse.

A 2018 studyTrusted Source noted that certain relaxation and stress reduction treatments may improve acne, but more research needs to be done.

How to

• get more sleep
• engage in physical activity
• practice yoga
• meditate
• take deep breaths

• Pros: can reduce acne, good for the body, regulates hormones
• Cons: not washing your face after exercising could lead to more acne

There’s little research on the effects of exercise on acne. Still, exercise affects bodily functions in ways that may help improve acne.

A 2018 studyTrusted Source noted that exercise also plays a role in hormone levels and regulation.

Another 2018 studyTrusted Source suggested exercise can decrease stress and anxiety, both of which can contribute to the development of acne.

The CDC recommendsTrusted Source adults do two types of physical activity each week for a total of 150 minutes. This can include walking, hiking, running, and lifting weights.

If you’re exercising outside, always protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays with a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

• Pros: can take orally or topically, easy to find
• Cons: takes a few months to work

Brewer’s or baker’s yeast is another option that may have benefits for fighting acne.

According to a 2021 publication, a strain of brewer’s yeast called Hansen CBS may help decrease acne when taken orally.

A much older 1989 studyTrusted Source of 139 people with acne showed that 80 percent of those using Hansen CBS brewer’s yeast were healed or considerably improved over a 5-month period, while a placebo group showed only a 26 percent improvement.

At the same time, most recent research shows that a brewer’s yeast elimination diet is helpful for another skin condition called hidradenitis suppurativa.

With these conflicting findings and limited research, more studies are needed to confirm the role of brewer’s yeast in the treatment of acne.

How to

1. Mix one packet of powdered brewer’s yeast with 1 tbsp lemon juice.
2. Blend thoroughly.
3. Add mixture to a clean face and leave for 1 minute.
4. Rinse with lukewarm water.
5. Pat dry.

You can also incorporate brewer’s yeast into your diet by mixing it with juice or water, or you can take it in supplement form.

Use caution when applying any citrus juice, including lemon, to your skin. It can cause photosensitivity that can lead to irritation and rash if exposed to sunlight.

Be sure to apply extra SPF, and wear a hat or scarf to protect your skin if you’re exposed to the sun.

While there’s no completely foolproof way to get rid of acne forever, there are habits you can add to your routine that may help keep breakouts at bay. Here are some ideas:

• Wash your face properly: To help prevent pimples, it’s important to remove excess oil, dirt, and sweat daily.
• Use a moisturizer: Even if you have acne, keeping your skin hydrated is essential. When skin is dry, it produces oil to counterbalance, which may result in excess sebum and clogged pores.
• Limit makeup: Using a lot of makeup may clog pores and trigger breakouts. If you do use makeup, make sure it’s noncomedogenic and fragrance-free to prevent skin irritation. Always wash makeup off, especially before bedtime.
• Resist touching your face: Touching your face can transfer bacteria — and pore-clogging impurities — onto your skin.
• Limit sun exposure: Frequent sun exposure dehydrates the skin, which, over time, causes it to produce more oil and block pores.
• Don’t pop pimples: Popping pimples may cause bleeding, severe scarring, or infection. It may also increase inflammation and clog surrounding pores, making your pimple problem worse.

People with moderate to severe acne should seek professional help to find relief. Prescription-strength acne treatments are available.

It may be time to seek professional help from a dermatologist if you:

• tried everything and nothing seems to help
• have recurring breakouts that clear up and return
• get acne in places like your thighs or upper arms
• have acne that’s painful and deep under the skin
• have breakouts that have been going on for years
• have acne that affects your confidence, self-esteem, and social life
• think your acne may be linked to a new medication you’re on
• have acne that leaves dark spots

Even if you have a mild case of acne, it may be helpful to visit a doctor regularly to see how your skin progresses with treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Are home remedies for acne effective?

Many people choose to try natural remedies. Most home remedies for acne have not been shown to be clinically effective, but they’re available as alternative treatment options.

Nevertheless, you may want to consult a dermatologist if you have severe acne.

How fast do home treatments for acne work?

Give an acne treatment at least 4 weeks to work. Using a different product every few days can also irritate your skin, causing new breakouts.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, if a treatment works for you, you should notice some improvement in 4 to 6 weeks.

How do you get rid of acne scars?

Acne scars don’t go away on their own. But in-office procedures, like lasers, micro-needling, microdermabrasion, resurfacing, or fillers, can help improve their appearance.

Regular exfoliation and home remedies, like apple cider vinegar, can also reduce the appearance of acne scars.

Acne is a common skin condition with a number of underlying causes.

Experts agree that conventional treatments, like salicylic acid, niacinamide, or benzoyl peroxide, are the most effective, though some people may find them irritating.

Many people choose to try natural remedies. Most home remedies for acne have not been shown to be clinically effective, but they’re available as alternative treatment options.

Nevertheless, you may want to consult a dermatologist if you have severe acne.