Get Rid of Acne Without Using Medication

Acne vulgaris (commonly called acne) is a skin condition caused when pores in your skin become clogged with dead skin cells and sebum (a natural oil your body secretes).[1] When bacteria on your skin called Propionibacterium acnes get into your pores, it can cause infection and inflammation, leading your pores to fill with pus. Acne causes blemishes like open comedones (blackheads), closed comedones (whiteheads), and pimples, as well as more severe blemishes such as pustules, cysts, and nodules.[2] Waking up in the morning to find a nice big zit on your face is never fun, but fortunately, you can treat most mild cases of acne at home with good cleansing and natural remedies.

Steps

Cleaning Your Face With a Steam Bath

  1. Pull your hair away from your face. Use a headband or ponytail holder to keep hair out of your face.
  2. Pre-cleanse your face. Use your fingertips to massage a gentle cleanser, such as Dove or Cetaphil, into your skin using gentle, circular motions for about a minute. Rinse your face thoroughly.
    • Use lukewarm water; hot water can damage sensitive skin.
    • Pat your face dry using a clean towel. Don’t rub or scrub!
    • You can also choose a plant-oil based cleaner. Grapeseed and sunflower oils are common bases for these cleaners, and can help absorb and dissolve the extra oil from your skin.
  3. Pre-test your skin with an essential oil. Some people have allergies or sensitivities to essential oils, so before you put any essential oil into your steam cleanse, test it on your skin.[3]
    • Mix together three drops of essential oil with ½ teaspoon of a carrier oil, such as sunflower oil.
    • Apply a few drops to the pad of an adhesive bandage and put the bandage on the inside of your forearm. Leave for 48 hours.
    • If your skin is red, itchy, swollen, or develops a rash, do not use that essential oil for your steam cleanse.
    • Thyme, oregano, clove, and cinnamon oil can cause skin irritation in some people. Many citrus oils can cause burning on your skin if it is exposed to sunlight after application.
  4. Fill a 1-quart pot with water. Bring the water to a boil and let it boil for a minute or two.
  5. Add one to two drops of essential oils. Several essential herbal oils have antibacterial or antiseptic properties, allowing them to kill the bacteria and other microorganisms on your skin that can promote acne. You should never ingest essential oils, as many are toxic or cause unpleasant side effects when consumed. Here are some good options:
    • Spearmint or peppermint. Add one drop per quart of water; you can increase this if necessary. Both peppermint and spearmint oil contain menthol, which has antiseptic properties.[4]
    • Thyme. Thyme has antibacterial properties and increases blood circulation by opening up blood vessels.[5]
    • Calendula. Calendula has antimicrobial properties and can help accelerate skin healing.[6]
    • Lavender. In addition to being very soothing, lavender oil has antibacterial properties.[7]
    • Rosemary. Rosemary is naturally antibacterial and is especially effective against P. acnes.[8]
    • Oregano. Oregano oil is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.[9]
    • Avoid tea tree oil for steam baths, as it is highly toxic when consumed.
    • You can substitute ½ teaspoon of the dried herb for essential oil if you can’t find the essential oil.
  6. Move the pot to a stable area. After you have added the herbs and boiled for one minute, remove the pot from the heat. Move it to a stable, comfortable area, such as a countertop or table.
    • You may want to place the hot pot on a trivet or cloth.
  7. Cover your head with a large, clean cotton towel. Place your face over the steaming pot. Close your eyes.
    • Keep your face at least 12 inches from the water. The steam will dilate your blood vessels and open up your pores, but getting too close to the hot water could damage or even burn your skin.
  8. Breathe normally. Try to relax and take even, calming breaths. Keep your face over the steam for 10 minutes.
    • If you begin to feel uncomfortable before the 10 minutes is up, move away from the steam.
  9. Rinse your face well. Use lukewarm water to rinse your face, and then pat it dry with a clean towel. Don’t rub your skin.
  10. Apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer. You can use a brand of moisturizer that will not block pores, such as Olay, Neutrogena, or Clinique. You can also Make a Moisturizer That Gets Rid of Acne using natural oils.
    • Check the labels of store-brand moisturizers. Choose one that states that it will not clog pores (noncomedogenic) and is oil-free..
  11. Steam cleanse up to twice a day. You can safely use this steam cleanse up to twice a day: once in the morning and once at night. After two weeks, you should see improvement in your acne.
    • Once you see improvement, you can go down to once a day.

Using Sea Salt Treatments

  1. Avoid overdoing any salt treatment. Sea salt may make skin inhospitable to acne-causing bacteria and may also help dissolve excess skin oils. However, it can also dry out your skin if you overdo it. Follow the directions in this method.
    • Before using any of the salt treatments, use a gentle cleanser to pre-cleanser your face.
  2. Make a sea salt mask. Stir together one teaspoon of sea salt and three teaspoons of hot water in a small bowl or jar. Add one tablespoon of one of the following and mix well:
    • Aloe vera gel (to help heal the skin)[10]
    • Green tea (for antioxidants and anti-aging properties)[11]
    • Raw honey (for antibacterial properties and to promote healing)[12]
  3. Apply the sea salt mask to your face. Once the mask is thoroughly mixed, use your fingertips to gently spread the mask over your skin.
    • You can also dip a cotton-tipped swab in the mask mixture and spot-apply to blemishes.
  4. Leave on for 10 minutes. Do not leave the sea salt mask on for more than 10 minutes. Salt draws water out of your skin, and could leave it dry or irritated if you leave it on for too long.
    • Rinse your face completely with cool or lukewarm water.
    • Pat your face dry with a clean towel.
    • Apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer.
    • Do not apply this mask more than once a day. Always apply a moisturizer after using the sea salt mask. Most likely you will want to use this two to three times per week.
  5. Make a sea salt facial spray. Mix together three tablespoons + one teaspoon of sea salt with 10 tablespoons of hot water. Add 10 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, green tea, or honey. Pour the mixture into a clean spray bottle.
    • Keep the bottle in the refrigerator to preserve the spray. Clearly label it so that no one tries to consume it.
  6. Pre-cleanse your face. Use a gentle cleanser to pre-cleanse your face. Then apply the spray by closing your eyes and misting it over your face and neck.
    • Allow the spray to stay on your skin for 10 minutes. Don’t leave it longer than 10 minutes to avoid possible irritation.
    • Rinse your face completely with cool or lukewarm water.
    • Pat your face dry with a clean towel.
    • Apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer.
  7. Bathe in sea salt water. Add two cups of sea salt to very warm or hot water as you fill up your bathtub. Adding salt while the water is still running will help the salt dissolve. You can use table salt in a pinch, but it will not have the additional minerals of sea salt and will not work as well.
    • Soak in the bath for up to 15 minutes.
    • For facial acne, wet a washcloth in the salt water and place it over your face for 10–15 minutes. Keep your eyes closed; salt water can sting your eyes.
    • Rinse off the sea salt water with cool fresh water.
    • Pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
    • Apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer to your skin.

Using Natural Face Treatments

  1. Make a mask for oily skin. Combine one tablespoon of raw honey, one egg white, one teaspoon of lemon juice or witch hazel, and ½ teaspoon of peppermint, spearmint, lavender, calendula, or thyme essential oil. Stir until thoroughly mixed.
    • Raw honey has natural antibacterial and astringent properties.
    • Egg white thickens the mixture and also acts as an astringent.
    • Lemon juice is an astringent and also a whitening agent.. Witch hazel is an astringent but does not have a whitening effect.[13]
    • The recommended essential oils have antibacterial or antiseptic properties and can help kill bacteria on your skin.
  2. Spread the mask over your skin. Use your fingertips to gently spread the mask over your face, neck, or other problem areas. You can also use a cotton-tipped swab to apply the mask to problem spots and blemishes.
    • Allow the mask to dry for 15 minutes.
  3. Rinse with lukewarm water. Make sure to rinse your skin thoroughly. Leaving any mask on your skin could clog pores.
    • Pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
    • Apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer.
  4. Create an oatmeal mask. The starch in oatmeal is known to remove oil, while at the same time moisturizing the skin. Oatmeal is also anti-inflammatory, which can help soothe irritated skin and inflamed pores.[14][15]
    • Combine one cup of rolled oats with 2/3 cup of boiling hot water. Mix well and then allow the oatmeal to cool.
    • Add ¼ cup of raw honey to the cooled oatmeal and combine. The honey will act as an antibacterial and moisturizing agent.
  5. Apply the mask to clean skin. Use your fingers to gently spread the mask over your face, neck, or other problem areas.
    • Allow it to dry for up to 20 minutes.
    • Rinse well with mild soap and warm water.
    • Pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
    • Apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer.
  6. Apply tea tree oil. Use a product containing 5% tea tree oil. Saturate a cotton ball with the oil and dab it on your acne once a day for three months. Tea tree oil takes a little longer to work than benzoyl peroxide, a commonly used topical treatment for acne, but it also has fewer side effects such as dryness, itching, or irritation.[16]
    • Do not ingest tea tree oil, as it is toxic when consumed. If you have eczema, rosacea, or another skin condition, tea tree oil may further irritate your skin. Consult with a dermatologist before using it.[17]
    • For slightly faster results, apply tea tree oil to your skin twice a day, for 20 minutes each time. Wash off with a gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil. Follow this treatment schedule for 45 days.[18]

Cleansing Your Skin

  1. Wash, but don’t over-wash, your face. Over washing your face can irritate the skin and create redness. Wash your face twice a day, as well as after you’ve sweated. [19]
    • Use a mild soap such as Dove, Aveeno, or Cetaphil. Don’t use hand soap. Make sure your cleanser is labeled “non-comedogenic” or says something else about not causing breakouts.
    • Apply soap and water with clean fingertips. Massage gently without scrubbing. Scrubbing or using an abrasive cleaner, such as a washcloth or mesh sponge, could cause irritation or scarring.[20]
    • Wash your face after you’ve sweated, especially if you have been wearing a hat or helmet. Perspiration trapped against your face can inflame acne.[20]
  2. Avoid exfoliation. Exfoliating cleansers or tools are popular, but they can actually cause irritation and scarring and could make your acne worse. Stick with a mild cleanser and your fingers.[21]
    • Chemical exfoliants such as salicylic acid and alpha hydroxy acid chemically detach dead and dying skin cells. However, they can dry out your skin, so don’t over-apply them.[22]
  3. Avoid products that contain alcohol. Skin products such as toners, astringents, and exfoliants often contain alcohol. Alcohol dries out your skin and can leave it irritated and prone to breakouts.[23]
  4. Shower once a day. Showering regularly will remove excess oil from your hair, which could move to your face and cause breakouts. Because acne can appear anywhere on your body, it’s a good idea to use a mild, non-comedogenic body soap.[24]
  5. Change your makeup and skin products. Heavy makeup and greasy skin products can lead to clogged pores and acne breakouts. If you routinely experience acne breakouts, your skincare regimen could be to blame.[24]
    • Look for “non-comedogenic” labeling on your makeup and any other products you put on your skin. This label means that these products are not likely to clog pores or cause breakouts. Also look for "oil-free." Choose water-based or mineral-based makeups when you can.

Making Lifestyle Changes

  1. Don't pop pimples. 

When you pop that zit you could actually be forcing bacteria deeper into your skin. Popping, picking, squeezing, or touching your acne could also leave you with acne scars that may or may not go away.[19]
    • In serious cases, you can even end up with a staph infection from squeezing blemishes. Just don’t do it.
  2. Wash your pillowcase frequently. The oils and residue from your face lands on the pillow, creating a hotbed for pimple producing opportunities. Consider washing or changing your pillowcase every few days to reduce the chances of pillow-borne acne.
  3. Stay out of the sun and avoid tanning. Exposure to ultraviolet light (like you get from sunshine and tanning beds) can cause serious damage to the skin. It could also make acne worse.[19]
    • If you use certain medications, including some antibiotics, antihistamines, and acne medications such as isotretinoin or topical retinoids, exposure to the sun can also make your skin red, dry, and irritated.
    • Some sunscreens can cause an acne flare-up. Choose an oil-free sunscreen, or go with a physical sunscreen such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.[25]
  4. Remove stress from your life. Stress doesn’t cause acne, but it can make existing acne worse Although everyday stress is inevitable, try to avoid stressing out over things by taking a natural approach to relaxation.[26]
    • Try meditation or yoga. Visualization or surrounding yourself with a calming presence can often minimize the effects of stress and provide you with a relaxing posture.
    • Hit the gym. Run, lift or box out of your stress. Releasing endorphins during workouts can lighten your mood.
    • Evaluate your environment. In addition to a toxic work or home environments, environmental pollutants and even food additives can make you anxious.
  5. Watch your diet. Diet doesn’t directly cause acne, but it can increase inflammation and promote bacteria growth. Avoiding sugary and highly processed foods and eating low-glycemic-index (GI) foods may help reduce the severity of acne.[27] Some healthy low-GI foods include:
    • Bran cereals, muesli, rolled oats
    • Whole wheat, pumpernickel, and other whole grain breads
    • Most vegetables and fruits
    • Nuts and legumes
    • Yogurt

Knowing When to See a Doctor

  1. Count your blemishes. Dermatologists categorize acne as mild, moderate, and severe. You can treat most mild acne at home with topical remedies and lifestyle changes. If your acne is moderate to severe, you should see a doctor.[28]
    • Mild facial acne usually has fewer than 20 non-inflamed whiteheads or blackheads or 15–20 mildly inflamed and irritated pimples.
    • Moderate facial acne has between 20–100 whiteheads or blackheads, or 15–50 pimples.
    • Severe facial acne has more than 100 whiteheads or blackheads, more than 50 pimples, or more than five cysts (the most deeply inflamed lesions).
  2. Wait two to four weeks. If your acne persists for two to four weeks with no signs of improvement after you’ve used the methods in this article, make an appointment to see your doctor. Your doctor can recommend further treatments or refer you to a dermatologist if necessary.
    • For many insurance plans in the US, you must get a referral from your general practitioner to see a specialist like a dermatologist. Contact your insurance provider to determine whether this applies to you.
  3. See a doctor if you experience side effects. Some people with sensitive skin may experience irritation from home acne treatments. If your skin becomes red, raw, or irritated, stop using your home treatments and see a doctor.

Tips

  • When you are washing your face, avoid using a wash rag. It is better to use your hands because using a wash rag will simply spread the infection around your entire face and can irritate your skin.
  • When applying hair gels or sprays, try your best not to allow any to touch your face as they can clog your pores.
  • Get enough vitamin A and vitamin D in your diet. These vitamins are important for healthy skin.
  • Eat plenty of omega-3 fatty acids. You can find omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel. Flaxseeds are also a good source, as are walnuts and chia seeds. Omega-3s may benefit people with acne.
  • When wearing makeup, always make sure the makeup is labeled "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic."

Warnings

  • Never pop, squeeze, or pick acne. You could cause irritation, scarring, and serious infection.
  • Do not make your own salicylic acid mask using aspirin. Salicylic acid can cause damage to your skin if not applied properly. Use only a topical ointment that is approved by your doctor.[29]

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/acne/acne_ff.asp
  2. ↑ https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/a---d/acne/signs-symptoms
  3. ↑ http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/aromatherapy/are-essential-oils-safe
  4. ↑ Kamatou GP, Vermaak I, Viljoen AM, Lawrence BM., Menthol: a simple monoterpene with remarkable biological properties.Phytochemistry. 2013 Dec;96:15-25.
  5. ↑ Fournomiti M, Kimbaris A, Mantzourani I, Plessas S, Theodoridou I, Papaemmanouil V, Kapsiotis I, Panopoulou M, Stavropoulou E, Bezirtzoglou EE, Alexopoulos A. Antimicrobial activity of essential oils of cultivated oregano (Origanum vulgare), sage (Salvia officinalis), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) against clinical isolates of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Microb Ecol Health Dis. 2015 Apr 15;26:23289.
  6. ↑ Efstratiou E, Hussain AI, Nigam PS, Moore JE, Ayub MA, Rao JR.Antimicrobial activity of Calendula officinalis petal extracts against fungi, as well as Gram-negative and Gram-positive clinical pathogens.Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2012 Aug;18(3):173-6
  7. ↑ Sienkiewicz M, Głowacka A, Kowalczyk E, Wiktorowska-Owczarek A, Jóźwiak-Bębenista M, Łysakowska M.The biological activities of cinnamon, geranium and lavender essential oils. Molecules. 2014 Dec 12;19(12):20929-40.
  8. ↑ Sienkiewicz M, Łysakowska M, Pastuszka M, Bienias W, Kowalczyk E.The potential of use basil and rosemary essential oils as effective antibacterial agents. Molecules. 2013 Aug 5;18(8):9334-51.
  9. ↑ Akdemir Evrendilek G. Empirical prediction and validation of antibacterial inhibitory effects of various plant essential oils on common pathogenic bacteria. Int J Food Microbiol. 2015 Jun 2;202:35-41.
  10. ↑ Murphy, K. (2010) Reviews of articles on medicinal herbs. Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism, 22(3), 100-103.
  11. ↑ Goldfaden, R.,Goldfaden, G.(2011) Topical Resveratrol Combats Skin Aging. Life Ext. 17(11), 1-5.
  12. ↑ Hanley, K. (2010)Immunity superstars: the 10 best foods to fight off colds and flu. Nat. Solutions. 130; 50-54.
  13. ↑ http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-2186007
  14. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22421643
  15. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20626172
  16. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2145499
  17. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/tea-tree-oil/background/hrb-20060086
  18. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/tea-tree-oil/dosing/hrb-20060086
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/for-kids/about-skin/acne-pimples-and-zits/helping-stop-pimples
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/a---d/acne/tips
  21. ↑ https://www.aad.org/stories-and-news/news-releases/dermatologists-advise-patients-that-over-the-counter-acne-products-can-have-benefits-and-a-place-on-their-medicine-shelf
  22. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/tc/acne-treatment-with-salicylic-acid-topic-overview
  23. ↑ http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/272024.php
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/acne/acne_ff.asp#c
  25. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/features/10-myths-and-facts-about-adult-acne
  26. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/features/stress-and-acne
  27. ↑ http://www.the-gi-diet.org/lowgifoods/
  28. ↑ https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/acne-and-related-disorders/acne-vulgaris
  29. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=baking+soda+and+acne
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