Acne is an embarrassing, painful and expensive condition. Over-the-counter products can be expensive and often contain chemicals that may be too harsh for mild acne or the occasional breakout. Following an acne treatment regimen may also be confusing, requiring you to put the steps in order and use certain medications at certain times. If you suffer from mild or occasional breakouts and are looking for a simpler approach, try a few easy home remedies.
Egg Whites
An egg white mask will not only unclog pores, but it will tighten your skin as well. Egg whites act as a mild astringent when applied to the skin. Separate two egg whites and mix them together in a bowl until they have a bubbly texture. After washing with a mild cleanser, use a cotton ball or clean hands to spread the egg whites directly to your face. Leave this mask on for up to 20 minutes or until it dries. Rinse it off with warm water. Apply an oil-free moisturizer if desired.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice has cleansing properties and is effective at treating acne both inside and out. Mix a bit of lemon juice with your water or tea to benefit from its cleansing properties internally, as it is thought that lemon juice may help flush toxins from the liver. Applying lemon juice topically cleanses the pores and, as it washes away dead skin cells and debris, it promotes new skin cell growth. The citric acid in lemon juice also fights bacteria. Use a cotton ball to apply lemon juice after each time you wash your face. If straight lemon juice is too strong or stings, dilute it with water or rinse it off after 10 minutes.
Honey
The sticky texture of honey helps pull dirt and debris from the pores. Honey is also an antimicrobial, making it effective at treating bacteria and preventing new acne breakouts. The antioxidants in honey fight aging, and the waxy texture leaves skin smooth and radiant. To use this remedy, spread a thin layer of honey over your entire face with clean hands. Leave it on your skin for 10 minutes before rinsing. Reapply once daily or as often as you’d like. Drape a towel around your shoulders to prevent honey from dripping onto your clothing, as it will begin to melt after a few minutes of sitting on your skin.
