Acne or acne vulgaris is a skin condition in which oil glands in the pores become clogged creating red bumps, whiteheads or blackheads. Acne can occur on a range of body areas but are most frequently on the face, back, chest, legs and arms.
Home Remedies for Acne
There are a variety of types of home remedies for treating acne including internal diet and nutritional remedies, cleansing skin remedies, topical applications and herbal treatments for acne.
Diet and Nutrition
At the heart of many natural treatments for acne is the deep belief that the skin is a reflection of the digestive system. Toxins in the system can be released in a number of ways including through the skin.
Changing your diet to be a healthy mix of dark leafy vegetables, fruits and lean proteins can help to maintain a better digestive system. Drinking green tea can increase anti-inflammatory levels in the body which can reduce the likelihood of acne.
Vitamin A is important in the production of healthy skin, low fat dairy foods can be essential in maintaining a healthy level of vitamin A. Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids are important in healthy skin; walnuts, flaxseed oil and salmon are a good source of essential fatty acids.
The mineral selenium is also important in the production of healthy skin, whole grain breads, cereal and Brazil nuts are good sources of selenium.
Drinking plenty of clear water can improve the digestive system and improve the look and feel of the skin.
Old Home Cures for Acne
Tea tree oil is thought to be an effective acne treatment as it is effective in getting the skin clean and free of bacteria which can create new outbreaks of acne.
Lemon can be used as antiseptic and antibacterial cleanser for the skin. Use lemon juice or slices to clean the skin, rinse thoroughly. Lemon juice can also be an effective natural treatment for acne scars.
The natural enzymes in papaya can be effective in the treatment of acne. Make a mask of papaya mash, apply for 10 minutes then rinse thoroughly.
Change pillow cases often to prevent the recurrence of acne from the spread of germs. Use cotton rather than silk or polyester pillow cases.
Create a mask using oatmeal and honey as a natural exfoliate and cleanser, rinse thoroughly.
Massage honey or olive oil on acne scars to reduce their appearance. Lavender oil on cotton balls applied to acne scars is said to reduce the appearance of the acne scars.
Apple cider vinegar can be used to cleanse the face. Dilute in clear water and use cotton balls to cleanse the face. Drinking apple cider vinegar in clear water can also improve the skin. 
