How to treat acne, naturally

Struggling to find an effective acne treatment? We feel you. If you’re not having much luck with mainstream options, a natural remedy could be the answer.
According to Dee Zibara, founder and director of online female health empowerment clinic, Cell to Soul, natural skin care products can help to treat hormonal acne, as they’re free from the kinds of “chemicals and toxins” that cause some skin types to break out.
RELATED: Why am I breaking out?
Natural ingredients to fight acne and blemishes
Acne is “a bacterial issue more than anything else”, explains Dee, so if you’re suffering from the skin condition, look for natural skin care products containing antibacterial and antimicrobial agents. These include:
- Tea tree oil - an antibacterial ingredient Dee recommends applying to blemishes directly as a “spot treatment”.
- Witch hazel - a natural astringent that helps to combat excess oil production and reduce inflammation.
- Apple cider vinegar - not only can this help to clear acne-prone skin when taken orally on a daily basis, but it can also be applied topically to kill bacteria and germs while drawing out toxins.
- Organic aloe vera gel - Dee says this can be a great moisturiser for certain acne-prone skin types. It can be useful in fading acne scarring, decreasing inflammation and improving hydration.
RELATED: Is this ingredient the answer to your acne woes?
The benefits of using oils on acne-prone skin
While you may be wary of slathering facial oils across an acne-prone (and beautiful) face, certain types of oils may do your skin good. Dee says “lighter essential oils” such as jojoba oil, rosehip oil and almond oil can be effective at soothing problem skin. In addition, oatmeal is great at reducing the inflammation associated with pimples.
Along with helping to clear up spots in the short-term, using natural anti-acne products may have long-term benefits. As Dee explains, “harsh, rapid products” can strip the skin excessively, leaving it dry and rough, while natural alternatives are more likely to boost the skin’s “hydration and smoothness” overall.
5 OF THE BEST NATURAL ACNE TREATMENTS
Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Acne Face Wash
“I have been using this cleanser for a few months now and it has reduced my acne without over-drying my skin. Tea tree oil is such a good pimple-fighter!” - bh member Cath90xx
Anumi Blemish Treatment
“I really love this pimple gel - it's both gentle on skin yet tough on blemishes. It has no scent and is soothing on the skin as well.” - bh member HuskyChub
Botáni Rescue Acne Cream
“After a few nights of using this cream, my cheeks cleared and my complexion was a lot clearer. My blackheads haven't completely gone but they have reduced.” - bh member Loren148
Natralus 100% Pure Aloe Vera Gel
“This aloe vera gel is beautiful! It's not sticky, nor does it leave an uncomfortable residue as it absorbs quickly. Highly recommend!” - bh member Jacquelinee
Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+
“I noticed my skin improved and I can see how it helped to fade my old pimple marks. I would happily go makeup-free!” - bh member stackcats
RELATED: What your breakouts are telling you
Have you had success with natural acne remedies? What other natural skin care products have you tried?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.
54 Member Comments
I haven't heard of Apple Cider!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
While you’re trying your best to dodge acne by following a good skincare regime, using over-the-counter gels and acne creams, and yet those zits manage to sneak up somehow, you might want to take a look at your lifestyle and daily habits. Here are some everyday practices that might be triggering your acne. https://www.femina.in/beauty/skin/how-to-get-rid-of-pimples-and-acne-naturally-68745.html
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I want to try using ACV on my skin although I do not like the smell of it
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Great article but haven't tried any of these except I do prefer a rosehip serum over the oil it has a lighter feel on my face where as the oil is too heavy. If I've one or two pimples popping up on my face I apply a face mask as that gets deep down gets all dirt out then I apply rosehip serum afterwards the next day my face is clear as anything.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Unfortunately these things don't seem to work for me. I need strong medicated products.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I have bought so many acne products for my son, went to 3 different doctors, but nothing reall works for his skin. Spent hundreds dollar on products & consultation with no result. Until recently last month I saw a youtuber "My Pale Skin" abouth her experience using Antipodes brand & how her acne skin changed so much. Then I bought a few products when Priceline has 25%off. Since my son used Antipodes Avocado & Pear night creme at night and using the Antipodes Aura honey manuka mask twice a week, his skin improves so much. He has less acne, his looks is better in term of less blemish and more hydrated. All his rough skin starts to dissapear. We are so happy & thankful for this products. It's quite expensive, so keep an eye when they are on special in Priceline, David Jones or Myer.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I don't suffer from acne and very seldom have pimples. I found that a hydration focused regime really helped balanced my skin, with less oil secretion. I can see how facial oil helps with problematic skin.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Have just had an awful month, it was like I had a volcano on one side of my nose, which didn't explode, but was sore as, it has gone down and has stopped hurting but there is a lump still and a new one has developed on the other side of my nose near the bridge. No treatments seem to have worked.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Pimples are the worst! Its all about balancing your hormones
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I love aloe vera and witch hazel
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I have used Thursday Plantation Tea Tree anti-acne wash and it can be effective in clearing acne esp if used in conjunction with the Thursday Plantation anti-acne gel in a tube. Its super effective for me. Unfortunately, my friend who is younger than I am (she is 40) suffers from hormonal acne and so I think I would recommend she tries the Anumi or the Botani Rescue Acne Cream which even comes in a set with the cleanser and moisturiser.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Tea tree oil is a blessing - haven't heard about the apple cider vinegar before though! I tried a witch hazel toner, but it caused me to break out. Maybe pure witch hazel would be better.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Got some tea tree oil in the cupboard and a pimple on my face. Game on...
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
topically applying ACV... I love that - and makes sense, will definitely be trying it!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Tea tree and witch hazel are both my go to when I have some pimples, plus I've found Ultraceuticals do a great clearing gel too
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
This reminds me I need to whip out the apple cider vinegar, which I hear when diluted with water makes a really good toner!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I like the idea of using apple cider vinegar for minor breakouts - so cheap and 100% natural!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Seems tea tree oil is a winner! I think hormones can play a large part in acne in adults too.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Thanks to this article I've remembered to go out and buy some aloe very gel. Can you use some from the real plant though? curious.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
La Roche Posay also have a kit for pimples, looks pretty good too
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Love tea tree oil!!! So very effective!!!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Tea tree oil is a lifesaver, also really great for mozzie bites!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I love using Tea tree oil for my acnes,.. I'm using tea tree oil products from long time,.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I have tried them but have not experienced success, I feel they don't balance as well because they are specific and not well rounded to treat the entire area for acne, oiliness and dry skin.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I've heard the Trilogy range is supposed to be great for acne prone skin.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0