Acne is a condition that has bothered teens, and the occasional unlucky adult, basically since we first started looking in mirrors. There is even documented acne remedies dating back to ancient Egypt–a salve made of ashes and honey to cure pimples. This black, stick goop might not sound all that enticing to you, but the Egyptians were on the right track. Honey is even used today as a home acne remedy for its antibiotic properties. We just leave out the ashes.
However ash is also an old fashioned acne treatment. One combines ash and some water, applies it before bed, allows it to dry overnight and then washes it off upon rising. It worked for some, as the ash does dry out the acne. But ashes can be quite irritating for many people, and this home remedy isn’t widely recommended any longer as a natural health remedy.
Some other remedies for acne are raspberry tea, witch hazel and rosewater. These substances work because of their natural astringent qualities, pulling the oil from the skin. But, a daily face washing can help produce the same results, and you won’t have to purchase any of these extras.
A more modern home remedy is applying a mint flavored toothpaste to the pimple and allow it to sit overnight. This method is similar to the wood ash method in that it dries out the pimple, but it also dries out the skin and can cause some irritation.
A beneficial home remedy that won’t hurt your skin is to apply a little tea tree substance to the pimple, leave it for a few hours and then wash it off with a mild soap. This oil has natural astringents and antibacterial properties, and you don’t have to leave it on so long, so it’s a little easier on the skin. Of course, always do a test to check for allergies.
If home remedies don’t seem to be making a difference for you, a dermatologist can prescribe medication for your acne. Prescription medications for acne are effective and work quickly. You can get them in pill form, creams or washes, depending on what you and your dermatologist decide. There are some side effects including dry and flaking skin or sensitivity to sunlight, but these can be easily managed and will usually go away in a few weeks of beginning the medication. Extreme acne, such as cystic acne, will require a combination of treatments and perhaps even surgery.
Most people can benefit from a home remedy or over-the-counter method of treating acne. Keeping a regular skin care routine, like washing twice daily and gently exfoliating, can help a lot as well. And the best remedy of all is just waiting. Most people will fully outgrow their acne problem by age 25.
