If you’ve been struggling to get rid of acne, you’re not alone. Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the world, affecting nearly 85% of people between ages 12 and 30, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). While medications like retinoids and antibiotics can help, many people prefer natural remedies first—especially for mild to moderate acne.
The good news? You don’t always need expensive skincare products or harsh treatments. You can get rid of acne naturally with remedies that are simple, effective, and affordable—straight from your kitchen or garden.
In this guide, we’ll explore 12 home remedies to get rid of acne, along with prevention strategies, case studies, and dermatologist-backed insights.
1. Get Rid of Acne with a Honey and Cinnamon Mask
Why it works:
Honey is naturally antibacterial and antioxidant-rich, helping kill acne-causing bacteria. Cinnamon boosts circulation, reduces inflammation, and works synergistically with honey.
How to Use:
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Mix 1 tbsp raw honey with ½ tsp ground cinnamon.
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Apply a thin layer to clean skin.
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Leave on for 10–15 minutes.
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Rinse with lukewarm water.
Case Study: A 2017 study published in Phytotherapy Research found that cinnamon extracts showed significant antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes—the bacteria behind acne breakouts.
2. Aloe Vera Gel – A Natural Way to Get Rid of Acne
Why it works:
Aloe vera is a well-known skin savior. It contains vitamins, enzymes, and anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe acne, reduce redness, and speed up skin healing. Plus, it’s light and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores.
How to Use:
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Cut open a fresh aloe vera leaf and scoop out the gel.
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Apply a thin layer to affected areas or your entire face.
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Leave it on for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight.
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Rinse with lukewarm water.
For best results, use it daily—especially after cleansing your face.
3. Tea Tree Oil Spot Treatment
Why it works:
Tea tree oil has natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s particularly effective at treating individual pimples and reducing the size of inflamed spots.
How to Use:
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Mix 1 drop of tea tree oil with 2–3 drops of carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil (or plain water if your skin isn’t too sensitive).
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Use a cotton swab to apply the mixture directly on pimples.
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Leave it overnight and wash your face in the morning.
⚠️ Important: Never use undiluted tea tree oil directly on the skin—it can cause burns or irritation.
4. Ice Cubes for Reducing Acne Swelling
Why it works:
Using ice helps to constrict blood vessels, reduce swelling, and calm irritated or inflamed pimples. It’s especially useful for large, red, painful breakouts.
How to Use:
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Wrap an ice cube in a clean, soft cloth.
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Gently press it on the affected area for 1–2 minutes.
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Remove, wait a few minutes, then repeat.
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Do this twice a day to minimize redness and swelling.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar Toner
Why it works:
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) helps balance the skin’s pH, fights bacteria, and exfoliates dead skin cells. However, it’s acidic, so dilution is key.
How to Use:
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Mix 1 part ACV with 3 parts filtered water (for sensitive skin, increase water ratio).
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Apply gently using a cotton ball, like a toner.
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Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then rinse off if your skin feels tight or dry.
Use once daily or every other day, depending on your skin’s tolerance.
6. Green Tea Extract – A Natural Remedy to Get Rid of Acne
Why it works:
Green tea isn’t just a refreshing drink—it’s a powerful skincare ingredient. Rich in catechins (antioxidants), green tea helps fight inflammation, reduce sebum (oil) production, and inhibit acne-causing bacteria. Sebum overproduction is one of the leading causes of clogged pores and breakouts, so reducing oil naturally is a big step in learning how to get rid of acne.
How to Use Green Tea for Acne:
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Green Tea Toner: Brew 1 cup of green tea, let it cool, and transfer to a spray bottle. Mist your face after cleansing.
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Green Tea Face Pack: Mix green tea powder with honey or aloe vera gel. Apply for 15 minutes and rinse.
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Green Tea in Diet: Drink 2–3 cups daily to support your skin from the inside.
Case Study: In a clinical trial published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, participants using a topical green tea solution showed 50% fewer acne lesions after 8 weeks. This makes green tea one of the most evidence-backed natural remedies to get rid of acne.
7. Turmeric and Yogurt Anti-Acne Pack
Why it works:
Turmeric contains curcumin, a bioactive compound with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It not only reduces redness but also speeds up healing of acne scars. Yogurt, on the other hand, contains lactic acid which gently exfoliates dead skin cells and restores skin’s natural glow. Together, this mask works as a two-in-one remedy to get rid of acne and prevent scarring.
How to Use:
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Mix 1 tsp turmeric powder with 2 tbsp plain yogurt.
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Apply evenly on your face.
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Leave on for 15–20 minutes.
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Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
Practical Example: Many Indian households traditionally use turmeric in wedding rituals (Haldi ceremony) to give brides glowing skin. This centuries-old practice has now been backed by science—turmeric truly helps reduce acne and brighten skin.
Tip: Turmeric may leave a yellow tint on fair skin. Use only once or twice a week.
8. Zinc-Rich Foods
Why it works:
Zinc is a trace mineral essential for skin repair, reducing inflammation, and regulating oil gland activity. Low zinc levels are strongly linked to severe acne. Including zinc in your diet is a natural way to strengthen immunity and get rid of acne from within.
Food Sources of Zinc:
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Pumpkin seeds
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Chickpeas
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Spinach
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Cashews
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Lentils
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Oysters (highest natural source)
Case Study: A 2014 study published in BioMed Research International found that zinc supplementation reduced inflammatory acne by 50% in participants after just 12 weeks.
Pro Tip: Instead of jumping to supplements, try adding zinc-rich foods to your daily diet. However, if you have persistent acne, consult a dermatologist before taking high-dose zinc supplements.
9. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Why it works:
Omega-3s are “good fats” that regulate oil production, calm inflammation, and balance hormones—all key factors in preventing breakouts. Since acne is partly an inflammatory condition, omega-3s help reduce redness and swelling naturally.
Food Sources:
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Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
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Chia seeds
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Flaxseeds
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Walnuts
Reference: A study in Lipids in Health and Disease found that individuals supplementing with omega-3s showed a significant reduction in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions after 10 weeks.
Tip: If you don’t eat fish, consider plant-based omega-3 supplements like algae oil.
10. Proper Hydration
Why it works:
Water might not directly “cure” acne, but hydration plays a major role in maintaining skin barrier function. Dehydrated skin produces more oil to compensate, which may lead to clogged pores. Staying hydrated also supports detoxification and helps the skin heal faster.
How to Stay Hydrated for Clear Skin:
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Drink at least 8–10 glasses (2–3 liters) of water daily.
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Add lemon slices or cucumber for extra antioxidants.
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Eat water-rich foods (watermelon, cucumber, oranges).
Case Study: A 2015 study in the Journal of Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology found that participants who increased their water intake showed improved skin hydration and elasticity, which indirectly helps in managing acne.
Pro Tip: Replace sugary sodas with herbal teas or plain water to get rid of acne triggers linked to sugar.
11. Stress Reduction
Why it works:
Stress doesn’t directly cause acne, but it makes it worse. Stress increases the hormone cortisol, which triggers oil production and inflammation—leading to more breakouts.
How to Manage Stress for Clearer Skin:
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Practice meditation or deep breathing for 10 minutes daily.
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Try yoga or pilates, proven to lower cortisol.
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Engage in hobbies like painting, journaling, or gardening.
Case Study: Researchers at Stanford University found that students experienced more severe acne during exam stress periods compared to vacation time.
Practical Tip: Even a 20-minute daily walk outdoors reduces stress hormones and boosts circulation, helping you naturally get rid of acne.
12. Sleep Hygiene
Why it works:
During sleep, your body repairs tissues, balances hormones, and reduces inflammation. Lack of sleep disrupts insulin and cortisol levels, both of which contribute to acne flare-ups.
Better Sleep Tips for Acne-Free Skin:
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Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep daily.
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Sleep in a dark, cool room to improve melatonin release.
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Avoid using screens at least 1 hour before bedtime.
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Wash pillowcases every 2–3 days to prevent bacterial buildup.
Case Study: A study published in Sleep Health Journal revealed that poor sleep quality was significantly associated with increased acne severity among young adults.
Pro Tip: A consistent bedtime routine is as important as the number of hours you sleep when trying to get rid of acne.
How to Prevent Acne Naturally (Bonus Tips)
To fully get rid of acne, treatment alone isn’t enough—you also need to build healthy habits:
- Cleanse twice a day with a gentle, sulfate-free face wash.
- Avoid touching or popping pimples—this causes infection and scarring.
- Change pillowcases and towels every 2–3 days to avoid bacteria buildup.
- Drink 8–10 glasses of water daily to flush toxins from your system.
- Eat more vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats. Cut down on sugar and dairy.
- Exercise regularly to promote healthy blood flow and reduce stress.
When to See a Dermatologist
If these home remedies don’t help you get rid of acne after a few weeks, or your acne is painful and widespread, consider seeing a dermatologist. There could be underlying issues such as hormonal imbalance, fungal acne, or dietary triggers.
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FAQs About Home Remedies to Get Rid of Acne
1. What is the fastest home remedy to get rid of acne?
The fastest home remedy to get rid of acne is applying tea tree oil (diluted with a carrier oil) directly to pimples. It reduces inflammation overnight. Ice cubes and honey masks are also quick fixes for calming redness and swelling.
2. Can I really get rid of acne with home remedies?
Yes, you can get rid of acne with home remedies if your acne is mild to moderate. Remedies like aloe vera, turmeric, green tea, and honey have proven antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. However, severe or cystic acne often requires dermatologist treatment.
3. Which food helps to get rid of acne naturally?
Foods rich in zinc (pumpkin seeds, spinach, chickpeas) and omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, walnuts, chia seeds) help get rid of acne naturally. These nutrients reduce inflammation and balance oil production in the skin.
4. How long does it take for home remedies to clear acne?
Most people notice improvement in acne within 4–8 weeks of using natural remedies consistently. For example, clinical studies show green tea extract reduced acne lesions by 50% after 8 weeks. Patience and regular use are key to long-term results.
5. Is aloe vera effective to get rid of acne scars?
Yes, aloe vera is effective not only for soothing active pimples but also for reducing acne scars. Its vitamins and enzymes boost collagen production, helping fade dark marks and restore smooth skin.
6. Can stress cause acne even if I use home remedies?
Yes, stress can worsen acne by increasing cortisol, which boosts oil production. Even if you use home remedies, stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, or a daily walk are essential to fully get rid of acne.
7. What drinks help to get rid of acne?
Green tea, water, and herbal teas are best for acne. Green tea reduces sebum production, while drinking 8–10 glasses of water daily helps flush toxins and keeps your skin hydrated. Avoid sugary drinks and sodas—they can trigger breakouts.
8. Should I avoid dairy to get rid of acne?
For some people, dairy products—especially skim milk—may trigger acne. Cutting down on dairy and replacing it with plant-based milk (like almond or oat) can help you get rid of acne naturally if you’re sensitive to it.
9. What’s the best bedtime routine to prevent acne?
The best bedtime routine for acne includes: cleansing with a gentle face wash, applying aloe vera or a light moisturizer, and sleeping on clean pillowcases. Getting 7–8 hours of sleep helps your body balance hormones and repair skin overnight.
10. When should I stop using home remedies and see a dermatologist?
If you’ve tried home remedies for acne consistently for 8 weeks and see no improvement, or if your acne is painful, cystic, or leaving scars, it’s time to consult a dermatologist. You may need prescription treatments or lab tests to check for hormonal imbalance.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a high-end skincare routine to get clear skin. You just need a few reliable ingredients, consistent care, and a little patience. These simple home treatments can help you get rid of acne and regain your skin’s health—without breaking the bank.
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