I decided to do a different type of post, something that is not just a simple product review. I could easily just recommend some products, but the list is long and there are plenty options on the market. I just want to name a few things that I noticed that work (from my personal experience for this problem). Please keep in mind that I’m no skin professional, all I know is just self-thought, after years and years of trial and error. If you really have some skin issues, please take advice from a professional. My tips are for people who have to deal with light acne issues.

My problems with acne started when I was a teenager. Exactly when I started high school, the acne also started creating me problems. It was 100% hormonal, because when I went to college, the problems went away mostly on their own. I had acne all over the face: red bumps, pustules, white heads, black heads, scarring, you name it. Of course, aside from the hormonal problems I have combination skin, which means that even now as an adult I’m prone to acne break outs on the chin, on the forehead and on the jawline.

Also, it’s still a hormonal issue because I have the clearest skin when I’m on vacation (so no stress) and it gets the worst when I’m on my period or when I have stressful times at work (which is now almost daily unfortunately).

When I was young, most skin care products on the market where those that were meant to make the skin dry because supposedly oily skin was the main problem. Now, we know that it’s not just the skin oils that cause acne and there are several options for acne prone skin that are not just harsh exfoliants, astringent lotions and other types of irritating products. Honestly, I’m surprised my skin survived so well considering what I used on it.

So, now let’s talk about some of the ”home remedies” that I used and that I still use to this day and that seem to work well for me. Please take everything with a grain of salt because it doesn’t mean they’re going to be a magic cure for everyone. Also, I still have break outs because of factors that are out of my control, so that doesn’t mean that I’m ”cured”.

Tea tree oil

I used tea tree oil diluted, applied with a cotton pad or as an ingredient in several skin care products. It’s one of the ingredients that I love. It contains a substance called terpinen-4-ol that helps to destroy bacteria that causes acne. It’s also anti-inflammatory and it helps to reduce redness.

Of course, it’s also good to drink green tea on daily basis because of the high antioxidants content. I personally am quite bad at this because I don’t particularly like green tea, but if this is something that you like, continue with this good habit. Green tea is good for skin external and internal.

Honey

Honey is another ingredient that I love and that is good not only for the body but also for the skin. You can use it on its own, but since it’s so sticky, I prefer to use it mixed with other ingredients as a face mask or just to use products that contain honey, regardless if it’s cleansers, face creams or face masks.

Just like tea tree, honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to reduce redness, inflammation and it also accelerates skin healing. You can use it as a classic honey and milk face mask, you can apply honey on the affected areas and leave it on for about 20 minutes before washing it off or you can combine honey with some brown sugar for an amazing all natural body scrub.

Also, it’s the most amazing food ever on earth since it’s the only thing that doesn’t go bad in time (as far as I know).

Aloe vera

Finally, probably my favorite ingredient when it comes to skin care in general not only for acne is aloe vera. I think aloe vera is truly a miraculous plant it helps with so many skin issues. Also, it’s good for all skin types. Studies have shown that aloe vera speed up the recovery of skin lesions with up to 90% in just 5 days, so that’s why it’s so amazing.

Some like like to use aloe vera gel on its own, you know that liquid that you can get from aloe vera leaves but since I don’t grow any type of plants I choose products that contain aloe vera extract.

Asides from the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera is excellent for skin hydration (and that’s why it’s also good for dry and sensitive skin), it reduces redness and it has anti-aging effects (because it contains antioxidants).

So, these are my top 3 acne remedies that I find do work (and they’re all natural and easily available for anyone). I’m curious to know what are your preferred remedies to care for acne prone skin.