The Best Natural Remedies for Acne, According to a Dermatologist

By April Dupee Clear skin seems like it’d be easy enough to achieve—but much like limitless energy, good sleep, and work-life balance—it can feel like an impossible feat for some people. And contrary to popular belief, acne does *not* stay where you left it in high school. Adult acne is 100 percent a thing, and if you have it, you want it G. O. N. E., like yesterday. Problem is, traditional acne treatments often come with high price tags or unpleasant side effects like dryness, redness, or irritation, which is why many people want to add natural remedies to their acne-fighting routines. RELATED: 5 Foods That Prevent Acne Naturally Where to start? Well, the next time you’re tempted to poke at a blemish, try reaching for one of these natural remedies—courtesy of Michele Green, MD, New York City-based dermatologist—for an easy and affordable acne treatment instead. (Note: It’s always a good idea to see a derm to find the best acne treatment for your skin type, but these are solid options for lots of people. And start slowly: Natural doesn’t always mean gentle—nature is powerful, people!) Tea Tree Oil Have a pimple that just won’t budge? This essential oil extracted from the leaves of an Australian tree may be the spot treatment you need. With powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, Dr. Green says tea tree oil can be highly effective at reducing acne. Dilute a few drops and dab onto blemishes for an easy at-home treatment. (Photo: Shutterstock) Green Tea You already love matcha lattes for their antioxidant content and earthy flavor—and we’ve got another reason to sip up…Turns out, green tea’s antioxidants can help reduce oil production and inflammation when applied directly to skin. Simply steep some green tea, let it cool (no burns, pls!), and apply to your face after cleansing. RELATED: 7 Teas That Reduce Bloating the Natural Way (Photo: Shutterstock) Apple Cider Vinegar You’re definitely going to want this one in your natural acne-fighting arsenal. Apple cider vinegar “contains many organic acids that have been proven to kill P. acnes, the bacteria responsible for breakouts,” says Dr. Green. It also removes the excess oil that causes breakouts. Just be sure to dilute it with water—as in, add three times as much H2O—since the acidity can cause irritation, redness, or burns when applied directly to the skin. Apply with a cotton ball, let it dry, and then rinse with water. (Photo: Shutterstock) Honey Good news: The same sweetener you add to your cuppa can double as an effective acne treatment since honey contains powerful antioxidants that can help reduce oil production. A few tablespoons of honey + a teaspoon of cinnamon = your next self-care Sunday mask. How sweet! (Photo: Shutterstock) (Featured Photo: Shutterstock)

5 Foods That Prevent Acne Naturally

Clear skin involves hydration, proper cleansing, and many other practices, but preventing the pimples we all despise also starts on your plate. That’s right, acne-fighting foods do exist. No, adding them to your regular diet won’t be like waving a magic wand over your every zit and watching them immediately disappear. But these foods, listed below, contain compounds that contribute to banishing breakouts by addressing some of acne’s root causes, like inflammation and cell turnover. RELATED: 3 Important Inflammation Triggers That Aren’t Foods Eat them in place of inflammatory foods that are linked to breakouts, and you’ll be one exfoliation closer to a clear complexion (and will hopefully be able to use fewer chemical creams, too). 5 Acne-Fighting Foods To Eat Now 1. Brazil Nuts Brazil nuts are loaded with the mineral selenium (which is also great for mood). Just one to two fulfills your need for the entire day—really. Selenium is important when it comes to skin health because it acts as an antioxidant, helping to decrease inflammation, which is known to cause acne. Eat these flavorful nuts as an on-the-go snack or chop them into pieces to top your oatmeal or Greek yogurt. RELATED: 5 Creative Ways to Dress Up Your Yogurt 2. Carrots Carrots contain healthy doses of both vitamin A and beta-carotene, which can reduce inflammation and encourage cell turnover (like a natural exfoliation). These acne-fighting foods also help strengthen your skin’s defenses against bacteria that can cause flare-ups. One study found an association between lower vitamin A levels and more severe acne. And it’s easy to work them into your diet: they’re the perfect crunchy snack to dip in hummus, or you can throw them in a soup or salad. 3. Pumpkin Seeds Pepitas (a fun, fancy name for pumpkin seeds) are rich in phytonutrients and minerals like  manganese, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. Zinc, in particular, has strong antioxidant properties. It’s also been shown to reduce sebum, which can cause acne when too much is produced. Use the crunchy, nutritious treats to top a salad or bake them into healthy muffins to start your morning. RELATED: 3 Edible Seeds That Make Awesome Snacks 4. Green Tea Green tea is a great source of acne-fighting antioxidants —polyphenols like flavonoids and catechins—and it’s also great for hydration, which improves cell turnover, meaning you have more healthy new cells to boost your complexion. Dehydration can also cause swelling and puffy skin and a slowed response to acne medication or skin treatments. Brew a cup during the afternoon slump for both an energy and skin pick-me-up, or marinate your fish in it for a delicious, breakout-banishing dinner. 5. Tomatoes Tomatoes are not only good for your immune system, they’re also amazing for skin thanks to nutrients like vitamin C and bioflavonoids that have powerful antioxidant properties. Start popping tomatoes instead of pimples by adding a few slices to a collard green wrap or making a chickpea and broccoli rabe salad, the perfect make-ahead lunch for the week.