7 Soothing Home Remedies for Acne

1. Grape Cleanser

Grapes are a refreshing snack, whether eaten plain as a snack, halved as a salad topping, or frozen as a healthy dessert. But grapes likely don’t come to mind when you think of acne treatments.

Yet according to a review article, resveratrol in the skin of red grapes may exhibit bactericidal activity against Cutibacterium acnes. Formerly called Propionibacterium acnes, C. acnes is a bacteria in the sebaceous glands that contributes to acne.

So grab a few fresh grapes from your fridge, and you’ve got an easy facial cleanser. Cut two or three grapes in half and rub the flesh over your face and neck, says Fran E. Cook-Bolden, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. Follow with a cool water rinse.

2. Cucumber Facemask

If you’ve ever been to a spa, you’ve likely put cucumber slices on your eyes to reduce puffiness — and they may not be a sham treatment.

One review suggested that cucumbers can have a soothing effect on the skin, reducing irritation, swelling, and pain. Therefore, they can potentially relieve inflammation specifically associated with acne.

In the case of acne, “inflammation develops within the oil gland and follicle, leading to red, angry bumps in the skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. When acne develops deep within the skin, “a cyst may develop and become filled with oil. If the cyst wall ruptures and the oil becomes exposed to the deeper skin layers, a robust inflammatory reaction often occurs,” he says.

How can cucumbers help?

“Cucumbers have skin soothing and hydrating benefits, so if your skin is inflamed from acne, cucumbers may offer a modest calming benefit,” Zeichner notes. But he warns that they’re not effective at treating the underlying pimples.

Here’s how to reap the benefits: “Make a paste by blending one small cucumber and 1 cup of oatmeal,” says Dr. Cook-Bolden. Mix 1 teaspoon (tsp) of this paste with 1 tsp of plain yogurt and apply it to your face. Leave it on for 30 minutes, and then rinse.

3. Cucumber Face Pack

If you don’t have oatmeal or yogurt in your kitchen, use this cucumber remedy instead. This cooling, soothing mask will help smooth your skin, which may feel rough from acne. “Mash one whole cucumber, strain the water, add 1 tablespoon of sugar, and mix well,” says Cook-Bolden. “Apply to your face and leave it on for 10 minutes; then wash with cold water.”

4. Simple Honey Mask

Honey has many healing properties. According to the Mayo Clinic, some people use it as a natural cough syrup and to relieve a sore throat.

Laboratory studies suggest that the antibacterial properties of honey may also promote the healing of burns and wound infections and inhibit the growth of C. acnes.

Before applying this mask, rinse your face with warm water, says Cook-Bolden. Then apply the honey and leave it on the skin for 30 minutes. Rinse the honey off with warm water.

5. Yeast and Yogurt Mask for Oily Skin

Although more research is needed, one review article suggested that fermented dairy products like yogurt may promote skin health. Yogurt is also a probiotic, which has been shown to inhibit C. acnes.

To make the mask, combine 1 tsp of brewer’s yeast with a little plain yogurt to create a thin mixture. “Apply it thoroughly to all the oily areas and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water; then use cold water to close the pores,” Cook-Bolden says.