Let's not forget that pimples are actually skin lesions filled with bacteria. Yuck. Sorry to be blunt, but it had to be said. Acne isn't just an aesthetic concern. But the good news is that saying buh-bye to pimples may be simpler than you think. In fact, forget the trip to the store and open up your pantry instead.
Egg whites: the protein-packed wonder behind the healthiest of omelets, the most beautiful meringues and even the clearest of skin. Egg whites shrink large pores and therefore minimize pimple-producing sebum. But that's not all. They contain an enzyme called lysozyme that digests the cell walls of acne-causing bacteria. Check out these egg white face masks for the how-to on utilizing egg white's pimple fighting powers.
C. Jane Create
Vanilla Brown Sugar Scrub
This Vanilla Brown Sugar Scrub is best used in the shower and is perfect for the unfortunate instances of body acne. The exfoliating sugars work to clear away dead skin cells, while the oils in the scrub lock in moisture.
Pioneer Settler
Avocado
Antioxidants, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and fatty acids make avocado one of the most luxurious, moisturizing, toning, and firming things you can put on your face. Try this mask from Pioneer Settler for healthy, pimple-free skin.
Michelle Phan
Banana Peel
Banana peels contain nutrients and antioxidants that give this previously-tossed-aside item several beauty benefitslike wrinkle reduction, moisture-infusion, and yes, acne treatment. We were surprised too. So next time you need a snack, take the chance to also clean up your complexion.
Lulu and Sweet Pea
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a cocktail of antibacterial and antiseptic properties that combat acne. It is the ideal toner to balance the pH of your skin (aka keeps your skin healthy to ward off bacteria while shedding dead skin cells). Try this toner in your new routine.
Thinkstock
Steam Clean
Open up pores and flush out impurities by making it a bit steamy. We're hard-pressed to think of something more cleansing, rejuvenating and inexpensive than a warm steam. Once your pores are nice and open, clean them out with a face wash or scrub to reach deep impurities. Acne-free skin has never been so cheap!
Liz Marie Blog
Honey + Cinnamon + Nutmeg
This oh-so-simple mask contains all your basic acne-fighting needs. The honey is naturally moisturizing and naturally antibacterial, while cinnamon is an antiseptic made for bacteria resistance, and nutmeg works to exfoliate skin and ward off blackheads.
Livestrong
Baking Soda + Asprin
While decidedly the least tasty of these at-home options, this concoction of acne-fighting superheroes from Livestrong is a no-joke skin clearer. The key ingredient for most acne products you can get at the grocery store is actually salicylic acid-a beta-hydroxy acid from willow bark that is contained in aspirin. Crushed up aspirin combined with the acne fighting properties of baking soda and lemon make this skin peel a must-try for particularly stubborn acne.
Hello Natural
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is another antibacterial and antiseptic natural ingredient that can keep acne at bay and diminish existing pimples. Use it as a simple spot treatment by itself, or add some garlic and jojoba oil for an even more powerful treatment.
Byrdie
Coffee Grounds
Don't let those coffee grounds go to waste! Coffee contains antioxidants called flavonoids that are released when brewed and can keep skin healthy. The caffeine in coffee grounds can also reduce puffiness and tighten skin, while the texture of coffee grounds leaves your face exfoliated and glowing. Give this coffee face mask from Byrdie a try.