How Natural Ingredients can help with Acne and Blemishes

Using Natural Ingredients for Acne and Blemishes

Natural and gentle don’t always mean the same thing. Sure, some natural ingredients are great for acne-prone skin, but even some of the highly recommended ones–not so much.

Choosing the right approach for your skin

Look for a sulfate-free cleanser that won’t strip your skin or clog pores, paired with an oil-free moisturizer that absorbs excess oil rather than stripping it entirely (over-drying skin often triggers more oil production, not less). Ingredients like turmeric, jojoba oil, and aloe vera are good to start with. As always, patch-test anything new on a small area first before applying it to your whole face.

Ingredients worth trying

• Fruit acids (glycolic, citric, salicylic): Well-established exfoliants that help reduce breakouts and calm redness.
• Witch hazel: A natural astringent with mild antibacterial and antifungal properties, useful for helping dry out blemishes.  (When I was a kid, my granddad kept a bottle of Witch hazel in the medicine cabinet, and used it on insect bites, as well as minor cuts and scrapes.)
• Tea tree oil: Has real antibacterial and antimicrobial properties studied for acne treatment, and gentler than some spot treatments.
• Jojoba oil: Chemically similar to skin’s natural oils, making it non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) while still moisturizing — a smart choice specifically because it won’t contribute to breakouts the way some oils can.
• Chamomile: A mild, calming anti-inflammatory that can soothe red or irritated skin.
• Sulfur: A long-used ingredient with strong antibacterial and antifungal properties for treating acne.
• Manuka honey: Well-studied for its antibacterial properties, particularly useful for calming inflamed blemishes.

A note on coconut oil 

You’ll see coconut oil recommended often for skin conditions, and it does have real antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. But here’s the thing: dermatologists generally advise against using coconut oil on acne-prone or oily skin, since it’s highly comedogenic (rated 4 out of 5 on the pore-clogging scale) and can actually worsen breakouts. It’s better suited to dry skin or dry patches than as a leave-on treatment for active acne. If you want a moisturizing oil that won’t clog pores, jojoba oil is the better choice for acne-prone skin.

A safety note about lemon juice on your skin

Lemon has been hailed as a natural astringent for acne, but this is one home remedy worth skipping. Citrus juice on skin that’s then exposed to sunlight can cause a real, documented chemical burn called phytophotodermatitis.  What the heck is phytophotodermatitis?   Redness, blistering, and dark patches that can take weeks or months to fade, in some cases requiring medical treatment. This well-documented dermatological phenomenon is not highly rated by those who’ve experienced it.   Consider one of the milder, safer options above instead, especially if you’ll be out in the sun afterward.

Note: Lemon itself can be healing, when used correctly. For instance, I’ve used equal parts lemon, lavender, and peppermint essential oils, mixed in a small bottle, to help with seasonal allergies by applying just a little dab to the back of my neck. (This may not work the same for everyone.)  Just be careful to avoid sun exposure if using lemon, or other citrus products.

A couple more tips

• Keep your skin clean with gentle, sulfate-free cleansers, and wash your face after sweating heavily.
• A turmeric and yogurt mask is a popular, gentle option with some anti-inflammatory properties to it.
• Ice can offer temporary relief for redness and swelling on an irritated blemish.
• Diet, stress, and lifestyle can all influence acne. If breakouts are persistent or severe, consider seeing a dermatologist.

Note: This content is for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional dermatological or medical advice. Please see our full Disclaimer.