source:flickr by:beta karel

When faced with an acne breakout, using high-end acne treatment products isn’t always an option. Whether you’re away from your acne arsenal or simply out of your favorite spot treatment, resorting to do-it-yourself treatments is sometimes your only choice. Luckily, these natural acne treatments can provide surprisingly amazing results that may rival those of your lotions and potions! Next time you find yourself in need of a simple treatment for your acne, try these at-home “recipes” for quick clarification.

Mask
This simply delicious mask uses three household standards: oatmeal, apple and honey. Cook the apple until soft, then puree in a food processor (or mash it up in a bowl) and mix in the honey. Add enough warm water to the oatmeal to make a thick paste, then stir in the apple and honey mixture. Apply to your skin for 15-20 minutes, then wash with warm water. This recipe may also be used as a spot treatment for smaller breakouts.

Why it Works

• Oatmeal is naturally soothing and absorbent. It will remove excess oils and dirt from the pores while relieving redness, inflammation and discomfort. Oats also help maintain the skin’s natural barrier function, which keeps environmental aggressors out while sealing in moisture.
• Apples are high in natural salicylic and malic acids, two common and powerful acne ingredients. Salicylic and malic acids work by boosting cell renewal, thereby unclogging pores and releasing acne-causing bacteria and oil. Apples also feature large quantities of antioxidants, which help reduce the formation of premature signs of aging and other signs of environmental damage.
• Honey encourages exfoliation, moisturizes and provides antibacterial benefits. Honey, sometimes referred to as “Mel” on skin care product ingredient lists, is a great all-around ingredient to find in any skin care formulation, as it improves the overall health of the skin.

Cleanser
If a powerful cleanser is what you need, simply add 1/4 cup unpeeled chopped cucumber and 1/8 cup unpeeled chopped potato to a blender and blend for 20 seconds. Add 1/4 cup plain yogurt, one egg and 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and blend on low for one minute or until completely combined. Apply to a moistened face in circular motions and rinse.

Why it Works

• Cucumber is naturally hydrating, astringent and restorative. It helps maintain the skin’s natural acid mantle and barrier functions. It soothes, softens and reduces inflammation.
• Potato reduces the redness and inflammation of acne blemishes and speeds healing time. Slices of potatoes may also be used over the eyes to help get rid of dark under eye circles!
• Yogurt features lactic acid, an extremely gentle natural acid that exfoliates and refreshes the skin. It is one of the best acne ingredients for use during pregnancy, or on highly sensitive skin. In addition to healing blemishes, yogurt will soften and brighten your complexion for heightened beauty.
• Baking soda antibacterial, exfoliating and cleansing. It sucks up excess oils and kills acne-causing bacteria, helping your blemishes to dry out and heal faster.
• Eggs tone and firm the skin, which make this cleanser great for anti-aging skin care use, too! The egg in this mixture will also help to remove excess oil, which directly benefits your breakouts.

Spot Treatments
If you only need to treat a certain area of the face to banish your breakout, try these easy acne spot treatments.

• Potatoes for reducing redness and inflammation, as well as speeding healing time. Just take a thick slice or chunk and hold it against your blemish for about 10 minutes.
• Apple cider vinegar mixed with equal parts water will provide your skin with a healthy dose of salicylic and malic acids to aid in exfoliation and oil absorption.
• Honey - just a dab will do ya! As mentioned above, honey is antibacterial, moisturizing and soothing. Plus, the stickiness will help your spot treatment stay in place while you carry on with your day.