There are a lot of cures for acne out on the market these days, both natural and over-the-counter, and it sometimes gets difficult to know what to use or why. Everyone’s skin is different, even if those people are all suffering from a similar skin condition like acne. One size does not fit all when it comes to treating acne. Below is brief list of 10 ways to treat acne, along with a quick explanation of why they might be able to help you get that flawless skin you’re after. 
- Lemon Juice – Citric acid is a form of Alpha Hydroxy Acid, which sloughs off old, dead skin cells and helps to promote new skin growth. You can try a gentle lemon juice rinse applied topically to skin to help clear up acne.
- Zinc – Zinc is full of antibacterial properties that aid in healing wounds and preventing inflammation, which is the nasty redness associated with acne. You can take Zinc orally, but be cautious, as it can interfere with other medications.
- Aloe – This power-packed plant boasts vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and then some, which is why it isn’t that surprising that it helps speed the healing of acne breakouts. And because those breakouts heal faster, they are less likely to lead to unsightly scarring.
- Vitamin E – Vitamin E’s acne protection is due to its anti-oxidant properties, helping to prevent oils in the skin from becoming trapped and inflamed, which leads to acne. By keeping Vitamin E reaching into your pores, you may be able to prevent the painful bumps associated with acne.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – This potent anti-bacterial agent also helps to balance out skin’s pH level and control oil production. It can also be taken orally to help the liver perform its detox duties, flushing impurities from your system before they make themselves known on your face!
- Benzoyl Peroxide – A large percentage of over the counter drugstore acne treatments use Benzoyl Peroxide, and the common wisdom is that it takes at least 10% of the stuff to do any good. It breaks down the surface skin cells, unblocking pores so that dirt and oil don’t become trapped.
- Tea Tree Oil – Tea Tree is an essential oil that is extracted by steaming the leaves of an Australian plant. Because it has strong anti-microbial properties, it helps fight the bacteria that can lead to acne rearing its ugly head.
- Salicylic Acid – Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid, basically working by speeding up the shedding of cells and making room for fresh, new skin growth. Its strength makes it effective, but can also cause photosensitivity, so make sure you use sunscreen!
- Honey – Surprising as it might be, this sweet treat has some proven antibacterial properties, given that you use it in 2.5-5% concentrations. That might be why it makes a guest appearance in so many face masks and skin treatments.
- Vitamin C – It’s important that you get enough of this ascorbic acid on your own accord, because we humans don’t produce Vitamin C. It’s integral in partnering with other vitamins in the body and helping make them efficient