You’ve tried everything… so why is your acne still here? 

You’ve slathered on tea tree oil, cut out dairy, and even dabbled in DIY turmeric masks. But despite all the effort (and money spent), your acne is still front and center. Frustrating, right? Here’s the thing—just because something is labeled “natural” doesn’t mean it’s right for acne-prone skin. 

Some remedies are game-changers, while others might be making things worse. If you’re tired of the trial-and-error approach, check out my 3-Phase Skincare Method for Acne to build a routine that truly works.

Let’s break down what actually works—and what’s best left out of your routine.

Natural Acne Remedies I DO Recommend

Not all natural remedies are created equal. Here are my top picks for healing acne without causing more irritation:

1. Manuka Honey Masks

If you haven’t tried manuka honey yet, you’re seriously missing out. This golden goodness is packed with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a powerhouse for soothing inflamed breakouts and supporting skin healing. Plus, it works for all skin types—oily, dry, sensitive, you name it!

How to use it: Apply a thin layer of raw manuka honey to clean, damp skin and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Use 2-3 times a week for best results. It’s also great as a gentle morning cleanser—just massage onto damp skin and rinse!

For the best results, stick to a manuka honey with an MGO rating of 100 or lower when using it topically. I love Wedderspoon Manuka Honey KFactor 16 and Manuka Doctor 80+ for skincare. You can also use organic raw honey as a more budget-friendly option!

2. Oil Cleansing (The Right Way!)

I know, I know—using oil on acne-prone skin sounds like the exact opposite of what you should be doing. But trust me, it’s not about slathering on just any oil—it’s about using the right ones. Instead of stripping your skin with harsh cleansers (which only leads to more breakouts), oil cleansing helps dissolve excess sebum, unclog pores, and support your skin barrier.

Best oils for cleansing by skin type:

• All Skin Types: MCT oil
• Oily/Acne-Prone: Hemp seed oil, castor oil

Best oils that are hydrating for every skin type:

• All Skin Types: Jojoba oil
• Dry Skin: Squalene oil
• Oily Skin: Abyssinian oil

Potent/antioxidant rich oil for every skin type:

• All Skin Types: sea buckthorn fruit oil
• Oily Skin: Calendula Herbal Oil

If you want a high-quality pre-made option, I swear by Kossma’s oil cleanser—it’s perfectly balanced for acne-prone skin and does all the hard work for you. But if you love a good DIY moment, you can create a custom oil blend tailored to your skin type!

DIY Oil Cleanser:

• All Skin Types: Abyssinian oil + MCT oil + Sea Buckthorn Fruit Oil
• Oily/Acne-Prone: Hemp Seed Oil + Castor Oil + Sea Buckthorn Fruit Oil

You could oil cleanse with just one of these cleansing oils for a simple routine, but when you blend all three, you get a more hydrating and nourishing oil that supports your skin barrier even better. If you’re new to oil cleansing and want to keep it simple, start with a single cleansing oil—you’ll still see great benefits! 

Want the full breakdown on how to mix the perfect oil cleanser for your skin? I go into all the details in my Ultimate Acne Skincare Guide (see page 24!), including the exact formulas I recommend for different skin types. Trust me, once you get oil cleansing right, your skin will never look back!

3. DIY Turmeric, Yogurt, ACV & Honey Mask

If your skin is throwing a tantrum with redness and breakouts, it’s time to whip up a soothing DIY mask that’s as easy as raiding your kitchen. This concoction combines turmeric, yogurt, apple cider vinegar (ACV), and honey to create a powerhouse treatment for your face.​

Why These Ingredients?

• Turmeric: This golden spice isn’t just for lattes; it’s renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it a hero for calming irritated skin and reducing acne. ​
• Greek Yogurt: Packed with lactic acid, yogurt gently exfoliates, helping to slough off dead skin cells and brighten your complexion. Plus, its creamy texture adds a luxurious feel to the mask.
• Honey: Nature’s sweet nectar is a natural humectant, meaning it locks in moisture. It’s also antibacterial, which helps in keeping those pesky pimples at bay.
• Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): This pantry staple acts as a natural astringent, helping to tone and balance the skin. It’s particularly beneficial for oily skin types.

How to Make the Mask:

1. In a bowl, combine:​
   • 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder​
   • 1 tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt​
   • 1 teaspoon of raw honey​
   • A few drops of apple cider vinegar​
     
2. Mix until you achieve a smooth, paste-like consistency.​
3. Apply a thin layer to your clean face, avoiding the eye area.​
4. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.​
5. Rinse off with lukewarm water, pat dry, and follow up with your favorite moisturizer.​

Pro Tips:

• Staining Alert: Turmeric can stain fabrics and surfaces, so use dark-colored towels and be cautious during application.​
• Patch Test: Always do a patch test before applying new ingredients to your face to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions.​
• Frequency: Using this mask 1-2 times a week can help maintain a balanced and glowing complexion.​

Incorporating this natural mask into your skincare routine can provide a gentle yet effective way to address acne and inflammation, all while giving your skin a radiant boost.

Do you know your acne type? Understanding your acne type is a game-changer when it comes to choosing the right remedies and skincare routine. Check out my post on The 5 Types of Acne to learn more!

Natural Acne Remedies I DON’T Recommend

Now, let’s talk about the so-called “miracle” remedies that might actually be sabotaging your skin.

1. Comedogenic oils like Coconut Oil & Olive Oil

I know, I know—coconut oil is hyped as a skincare cure-all. But for acne-prone skin, it’s a hard no. These oils rank between 2-4 on the comedogenic scale, meaning they can clog pores and make breakouts worse. And while they may work for some skin types, acne skin types should be more mindful of the types of oils they put on their face and choose oils with a low comedogenic rating. 

A better alternative: Stick to non-comedogenic oils like hemp seed, grapeseed, or squalane, which won’t clog your pores or trigger breakouts. If you’re unsure which oils are safe for acne-prone skin, my Acne Skincare Guide breaks it all down for you!

2. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is often recommended for acne, but most formulations contain alcohol, which strips your skin’s moisture barrier. If your acne is inflamed, using witch hazel can just make things worse and can be causing more irritation and inflammation.

Instead, try: A gentle, alcohol-free toner with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or green tea extract.

3. Essential Oils

Essential oils are everywhere in skincare, and while many people swear by them, they can be incredibly potent and irritating—especially for acne-prone skin. If your skin barrier is strong, you might be able to tolerate them, but if you’re dealing with active breakouts, it’s best to steer clear. The truth is, they’re not necessary. 

What to do instead: You can get the same antibacterial benefits from a manuka honey mask as you would from tea tree oil, without the risk of irritation. For inflamed acne, I recommend using a manuka honey mask 2-3 times a week to calm and heal your skin naturally.

Final Thoughts

Natural acne remedies can be powerful tools in your holistic healing journey—when used correctly. By focusing on gentle, nourishing options like raw honey, aloe vera, and green tea, you can calm inflammation and support your skin’s natural healing process. But it’s equally important to avoid harsh, irritating ingredients like lemon juice, baking soda, and toothpaste that can do more harm than good.

For a complete guide to healing acne holistically—from nourishing your body to repairing your skin barrier and everything in between—grab my Ultimate Acne Skincare Guide. It’s packed with practical tips, DIY recipes, and detailed routines tailored to your unique skin needs.

Ready to ditch the guesswork and get clear skin for good? Click here to get the guide and start your journey to radiant, healthy skin today!