If you suffer from acne breakouts, you have probably tried plenty of over the counter, and even prescription, acne medications. But have you tried any natural acne remedies?

While acne medications can be very effective at treating this skin condition, some of them also contain harsh chemicals that cause skin irritation and redness and may even make your acne worse. Natural remedies, on the other hand, are usually milder.

Here are a few natural acne remedies you may want to consider trying. Just try experimenting to see which one works best for you. I would recommend giving each one a little bit of time to work, so try one for a week or more before moving on to the next. Each of has unique skin that responds differently to different cleansing methods.

Bacteria is one of the major causes of acne. So anything that kills bacteria, like lime juice, will help clear up your skin and prevent breakouts.

Add a cup of milk and the juice of half a lime to a pot. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil and let it cool. Apply the cooled liquid to your face with a cotton ball, and then rinse with lukewarm water. Store any leftover cleanser in the refrigerator.

Not only will the lime juice kill bacteria, but milk is a natural moisturizer.

Potatoes contain acids that also kill bacteria. Not only that, but the vitamin C in the potato will help brighten your skin, and clear up any skin discolorations or blemishes.

Cut a potato in half, and spend a minute or two rubbing (gently) the exposed insides across your skin. Then rinse with lukewarm water.

Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic. It will naturally cleanse your skin, while helping skin blemishes heal faster.

Herbs are effective at treating many conditions, including acne.

Some acne sufferers have seen positive results from taking zinc.

You can find zinc in tablet, capsule, or powdered form. Take one 50 milligram dose of zinc three times a day, and your complexion will begin to clear in about a month. When it does, reduce your zinc intake to one 25 or 50 milligram dose a day.

Whether you find your natural acne remedies in your refrigerator, your medicine cabinet, or at the nearest health food store, they are all worth a try.

For some other home methods of dealing with your acne, be sure to also take a look at my hub on acne home remedies.