Acne is one of the most common skin disorders affecting young people and adults today. Nearly six out of ten people from 12 to 24 suffer from some form of acne, so it is no surprise that there are an equally large number of acne treatments out there, some of which work and some of which do not.

Although there are a number of reliable anti-acne remedies out there that can really solve the problem, you do not have to shell out a lot of money to rid yourself of those painful and unsightly bumps. The perfect solution to your acne problems may just be lying around in your kitchen or may be found at the nearest corner pharmacy. Here are some of the most common effective home remedies for acne that you just might find to be helpful.

• A Balanced diet. This is probably the best home remedy for acne that anyone can do. Experts say that a bad diet coupled with stress is the most common trigger for acne. Try to incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables and tone down on the processed foods, caffeine and soda. It will do wonders on not only your acne problem but also for the whole of your body as well.
• Garlic. Rubbing raw garlic onto the skin is believed to clear up the skin faster than any commercial ointment or lotion can. The external use of garlic has been known to reduce the severity of pimples and boils on the face. The consumption of garlic is also good for your health as well. Studies have shown that garlic may play a role in lowering blood pressure.
• Aloe vera. Aloe vera has a soothing effect and is particularly effective at reducing the inflammation in the skin. It is usually applied to the affected areas two or three times a day to relieve the inflammation. Aloe vera juice is also believed to be effective in reducing the visibility of acne scars.
• Lemon and orange peels. These are applied on the affected areas and can be either rinsed off after a few minutes or left overnight. Orange and lemon peels are also known for their lightening effect on acne scars.
• Neem. This plant, known to contain Nimbidol and Gedunin, is an effective fungicidal agent and is good for other skin conditions like scabies, warts and psoriasis.
• Vitamin supplements. Niacin and Vit.A are among the supplements which have a positive effect on acne. Niacin should be taken 3 times a day in 100 mg doses and the same for 50, 000 IU of Vit.A. 400 mg of Vit.E, a powerful antioxidant, should be taken once a day. This regimen should be followed for a month.
• Zinc. Zinc, taken three times a day in 50 mg doses, is also a known effective remedy for acne. Natural sources of zinc are peanuts, legumes, and dark chicken meat.
• Cucumber. To make the skin soft and supple as well as treat acne, a cucumber paste applied to the affected area for 30 to 45 minutes may also be effective. Regular use of this cucumber paste can prevent the appearance of pimples and blackheads. You can use other variations using other natural ingredients like the honey and cinnamon powder mix, nutphal and unboild milk pastes, and fenugreek leaves, all of which are believed to reduce or prevent those pesky pimples and blackheads.
• Egg whites. Apply egg white on the face and leave it overnight. This is known to tighten up the pores while drying the acne out at the same time.
• Tomato. Application a slice on the skin is known to tighten the pores up and prevent blackheads from appearing. Tomatoes contain lycopene, another natural and powerful antioxidant.

Commercial preparations to treat acne may work for you, or they may not. Although it is not advisable to self-medicate when facing problems such as acne, you can help your skin along by using these simply, natural and home-made acne remedies.