Acne is a common problem for teens. Hormonal changes during puberty often cause skin to break out. Bad skin can bring down a teenager's self-esteem and confidence so it is important to find safe and effective ways to treat acne.

While chemical preparations have been proven effective for the treatment of acne, some people prefer to use acne home remedies as they are very gentle on skin. Aside from that, these treatments are often cheaper than store-bought medications and they are more eco-friendly. Acne home remedies usually involve herbs for acne treatment. Ingredients like chamomile, tea tree oil and lavender have anti-inflammatory properties meaning that when applied to irritated skin, they can soothe, bring down swelling and lessen redness. Because of these properties, these ingredients feature in organic skincare products and acne home remedies. However, you it may surprise you that some commonplace ingredients are also effective acne home remedies.

Used since ancient times by the Egyptians and other civilizations, honey is an effective acne treatment. It is anti-microbial so it prevents and fights infections. As a natural sugar, it is hydroscopic so it absorbs water, moisturizing your skin and keeping it soft and supple. It can be used as a face masque, on its own or mixed in with ground anti-inflammatory spices such as cinnamon or turmeric. Applied to clean dry skin, it should be left on for 20-30 minutes and then rinsed off. Do this up to three times a week and you will see an improvement in your skin after just a few weeks.

Aside from building strong bones, milks is an effective acne home treatment. Milk is rich in skin-nourishing vitamin A, essential proteins and amino acids. It has alpha-hydroxyl acid in the form of lactic acid. Lactic acid helps dissolve the glue that cements dead skin cells together. Milk also has beta-hydroxyl acid which is a natural skin conditioner that promotes the sloughing off of dead skin cells. Soaking in milk for ten minutes, five if your skin is sensitive, a week will help reveal younger layers of skin. Milk is naturally hydrating so it also helps moisturize skin. When soaking in milk as a home acne treatment, be sure to carefully rinse off as milk residue left on skin for a long time might irritate skin.

Another popular home acne treatment is steaming. By exposing your skin to recently boiled water for five to ten minutes, you open your pores and help loosen deep-seated dirt and debris. Blackheads and other impurities will be easier to extract right after steaming. Steaming also promotes circulation which boosts detoxification. If you have dry skin, try steaming once a week. People with oilier complexions can steam up to three times a week. To boost the benefits of steaming, try mixing in herbs for acne treatment with the hot water. For example, mint is good at breaking up dirt and oil in clogged pores while lavender aids in the prevention of breakouts and reduces inflammation of the skin. After steaming, splash cool water onto skin to close pores.

Try some of these time-tested acne home remedies. They are economical, easy to do and effective. You will discover that these techniques to treat acne are perfect for teens and for people of any age who have trouble with acne.