Is acne the ‘bane’ of your existence? Zap ugly zits with simple home remedies!

One of the few things you can count on happening in life is a fat, ugly zit on the day of your big date with a cute guy! Pimples are those nasty little eruptions that can cause the prettiest of faces to crash and burn.
Acne usually starts with blackheads that are formed thanks to all that extra sebum clogging up the pores. Dead cells get stuck in the pores and turn black and eventually red on inflammation. At this point most of us in desperation turn to soaps, cleansers, scrubs and creams which seldom work.
Hopeless situation! Not quite, try a homemade remedy to give your skin the much needed relief from acne. These solutions promise to be gentle, harmless yet effective because they are all made with ingredients from your kitchen closet. We list some for you to try.
Apple cider vinegar
One of the easiest ways to treat acne is by using apple cider vinegar. It’s effective because it kills pimple causing bacteria and balances the pH level in the skin. It also acts as an astringent that removes the excess oil. Make a mixture by using 1 part vinegar and 3 part water. Dip a cotton ball and pad it over the affected area. Leave it on for a few minutes, wash and moisturize. You can repeat this routine several times a day but remember not to overdo this remedy else you might over-dry your skin.
Egg whites
Egg white is a great way to get rid of blemishes because they are full of proteins and vitamins that combat acne, reduce excess oil, help rebuild your skin and make a good moisturizer afterwards. Whisk the whites from two egg until they’re frothy, and let them sit for a few minutes. Cover your face with the mixture by applying about 3 to 4 layers, concentrating on the problem areas. Let the mask sit for about 20 minutes and rinse off completely with warm water.
Tomatoes and potatoes
Pronounce it whatever way, but both tomatoes and potatoes are great solutions for acne. The acidity in tomatoes helps skin dry up acne. Slice one open and simply place it on the problematic areas of your face. You can also grind or mash up the tomato into a pulp and apply like a facial mask.
You can use a potato by slicing it into half and applying it on the zits. The Vitamin C and B in potatoes help in healthy DNA production, skin cell regeneration and skin lightening.
Oranges
They refresh your skin just as much as they refresh your body. Thanks to the vitamin C and citric acid properties of oranges, clogging of zits becomes easier to manage. The vitamin C is particularly helpful because it promotes the growth of new healthy cells, keeping your skin in better condition overall. Grind/pound up your orange peels and add a little water to create a paste. Once you have the right consistency, apply it to your face for about 20 minutes and rinse. The orange peel also helps remove tan and make your skin lighter.
Toothpaste
Yeah, you heard that right! Toothpastes with fluoride work like a miracle in reducing the pimples. It works like an astringent, by drawing away the impurities from the zit and leaving the blemish dry. For best results apply at bedtime and wash it away the next morning.
Edited by Neelam Goswami on 18-02-2014.