You just need to be prepared for a bit of experimentation first and have the patience to wait a while before your acne clears. Remember, using home made cures means there are no chemicals or harsh substances, so it is likely that your acne won't be "zapped" within days or weeks.



Also note that most home made treatments for acne are applied topically and are not for consumption. Usually, the treatments vary between face washes, astringent toners and face masks and exfoliants which help slough off dead skin cells.

The other benefit of these treatments is that the side effects are very few, if any at all, due to the products being natural and therefore not toxic.

Just to get you started, here are a few examples. This is an effective treatment for blackheads: use a mixture of lime and milk as a face wash. First bring the milk to a boil and then add the juice from one lime. Mix thoroughly and when cool use it as a face wash.

Another natural acne cure is to use mangos on your face. Soak the mango overnight then peel the skin off and boil the mango in hot water. Once cool, rub it on your face - it will cleanse your pores thoroughly.

Papaya fruit is a favourite and here you would use it raw (instead of boiling it). Mash up the pulp and use it as a face wash, thoroughly massage it into damp skin then wash off with clean water. Something not as exotic but more likely to appear in your larder is the good old potato.

Believe it or not but a raw potato is an ideal acne natural cure and extremely effective for treating whiteheads. Raw potatoes contain sulphur, potassium, phosphurus and protein. The vitamin C content along with the natural starch and enzymes are a great source of "food" for skin. Ideally, you would grate or shred a raw potato then apply it as a face mask. It is excellent for clearing blemishes and aids in the prevention of pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. The acid in the potato scrubs away dead skin cells and is an excellent exfoliant too. And talking of exfoliating products, many homemade scrubs and face masks contain oatmeal which, due to its large particles, is really good to use when removing dead or dry skin cells that clog up pores.

Honey is a popular favourite to use at home - usually just to pep up the skin and give it a good healthy glow. Ideally, you would apply a liberal layer of honey on your cleansed face and wash it off once it has dried. You can add a few drops of lemon to it if you wish.

Turmeric, the amber yellow powder normally used as a spice in Indian cookery, has many beneficial properties and is recommended for many other ailments other than acne. Traditionally, a little bit (about 1/4 teaspoon) of turmeric powder, mixed with a few drops of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of chickpea powder (another product used in Indian cookery) and about 2 tablespoons of plain yoghurt is an excellent paste for rubbing into the skin. Leave this on for about 1 minute then wash off. This gives the skin an instant glow and leaves it feeling clean and refreshed. The same paste mixture can be used on the face as a deep cleansing face mask. Leave on for about 10 minutes until it dries. Then rub it off, this rubbing action will stimulate the skin and also aid in sloughing off dead skin cells. Now wash off with cold water. This is one of the best kept indian beauty secrets.

You can try and experiment for yourself until you find something that feels just right for you. The turmeric and chickpea paste might be too drying for you, so perhaps you can try honey (with or without lemon juice). That's the beauty of homemade treatments; they can be tailor made to your exact taste.

So you see that what you find in your refrigerator, larder or spice rack is not just something that you can use for cooking. In fact, with a little imagination, you'll find you have effective homemade acne treatments right under your nose.