Almost everybody encounters acne at some stage in life. Without exception, all acne victims have one question in mind, "how do I get rid of these zits and have a normal skin like everybody else?" People are willing to try almost any remedy, however bizarre it may sound, to restore their skin to its pre-acne beauty instantly.

While supermarkets and chemists offer a wide selection of medications for treating acne, it takes a few weeks for these creams and lotions to produce visible results. Several homegrown remedies have emerged that promise overnight relief from pimples and skin blemishes. The ingredients for these remedies come mostly off kitchen shelves or in bathroom cabinets making them easy to access. Needless to say, none of these remedies have passed clinical trials or have an FDA approval and must therefore be used with discretion.

One remedy for overnight relief from acne recommends the application of cotton balls soaked in warm salt water after slitting the pimple open. Another involves the use of honey that is applied to the affected area and left for fifteen minutes. The face is rinsed and toothpaste is applied and left on overnight. You supposedly wake up the next morning pimple free.

An egg white has also been used with great results. It is recommended that the it be applied to the affected areas and left overnight. This procedure may have to be repeated a few times. A combination of egg white and lemon juice is said to be affective in curing acne and removing skin blemishes. The use of cotton balls soaked in vinegar and the application of strawberry leaves on pimples has produced satisfactory results for some.

Home formulas for acne also include facial masks that come in a varied and often amusing assortment. For example, oatmeal and cornmeal pastes in water are recommended by several amateur skin care researchers, and the use of mashed bananas (1/2 per mask) mixed with 1 tablespoon honey and 2 tablespoons sour cream is another sticky but viable alternative. Cucumber pastes with various additives like yogurt, strawberries and honey promise removal of skin blemishes. A mixture of powdered almonds, eggs and honey applied to the face for 15 minutes has done wonders for some, while a few have used a concoction containing tomatoes, oatmeal and lemon juice.

Basically, homebrewed remedies use raw materials that have one or the other active ingredient used in commercial medications; therefore, it is not surprising that they do produce results. One must be careful trying any of these home remedies as different skin types react differently to ingredients. It is always best to consult a doctor or skin care specialist.