Over-the-counter acne products use chemicals like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide to reduce bacterial infection, unplug pores and reduce inflammation. Some acne products will also include alpha-hydroxy acids to encourage increased skin-cell turnover. You can achieve similar effects by creating your own homemade facial products from natural ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. With regular use, these homemade facial products can help clear your blemishes and give you soft, smooth skin.
Apply pure honey directly to your skin for a basic bacteria-fighting face mask. Pour 1/3 cup of honey into a small bowl. Wash your face and gently pat dry. Use your fingertips to apply a light layer of honey to your face. After applying, lie down and relax for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove with a warm, damp cloth.
Create a gentle acne scrub by combining honey, brown sugar and lemon juice in a bowl. Pour 1/3 cup of honey and 1/2 cup of brown sugar in a bowl. Roll a lemon in your hands, and then cut it in half. Squeeze the lemon juice from one half of the lemon into the bowl. Scoop out any seeds that fell into the bowl, and then mix to combine. The mixture should look like a thick paste. If it contains too much liquid, add a little more brown sugar. Pour the mixture into a lidded storage container, and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Wash your face and pat dry with a towel. Use your fingers to scoop out a small amount of the honey-brown sugar scrub, and apply it to your face. Rub the scrub gently across your skin in circular motions for two to three minutes. You can also allow the scrub to sit on your face for a few minutes. Use warm water and a damp cloth to remove.
Create a lemon and brown sugar mask to spot treat acne. Pour 1 to 2 tbsp. of brown sugar into a dish. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the brown sugar; alternatively, you can add approximately 1 tspn. of lemon juice to the brown sugar. Mix gently to create a thin paste. Apply a little of this paste directly to acne. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes or, alternatively, apply it before bed and remove it when you wake up in the morning.