7 At-Home Treatments for Super Clear Skin

There are a slew of suspected causes of acne--bacteria, clogged pores, excess oil build-up, hygiene and hormones--and a gazillion products marketed to cure it. That said, you don't necessarily need to shell out hard-earned cash to fight the zits. First, take a trip to your own pantry and medicine cabinet--these simple at-home ingredients can treat your blemishes effectively (and economically).

Aloe Vera
The sap of aloe vera leaves, a cactus-like succulent plant, contains gibberellins and polysaccharides, which have antibacterial properties to kill the bacteria that instigates acne, anti-inflammatory properties to soothe aggravated skin, and astringent properties to heal harmed skin. Aloe also helps heal scars, balances moisture in skin and stimulates new skin growth.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar balances pH levels of skin and hosts natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties to nip acne-causing bacteria in the bud. It also contains malic acid and lactic acid that gently exfoliate and soften skin.

Baking Soda
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, balances pH levels of skin thanks to its amphoteric properties (meaning it can act both as an acid or alkaline depending on what it interacts with). It works to remedy imbalanced pH levels that contribute to and aggravate acne. Baking soda's mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties also calm skin and cool out exacerbation of inflamed acne. Plus, the grain of baking soda powder is round, so it works as a gentle exfoliate that won't harm skin.

Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide, H2O2, is an antiseptic that kills bacteria that can lead to acne and also oxygenates pores to potentially prevent future breakouts.

Lemon Juice
Lemon juice contains L-asorbic acid, which works as a natural astringent to reduce excess oil and as a mild exfoliant to slough off dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. Plus, lemon contains natural antibacterial compounds that disinfect bacteria that can lead to acne

Tea Tree Oil

Distilled from the leaves an Australian shrub, tea tree oil contains powerful antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal compound called terpenoids that kill bacteria that can lead to breakouts. Studies show that they daily use of tea tree is as effective as benzoyl peroxide (found in most over the counter acne creams and gels) to reduce inflammation of mild to moderate acne. While tea tree's effects work more slowly than benzoyl peroxide, it's a lot less drying and irritating to skin.

Witch Hazel
Witch hazel, a solution distilled from the leaves and bark of a North American shrub, contains tannins, which have astringent effects on skin to effectively soothe inflammation and reduce excess oil. Plus, its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties help curb bacterial colonization.