Blemishes Got You Down? Here Are 10 Home Remedies To Remove Blemishes

Blemishes are any spots or marks that appear on the skin, due to several reasons. Acne, hyperpigmentation, cysts are some of the conditions that leave blemishes on the skin. Additionally, particular types of skin infections can cause blemishes to erupt on the skin. Clogged pores can also cause blemishes on the skin. Sun exposure and a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates also leave blemishes on the face. Blemishes are usually red, brown, black or white, depending on their cause.

Blemishes can appear as the aftermath of an acne outburst, and running off to the dermatologist every time is not feasible. Instead, if you want clearer skin, you can even whip up some DIY home remedies to get rid of those pesky marks. Although they are not scientifically proven, they are quite effective in giving results. Read on to know how to remove blemishes on your face.

Used in Indian households since times immemorial, aloe vera gel is the solution to an array of skin problems. It has antibacterial properties, which can help control acne-causing bacteria, thus addressing the root cause of blemishes. In addition to this, it is also very cooling and soothing, which rejuvenates the skin. Its healing properties also help in treating the skin after removing blemishes from the face. How to use:

• Prepare a mask by combining 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel and 1/4th tablespoon of cinnamon powder.
• Apply the mask evenly on the face and let it work its magic for 5-10 minutes. Then, rinse it thoroughly and repeat once a day for effective results.

These juicy red veggies are loaded with vitamin C, vitamin K, iron and potassium. In addition to this, tomatoes contain several carotenoids that are rich in antioxidants. These carotenoids are natural astringents, which help to open up pores on the skin. Therefore, it makes sense to use them to remove blemishes on the face. How to use:

• Take out the juice from one tomato and massage your skin with it.
• Let it dry on the face, and then wash it off. Try out this remedy for 15 days to notice visible results.

A natural emollient and humectant, honey is a common kitchen ingredient used in skincare. With a high content of antioxidants, honey gets rid of free radicals and fades away scars by replacing the damaged cells. Since it bleaches the skin, it reduces the appearance of blemishes. Moreover, its antibacterial properties keep acne-causing bacteria at bay, thereby preventing blemishes. The bonus of using honey on the face is radiant and glowing skin! How to use it?

• Apply raw honey to the affected areas and let it sit for 15 minutes.
• Wash it off cold with cold water and do this for two weeks every day to see visible results.

An excellent moisturiser, the pleasant-smelling cocoa butter has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to remove blemishes on the face. Apart from healing dry skin and keeping it supple, the flavonoid compounds present in cocoa butter have antioxidant effects. It is effective in lightening blemishes gradually. How to use it?

• Apply cocoa butter on blemishes and massage gently over it for 2-3 minutes.
• Do this once a day for best result

A natural exfoliator, baking soda works very well to remove blemishes on the face. It removes dead skin cells, thus getting rid of scars. Its bleaching properties lighten the skin, thus fading blemishes and acne scars. Moreover, it can also fight acne and blackheads. How to use it?

• Take 2 teaspoons of baking soda and add water to form a paste.
• Apply it only on the blemishes, not all over the face.
• Leave it for 5-10 minutes and wash it off. Use this once a week.

Known for its natural bleaching properties, lemon juice is used primarily for brightening the skin. This benefit of lemon is also beneficial to remove blemishes from the face. Apart from that, its antiseptic properties keep bacterial infections at bay, thus preventing acne-causing bacteria. The vitamin C in lemon juice also eliminates dead skin cells, thus getting rid of scars and giving you a smoother complexion. How to use it?

• Combine lemon juice with water and dab it on the affected area. Let it sit for a few minutes and wash it off with cold water.
• Try this once a day to get rid of blemishes.

A rich source of protein, egg whites are an excellent remedy to remove blemishes from the face. The proteins and amino acids in it flush out acne-causing bacteria from the skin, preventing blemishes. Moreover, they also absorb excess oil, thus drying up pimples and reducing pigmentation and scars on the skin. An additional benefit of using egg whites on the face is an even skin tone and firmer skin. How to use it?

• Separate egg whites from the yolk.
• Apply it on your blemishes using a brush and let it dry.
• Once it is completely dry, rinse it with cold water. Try this 1-2 times a week for fading blemishes.
• Tip: The leftover yolk can be used as a hair mask. Do not throw it away! Using it as a hair mask will give you shiny and bouncy hair.

A highly acidic drink, apple cider vinegar works great in balancing the skin's pH levels and works as an astringent, killing harmful bacteria that can infect the skin and cause acne. The acids in it help to lighten the complexion, thus fading away blemishes. In addition, it also controls excess oil production that causes pimples and acne. How to use it?

• Dilute one part of apple cider vinegar with four parts of water.
• Dab it on the blemishes and leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with cold water.
• Disclaimer: Apple cider vinegar is very strong and can cause burns, so never use it without diluting it with water.

Rich in vitamins A, C, E and K, papaya has several benefits for the skin. The papain enzyme present in the fruit has skin cleansing and exfoliating properties and helps in removing dead skin cells to eliminate clogged pores. Moreover, enzymes present in it control excessive oil production, thus preventing acne. How to use it?

• Blend papaya to extract the juice.
• Apply it to the affected area and let it stay for 10 minutes.
• Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat your face dry. Use this remedy every day to remove blemishes on your face.

In recent times, tea tree oil has become quite popular for skincare. With anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits, tea tree oil is very effective in treating acne and reducing pigmentation. It cleanses the pores and fades blemishes with regular use. How to use it?

• Take 2-3 drops of tea tree oil and add it to a bit of moisturiser.
• Dab this mixture on blemishes to get rid of them.
• Disclaimer: Never use tea tree oil without diluting it, as it is very strong and can irritate the skin. Before using it, it's best to conduct a patch test on the inside of your arm to check for any adverse reaction.

Yes, blemishes can fade away naturally. However, it takes time, and one never knows how long it can take.

Vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin D have been found effective to deal with blemishes.

Kale, sweet potatoes, papayas, berries and lemon are some of the foods that can help remove blemishes on the face.