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This Tretinoin Skin-Care Routine Is Key To Calming Skin When Using Retinoids
Love retinol but wish it worked harder? A tretinoin skin-care routine is just what the doctor ordered. Tretinoin, also known as all-trans retinoic acid, is a type of retinoid, a group of vitamin A derivatives that includes retinol. "Tretinoin is much more effective than retinol," says board-certified dermatologist Richard Bottiglione. "Retinol can't do what tretinoin can do." And tretinoin can do a lot, offering the benefits of multiple products in just one step. It's why so many skin experts prescribe regimens centered around the potent active.
How to Curate a Tretinoin Skin-Care Routine:"Tretinoin works by influencing the way skin cells grow and shed, which makes it an effective treatment for a range of skin issues, including acne, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage," explains board-certified dermatologist Anetta Reszko. Tretinoin kicks cellular turnover into high gear, sloughing away dead skin and revealing the fresh, healthy skin below, while helping prevent clogged pores and breakouts and fading discoloration and uneven texture like fine lines. It also boosts collagen production, promoting firmer, smoother skin over time.
In This Story:True, these benefits sound similar to those of retinol, but tretinoin differs in that the ingredient is in its most potent, active form right out of the tube. Other vitamin A derivatives like retinol are weaker because your skin must convert them before they're recognizable as retinoic acid. Tretinoin's strength translates into glowier, healthier-looking skin faster, but the ingredient is not without its weaknesses. "Tretinoin often causes dryness, peeling, and redness due to increased skin-cell turnover," says double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon Babak Azizzadeh. "Many people wrongly think they are allergic or stop using it for these reasons." These side effects are often known as the retinoid uglies, and they can be challenging, but they're not insurmountable.
The key to succeeding when using all-star all-trans retinoic acid is consistency, patience, and caution—and following a tretinoin skin-care routine designed to support your skin as it adjusts to the potent active. With these steps and our expert tips, you'll be well on your way to revealing your freshest, brightest skin yet.
Your Evening Tretinoin Skin-Care Routine EssentialsTretinoin can make your skin more sensitive, especially to sun exposure, so you'll want to apply it as part of your evening routine. Dr. Reszko recommends following an evening routine focusing on repair, hydration, and supporting the skin's overnight regenerative processes. "Combining tretinoin with growth factors, reparative ingredients, and gentle hydration will help restore the skin barrier, minimize irritation, and promote healthy skin renewal," she says.
PM Step 1: Prep the Skin With CleanserAlways start with a fresh canvas. By washing your face, you'll be removing any makeup, sunscreen, or other residues that will prevent the tretinoin from fully absorbing into your skin. Our experts recommend using a gentle, hydrating formula that won't strip the skin barrier and leave you dry but fully removes any grime. Ideally, it'll also be fragrance-free to avoid irritation; you'll want your skin to be as comfortable as possible before applying tretinoin.
La Roche-Posay
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
This light, creamy cleanser features hydrating glycerin, nourishing ceramides, and soothing niacinamide to support barrier function while maintaining your skin's natural pH.
CeraVe
Despite its ability to cut through excess oil, this foaming formula won't leave skin stripped, thanks to ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.
PM Step 2: Apply a Pea-Size Amount of TretinoinOnce you've patted your skin dry post-cleanse, apply a pea-size amount of tretinoin to your face, avoiding your eyes, mouth, and any broken skin. A pea-size amount may sound like a comically small dab of product, but we promise that is truly all you need to get the benefits of tretinoin. "Be careful not to over-apply, as more product doesn't necessarily mean better results," warns Dr. Reszko. Allow the tretinoin to absorb for a few minutes before you move on to the next step, which will give it time to penetrate into deeper layers of the skin and get to work.
PM Step 3: Use a Skin-Renewing SerumWhile you're getting your beauty rest, your body is hard at work fixing any damage from the day. Make the most of it by using a repair serum after your tretinoin. A product like this will support the work of your retinoid by further promoting skin renewal while also helping to soothe any irritation or sensitivity.
Nocturnal
Polar Night Renewal Serum
This lightweight yet surprisingly nourishing serum is packed with peptides that act like your skin's natural growth factors to stimulate new collagen production as well as anti-inflammatory niacinamide, fatty-acid-rich evening primrose oil, and lipids derived from hardy oats grown near the arctic circle for added reparative benefits.
Medik8
Liquid Peptides Advanced MP
In addition to hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, this formula boasts a host of peptides, including ones that function like growth factors and others that work to rapidly relax and smooth expression lines. This makes it an ideal choice for pairing with known wrinkle-fader tretinoin.
PM Step 4: Support the Skin Barrier With a Rich MoisturizerBecause tretinoin can dry and irritate the skin, you'll want to lock in hydration and support the skin barrier with a solid moisturizer. "Look for ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and fatty acids to enhance skin hydration and barrier repair, all of which are crucial for skin recovery after tretinoin use," says Dr. Reszko.
EltaMD
Formulated specifically for dry, compromised skin, this product helps strengthen the skin barrier with ceramides, squalane, and other lipids while working on fading redness and fine lines.
SkinCeuticals
Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
This silky moisturizer is clinically proven to shorten your skin's adjustment period to retinoids while reducing dryness with a barrier-restoring blend of lipids—specifically ceramides, natural cholesterol, and fatty acids.
Your Morning Tretinoin Skin-Care-Routine EssentialsAccording to Dr. Reszko, your morning regimen should incorporate gentle cleansing, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and strong sun protection to help nourish and protect the skin. It'll look similar to any derm-recommended morning skin-care routine but with a focus on mild formulas.
AM Step 1: Gently Cleanse AgainAside from some excess sebum and any residue from your skin-care routine the night prior, you won't have much to wash off your face. You can use the same cleanser from your evening routine or another formula (like micellar water) so long as it's gentle and hydrating.
Garnier
Micellar Water with Hyaluronic Acid + Aloe
Splash a bit of this makeup remover on a cotton pad, and swipe it across your skin. It'll whisk away any traces of leftover product while infusing your skin with hydrating hyaluronic acid and soothing aloe, leaving it plump, fresh, and clean.
Cetaphil
Creamy and non-foaming, this formula uses micellar technology to cleanse skin as it helps soothe and condition with niacinamide and panthenol.
AM Step 2: Soothe and Protect With Antioxidant SerumsFree-radical defense is a cornerstone of any morning routine, but it's especially important when using tretinoin, as the active can make your skin more sensitive to environmental stressors like UV damage and pollution.
Paula's Choice
25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum
"Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps brighten the skin and even out tone," says Dr. Reszko. We like this one from Paula's Choice as it features THD ascorbate (a form of vitamin C that's more stable and less irritating than L-ascorbic acid) as well as glutathione, an antioxidant with restorative properties. It also has a creamy formula that's both fast absorbing and comforting.
Neova
SmartSkincare DNA Total Repair Serum
AM Step 3: Nourish With a Lightweight Moisturizer
To further help your skin adjust to the drying effects of tretinoin, Dr. Azizzadeh recommends applying a fragrance-free, lightweight moisturizer with ceramides, peptides, and squalane in your morning routine.
The Ordinary
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
This fast-absorbing cream supports the skin barrier with natural moisturizing factors (ingredients found in your own skin) like urea and amino acids, hydrating glycerin and hyaluronic acid, and nourishing ceramide precursors to leave skin soft and comfortable without feeling greasy.
Skinfix
Barrier+ Moisturizing Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream
Squalane, peptides, and ceramides are all in this formula—as well as hydrating glycerin, soothing plant-derived antioxidants, and balancing probiotics—to help calm, nourish, and comfort dry, stressed skin.
AM Step 4: Shield Yourself From the Sun with SPFIt's possible that you're using tretinoin to undo years of SPF neglect. No matter your reason for using a retinoid, don't have it in your regimen if you're not going to use sunscreen too. "Sun protection is crucial while using tretinoin since it increases sun sensitivity and makes your skin more prone to burning and damage," warns Dr. Reszko, who recommends seeking out a broad-spectrum formula (which will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays) that's at least SPF 30, if not greater for added protection. Dr. Azizzadeh recommends mineral SPF in particular, as it's gentler on the skin than chemical filters.
Skinbetter
Sunbetter Tone Smart SPF 75 Sunscreen Lotion
This tinted mineral SPF formula automatically adjusts to your skin tone, offering dewy coverage that's comparable to a light-to-medium buildable foundation while treating your skin to soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients like niacinamide, bisabolol, and green-tea extract.
Supergoop!
Glowscreen Soft-Radiance Drops Mineral SPF 40
Available in two shades, this mineral sunscreen features a sun-protection factor of 40 as well as prebiotic and antioxidant-rich pea-flower extracts to further defend skin from irritation and free-radical damage. Its pearlescent finish beautifully enhances your skin's tretinoin-enhanced glow.
Everything You Need to KnowWhat Concentration of Tretinoin Is Best?
AccordionItemContainerButtonTretinoin is available in multiple concentrations (typically ranging from 0.025% to 0.1%), and it has texture options to suit a variety of skin types. If you're new to retinoids and/or have sensitive skin, start with a low concentration, ideally with a cream base. A lower potency and a more nourishing base will help your skin adjust to the tretinoin and minimize the common side effects of irritation, dryness, redness, and peeling. "If you have dry or sensitive skin, your physician will likely recommend staying with a lower concentration," says Dr. Azizzadeh.
If you use a 0.025% tretinoin without irritation for four or six weeks, have oily skin, or are a seasoned retinoid user, you can try a stronger formula; 0.05% will provide stronger antiaging and acne-clearing results, while 0.1% tretinoin will provide even more powerful benefits against deeper wrinkles or severe acne.
Be sure to monitor your skin as you start a new formula, advises Dr. Reszko. "If you notice irritation or excessive dryness, you may need to reduce the frequency or go back to a lower concentration for a while before moving up again," she says. "The goal is to maximize benefits while keeping side effects to a minimum." No matter what, side effects are likely, but don't let that deter you; just take them as a sign you need to adjust your treatment, either in strength, application cadence (more on this below), or both. "You're using a real prescription treatment," says Dr. Bottiglione. "Education about the product you're using is extremely important so you can learn how to modify the treatment to suit you."
Do You Apply Tretinoin Before or After Moisturizer?
AccordionItemContainerButtonThis will depend on your skin type as well as your tolerance to tretinoin. "If you apply a moisturizer first then put the tretinoin on, the moisturizer will act as a barrier and you will not get the full results from the treatment," warns Dr. Bottiglione. However, creating a buffer can be helpful if you have dry or sensitive skin, says Dr. Azizzadeh, who advises these skin types to try the retinoin-sandwich technique: two thin layers of moisturizer as the bread, filled with tretinoin. You'll still absorb some of the tretinoin, but you won't be getting it at its maximum strength.
What Should You Not Layer With Tretinoin?
AccordionItemContainerButtonTretinoin sensitizes the skin, so you'll want to avoid ingredients and products that can cause further irritation. This includes strong exfoliants like AHAs, BHAs, and physical scrubs; potent actives such as benzoyl peroxide, hydroquinone, and kojic acid; and harsh or drying ingredients like alcohol-based astringents, toners, and clay masks, says Dr. Azizzadeh. You also shouldn't use other retinoids (including bakuchiol) with tretinoin; this will just add irritation without additional benefits.
You can still keep exfoliants or other actives in your regimen using tretinoin. "You can use tretinoin and strong exfoliants on alternating nights," says Dr. Azizzadeh. "Similarly, potent actives can be used on the same day as tretinoin, with the active ingredients applied in the morning and tretinoin in the evening."
How Often Should You Use Tretinoin per Week?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLess really is more with tretinoin, especially if you're a new user. "Begin by applying tretinoin two to three nights a week for the first two to four weeks," says Dr. Reszko. "This allows your skin to build tolerance while still reaping the benefits of increased cell turnover." If your skin has adapted after a few weeks and you no longer have much irritation, you can increase your application to every other night or four to five times a week. Those with sensitive, reactive, or rosacea-prone skin should be especially aware of irritation. "If you notice irritation or dryness when you increase the frequency, reduce it back to two to three times a week until your skin fully adjusts," says Dr. Reszko.
Consistently clear, smooth, and irritation-free skin while using tretinoin is a sign that you can take things to the next level. "If you are an advanced user and your skin fully tolerates tretinoin, you can apply it every night to maximize its benefits for acne, antiaging, and skin-texture improvement," says Dr. Azizzadeh. Just be aware that your skin won't be ready for this overnight; patiently building your skin's tolerance is key to achieving the best results with the least irritation.
AccordionItemContainerButtonThe Retinols, Retinals, And AHAs We Use Every Day
4 items in this article 1 item on sale!
Tembe Denton-Hurst may never give up her AHA-retinoid blend from Skinbetter Science. Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Tembe Denton-Hurst, Retailer
This story first appeared on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in the Strategist Beauty Brief, a weekly newsletter in which our beauty writers share their must-tries, can-skips, and can't-live-withouts. But we liked it so much we wanted to share it with all of our readers. If you want more first impressions of buzzy launches, quick takes on what's trending on TikTok and Instagram, and deep dives into the week's best beauty launches, sign up here. The Strategist Beauty Brief is delivered every Wednesday.
If you're a regular reader of the Strategist Beauty Brief, you know we're pretty picky about our products. Yes, we're always down to try a dupe and test trends. But we're passionate about our basics, too. This week, we're sharing our go-to retinoids.
I was a die-hard tretinoin (prescription-strength retinoid) user for nearly a decade, but if you're looking for a nonprescription product, Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream comes very close. It's super gentle so I never had a "retinol uglies" phase, and it didn't even bother my mild rosacea. —Dominique Pariso
I started testing the Skinbetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream for a retinol story a year ago and just never stopped using it. It's moisturizing and nonirritating, solving two of the big retinol pain points, and I've noticed that my skin has become a bit more even over time. I'd always intended to use it as a way to "prep" for tretinoin, but now I like it so much I might never make the switch. —Tembe Denton-Hurst
Photo: Retailer
I took a break from actives for a bit after realizing my skin barrier needed some love. It's back at a pretty good place now, so I've reintroduced this retinol into my weekly rotation. So far, I haven't had any irritation, and my skin has been a lot smoother since I've been using it consistently. —Arielle Avila
$52 at Paula's Choice
Buy
I've had a weird relationship with retinoids: When I was younger, I was convinced that I'd triggered a never-ending purge by using one, but it turned out that my acne was just hormonal … Once I got that under control, I decided to slowly incorporate the retinal from Medik8 into my routine. I have extremely sensitive skin and was drawn to a retinal as it's closer to retinoic acid than retinol, meaning it converts faster and is supposedly less irritating. I'm almost at the end of my second bottle and have no flakiness or redness to report. —Rachael Griffiths
I, too, am a fan of Skinbetter Science's retinol. I alternate between its formula (because it includes lactic acid, I don't have to add a separate acid to my skin-care routine) and a prescription-strength tretinoin from Musely. I like its "veteran" formula because it's the highest strength tretinoin (I've been on retinoids since I was a teenager for acne), and it also contains niacinamide and hyaluronic acid so it's moisturizing and soothing. —Crystal Martin
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11 Effective Home Remedies To Clear Up Acne Naturally
Acne is a common skin condition that can occur when your pores become clogged with oil and dead skin, or are infected by bacteria. As many as 85% of young adults between 12 and 24 in the US have acne.
There are medical treatments like prescription creams or pills for acne, but if you want to take care of acne at home, here are 11 home remedies you can try.
1. Make a spot treatment with tea tree oilTea tree oil is an essential oil that is used widely for skincare.
It can be effective for acne because, "tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties, lowering levels of acne-causing bacteria on the skin," says Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital. By killing acne-causing bacteria, tea tree oil can help reduce skin inflammation and clear up pimples.
A 2015 review of 7 studies found that using a gel with 5% tea tree oil extract reduced the number of acne blemishes for people with mild to moderate acne. In nearly all the studies, participants applied tea tree gel to their faces twice per day for 4 to 8 weeks.
The review also found that tea tree oil worked about as well as standard over-the-counter acne treatments including a 5% benzoyl peroxide solution and a 2% erythromycin gel.
How to use: While tea tree oil may help with acne, it can cause skin irritation. "Be cautious when using it and do not apply it in its pure form," Zeichner says. "Instead, dilute the tea tree oil in a carrier oil before applying to the pimple."
Quick tip: One good carrier oil to try is jojoba oil, a natural oil that can help reduce inflammation symptoms like swelling and irritation. Combine 3-4 drops of tea tree oil with one teaspoon of jojoba oil and apply to your face.
2. Crush up some aspirinAspirin is generally used as a pain reliever but you can crush it up into a paste to help treat acne. In fact, aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, is chemically related to salicylic acid, a common treatment for acne.
Like salicylic acid, aspirin has strong anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce the swelling and redness caused by inflammation. "However, aspirin does not have the same oil removing and exfoliating effects as salicylic acid," Zeicher says.
Although salicylic acid may be ideal, experts say that aspirin is helpful if you don't have any stronger treatments on hand.
How to use: To use aspirin for acne, crush up 2-3 aspirin pills and mix the powder with water until it forms a paste. Apply this paste to any blemishes, let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, and then rinse your skin with water.
3. Take zinc supplementsTaking zinc supplements may also help treat acne. This is because zinc has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness. Zinc can also decrease how much oil your skin produces, which may be especially helpful for people with naturally oily skin.
Zinc also brings down inflammation and can help calm your skin. "While the mechanism is unclear, it is thought that it exerts general anti-inflammatory effects on the skin," Zeichner says.
Zinc also an important nutrient for brain and immune health.
How to use: You can find zinc supplements over the counter, but make sure to keep your intake in a healthy range. The National Institutes of Health recommend that you should get between 8-11 mg of zinc per day and you should not take in more than 40 mg per day.
4. Treat blemishes with Manuka honeyHoney has long been used as a remedy for skin ailments because of its wound-healing properties. Though not all honeys are equally effective.
Manuka honey, a particular type of honey produced from plants in Australia and New Zealand, has been especially recognized for its medical benefits. Though more research is needed, experts say that Manuka honey may help heal acne outbreaks.
One reason Manuka honey may help is that it has strong antibacterial properties. All types of honey are antibacterial, but not all are created equal — more potent types of honey, like Manuka, can be as much as 100 times more effective in fighting bacteria than other honey types.
Manuka honey is also anti-inflammatory and has been shown to help with wound healing. It may also help reduce pain, which could especially help with those painful, under the skin blemishes.
How to use: To use Manuka honey, take a small amount and either directly dab it onto blemishes or mix with water to create a thinner solution you can spread over skin. Just keep in mind that Manuka honey can be expensive, so this may not be the cheapest option.
5. Make a green tea tonerIt's well known that drinking green tea has many health benefits, but research suggests that putting green tea on your skin may also be beneficial. This is because green tea contains chemicals called polyphenols that can kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.
A 2017 review found that putting lotion with 2% to 5% green tea extract on skin reduced the amount of oil the skin produces and cut down the number and severity of blemishes.
How to use: You can find skin products with green tea extract over the counter, but in a pinch, you can also try using regular green tea directly on your skin. To do this, make a pot of green tea and, once it has cooled, use a cloth or cotton swab to apply the green tea to any areas of acne.
6. Add aloe vera to your skincare routineAloe vera is most known for its ability to soothe sunburned skin, but it can also help clear acne, especially when combined with certain products.
Aloe vera contains salicylic acid, as well as zinc and sulfur, which are all used for treating acne.
A small 2014 study showed that aloe vera combined with the retinoid tretinoin improved cases of mild-to-moderate acne better than tretinoin alone. Researchers say that the healing and anti-inflammatory effects of aloe seemed to help make the tretinoin more effective.
Another small 2018 study found that a combination of propolis (a natural resinous material made by bees), tea tree oil, and aloe vera was more effective at treating acne and healing acne scars than erythromycin cream, a topical antibiotic.
Aloe vera can also help moisturize and boost collagen in skin.
How to use: To use aloe topically, cut the gel out of an aloe vera leaf and apply it to skin. You can also use bottled aloe vera gel — just be sure it doesn't contain any other ingredients, like lidocaine, that might irritate skin. Don't apply it to open wounds.
7. Spritz skin with rose waterRose water is an age-old beauty ingredient with a range of benefits, including improving skin and the appearance of acne.
Inflammation has a major role in the formation of acne. Rose petal extract has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects on the skin.
Additionally, a 2015 study found that rose petal extract has some antibacterial properties. Another 2015 study showed it to be effective against a bacterium that can lead to inflammation and acne, Cutibacterium acnes (C. Acnes).
How to use: You can use rose water as toner by applying it with a cotton ball or spritzing it on your face with a spray bottle.
8. Harness the benefits of basilA 2018 paper touted sweet basil as an effective anti-inflammatory, antioxidant ingredient in skin creams to treat acne.
Sweet basil essential oil has antibacterial effects against the acne-causing C. Acnes, according to a 2019 study. Other types of basil, including holy basil and thai basil, were also found to have antimicrobial properties.
How to use: To get the skin benefits at home, you can make a tea from fresh crushed basil leaves to use as a toner. You can also simply crush basil leaves into a paste and apply it to your face, like a mask. If you're using basil essential oil, be sure to dilute it in a carrier oil before applying it to your skin.
9. Don't stop moisturizingIt's important to moisturize your skin daily, especially if you have acne.
According to a 2014 review, moisturizers, particularly those that contain ceramides, complement other acne treatments, improve the appearance of acne, and can contribute to a healthier skin barrier — which may help protect against future breakouts.
And, because moisturizing your skin can improve the uncomfortable side effects of some acne treatments, you are more likely to continue using them until you see results.
How to use: Look for moisturizers labeled "non-comedogenic," which means that they won't clog your pores, and apply daily.
10. Sip some spearmint teaSpearmint tea may help improve hormonal acne.
There are anecdotal claims that drinking spearmint tea can clear hormonal breakouts. Though research is sparse about its effect on acne specifically, spearmint tea has been found to reduce certain hormones associated with acne. Research has found that excess androgens, a group of hormones that includes testosterone, increases sebum production in the skin.
Hormonal acne commonly presents around the mouth and jawline, and may appear during the menstrual cycle.
A 2019 study found that levels of the androgens testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) may affect acne severity, and suggested that hormonal treatments focusing on androgens and their receptors in the skin may be effective in treating this type of acne.
In a 2010 randomized controlled trial focusing on women with polycystic ovary syndrome, consuming spearmint tea had anti-androgen effects and reduced testosterone levels in the study's participants. However, spearmint tea has not been found to decrease DHEA-S levels.
How to use: To see if spearmint tea has an effect on your hormonal acne, drink two cups a day for at least a month. If you are on any medications, especially those that affect your hormones (such as the birth control pill), talk to your doctor before starting this regimen.
Note: The role androgens play in acne formation has been a subject of much research, and, in 2020, the FDA approved a topical androgen receptor inhibitor (Clascoterone cream 1%) for use in the treatment of acne.
11. Avoid foods that trigger breakoutsWhat you eat (or don't eat) can have an impact on your skin's appearance.
The worst foods for skin include cow's milk (especially if you have a dairy allergy), sugary drinks, white bread, and whey protein. Processed foods like white bread have a high glycemic index, which means they cause a rapid rise in blood sugar after you eat them.
When your blood sugar spikes, the influx of hormones can cause excess oil production, which clogs pores and leads to breakouts.
In fact, studies have shown that people who ate a low-glycemic diet had less acne than those who didn't.
Avoiding highly processed foods and empty carbs may not only make you feel better, but it might also improve your complexion.
When to see a doctorHome remedies may appeal to people who don't want to use prescription products, but they're not as effective as traditional acne medications, Zeichner says.
If you have more severe acne, you should consult with a doctor before doing any treatments on your own, as acne can damage skin and leave scars. "It is important to treat acne early and effectively to prevent what could turn out to be permanent marks on the face," Zeichner says.
"If home remedies are not helping after 2-4 weeks, it is important to visit a dermatologist for professional help," Zeichner says.
Insider's takeawayAcne is the most common skin affliction in the US.
Though there are plenty of products made specifically to treat it, there are also some effective home remedies that can improve its appearance and help clear it.
Tea tree oil and crushed-up aspirin work as spot treatments for pimples. Using green tea or rose water as a toner can also help clear breakouts and prevent acne. Aloe vera is another effective remedy for acne, especially when combined with other treatments like retinoids.
If you're suffering from hormonal breakouts, spearmint tea may help balance the hormones responsible and help clear skin, though the research is sparse.
Ensuring that you're getting enough zinc and eating a diet low in processed foods can also help fight the inflammation that causes acne and improve skin from the inside out.
If you have severe acne or aren't finding success with home remedies, you can visit a dermatologist to learn about their recommended OTC or prescription treatments.
Zoe McDonald
Editorial Production Fellow, Reference
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