Eliminating Skin Blemishes with Natural Ingredients
Blemishes on the face are one of the most common beauty concerns.
They can be caused by many factors such as sun exposure, genetics, aging, and hormonal disorders caused by the side effects of medications or other products.
Below are 14 easy and simple natural skin mask recipes that help reduce or remove any blemishes on the face.
Tips for removing blemishes on the face
Bear in mind the following tips in order to make sure the masks are effective.
Also, make sure you prepare the materials and ingredients in advance. Try to have everything close by and use a timer if necessary.
- These facial masks should be used after exfoliating the skin.
- Pull your hair back away from your face to prevent it from getting in the way.
- Use sunscreen daily.
- If you’re allergic to anything, take the necessary precautions.
Also take a look at: 5 Homemade Creams that Reduce Laugh Lines
Recommended natural ingredients
The most recommended natural ingredients for making homemade masks come from plants. However, thanks to their benefits, some dairy products like milk, or certain cereals are also extremely popular.
1. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is the best plant for skin care. It’s often used in blemish removal products for the face or other parts of the body.
It works as a fungicide and moisturizer and naturally regenerates the skin. In fact, a study published in the journal, Molecules claims that aloe vera has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and healing properties.
You can make an aloe vera mask to use at night after cleansing and toning your skin thoroughly. The gel will work while you sleep. Remember to wash your face thoroughly the next morning.
2. Milk
Milk is a natural product that contains lactic acid, which is extremely effective at lightening and eliminating blemishes. You can apply milk directly to your face in order to benefit from lactic acid.
Start by warming some milk in a pan. Once it’s ready, lightly dab it on your face using a cotton ball. Wait at least 30 minutes before rinsing it off.
3. Vinegar
Vinegar is one of the most common household remedies for removing blemishes on the face. It’s really easy to use. A study published in 2021 claims that vinegar has anti-microbial and antioxidant properties that are beneficial for the skin.
Simply dilute 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in 2 liters of water. Dab it on your face with a cotton ball. Use it every night for several weeks and you’ll soon see results.
This remedy is generally safe, although if the vinegar isn’t well diluted it can cause burning to the skin. If this should happen, stop using it and visit a dermatologist.
We also recommend reading: The 5 Best Cleaning Solutions Using Baking Soda and Vinegar
4. Broadleaf plantain
Broadleaf plantain can also help you get rid of blemishes. Although there’s no specific scientific evidence to back up these claims, one study claims that, mixed with aloe vera it can promote healing of skin wounds. Both plants can help cell regeneration which can also accelerate the elimination of blemishes.
Prepare 200 ml of plantain tea. Simply boil 1 liter of water, pour it into a cup and add 2 tablespoons of leaves. Let it stand for 20 minutes, strain, and apply to the face with a cotton ball.
5. Lemon
Lemon juice lightens skin and makes it glow.
Massage it gently into the areas you’d like to treat. If applied before bed, make sure you leave it on overnight. If you apply it in the daytime and you’re going to go out in the sun, make sure you wash it off 20 minutes before.
However, it’s worth mentioning that dermatologists don’t recommend its application in the daytime under any circumstance, since it can cause new blemishes to appear.
6. Onion
Onions are excellent at removing blemishes. Simply cut a piece and rub it on your skin. Leave for 30 minutes and rinse off with warm water.
The more you use it, the better it’ll work. You can also use onion juice as a tonic.
7. Tomato
You can also use tomatoes to remove blemishes. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene which has certain benefits for the skin. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology claims that creams enriched with tomato lycopene can eliminate blemishes with no recurrences observed after one month.
Take a slice and gently rub it on your face every day for 15 minutes. You can add sandalwood powder and lemon for faster results.
8. Elderberry
Elderberry is another great option for eliminating blemishes. A study published in Cytotechnology claims that elderberry has properties that combat aging and inflammation caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays. Therefore, it can be useful in eliminating sunspots.
Boil 500 ml of water with 3 tablespoons of elderberry for 10 minutes. Once cool, strain and apply it to the blemishes. You can use it twice a day. This remedy is effective against blemishes caused by sun exposure.
9. Radishes
Radishes are great for removing blemishes. To benefit from their skin-lightening properties, simply crush a little bit of radish root and mix it with lemon juice.
Apply with a cotton ball to your skin and leave for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. You can apply it during the day or before bed and leave it on overnight.
10. Banana
Bananas also have skin-lightening properties. You can prepare a face mask by simply mashing 1 banana with a fork and mixing it with the juice of a lemon.
Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water. You can apply it four times a week.
11. Barley
An in vitro study published in the journal, Antioxidants (Basel) claims that barley extract has beneficial effects on melanocytes cause by ultraviolet rays. Therefore, it appears it could be useful in creams and products for the skin, although more evidence is required in this respect.
To make a blemish-removing tonic, make barley tea by using 100 grams of barley and 1 liter of water. Apply the mixture to your face, and leave for 30 minutes. You can also strain and put the barley granules in a washcloth to massage the areas of your skin with blemishes. Use twice a day.
12. Wheatgerm
Wheatgerm oil effectively fights blemishes on the skin. In fact, a recent study claims that wheatgerm contains peptides with anti-inflammatory properties that promote the regeneration of skin cells. Therefore, it can be useful for treating skin blemishes.
Apply it before going to bed by gently massaging it in until it’s absorbed into the skin.
13. Papaya
After enjoying a delicious papaya, make sure you keep the peel. Rub your skin with the inner part to remove or reduce blemishes. It also regenerates skin and prevents wrinkles.
14. Parsley
This herb has lightening properties and is perfect for clearing any type of blemish. Crush a sprig of parsley and apply it directly with a gauze pad over the affected area.
As you can see, there are many natural remedies to help eliminate skin blemishes on the face and other parts of the body. However, we recommend you always consult with a specialist before trying any of them, particularly if you’re treating an area as sensitive as the face.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Alvin, G., Catambay, N., Vergara, A., & Jamora, M. J. (2011). A comparative study of the safety and efficacy of 75% mulberry (Morus alba) extract oil versus placebo as a topical treatment for melasma: a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of drugs in dermatology: JDD, 10(9), 1025–1031.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052272/
- Allgisna, K. N., Hindun, S., & Rantika, N. (2021). Perbandingan Beberapa Ekstrak Kulit Buah sebagai Anti-hiperpigmentasi: Review: Comparison of Fruit Skin Extract as Anti-hyperpigmentation. Jurnal Sains Dan Kesehatan (J. Sains Kes.), 3(2), 335-342. https://jsk.farmasi.unmul.ac.id/index.php/jsk/article/view/403
- Bavarsad, N., Mapar, M. A., Safaezadeh, M., & Latifi, S. M. (2021). A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial of skin-lightening cream containing lycopene and wheat bran extract on melasma. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 20(6), 1795–1800. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33151615/
- Costa, A., Moisés, T. A., Cordero, T., Alves, C. R., & Marmirori, J. (2010). Association of emblica, licorice and belides as an alternative to hydroquinone in the clinical treatment of melasma. Anais brasileiros de dermatologia, 85(5), 613–620. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21152784/
- Choi, S., Lee, S. K., Kim, J. E., Chung, M. H., & Park, Y. I. (2002). Aloesin inhibits hyperpigmentation induced by UV radiation. Clinical and experimental dermatology, 27(6), 513–515. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12372097/
- Dahl, A., Yatskayer, M., Raab, S., & Oresajo, C. (2013). Tolerance and efficacy of a product containing ellagic and salicylic acids in reducing hyperpigmentation and dark spots in comparison with 4% hydroquinone. Journal of drugs in dermatology: JDD, 12(1), 52–58. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23377328/
- Ertam, I., Mutlu, B., Unal, I., Alper, S., Kivçak, B., & Ozer, O. (2008). Efficiency of ellagic acid and arbutin in melasma: a randomized, prospective, open-label study. The Journal of dermatology, 35(9), 570–574. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18837701/
- Hermanns, J. F., Petit, L., Martalo, O., Piérard-Franchimont, C., Cauwenbergh, G., & Piérard, G. E. (2000). Unraveling the patterns of subclinical pheomelanin-enriched facial hyperpigmentation: effect of depigmenting agents. Dermatology, 201(2), 118–122. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11053913/
- Hollinger, J. C., Angra, K., & Halder, R. M. (2018). Are Natural Ingredients Effective in the Management of Hyperpigmentation? A Systematic Review. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 11(2), 28–37. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5843359/
- Jan, B., Parveen, R., Zahiruddin, S., Khan, M. U., Mohapatra, S., & Ahmad, S. (2021). Nutritional constituents of mulberry and their potential applications in food and pharmaceuticals: A review. Saudi journal of biological sciences, 28(7), 3909–3921. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8241616/
- Kang, M. H., Jang, G. Y., Ji, Y. J., Lee, J. H., Choi, S. J., Hyun, T. K., & Kim, H. D. (2021). Antioxidant and Anti-Melanogenic Activities of Heat-Treated Licorice (Wongam, Glycyrrhiza glabra × G. uralensis) Extract. Current issues in molecular biology, 43(2), 1171–1187. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8928971/
- Khosravan, S., Alami, A., Mohammadzadeh-Moghadam, H., & Ramezani, V. (2017). The effect of topical use of Petroselinum crispum (parsley) versus that of hydroquinone cream on reduction of epidermal melasma: a randomized clinical trial. Holistic Nursing Practice, 31(1), 16-20. https://journals.lww.com/hnpjournal/Abstract/2017/01000/The_Effect_of_Topical_Use_of_Petroselinum_Crispum.4.aspx
- Makino, E. T., Mehta, R. C., Banga, A., Jain, P., Sigler, M. L., & Sonti, S. (2013). Evaluation of a hydroquinone-free skin brightening product using in vitro inhibition of melanogenesis and clinical reduction of ultraviolet-induced hyperpigmentation. Journal of drugs in dermatology: JDD, 12(3), s16–s20. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23545928/
- Phacharapiyangkul, N., Thirapanmethee, K., Sa-Ngiamsuntorn, K., Panich, U., Lee, C. H., & Chomnawang, M. T. (2019). Effect of Sucrier Banana Peel Extracts on Inhibition of Melanogenesis through the ERK Signaling Pathway. International journal of medical sciences, 16(4), 602–606. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6535666/
- Pillaiyar, T., Manickam, M., & Namasivayam, V. (2017). Skin whitening agents: medicinal chemistry perspective of tyrosinase inhibitors. Journal of enzyme inhibition and medicinal chemistry, 32(1), 403–425. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6010116/
- Rizwan, M., Rodriguez‐Blanco, I., Harbottle, A., Birch‐Machin, M. A., Watson, R. E. B., & Rhodes, L. E. (2011). Tomato paste rich in lycopene protects against cutaneous photodamage in humans in vivo: a randomized controlled trial. British Journal of Dermatology, 164(1), 154-162. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2010.10057.x
- Singh, S. K., Baker, R., Wibawa, J. I., Bell, M., & Tobin, D. J. (2013). The effects of Sophora angustifolia and other natural plant extracts on melanogenesis and melanin transfer in human skin cells. Experimental dermatology, 22(1), 67–69. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23278898/
- Sharif, A., Akhtar, N., Khan, M. S., Menaa, A., Menaa, B., Khan, B. A., & Menaa, F. (2015). Formulation and evaluation on human skin of a water-in-oil emulsion containing Muscat hamburg black grape seed extract. International journal of cosmetic science, 37(2), 253–258. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25402429/
- Shimogaki, H., Tanaka, Y., Tamai, H., & Masuda, M. (2000). In vitro and in vivo evaluation of ellagic acid on melanogenesis inhibition. International journal of cosmetic science, 22(4), 291–303. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503416/
- Swanson, C., Deng, D., Robinson, L., & Raleigh, P. (2010). Topical turmeric extract in a moisturizing cream formula reduces the appearance of facial spots and fine lines and wrinkles on human facial skin. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 62(3), 01591-6, AB19. https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(09)01591-6/fulltext
- Syed, T., Aly, R., Ahmad, S. A., Andersson, T., & Wong, W. (2009, March). Management of melasma with 2% analogue of green tea extract in a hydrophilic cream: a placebo-controlled, double-blind study. In Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 60(3), AB160. https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(08)02205-6/fulltext
- Xing, M., Wang, X., Zhao, L., Zhou, Z., Liu, H., Wang, B., Cheng, A., Zhang, S., & Gao, Y. (2021). Novel dissolving microneedles preparation for synergistic melasma therapy: Combined effects of tranexamic acid and licorice extract. International journal of pharmaceutics, 600, 120406. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33711468/
- Yamakoshi, J., Sano, A., Tokutake, S., Saito, M., Kikuchi, M., Kubota, Y., Kawachi, Y., & Otsuka, F. (2004). Oral intake of proanthocyanidin-rich extract from grape seeds improves chloasma. Phytotherapy research: PTR, 18(11), 895–899. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15597304/
- Yokota, T., Nishio, H., Kubota, Y., & Mizoguchi, M. (1998). The inhibitory effect of glabridin from licorice extracts on melanogenesis and inflammation. Pigment cell research, 11(6), 355–361. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9870547/
- Wallo, W., Nebus, J., & Leyden, J. J. (2007). Efficacy of a soy moisturizer in photoaging: a double-blind, vehicle-controlled, 12-week study. Journal of drugs in dermatology: JDD, 6(9), 917–922. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17941363/
- Wang, Y., Zhao, J., Jiang, L., & Mu, Y. (2021). The Application of Skin Care Product in Melasma Treatment. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 14, 1165–1171. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8435474/
- Wang, Z., Li, X., Yang, Z., He, X., Tu, J., & Zhang, T. (2008). Effects of aloesin on melanogenesis in pigmented skin equivalents. International journal of cosmetic science, 30(2), 121–130. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18377621/
- Wang, J., He, Z., & Raghavan, V. (2022). Soybean allergy: characteristics, mechanisms, detection and its reduction through novel food processing techniques. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 1–14. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35075969/
- Zhang, X., Zhou, Q., Qi, Y., Chen, X., Deng, J., Zhang, Y., Li, R., & Fan, J. (2023). The effect of tomato and lycopene on clinical characteristics and molecular markers of UV-induced skin deterioration: A systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention trials. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 1–20. Advance online publication. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36606553/
