If you suffer from acne breakouts, you may want to try some home remedies to clear up your blemishes. Over-the-counter treatments can be effective, but can cause some unwanted side effects, and topical acne drugs may cause irritation, skin peeling and dryness. Speak to your doctor if you can't clear up acne on your own, as untreated breakouts can increase your risk of acne scarring. Avoid popping pimples as a home remedy, since this can also lead to scarring.

Aloe Vera

Due to its antibiotic properties, the gel derived from the aloe vera plant is effective at relieving acne-related skin irritation and preventing infection. Use a knife to cut an entire leaf off of the trunk. Cut a slit in the leaf straight down the middle and allow the yellow substance to drain out. Remove the rest of the skin with the knife to access the gel beneath. Rinse the gel with cool water and apply to the acne-affected areas. Allow the gel to absorb into the skin without rinsing off.

Daily Washing

One of the simplest and easiest home remedies for acne is washing the face twice a day. Use a mild cleansing agent and lukewarm water. Cleansing removes any dirt and oil that can clog the pores and lead to breakouts. It is especially important to wash after sweating or performing activities where your skin becomes soiled.

Oatmeal and Honey Mask

GrannyMed.com recommends a mixture of oatmeal and honey to relieve acne at home. These substances can soak up excess oil, exfoliate dead skin cells and work as a toning agent. To prepare an oatmeal mask, add 1 cup of boiling water to ½ cup of unflavored oatmeal. Add ¼ cup of honey and allow the mixture to cool. Once it reaches a comfortable temperature, it can be applied to the entire face excluding the eyes. Leave in place for approximately 10 to 20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

Mint Leaves

Spearmint or peppermint leaves can be used for pain and inflammation caused by acne breakouts. Crush a handful of fresh leaves from a mint plant until the juice is extracted from the stems. Rub the crushed leaves and juices on the acne-affected areas and leave in place for at least five minutes. Rinse off the residue with cool water.