Acne occurs when skin pores become clogged with natural oils, causing whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, pustules or boils. Approximately, 60 million Americans suffer from the skin disorder, according to the Acne Resource Center, but more than 40 percent of sufferers seek no medical treatment. While it may take several months for natural treatments to clear up the condition, the response is often more effective and complete than with pharmaceuticals.

Garlic

Herbalists have used garlic as a natural medicine for generations. However, it wasn't until Louis Pasteur proved that garlic kills many forms of bacteria that the bulb became one of the most-used botanical medicines, says nationally-known gardener Jerry Baker, author of "Herbal Pharmacy." Not only does garlic offer antibiotic, antibacterial, antiviral and antihistamine properties, but the herb contains B vitamins, minerals and enzymes that yield valuable results when used to lower blood cholesterol, reduce risk of heart attack, fight acne and promote clear skin.

Block blemishes by mashing a clove of garlic and massaging it directly on your pimples. Rinse with cool water.

Lavender Oil

Georgia-based aromatherapist Marilyn Johnson Kondwani, as reported in the book "Women's Wisdom," recommends the soothing, antibacterial and antiseptic essential oil of lavender as a potent acne eradicator. According to Dr. Linda B. White, author of "The Herbal Drugstore," lavender oil also acts as an astringent and anti-inflammatory. Its properties as a painkiller and infection fighter are an added bonus.

Dip a cotton swab into undiluted lavender oil. Apply it directly on each pimple before bedtime.

Lemon Juice and Rose Water

Lemon juice coupled with rose water offers valuable benefits in battling blemishes. Lemon juice provides antibacterial and astringent properties while rose water also acts as an antibacterial as well as a skin toner, according to GrannyMed.com. In addition, "Lemon juice contains acids that can help flush out the pores," according to the book "Home Remedies: What Works."

To make a compress, combine 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice with 1/4 cup rose water. Saturate a washcloth in the solution and place it on your face. After 10 to 15 minutes, remove the washcloth and rinse with cool water.

Honey

Honey provides three potent natural healing ingredients. According to "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies," honey contains sugar that helps absorb moisture-causing bacteria, "hydrogen peroxide to disinfect, and the nectar-based compound propolis to kill bacteria." It also dries as a natural bandage.

Simply dab a cotton swab into honey and apply directly onto your blemishes. Rinse with warm water after 30 minutes.