6 Effective Home Remedies For Acne Using Banana Peels

Most banana peels would normally go into the compost bin but it’s time we reconsider. It sounds strange but banana peels can do wonders for your skin. The peel contains plenty of nutrients and enzymes that can help reduce acne. If you’re still wondering if you should throw away that peel, read on to find out why you shouldn’t.

How Banana Peel Helps

• Banana peels show anti inflammatory which can reduce swelling and redness associated with acne.^{1 2}
• They have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties which can help kill the bacteria and/or fungi that cause the breakouts.³
• Banana peel contains an antioxidant called lutein. This can help reduce the damage caused by free radicals and help reduce the amount of inflammation.^{4 5}
• Banana peel is a natural exfoliant which can help get rid of dead and dull skin.
• Banana peels contain nutrients like vitamins A, B, C, and E which can nourish your skin and keep it healthy.⁶

Banana Peel Home Remedies For Acne

1. Plain Banana Peel

• Wash your face with a mild soap and pat dry.
• Cut up some banana peel into 1-inch pieces.
• Rub each piece over your skin until it turns a darker color.
• Do not rinse afterward.
• Leave on overnight and wash your face in the morning.
• Do this daily before bedtime to see results.

2. Banana Peel, Oatmeal, And Sugar

Oatmeal and sugar are both great exfoliants. Sugar is also said to contain alpha hydroxy acids which are great for skin health.⁷

• Blend together 1 banana peel, ½ a cup of oatmeal, and 3 tablespoons of sugar.
• Apply this mixture to your face and leave on for 15 minutes.
• Rinse off with lukewarm water.
• If your skin feels dry, follow with a light non-greasy moisturizer.
• Do this twice or thrice a week to see results.

3. Banana Peel And Turmeric

Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial substance which is great for combatting acne.⁸

• Get the peel of a ripe banana and mash it into a fine paste.
• Take one tablespoon of this mash and add an equal amount of turmeric.
• Add just enough water to make a thick, spreadable paste.
• Apply this on the face and leave on for 15 mins.
• Wash off with lukewarm water.
• Follow with a light non-greasy moisturizer.
• Do this thrice a week.

4. Banana Peel And Lemon Juice

The vitamin C in lemons is a great antioxidant which is essential for skin health and prevents aging and damage caused by sunlight. ⁹

• Mix together equal quantities of mashed banana peel and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
• Use a cotton ball or swab to apply this mixture on the face.
• Leave on for 15 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water
• Pat dry with a clean towel.
• Do this regularly to see results.

Note: Do not go out in the sun after applying lemon juice to your skin. It increases your chances of getting sunburnt.

5. Banana Peel And Honey

Raw honey is popularly used as an anti-inflammatory substance which may help reduce the swelling and redness of acne. It can also help contain the moisture in your skin.^{10 11}

• Combine one tablespoon of mashed ripe banana peel and ½ a teaspoon of raw honey.
• Gently massage this mixture on to the affected areas.
• Leave on for 15–20 minutes.
• Rinse off with lukewarm water pat dry.
• Use a light moisturizer if your skin feels extra dry.
• Do this daily to see results.

6. Banana Peel And Apple Cider Vinegar

The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar is also a natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory substance which makes it perfect to treat acne.¹²

• Blend some banana peel into a smooth paste
• Make a dilute solution with 1 tablespoon of water and ½ a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
• Now combine a tablespoon each of the banana peel paste and the diluted solution
• Apply this mixture on the affected areas and leave on for 15 minutes
• Rinse off with lukewarm water
• Do this daily to see results

The next time you have a banana for a snack, think twice before throwing away that peel. It might just help you attain that clear, acne-free skin you’ve always wanted.