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We've all had those mornings when we wake up, look in the mirror, and suddenly spot a swollen, red, and painful pimple that wasn't there the night before. Some might choose to ignore it and let it be, while others prefer to take action and try to eliminate it. If you're in a hurry and want to reduce the appearance of acne as quickly as possible, follow the steps below.
Steps
Treating Acne
Try using sea salt. Mix one teaspoon of sea salt with two tablespoons of warm water. Then, use a cotton swab to apply the saltwater directly to the pimple. Do not rinse it off with water. The sea salt will kill bacteria and dry out the pimple.
Try using benzoyl peroxide (hydrogen peroxide). Benzoyl peroxide can eliminate acne-causing bacteria. It is available in various concentrations, but a 2.5% concentration is as effective as 5-10% concentrations and is less irritating to the skin. Benzoyl peroxide also helps exfoliate dead skin layers, leaving your skin brighter and firmer.
Use salicylic acid. Like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid kills acne-causing bacteria. It also accelerates the shedding of skin cells, promoting the growth of new skin. After cleansing your face, apply a small amount of salicylic acid directly to the pimple.
Apply tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is an antibacterial essential oil that can eliminate bacteria trapped in your pores. Dab a small amount of tea tree oil onto a cotton swab and gently apply it to the pimple, being careful not to use too much.
- Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce the size and redness of the pimple.
Crush aspirin. Crush one aspirin tablet and mix it with a small amount of water to form a paste. Use a cotton swab to apply a thin layer of the paste to the pimple. Cover the entire pimple and let it dry. Aspirin has anti-inflammatory properties, and applying it to the skin can reduce inflammation and minimize the appearance of acne. Leave the aspirin paste on overnight.
Apply an astringent to the pimple. Astringents tighten pores, making the skin smoother. Some medicated astringents contain antibacterial ingredients that can prevent or reduce acne. Here are some astringents you can use:
- Over-the-counter astringents. These come in various forms and packaging. Choose one containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Ask your pharmacist for a gentle option suitable for your skin type.
- Natural astringents can also be effective in a pinch. Natural options include:
- Lemon juice. The citric acid in lemon juice kills acne-causing bacteria and tightens the skin. Many people swear by this method. Cut a slice of lemon and gently rub it on the pimple. Follow up with a toner to balance your skin's pH, as lemon juice is highly acidic and can alter your skin's pH.
- Banana peel. Banana peels are effective for treating insect bites and can help reduce the size of pimples. Gently rub the inside of a banana peel on the pimple.
- Witch hazel. Witch hazel extract is a versatile astringent with many uses. Opt for an alcohol-free version and apply a small amount to the pimple, allowing it to dry naturally.
- Green tea. Green tea is an antioxidant-rich astringent that helps slow skin aging by preventing free radical damage. Dip a tea bag in hot water, stir, and quickly place it on the pimple.
Use egg oil. Egg oil is effective in removing acne and preventing scars.
- Wash your hands with soap or use a sanitizer before applying egg oil.
- Using your fingertips, gently apply the egg oil to your skin twice daily until the scars fade.
- After an hour, rinse it off with a soft cloth.
Reduce Redness
Apply ice to the pimple. This reduces swelling as the cold slows blood flow to the area. You can place ice directly on the pimple or wrap it in a thin cloth or gauze.
Use eye drops on the pimple. Eye drops reduce redness in the eyes and can also help minimize acne redness and skin irritation. Apply a small amount of eye drops to a cotton swab and dab it onto the pimple.
- The cold temperature can also reduce inflammation, so refrigerate the cotton swab with eye drops for an hour before use. The cold swab will soothe the pimple by reducing inflammation.
Try natural antihistamines. Antihistamines help reduce swelling in the skin tissues. Most are available in pill form, but some come as teas or topical applications. They are used to reduce redness. Natural antihistamines derived from plants include:
- Nettle. This might sound counterintuitive since touching wild nettles can cause rashes with tiny bumps. However, some doctors recommend dried and chilled nettles, known to reduce histamine production in the body.
- Horse chestnut is also used as a natural antihistamine. In Europe, it has long been used to treat skin conditions. The leaves are crushed and made into a paste or pills.
- Basil is another effective natural antihistamine. Heat two basil leaves with steam and gently apply them to the affected area. Basil helps confirm that the rash is just the body's normal reaction to external factors.
General Rules
Wash your face twice a day. Aim to cleanse your face twice daily. Be gentle and avoid using dirty towels or anything unclean, as bacteria from dirty towels can cause acne.
- Use an exfoliating tool once a week to help remove dead skin cells. Exfoliation removes the outermost layer of dead skin, promoting healthier skin. Doing this weekly is beneficial for your skin.
- Moisturize after every wash. Your skin, like any other part of your body, needs hydration to stay healthy. Always moisturize after cleansing.
Avoid touching your face. Try not to touch your face, whether accidentally or intentionally. Dirty hands transfer bacteria, and the less you touch your face, the clearer and healthier your skin will be.
Exercise regularly. Exercise is a helpful way to reduce acne. Physical activity helps relieve stress, which is believed to trigger acne, although doctors are still unsure how it works.
- Find a healthy exercise routine to reduce stress and anxiety. Join a sports team, go to the gym, or commit to a daily workout regimen. These activities will improve your skin's appearance.
- Shower after exercising. Sweat, dirt, salt, and dead skin cells accumulate after intense physical activity, so cleansing afterward is essential.
Cut back on sweets. Minimize your sugar intake to maintain healthy skin. Sugar can worsen inflammation, trigger acne, or exacerbate breakouts. Candy, chocolate, and sugary drinks are items you should reduce in your diet.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol negatively impacts acne, potentially worsening its condition. It dehydrates the body, leading to a loss of essential moisture. Additionally, alcohol contains high sugar levels, which can accelerate acne growth. To minimize its effects, reduce alcohol consumption and drink more water instead.
Do not tamper with pimples. Avoid squeezing, picking, scratching, or touching pimples unless you're applying medication or treatment. Such actions can increase redness and inflammation. While it's easier said than done, refraining from touching pimples reduces scarring and speeds up their healing process.
Tips
- Pat your skin gently; harsh rubbing can cause redness.
- Avoid touching pimples with your hands, as they carry oils and germs that can lead to infections.
- Develop a habit of drinking plenty of water.
- Contrary to popular belief, sugar and chocolate do not directly cause acne. However, an unbalanced diet or consuming foods you're allergic to can trigger breakouts. Some people can eat chocolate without issues, but a small amount of cheese might cause acne the next day. A balanced, nutritious diet is crucial to prevent food-related acne.
- Wait at least 30 minutes after exercising before showering to avoid clogging pores and harming your skin.
- Apply apple cider vinegar overnight. Though it has a strong smell, it is highly effective.
- Sweat can unclog pores, but leaving it on too long can clog them. Shower after exercising, but avoid doing so immediately to prevent sudden body temperature changes that can shock your system.
- Mix baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with toothpaste to create a paste that is less irritating to the skin. Apply it overnight.
- Use aloe vera gel: Cut a piece of the plant, extract the gel, and apply it to your skin in the morning and evening. Store any leftovers in the fridge.
- Lemon juice is more effective than toothpaste but may irritate sensitive skin.
- Products like Aloe Vera gel and charcoal-based soap can cleanse the skin and reduce oiliness. Regular use helps prevent blemishes and acne.
Warnings
- Toothpaste may cause a slight stinging sensation after application, but if the discomfort persists, stop using it immediately to avoid further skin damage. If you have sensitive skin or a skin condition, avoid using toothpaste altogether.
