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Pimples, cystic acne, pustules... (whatever you want to call them) are common skin concerns that nearly everyone will face at least once in their lifetime. Fortunately, there are many ways to treat those pesky blemishes, ranging from strict dietary regimens to various over-the-counter medications, skincare products, and even new home remedies. Finding the right solution for you may be a journey of trial and error, but don't worry -- this article has solutions for everyone!
Steps
Using Home Remedies
Herbal Remedies
Use Tea Tree Oil. Tea tree oil is one of the best natural remedies for acne. Extracted from the leaves of the Australian tea tree, tea tree oil has strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that help combat acne-causing bacteria on the skin. Simply apply one or two drops of pure tea tree oil onto a clean cotton swab and dab it directly on the affected pimples. Do this twice a day, and the blemishes will disappear quickly!
- Tea tree oil is very concentrated, being an essential oil. If you apply too much or use undiluted oil on non-acne areas, your skin could become dry and irritated. Use it sparingly and only when needed.
- A study has shown that tea tree oil is as effective at treating acne as the potent chemical benzoyl peroxide. While it works more slowly, it also has fewer side effects.
Apply Honey. Honey is a wonderful natural healing agent, thanks to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties. It makes an excellent choice for acne treatment, especially if you have sensitive skin. Manuka honey is the best for soothing active pimples, though raw honey can be just as effective.
- You can use honey as a spot treatment or as a full face mask, applying it to clean, slightly damp skin. Honey doesn't irritate the skin, so you can leave it on for as long as you'd like.
- It's important to note that, like other home remedies, honey helps to clear existing pimples (due to its natural antibacterial properties) but doesn't do much to prevent future breakouts, especially those caused by hormonal imbalances.
Try Lavender Oil. Lavender oil, well-known for its calming and soothing effects, can also be used as a spot treatment for acne, much like tea tree oil. Lavender oil is commonly used for burns due to its healing properties, which also makes it effective for treating acne. Furthermore, lavender oil contains powerful antibacterial agents that help cleanse the pores and reduce acne outbreaks.
- To use, apply undiluted oil directly to pimples by placing a few drops on a cotton swab. Be careful not to get the oil on surrounding skin, as lavender oil may cause irritation when undiluted.
Cold Remedies
Use an Ice Cube. Pimples often become red and swollen when they appear, so why not calm those angry blemishes with an ice cube? Ice reduces inflammation and redness, significantly improving the appearance of acne. Simply wrap an ice cube in a few tissue layers or clean cloth and gently apply it to the affected area for one or two minutes.
- You can also make ice cubes from strong green tea and use them on the affected area. Studies show that green tea not only has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, but its antioxidants can also help reduce excess oil production on the skin.
Bathroom Remedies
Use Toothpaste. The idea of using toothpaste for acne has been around for many years, and while it's not the best solution for blemishes, it is often used as an alternative. Toothpaste contains salt and hydrogen peroxide, which help dry out pimples and make them disappear faster.
- Choose a white toothpaste without fluoride, and be sure to apply it directly to the pimple rather than the surrounding skin, as other ingredients in toothpaste can cause irritation or even burn the skin.
Apply Crushed Aspirin. The technical name for aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid, which is closely related to the famous acne-fighting salicylic acid. Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory agent that helps reduce the size and redness of pimples when applied to the affected area. All you need to do is crush a tablet and mix it with one or two drops of water to form a paste, then apply directly to the pimples.
- Alternatively, you can make a face mask by crushing five or six aspirin tablets and adding just enough water to create a thick paste. Apply it to the entire face and leave it on for about ten to fifteen minutes before rinsing off.
Kitchen Remedies
Use Tomatoes. Tomatoes are a convenient acne treatment since most people have one or two lying around in their kitchen. They contain vitamins A and C, which, as mentioned earlier, are effective ingredients for acne treatment. Tomato juice has natural astringent properties that help shrink and flatten pimples.
- Simply cut a fresh tomato and rub the juice from a slice directly onto the affected areas. Use this method twice a day, and you'll notice improvements in your skin.
Apply fresh lemon juice. Applying fresh lemon juice to acne spots is one of the most popular home remedies. Lemons are packed with vitamin C and citric acid, which helps exfoliate and dry out pimples. Lemon juice also has natural bleaching properties that significantly reduce redness from acne. You can apply fresh lemon juice directly to the blemishes before bed and leave it overnight.
- Avoid applying lemon juice during the day unless you plan on staying indoors, as it makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight and can cause sun damage.
- As with other home remedies, apply lemon juice only to the acne spots, not the surrounding skin. The citric acid in lemon can cause skin irritation if applied to unaffected areas.
Skincare Tips
Wash your face twice a day. Keeping your face clean is essential in preventing acne. Washing your face helps remove dirt, debris, and excess oils that accumulate on the skin's surface. Ideally, you should wash your face three times a day — in the morning, afternoon, and evening — using lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser. Pat your face dry with a clean, dry towel.
- Avoid rubbing your face with rough towels, loofahs, or sponges, as they can irritate the skin and exacerbate acne. Towels can also harbor bacteria you don't want coming into contact with your face.
- While you might feel the urge to wash your face more than twice a day due to acne discomfort, over-washing can actually worsen your skin condition. Too much washing can dry out and irritate your skin.
Use a non-comedogenic moisturizer. Applying a good moisturizer is crucial after washing your face as it helps keep the skin hydrated and prevents dryness and irritation. However, if you're struggling with acne, it's important to choose the right moisturizer for your skin type. Thick, oily moisturizers can clog your pores and trigger more acne. Look for moisturizers labeled "non-comedogenic," meaning they won't cause breakouts.
- In addition to selecting a non-comedogenic moisturizer, be mindful of choosing a product that suits your skin. For oily skin, opt for a lightweight gel moisturizer, while for dry skin, use a richer cream-based moisturizer.
- Make sure to wash your hands before applying moisturizer. Bacteria or germs on your hands can transfer to your face when you apply the product.
Avoid touching your face or popping pimples. Your hands come into contact with dirt and bacteria more than other parts of your body, so never touch your face. Touching your pimples or the surrounding area can irritate the skin, make the acne worse, and increase swelling, which in turn lengthens the healing process.
- Popping pimples, while it might feel satisfying, is one of the worst things you can do for your skin. Squeezing pimples can delay healing and even cause infection, leaving scars. Since acne scars are difficult to treat, it’s best to avoid popping pimples altogether.
- It’s easy to touch your face unknowingly. Be careful not to rest your hand on your cheek or chin while sitting at a desk or dining table, or when lying on your side in bed at night.
Use exfoliating products and face masks once a week. Exfoliators and face masks are incredibly beneficial for the skin, but they should not be overused. Exfoliators help remove dead skin cells and clean the skin effectively, but overuse can dry out and irritate the skin, especially for acne-prone skin.
- Face masks help cleanse impurities, soothe the skin, and transform your skincare routine into a spa-like experience. However, like exfoliators, they should only be used once a week since some ingredients may be too harsh for daily use.
Avoid applying too many products on your face. Overloading your skin with creams, lotions, and gels can clog your pores and cause acne. Make sure to apply the recommended amount as stated on the packaging. Similarly, minimize makeup usage and ensure thorough cleansing at the end of each day.
- Hair products with strong fragrances or harsh chemicals can clog pores if your hair touches your face. Use gentle shampoo and conditioner that won't irritate your skin.
- Also, make sure to change your pillowcase at least once a week and clean your makeup tools regularly to prevent oil buildup and bacterial growth on your skin.
Protect your skin from the sun. While it was once believed that sun exposure could help dry out acne, experts today advise against it. UV rays from the sun can actually make acne worse, causing redness and swelling.
- For this reason, it is important to protect your skin by wearing a hat and applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
- Remember that some sunscreens are oil-based and may clog pores, so opt for those labeled 'non-comedogenic'.
Eat a balanced diet. While it's been proven that chocolate and junk food don't directly cause acne, avoiding oily and greasy foods is still better for your skin. Acne forms when excess oil clogs your pores, so reducing oil intake is a wise step. If your body is healthy on the inside, it will reflect on your skin.
- Avoid foods like chips, chocolate, pizza, and fried foods, as they contain excessive oils, sugar, and starch, which can negatively impact your skin and overall health. You don't need to cut them out entirely, but try to limit your consumption.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. The water content in fruits and vegetables keeps your skin hydrated, and the vitamins and minerals improve your body's ability to fight acne. Particularly, foods rich in vitamin A (such as broccoli, spinach, and carrots) can help balance acne-causing proteins, while those high in vitamins E and C (like oranges, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and avocados) are antioxidant-rich and soothe the skin.
Drink plenty of water. Water offers numerous benefits for both your skin and your overall health. It helps keep your body hydrated and your skin plump. It also helps balance and eliminate harmful toxins from your body, which can contribute to skin problems. Furthermore, water ensures your skin's metabolism functions properly, aiding in skin regeneration. Aim to drink 5 to 8 cups of water a day for a healthier body.
- However, don't drink excessive amounts of water and avoid forcing yourself to drink constantly. Drinking too much water can dilute your blood, leading to health issues. Stick to about 8 cups per day to stay healthy.
- Avoid consuming too much alcohol. Alcohol can disrupt hormone balance, and imbalanced hormones like testosterone and estrogen are common causes of acne. Additionally, excessive alcohol intake harms your liver, which plays a key role in maintaining healthy skin by regulating hormones, blood sugar, and detoxifying the body.
Use of Creams, Medications, and Treatments
Use over-the-counter creams (no prescription required). If you're struggling with stubborn acne spots, along with maintaining cleanliness and a balanced diet, additional treatments can be helpful. Fortunately, there are several over-the-counter (OTC) creams that are effective in treating acne and preventing new breakouts. These creams are typically applied directly to the acne and can improve skin condition within 6 to 8 weeks. Some common ingredients found in these creams include:
- Benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide eliminates bacteria on the skin's surface and helps slow down the production and accumulation of oil in the pores. It also acts as an exfoliant, encouraging skin renewal. However, it can cause dryness and irritation, so it's advisable to start with the lowest concentration available.
- Salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is another ingredient effective in killing acne-causing bacteria. It also targets blackheads and whiteheads, which could develop into more severe cystic acne if left untreated. Additionally, salicylic acid helps remove dead skin cells, preventing clogged pores and allowing new skin cells to form.
- Sulfur. Sulfur contains antibacterial properties and helps treat whiteheads and blackheads by preventing infection and the formation of cystic acne.
- Retin-A. Retin-A contains a form of vitamin A acid, known as all-trans retinoic acid, which works as a chemical exfoliant and clears clogged pores.
- Azelic acid. Azelic acid shrinks pimples by preventing oil buildup, reducing inflammation, and inhibiting bacterial growth. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with darker skin tones.
Consult with a dermatologist for a stronger prescription cream. For some individuals, OTC creams may not be strong enough to tackle persistent acne. In such cases, it’s recommended to ask your dermatologist for a more potent prescription treatment that works similarly.
- Most prescription creams contain active ingredients derived from vitamin A, such as tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene. These creams accelerate cell turnover and prevent pores from becoming clogged.
- There are also many antibacterial prescription creams that help eliminate bacteria on the skin's surface.
Consider using antibiotics. For moderate to severe acne, your doctor may prescribe a combination of topical treatments along with oral antibiotics. This method helps reduce inflammation and bacterial growth. Antibiotic treatments usually last 4 to 6 months, though skin improvements can typically be seen within the first 6 weeks.
- Unfortunately, antibiotics do not work for everyone, so they are not always the optimal solution.
- Some antibiotics (like tetracyclines) may interfere with birth control effectiveness, so women should consider using alternative contraception methods while taking antibiotics.
For severe acne, consider isotretinoin medication. If all other treatments have failed and your acne remains severe and persistent, your dermatologist may recommend isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is closely related to vitamin A and works by reducing oil production and shrinking the oil glands. A typical isotretinoin treatment lasts about 20 weeks, during which time patients must be closely monitored due to the potential for serious side effects.
- When starting isotretinoin, acne may worsen before it improves. This flare-up usually lasts a few weeks, but in some cases, it can last for the entire treatment period.
- Side effects of isotretinoin may include dry skin and eyes, chapped lips, sun sensitivity, and less common effects like headaches, hair loss, mood swings, and feelings of depression.
- This treatment can cause serious birth defects, so isotretinoin is not prescribed to pregnant women or those trying to conceive. Women are typically required to undergo a pregnancy test before starting isotretinoin treatment.
If you're a woman, consider taking birth control pills. Acne is often linked to hormonal imbalances, and using birth control can help regulate hormone production and reduce acne flare-ups, especially those related to the menstrual cycle. Birth control pills containing both norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tend to be the most effective.
- While birth control pills are generally safe, they can cause rare side effects such as blood clots, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart disease. Be sure to consult your doctor thoroughly before using this method.
Explore professional treatment options. There are various treatments available at spas and dermatology clinics that, when combined with other methods, can improve your acne condition. These treatments tend to be more expensive than other options but offer longer-lasting results and can help reduce and prevent scarring. Some of the treatments include:
- Laser therapy. Laser therapy works by penetrating deep into the skin and targeting the oil-producing glands, which are responsible for acne.
- Light therapy. Light therapy targets acne lesions caused by bacterial infection on the surface of the skin, helping to reduce inflammation and improve skin texture.
- Chemical peels. Chemical peels exfoliate the skin’s surface within a controlled limit, shedding the outer layer to reveal fresher, healthier skin underneath. This method is particularly effective for treating post-acne pigmentation and scarring.
- Microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion uses a rotating brush to exfoliate the top layer of skin, revealing smoother skin below. While effective, it may cause some discomfort, redness, and temporary skin sensitivity until the skin heals.
Advice
- Be patient. It may take several weeks or even months to see noticeable improvements in your skin after starting a new treatment or skincare routine. However, if no progress is seen after several months, it may be time to try alternative treatments.
- Professional treatments truly work! While they can be expensive, they are worth the investment. In addition to the benefits mentioned, they can also help reduce dark spots, fade freckles, and brighten your complexion.
- Steaming can help relieve itching and redness.
Warning
- Discontinue the use of any products that irritate your skin. That's all, and enjoy your acne-free complexion.
- Most home remedies lack scientific validation and might not be effective for everyone. When trying natural solutions, it may take a long time of trial and error to discover what works.
