Acne is a skin disorder that occurs when the hair follicles are affected by an infectious and inflammatory process. The rash usually occurs on the face, chest, back, and neck. Once the ailment has been treated and the healing process has begun, small scabs form on the follicles to allow the affected area to heal from the inside. Unfortunately, as the redness and swelling subside, the scabs can be as unsightly as the pimples themselves, as they have color changes and reliefs. Between natural remedies and conventional medications, there are numerous products that can speed up the healing process and help regain perfect skin. Popular ones include over-the-counter acne cleansers and creams, tea tree oil, warm compresses, honey, and aloe vera gel.
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Cleansing Habits to Adopt
Step 1. Wash the affected area twice a day using a disinfectant cleanser, antibacterial soap, acne soap, or over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide product
Perform gentle upward and outward circular massages.
To prevent bacteria from proliferating and new impurities from forming, always use a clean sponge or your hands
Step 2. Blot the affected area with a clean towel, avoid rubbing it, otherwise you will weaken the skin and expose it to possible infections
Step 3. Apply over-the-counter or prescription acne cream
Squeeze a small amount onto your index finger. Tap it on your skin using light upward strokes. Apply it to and around the scabs.
Before touching your face, wash your hands thoroughly to prevent the spread of dirt and bacteria
Step 4. Follow the instructions on the package insert, as they vary by product
Some should be rinsed off after a certain time, others can be used under makeup and kept on the face until the next wash. Follow the directions to avoid drying or irritating your skin.
Method 2 of 6: Using Tea Tree Oil
Step 1. Buy some cotton balls, which are available at any supermarket or pharmacy
There are mini or maxi size balls: choose them considering the extent of the rind.
Step 2. Pour the tea tree oil onto the cotton ball
If you have a dropper, calculate two or three drops, otherwise place the cotton ball on the opening of the bottle and turn it upside down for a second to moisten it. Close the bottle with the lid to avoid spilling the oil.
Step 3. Gently pat it on the scabs after washing the affected area
To avoid cracking the crust, do not exert any pressure. Let the oil dry on your face. Repeat the treatment twice a day.
Method 3 of 6: Apply a Warm Compress
Step 1. Take the usual sponge you use to wash your face, of whatever material it is
If you need to treat a large area, you may want to use a towel.
Step 2. Fill a bowl with warm water
The dimensions of the container vary according to how many crusts need to be treated. Make sure the water is hot, but not hot, otherwise you risk irritating the scabs and causing the subcutaneous capillaries to break, further highlighting the imperfections.
Step 3. Soak the sponge in water, soaking it well
Squeeze out any excess liquid to avoid getting your clothes or surrounding area wet.
Step 4. Gently apply the sponge to the scabs
To keep them intact, avoid pressing it. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Blot the affected area with a towel or let it air dry. Repeat the treatment twice a day.
Moisture and heat help soften and melt the scabs. In addition, they promote blood flow to the affected area, which promotes healing
Method 4 of 6: Using Honey
Step 1. Buy raw honey
The antibacterial properties of honey have been known for centuries, but what you find in the supermarket is often full of additives. Raw honey has not undergone any processing and is more effective for treating scabs. It can be found in natural food stores, fruit and vegetable markets or beekeeping firms.
Step 2. Apply it with the help of a clean plastic spatula after washing the affected area
Spread it over the scabs by tapping it gently. Leave it on for at least two hours or overnight.
Step 3. Once the honey has been applied, cover the scabs with an adhesive hydropolymer dressing, which prevents liquid leaks from wounds in humid environments
Although the crust does not have secretions, the dressing allows to fix the honey, avoiding staining the clothes or hair. It is available at the pharmacy.
If you can't find it, you can use regular patches, although the adhesive may peel off after a few hours
Step 4. Rinse off the honey the next morning or two hours later by washing your face with warm water and your usual cleanser
Make circular movements up and out. After washing, pat your face with a clean towel.
Method 5 of 6: Apply Aloe Vera Gel
Step 1. Purchase aloe vera gel, which is readily available at drugstores and health food stores
Read the label and choose the product that contains as few ingredients as possible. This way you will avoid exposing your skin to additives that could hinder healing.
Alternatively, if you have an aloe vera plant, you can cut a leaf and extract the gel
Step 2. Apply the gel to the scabs after washing the affected area
Take a generous amount from the jar or aloe vera leaf. Gently dab it on the scabs. To keep them intact, avoid rubbing it. Leave it on for at least two hours.
You can also leave it on overnight. In this case, apply a hydropolymer adhesive dressing or a patch to prevent the gel from staining your clothing or hair
Step 3. Rinse the gel
Wet your skin with warm water. Apply your usual cleanser by making gentle outward and upward circular motions.
Method 6 of 6: Apply an Antibiotic Cream
Step 1. Choose an antibiotic cream at the pharmacy
There are different types, consider for example those based on clindamycin or benzoyl peroxide.
Step 2. Apply a thin layer of cream to each crust with clean hands or a cotton swab
This product helps treat acne and prevent new pimples from forming.
The application can be done twice a day
Step 3. Let it absorb:
it is not necessary to remove it. The cream will soften the scabs, thereby accelerating healing.
Advice
- Don't tease the scabs. By touching the affected area with your hands, you will cause the bacteria to spread, which can infect the cracked skin and make the situation worse.
- See a dermatologist for severe acne.
