Pimples develop when hair follicles are clogged with sebum, dead cells, and bacteria. Sometimes, they have the typical white tip or blackheads, other times they can develop hard, red lumps under the skin. However, with proper treatment, you can prevent the problem from getting worse and possibly eliminate it.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Keeping the Area Clean
Step 1. Wash the affected area
This way, you will get rid of excess sebum and dead skin that could further irritate the pimple and contribute to the growth of bacteria. It will probably hurt you, so use a soft cloth to gently clean it with warm water.
- Wash the area at least twice a day. Do not rub vigorously. The hair follicle is already under tension from the infection, so be careful not to break it.
- If you use a cleanser, opt for a mild, water-based, oil-free product. If it's greasy, it may leave a film that helps clog pores.
- If your hair falls on the pimple, gather it with a hair clip, ponytail, or braid to pull it away from your face. They can bring more fat to the skin and make the problem worse. If you can't keep the area clear, wash it so it gets as little contaminated as possible.
Step 2. Don't touch it or squeeze it
As long as the boil is intact, it is protected. If you touch or squeeze it, you will go to remove the top layer of skin.
You will get yourself a wound, exposed to infection and scar formation
Step 3. Avoid irritating him by exposing yourself to the sun
In some people, the action of the sun can promote the development of pimples. If tanning causes unsightly pimples on your face and body, protect your skin with oil-free sunscreen or a sunscreen moisturizer.
- Also, be aware that sun exposure can cause burns, age the skin, and increase the risk of melanoma.
- The risk is higher when the sunlight is very strong, i.e. in places near the equator, on the beach because the rays are reflected on the water and during the summer months. You have to protect yourself even when the sky is overcast because UV radiation passes through the clouds.
- If you are concerned that the sunscreen will aggravate the situation, wear a hat, but remember that the neck and parts of the face may still be exposed.
Step 4. Go out without makeup or use only oil-free cosmetics
Be aware that makeup may also stick to the oil and clog pores. The safest solution is to avoid applying it on pimples. However, if this is not possible, look for products that are free of comedogenic ingredients so as not to clog pores. Better to choose cosmetics based on water or minerals.
- If the foundation is oily or very greasy, it risks sealing bacteria and impurities in the pimple. Therefore, if the bacterial presence increases, the pressure will also increase and it is very likely that a white or black dot will form.
- Don't go to bed wearing makeup. Before going to bed, clean your face so that your skin has a chance to relax and breathe. This will prevent bacteria from accumulating.
Step 5. Avoid rubbing the affected area while exercising
This is important because the skin is under a certain amount of tension when you play sports. Contact with rough tissue can tear it apart and facilitate the transport of fat into the pores, worsening any infection.
- Choose loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibers to help perspiration. You will prevent sweat from being absorbed into the skin. Alternatively, try wearing garments made with breathable fabrics to help the sweat evaporate faster. Consult the label.
- Take a bath or shower when you're done exercising. You will remove excess sebum and dead cells.
Part 2 of 3: Applying Over-the-Counter Medicines
Step 1. Use over-the-counter products
They will help you remove dead skin cells, eliminate sebum and reduce the presence of bacteria. Read and follow the instructions for the cleanser you have chosen and do not apply it more often than recommended. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or need to give it to a baby. Typically, the following substances are effective:
- Benzoyl peroxide (usually the most effective over-the-counter treatment)
- Salicylic acid;
- Sulfur;
- Resorcinol.
Step 2. Try other herbal and chemical remedies
Talk to your doctor before resorting to these alternatives, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or need to give them to a baby. Although a prescription is not required, they can interact with other medicines. Furthermore, when it comes to doses, they are not as tightly regulated as drugs and not all of them have been thoroughly researched.
- Zinc based lotions;
- Lotions with 2% green tea extract;
- 50% aloe vera gel;
- Brewer's yeast, CBS 5926 strain (to be taken orally).
Step 3. Make a home remedy by crushing the aspirin
The active ingredient of aspirin is salicylic acid, which has an action similar to that of many drugs used to fight acne.
Crush a tablet and add a drop or two of water. Rub the solution on the pimple, then wipe off the excess that is not absorbed
Part 3 of 3: Using Natural Remedies and Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Apply ice
The cold reduces swelling and, therefore, the pimple will not tend to break. It also makes it smaller, less red and noticeable.
You can use an ice pack or a pack of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel. Apply it for five minutes, then allow the skin to warm up again. You should notice an improvement
Step 2. Use tea tree oil to reduce bacteria on the skin
It will serve as a medicine in case the pimples break.
- Before applying the oil to the skin, you need to dilute it. If you have acne, make a solution with 5% oil and 95% water. Apply it to the area with a clean cloth, taking care not to get it into your eyes, nose and mouth. Rinse after 15-20 minutes.
- Tea tree oil is not suitable for people with sensitive skin. It can cause contact dermatitis and rosacea.
Step 3. Try an acid solution
Like tea tree oil, it helps kill bacteria if the pimple breaks. Keeps the skin dry by preventing the accumulation of sebum. There are several recipes, so before choosing it, check the ingredients you have available: lemon juice, lime juice or apple cider vinegar.
Dilute one part of the ingredient you have chosen with three of water and apply the solution on the affected area, avoiding nose and eyes. If it comes into contact with your eyes, it will hurt you. In this case, wash them immediately with water
Step 4. Don't exfoliate
By exfoliating or using harsh substances on the skin, you risk worsening acne. Hence, it is preferable to avoid:
- Exfoliants;
- Astringent products;
- Alcohol-based substances that dry the skin.
Step 5. Help the skin fight infection with a cucumber mask
This way, she will be able to absorb potassium and vitamins A, C and E. The healthier she is, the more she will be able to fight off the infection affecting the pores.
- Peel and mash half a cucumber. You can leave the seeds. Dab the liquid on the pimples and leave it at least 15 minutes for it to be absorbed. Then rinse the area.
- The concoction may be sticky, so avoid getting dirty or smudged while applying the mask.
Step 6. Manage your stress
Stress causes physiological and hormonal changes in the body, as well as increased sweating. By managing it, you will prevent pimples under the skin from triggering the appearance of white and blackheads.
- Try exercising several times during the week. When you exercise, your body produces endorphins, which as natural pain relievers help reduce anxiety, improve mood and relax. Therefore, at least 75 minutes of training per week is recommended. You can walk, cycle, hike, play sports, or do physical work, such as raking leaves in the garden or shoveling snow.
- Try relaxation techniques. Not all of them produce the same effects on every person. However, the most popular methods include: meditation, yoga, tai chi, viewing calming images, progressive relaxation of different muscle groups, and listening to soothing music.
- Get enough sleep. The amount of sleep needed varies from person to person, but you typically need about 8 hours of sleep each night. Teens may need a few more hours.
Step 7. Avoid foods that can trigger pimples
The choice is subjective, but the foods that create frequent problems are dairy products, sugar and those rich in carbohydrates.
- Contrary to popular belief, no studies support the existence of a link between fatty foods and pimples.
- To be safe, avoid chocolate. Research is unclear, but most chocolate products are high in sugar, which could promote the development of pimples.
Step 8. See your doctor if the remedies you have taken do not prove effective
Since the medications prescribed by the doctor have stronger action, they should produce better results. You will likely need to take them for a month or two before you notice the difference. The options include:
- Topical retinoids (Retin-A, Differin and others) to reduce pore occlusion or antibiotics to prevent skin infections. In severe cases of acne, your doctor might prescribe isotretinoin (Accutane). Follow its recommendations and instructions on the package insert.
- Oral antibiotics to kill bacteria, reduce inflammation and facilitate healing.
- Oral contraceptives (Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Estrostep, Yaz) that contain estrogen and progestogen, which can be prescribed for women and girls in the most severe cases of therapy-resistant acne.
- Your doctor may also recommend other treatments, such as corticosteoride injections into wounds, extractions, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, pulsed light treatments, or laser therapy to treat and prevent pimples.
