Acne is one of the most frustrating and intense skin disorders; sooner or later everyone has had to face this problem, and it also seems that outbreaks develop at the least opportune moments, for example before a date. Fortunately, there are many ways to treat it, including prescription or over-the-counter medications; there are also many home remedies, the effectiveness of which is more or less proven. However, if you have severe acne, you should see your doctor.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Using Acne Products
Step 1. Purchase a specific cleanser for your skin type
You may have oily, dry or combination skin and each one has different cleaning needs; it may also be sensitive and react negatively to certain harsh chemicals. Most facial cleansing products are made for a specific type of skin; in some cases, acne may even disappear within a week!
- For example, if your skin is dry, you should avoid alcohol-based cleansers; if it is sensitive, you should try a natural cleanser formulated for this type of skin.
- If it is not particularly sensitive, you can use a product based on active ingredients, such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Step 2. Try a benzoyl peroxide product
It kills acne-causing bacteria, reduces the size of pimples and opens pores. You can buy a targeted product to apply directly on the acne affected areas; usually, it is in gel or cream format. When you use it you should start noticing improvements the next day.
- Most benzoyl peroxide-based cleaners are on sale in stores in a concentration of 2.5%, although some go as high as 10%.
- A dermatologist can prescribe treatments at higher concentrations; they may also recommend one in combination with other acne treatments.
Step 3. Use salicylic acid products
It is one of the best known active ingredients for fighting acne and is present in many skin care products; helps reduce redness, inflammation and sebum production, leaving the skin smoother. You can buy it as a gel or acne treatment kit. When using products with this active ingredient, you should start noticing improvements the next day.
Look for a product that contains between 1 and 3 percent salicylic acid
Step 4. Apply retinol cream
It contains high levels of vitamin A and is able to reduce inflammation, open pores and soothe acne scars. Most of these creams need to be prescribed by your doctor, but there are a few, such as Differin gel (adapalene), that you can buy for free.
- Make sure your skin is completely dry when applying retinol cream; spread it half an hour after washing your face.
- The first few times you use this cream, apply it on alternate evenings and only after a few weeks spread it daily.
- Keep in mind that it can make your skin sensitive to the sun; always wear sunscreen when you are being treated with such a product.
Method 2 of 4: Using Natural Treatments
Step 1. Use tea tree oil
It has been used for years by dermatologists to reduce skin irritation and acne, as it has antimicrobial properties that can kill the bacteria responsible for the ailment. Apply a small amount directly to the areas affected by acne; for best results, apply it after washing your face.
- You can possibly mix it with a small amount of coconut oil; this product is also able to fight acne quickly.
- To prevent possible irritation, you should use a carrier oil, such as olive or castor oil.
- Be aware that it can irritate or burn the skin; if you experience any kind of discomfort, discontinue use and consult your doctor.
Step 2. Try essential oils
In addition to tea tree oil, there are others that you can use as natural acne remedies; many of these have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help you get rid of the disorder quickly. Mix a few drops of an essential oil with a carrier oil, such as olive or jojoba, before massaging it into the skin. you can try dabbing the following products on pimples:
- Rosemary essential oil;
- Lavender oil;
- Frankincense oil;
- Apricot seed oil;
- Hemp seed oil.
Step 3. Put on some witch hazel
It is a natural astringent with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties; pour some on a cotton ball and rub it on the areas affected by the blemishes twice a day.
Step 4. Dab apple cider vinegar
This product also offers benefits against bacteria and you can use it to shrink pimples; apply it all over your face as if it were a toner or tap it more vigorously on individual imperfections. If you have sensitive skin you may experience a burning sensation, so dilute it with water.
Method 3 of 4: Using Facial Masks
Step 1. Make a honey mask
This substance is a natural antimicrobial and antibacterial that helps to clear the clogged pores of excess sebum and dead cells. Cover your entire face with a layer of honey and let it act as much as possible before rinsing; Also, you can dab it directly on pimples and cover them with gauze overnight.
Use warm water to remove honey; if any sticky residue remains, use a facial cleanser to remove it
Step 2. Make an egg white mask
Egg white reduces redness and firms the skin, thus helping to fade pimples. Separate it from the yolk and beat it until it forms a foam, then spread it on the acne blemishes; leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
- If you wish, you can add some fresh lemon juice.
- Be aware that egg white is raw food and could therefore cause foodborne illness; make sure it doesn't get in your mouth.
Step 3. Apply aloe vera
This plant is able to reduce inflammation, eliminate sebum and refresh the skin, all of which contribute to relieving acne. Take a leaf of the plant and cut a small section of it to take some of the gel inside it; crush it until it forms a smooth dough and spread it over the entire area to be treated.
If you want to buy a ready-made aloe vera gel, make sure it is a completely natural and pure product; you can find it for sale in health food stores and organic food stores; those available in supermarkets should not be applied to the face
Step 4. Apply a baking soda paste
It helps reduce inflammation, as well as limiting the sebum and dirt responsible for pimples. To prepare the dough, take about two tablespoons (30 g) of baking soda and add enough warm water to create a thick paste; then spread it on your face and let it act for 15-30 minutes; at the end rinse with hot water.
The dough must be thick enough to adhere to the face without dripping
Step 5. Make an aspirin mask
This drug has anti-inflammatory properties, therefore applying a salicylic acid mask facilitates the healing of pimples. Mix one part of aspirin with three parts of water. the tablet dissolves in water, so there is no need to chop it. When the mixture takes on a thick consistency, you can smear it on acne; let it sit for half an hour or until it starts to harden.
- When finished, wipe it off with a damp cloth.
- Do not follow this method if you are allergic to aspirin, have Reye's syndrome, drink a lot of alcohol, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are taking medications that should not be mixed with aspirin.
Method 4 of 4: Try Other Options
Step 1. Remove make-up before exercising or going to bed
What remains on the skin for too long can promote bacterial development and clog the pores of the epidermis; before sweating or going to sleep, make sure you take it off. To make sure you get rid of it completely, you can use a makeup remover, an oil cleanser, or micellar water before cleaning your face.
Step 2. Don't squeeze the pimples
Although it is a natural instinct of those who suffer from acne, you must resist the temptation to tease them; if you squeeze them, you only aggravate the redness and swelling, as well as push the bacteria and pus even deeper into the pores, thus extending the duration of the lesions.
Breaking pimples can also lead to scar formation
Step 3. See a dermatologist if your acne doesn't improve
If you do not notice any positive results despite several remedies, acne products and regular face cleansing, it could be a severe form of acne. although it is treatable, you still need to see your doctor.
- Among the most common solutions proposed by the dermatologist are laser treatments, pulsed light, chemical peeling and microdermabrasion; if you have large acne cysts, she may also consider steroid injection.
- If the problem is serious, the dermatologist can prescribe you an antibiotic or isotretinoin (Accutane).
Step 4. Make lifestyle changes to prevent this unsightly disorder from developing
Although making changes in this sense will not allow you to quickly get rid of the acne that is already present, it can however prevent recurrence and restore the skin. Remember that washing your face twice a day is the best way to heal and prevent this dermatological disease.
You can also drink plenty of water, consume healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, and exercise to prevent acne. however, it takes some time to notice the effects of these changes, which do not guarantee quick results (but prove to be very useful in the long run)
Warnings
- Although these treatments can cure acne, it takes about a week to notice any improvement.
- Sometimes acne goes through a worsening phase before it gets better; do not give up and continue the treatment.
