Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Take care of your skin
• Method 2 of 3: Creams, medications, and other treatments
• Method 3 of 3: Home remedies
• Herbal remedies
• Cold remedies
• Bathroom remedies
• Kitchen remedies
• Tips
• Warnings

Pimples, blemishes, spots… whatever you call them, they are an annoying skin problem that most people have to deal with at some point in their lives. Fortunately, there are many, many options for getting those pesky blemishes under control. This way you can learn to care for your face thoroughly, take refuge in medicines and creams, or opt for innovative home remedies. You'll probably need to experiment a bit to find out what works best for you, but fear not - this article has a solution for everyone!

To step

Method 1 of 3: Take care of your skin

1. Wash your face twice a day. If you want to prevent blemishes, it is very important to keep your face clean. Washing your face removes dirt, blemishes, and excess oils that have accumulated on the skin's surface. Ideally, you should wash your face three times a day; In the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening. Use warm water and a mild facial cleanser for this. Use a clean, dry towel to pat your face dry.
   • Do not scrub your face with a rough washcloth, sponge, or loofah. This will only irritate the skin and cause the pimples to inflame further. Washcloths can also contain bacteria. Therefore, do not use them to wash your face.
   • While you may be tempted to wash your face more than twice a day if you have blemishes, keep in mind that this is not necessarily beneficial. If you wash your face too often, the skin can dry out and become irritated.
2. Use a non-comedogenic moisturizer. After washing, it is important to apply a good moisturizer to prevent the skin from becoming dry and irritated. However, if you have blemishes, it is important to find a moisturizer that is right for your skin type. Heavy, greasy creams can clog pores and lead to more blemishes outbreaks. Look for a moisturizer that is “non-comedogenic” —this means it won't clog pores.
   • Not only make sure that the cream is non-comedogenic, but also make sure that it is suitable for your skin type. For example, if you have fairly oily skin, opt for a lighter gel-based moisturizer; if you have dry, flaky skin, opt for a heavier cream.
   • Make sure to wash your hands immediately before applying the cream. Otherwise, bacteria and germs on your hands can be transferred to the face when you apply the cream.
3. Try not to touch your face or to squeeze the pimples. Hands are more exposed to dirt and bacteria than any other part of the body - that's why it's so important not to touch your face. In addition to spreading bacteria and posing a risk of infection, touching your face can cause the pimples to become irritated or inflamed - making them even uglier, and it will take longer to recover.
   • Squeezing blemishes, no matter how satisfying it feels, is one of the worst things you can do for the skin. Squeezing the pimples extends the recovery period, and may even lead to infections and scarring. Acne scars are extremely difficult to get rid of; so try to avoid them at all costs.
   • It's all too easy to touch your face without realizing it. Do not put your hands under your face when sitting at your desk, and try not to sleep on your hand in bed.
4. Use a face mask or scrub once a week. The face can benefit enormously from facial masks and exfoliating products. However, don't use them too often. Scrubs remove dead skin cells and thoroughly cleanse the skin. However, they can also dry out and irritate the skin if you use them too often - especially if you are prone to blemishes.
   • Face masks are excellent for removing blemishes and calming the skin. It can also turn your regular facial care into a spa-worthy experience. However, do not apply these more than once a week. They often contain harsh ingredients that are unsuitable for everyday use.
5. Avoid overloading the skin with products. Too many creams, lotions, and gels can clog pores. It can also cause more pimples. Make sure to use these facial products sparingly, and no more often than indicated on the package. The same goes for make-up, which should be applied as lightly as possible. Always remove the make-up with a facial cleanser at the end of the day.
   • Highly scented and chemical hair products can also clog pores if the hair comes into contact with the face. So try to avoid these as much as possible. Use a mild shampoo and conditioner that won't irritate the skin while you shower.
   • You should also limit your exposure to oils and bacteria by changing the pillowcase at least once a week. Also regularly clean your makeup brushes.
6. Protect your skin from the sun. Although it used to be said that the sun can dry out blemishes, today's skin experts disagree. In fact, the sun's UV rays can make the blemishes redder than before and become more inflamed when exposed to the sun.
   • It is therefore important to protect your skin from the sun. You can do this with a hat and a sunscreen of at least factor 30.
   • Be aware that some sunscreens are oily and can clog pores. So look for products that are "non-comedogenic".
7. Eat good. While it has been proven that chocolate and other junk foods cannot cause breakouts, a healthy diet can have a positive effect on the skin. So refrain from greasy food as much as possible. Pimples occur when excess oils clog pores. So try to limit the amount of oil you get to you. In addition, if your body is healthy on the inside, it will be visible on the outside - the skin reflects health.
   • Avoid chips, chocolate, pizza, and fries. These foods are high in fat, sugar, and starch - neither are you benefiting your skin or your overall health. You don't have to abstain from them completely, but try to keep them to a minimum.
   • Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain a lot of water, which hydrates the skin. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals with which the body can arm itself against pimples. In particular, try to eat fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin A (such as broccoli, spinach, and carrots). This helps the body get rid of the proteins that cause acne. Also try to eat lots of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins E and C (oranges, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, avocados). These have antioxidant properties that help soothe the skin.
8. Drink plenty of water. Drinking water has many benefits, both for the skin and for overall health. It keeps the body hydrated and keeps the skin firm and elastic. Water also helps your body get rid of harmful toxins. This prevents these substances from accumulating and causing skin problems. In addition, water promotes the metabolism of the skin, allowing cells to repair themselves. Try to drink at least five to eight glasses of water a day to really reap the benefits.
   • However, you can also drink too much water. So you don't have to keep drinking all day long. Too much water dilutes the blood and can endanger your health - in extreme cases it can even lead to seizures. Stick to eight glasses a day, that's fine.
   • Y Also try not to drink too much alcohol. Alcohol messes up hormone levels, and an imbalance of testosterone and estrogen is one of the main causes of acne. In addition, alcohol damages the liver. The liver is the most important organ for healthy skin because it regulates hormones and blood sugars and filters out toxins.

Method 2 of 3: Creams, medications, and other treatments

1. Use an over-the-counter cream. If you have persistent breakouts, you may need to do more than just keep your face clean and eat a healthy diet. Fortunately, there are a variety of over-the-counter creams that can help. These creams are usually applied directly to the blemishes and will usually show significant improvement within six to eight weeks. The most common active ingredients in these creams are:
   • Benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria on the skin's surface, and slows down the production and build-up of oils in the pores. It also acts as a kind of chemical peel, which rejuvenates the skin. Benzoyl peroxide can have a drying, irritating effect on the skin - so start at the lowest concentration possible.
   • Salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is another ingredient that kills the bacteria that cause breakouts. It also helps nip blackheads in the bud that can grow into pimples if they become inflamed. In addition, salicylic acid helps the skin to secrete old, dead skin cells; this prevents pores from clogging and allows new skin cells to form.
   • Sulfur. Sulfur contains antibacterial properties that help break down blackheads. This prevents them from becoming infected and becoming pimples.
   • Retin-A. Retin-A contains an acidic form of vitamin A retinoic acid. This acts like a chemical peel, helps exfoliate the skin, and unclogs clogged pores.
   • Azelaic Acid. Azelaic Acid limits the appearance of blemishes by preventing the build-up of oils and by limiting inflammation and bacterial growth. Azelaic acid is especially effective in people with darker skin tones.
2. Ask a dermatologist to prescribe a stronger cream for you. For some people, the over-the-counter creams are not enough to fight stubborn blemishes. In this case, you can ask your doctor to prescribe you a stronger treatment.
   • Most prescription creams contain active ingredients derived from vitamin A. Examples include tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene. These creams work by promoting cell turnover and preventing hair follicles from getting clogged.
   • There are also a number of antibacterial creams available on prescription. These act through the bacteria on the skin's surface.
3. Consider taking a course of antibiotics. In cases of moderate to severe acne, your doctor may recommend combining the topical creams with a course of antibiotics. These antibiotics help limit inflammation and contain bacterial growth. Such antibiotic treatments usually last between four and six months - however, you will start to see improvement within about six weeks.
   • Unfortunately, many people today simply build up resistance to antibiotics. This treatment will therefore not always be effective.
   • Some antibiotics (such as tetracyclines) hinder the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Women should therefore support their contraception with another method during this course.
4. In case of severe acne, consider treatment with isotretinoin. If all else fails and the severe acne persists, your dermatologist may recommend treatment with isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is closely related to vitamin A and works by limiting the production of sebum and shrinking the fat glands. A course of isotretinoin usually takes about 20 weeks. During these twenty weeks, the patient is closely monitored because the drug has a lot of potential side effects.
   • Taking isotretinoin can make acne worse before it subsides. This usually only takes a few weeks, but can also last for the entire treatment.
   • A few side effects associated with isotretinoin: dry skin and eyes, dry lips, sensitivity to sunlight, and (much rarer), headaches, hair loss, mood swings, and depression.
   • This treatment is also associated with serious birth defects. As a consequence, it can be prescribed to pregnant women, or to women trying to conceive. Before a woman can follow this treatment, she must therefore undergo a pregnancy test.
5. If you are a woman, remember to start using oral contraceptives. Since many blemishes are caused by a hormone imbalance, oral contraceptives could help. This is because these contraceptives can regulate hormone production and prevent women from getting blemishes - especially blemishes caused by the menstrual cycle. Oral contraceptives containing a combination of norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol are generally the most effective.
   • Oral contraceptives can rarely cause serious side effects, such as blood clotting, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart disease. So discuss this method carefully with your doctor before starting it.
6. Learn about the different professional treatments. There are many treatments available at spas and beauticians that can dramatically improve the appearance of the skin - especially when combined with the above methods. They can be quite pricey, but can produce results that last a lot longer than others. They also help prevent and limit scarring. Such treatments include:
   • Laser therapy. Laser therapy penetrates deeply into the skin and damages the sebaceous glands. Excess sebum leads to blemishes.
   • Light therapy. Light therapy targets the bacteria on the skin's surface, reduces inflammation, and improves the texture of the skin.
   • Chemical peels. A chemical peel purposefully burns the skin surface. The top layers of the skin are removed in no time, and a new, fresh skin layer appears. This treatment is especially good if you have spots or scars on your face caused by blemishes.
   • Microdermabrasion. A rotating wire brush is used to exfoliate the top layers of skin to reveal smooth, new skin. This can be a little inconvenient and can cause the skin to be red and tarry for a few days until it is completely healed.

Method 3 of 3: Home remedies

Herbal remedies

1. Use tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is one of the best natural remedies for blemishes. The oil is extracted from the Australian melaleuca alterni oil, and has powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. These are very effective in fighting the bacteria that cause blemishes. Apply a drop or two to a cotton swab and dab it directly onto the pimple. Do this twice a day, and the pimple will be gone in no time!
   • Tea tree oil is an essential oil and is therefore extremely concentrated. Overusing or applying the undiluted oil to an unaffected area can cause skin to become dry and irritated. So use it sparingly and only when necessary.
   • One study found that using tea tree oil was just as effective in combating blemishes as the highly chemical benzoyl peroxide. The tea tree oil took a little longer to get results, but also had fewer negative side effects.
2. Use honey. Honey is an incredibly natural healing product, whose antibacterial, disinfectant, and moisturizing properties make it a great choice for blemish-fighting - especially if you have sensitive skin. Manuka honey is the best choice for soothing stubborn blemishes, but regular honey works well too.
   • You can apply the honey to the blemishes themselves or use it as a face mask. In the latter case, you can apply the honey to the face. Make sure the skin is clean and slightly damp. Honey is not irritating, so you can leave it on for as long as you want.
   • Honey, like many other home remedies, helps to get rid of pre-existing blemishes (due to its antibacterial properties) but does next to nothing to prevent future blemishes from appearing. Especially pimples caused by a disrupted hormone balance will still appear.
3. Try an essential lavender oil. Lavender oil, best known for its soothing, soothing effect, can also be used to treat blemishes. Lavender oil is often applied to burns because of its healing properties - these can also help with blemishes. In addition, lavender oil contains powerful antibacterial substances that cleanse the pores, thus reducing the appearance of blemishes.
   • Dab a few drops of undiluted oil on the pimple with a cotton swab. Be careful not to put anything on the surrounding skin. Undiluted lavender oil can irritate the skin.
4. Use aloe vera. Grab a large piece of aloe vera and rub it over the pimples. Massage the skin where the aloe vera and blemishes are. Let it sit for half an hour before washing it off with warm water.

Cold remedies

1. Try an ice cube. Pimples announce their presence by turning red and inflamed. Let the pimple cool down with an ice cube. The ice will reduce inflammation and redness, making the pimples look a lot better. Wrap an ice cube in a paper towel or a clean cloth and hold it against the pimple for a minute or two.
   • You can also make the ice cubes from strong green tea and keep it against the pimples. In addition to having anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, research has shown that green tea contains a certain antioxidant that can curb sebum production.

Bathroom remedies

1. Use toothpaste. Applying toothpaste to problematic blemishes has been done for years, and while it may not be the most effective way to combat blemishes, it works. Toothpaste contains ingredients like baking soda and hydrogen peroxide that dry out blemishes - making them go away faster.
   • If possible, opt for a white, fluoride-free toothpaste. Apply this directly to the blemishes, not the surrounding area. The other ingredients in the toothpaste can irritate and even burn the skin.
2. Use a pulverized aspirin. The scientific name for aspirin is asetylsalicylic acid. Aspirin is closely related to salicylic acid, a well-known and popular acne treatment. Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory that you can use to reduce the size and redness of blemishes. Crush an aspirin and add one or two drops of water to make a paste. Then apply it to your pimples.
   • You can also make a face mask by crushing five or six tablets and adding enough water to make a paste. You can apply this all over your face and let it sit for about ten, fifteen minutes. Then wash it off.

Kitchen remedies

1. Use tomato. Tomatoes are a useful remedy for blemishes; after all, most people have a tomato or something in the kitchen. Tomatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, and are therefore ideal for combating pimples. Tomato juice is also a natural astringent - this means that the surface of the pimple contracts and contracts.
   • Cut open a fresh tomato and rub the juice directly onto the pimple. Do this twice a day and you will soon see improvement.
2. Use fresh lemon juice. Using fresh lemon juice is one of the most popular home remedies out there. Lemon contains high concentrations of Vitamin C, which, along with the citrus acid, helps to exfoliate the skin and dry out blemishes. Lemon juice also contains bleaching agents that can greatly reduce the redness of the pimple. Apply a little fresh lemon juice to the blemishes before going to sleep and let it sit all night.
   • Do not use the lemon juice on the skin during the day unless you plan to stay indoors. This is because the juice makes the skin photosensitive, putting you at an increased risk of sun damage.
   • As with other home remedies, the lemon juice should only be applied to the pimple itself and not to the surrounding skin. This is because the citric acid can burn the skin.

Tips

• Patience is a virtue. It may take a few weeks (even months) for you to notice improvement. If you still don't see any improvement after a few months, you may want to consider trying other options.
• Proactiv really works! It can be expensive, but it is worth it. It also helps remove dark spots and makes freckles lighter. This will make the skin glow.
• Make use of steam. This limits the itching and redness.

Warnings

• Stop taking any medications that irritate the skin. Then enjoy your pimple-free skin.
• Most home remedies are not based on scientific evidence and will not work for everyone. When it comes to natural remedies, just experiment a bit to find out what works best for you.