No matter your skin type or skincare habits, it’s safe to say that no one has perfect skin all the time. Everyone experiences skin conditions from time to time, like rosacea, dry skin, irritation, or hyperpigmentation. Of course, we have to mention one of the most prevalent skin issues of all time: acne.

 

Sometimes, issues like these are totally manageable—you find the products or home remedies that work for you, and you successfully treat and improve whatever skin problem you’re facing. However, even if you have your skincare routine down to a science, there’s just no way to avoid the occasional outbreak. When a skin issue flares up, panic may set in.

 

Today, we’re going to be focusing on acne, an affliction that nearly everyone has experienced. If you’ve ever woken up to find that your skin broke out like you just hit puberty right before a big event, you know exactly the panic we’re talking about. Getting rid of those pimples was the first thing on your mind.

 

So, we’ve put together a short guide to taking care of pimples as fast as possible using natural, at-home remedies for when you don’t feel like taking a trip to the dermatologist or your standard acne medication just isn’t doing the trick. Those overactive oil glands and dead skin cells clogging your pores and hair follicles can really do a number on you, but these DIY methods and acne treatments should get rid of inconvenient blemishes in no time.

 

If you’re currently feeling that pimple-induced panic, read on for our best tips for tackling this issue head-on.

One: Use Tea Tree Oil

If you happen to have tea tree oil lying around the house, you’re in luck—this essential oil is one of the best substances for treating pimples in a pinch.

 

Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties and antibacterial properties, which makes it an excellent ingredient for battling breakouts. In fact, several studies have shown that a few drops of tea tree oil may reduce the appearance of acne and acne scars.

 

If you decide to treat your pimples with tea tree oil, just be sure to dilute it beforehand. Mix one part oil with nine parts water. Then, use a cotton swab or pad to apply the mixture directly to the afflicted area. You can repeat this process up to two times a day.

 

Two: Try Green Tea

Just like tea tree oil, green tea is an effective way to treat pimples. This is mainly because it’s packed with antioxidants.

 

When applied directly to the skin, green tea has been shown to decrease sebum production. (As a refresher, sebum is an oily substance produced by our glands that, in excess, may cause acne to form). In addition, green tea also reduces inflammation and prevents the growth of acne-causing bacteria. So, all in all, it’s practically built to fight pimples.

 

Certain creams contain green tea, but you really don’t need anything all that fancy. If you have green tea on hand, the only other tool you’ll need for this treatment is a cotton swab or a spray bottle. Apply the (cool) green tea to your skin with one of these tools and let it dry. Then, simply rinse it off, and you’re all set.

 

Three: Ice It

This is probably the simplest method on this list—that is, using a plain old ice cube. We’re almost certain everyone has ice cubes readily available (and if not, they’re not too hard to make). What makes this method even better is that it’s completely free. Ultimately, applying ice to a pimple is an easy way to reduce pain and swelling. 

 

To treat your breakout with ice, all you’ll need is a single cube and a thin piece of cloth. Wrap up the cube in the cloth and place it on the affected area for about three or four minutes. Repeating this treatment throughout the day should greatly reduce the appearance of the pimple, helping you prepare for whatever big event you have planned for the evening.

 

Four: Crush Some Aspirin

Next up, we’ll be using another DIY method that’s super easy to apply at home. While it’s not exactly “natural,” we just had to include it on this list because it can be so effective. 

 

This remedy involves two ingredients: aspirin and water. The foremost ingredient, aspirin, is the main player here. It contains salicylic acid, which means it’s perfect for removing excess oil and dead skin. So, applying crushed aspirin to a troublesome acne spot can work wonders—it’ll unclog your pores, decrease swelling, and reduce redness.

 

Essentially, this remedy involves creating a mini aspirin mask. First, you’ll need to crush an aspirin and mix it with a few drops of water to form a thin paste. Then, you just have to apply it directly to your skin like a face mask. Voila! 

 

Five: Apply Turmeric Paste

If you’d like to keep things strictly natural (or if you’ve simply run out of your usual aspirin supply), we have another suggestion: turmeric paste. Like the previous remedy, this one involves concocting a mini-mask to treat your breakout quickly.

 

Turmeric is a staple in many households, so it’s highly likely that you’d have some sitting on your spice rack. Beyond its unique flavor and vibrant color, turmeric has a few other benefits to offer—namely, it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-everything properties. This makes it excellent for skincare.

 

To make a simple turmeric paste, combine half a teaspoon of turmeric with one tablespoon of honey. This should form a thin paste that you can easily apply to the acne-ridden area. Let this paste rest on your face for about 10 to 20 minutes, and then rinse it off. 

 

Six: Cool Down with Aloe Vera

Anyone with sensitive, sunburn-prone skin certainly has a tube of aloe vera lying around. Well, it turns out aloe vera is good for more than just those painful burns—it’s great for treating acne, too.

 

It’s no shock that aloe vera is an ideal substance for fighting inflammation and healing skin issues. However, you might be surprised to learn that aloe vera also contains salicylic acid and sulfur, two substances that are very effective against breakouts.

 

If you have aloe vera on hand, all you need to do is apply it to your clean skin once or twice a day. Aloe vera gel can be rubbed in and used as moisturizer, so you don’t even have to wash it off. 

 

Seven: Indulge in a Face Mask

Finally, if you’ve ever dealt with an inconveniently-timed pimple, you know just how life-saving a good face mask is. Of course, we’ve already mentioned several DIY masks that you can make with only a few ingredients. However, if you happen to have a pre-purchased clay mask in your repertoire, now might be the time to put it to use.

 

Clay masks are ideal for fighting acne, especially if you have oily skin. For example, our Vitamin C Clay Mask uses natural, detoxifying yellow clay to cleanse the pores and battle breakouts. Moreover, it contains plenty of superfoods, like turmeric and aloe vera, to help reduce acne and keep your skin looking clear and beautiful.

 

Hopefully, no matter what kind of clay mask you use, your pimple problem will quickly go away.

 

Final Thoughts on Fighting Acne

There’s no shortage of tips and ingredients that are supposed to help with blackheads, whiteheads, nodules, and whatever other pesky pimples might be popping up. People swear by everything from apple cider vinegar and coconut oil to fish oil supplements that are filled with omega-3 fatty acids, but we think the above are some of the best solutions out there. 

 

There’s nothing worse than waking up to a new pimple on the morning of a big event. Well, whether you’ve got a birthday dinner to attend, an important presentation to give, or a long-anticipated vacation to enjoy, these tips could help you keep you feeling as perfect as ever. Good luck!

Sources:

13 Powerful Home Remedies for Acne | Healthline

What is sebum? Function, production, benefits, and more | Medical News Today

How to Get Rid of Pimples Fast: 16 Dos & Don'ts of Fighting Acne | Glamour