When you’ve got a pimple on your face, you’ll do almost anything to get rid of them quickly. Pimples can affect anyone, but are particularly common in teenagers when hormonal changes trigger excess skin oil production, according to the National Institutes of Health. While it’s not possible to remove a pimple overnight, there are a few things you can do at home to speed healing and prevent new pimples from forming.
Masks
Masks help speed healing time by drying out pimples. As the pimples dry, the skin begins to peel off in layers, reducing the size of the pimples. My Beauty Recipes recommends egg white or baking soda masks to treat pimples. The egg white mask is made by breaking open an egg and separating the white from the yolk. Whipping the egg makes it frothy and easy to apply to the face. The egg white mask is placed on the face for about 20 minutes before being removed with clear water.
The baking soda mask remains on the face for a much shorter time, because it can be very drying. After mixing 1 tbs of baking soda with 2 tbs of water, apply the mask for no more than two minutes and rinse away all traces of baking soda. After using either type of mask, it is important to use a moisturizer to prevent overly dry or irritated skin.
Spot Treatments
Several types of food or beauty products, such as cider vinegar, toothpaste, cucumber and grated potatoes, can be applied to the skin to dry out pimples. Small amounts of these pimple home remedies are applied directly to the pimple and remain on the skin until the next time you wash your face. Vinegar and toothpaste can irritate the skin. If you try one of these remedies and notice a burning or stinging sensation, wash off the product immediately and discontinue use.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic and antimicrobial agent, may be helpful in treating pimples. A study by lead investigator Shahla Enshaieh and other researchers found that tea tree oil was 3.55 times more effective in treating acne lesions than a placebo treatment. The study was published in 2007 in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. Tea tree oil is applied to pimples with a cotton ball and allowed to remain on the face overnight. The oil is available at grocery, drug or health food stores.
Creams and Lotions
Over-the-counter creams, gels and lotions can be effective in helping pimples heal. Look for products that contain benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide works by removing acne-causing bacteria and removing dead skin cells that clog pores. Other ingredients helpful in treating pimples are salicylic acid, resorcinol and sulfur. Following package directions precisely can help reduce dry skin caused by use of these products.
