Pimples will be gone with these quick remedies
No matter what skin type you have or what age you are, the arrival of a pimple is always met with annoyance. It always seems to rear its angry head at the most inopportune times. More often than not, it's happens before a family function or big party when you're set to put your best foot forward. Pimples hamper even the best made plans, where you end up having to apply layers after layers of concealer on top. Let's find out why this happens in the first place.
How Do Pimples Form?
When the skin's sebaceous glands produce an excess of sebum, it clogs the glands and cause pimples to form. Pimples are commonly seen on the cheeks, forehead, jawline and chin however they can also appear on the chest, back and thighs.
(Also Read: Why Am I Getting Pimples On My Face?)
Reasons Why You're Getting Pimples
There are many reasons why pimples form. Usually it is due to hormonal changes, medical reasons and lifestyle factors.
Certain medications can cause your skin to flare up and pimples to form
Using skin and makeup products which aren't suitable for your skin type
Not following hygiene practices by washing sweat off frequently or removing makeup at the end of the day
Medical conditions like PCOD include pimples as a side-effect
Periods in which your body experiences hormonal changes like puberty and pregnancy
A diet with high content of refined sugar, salt and carbohydrates may also cause pimples
Precautions To Take When You Have Pimples
The first instinct everybody has when they spot a pimple on their face is to pinch it and press it to get the gunk out. Stop yourself when you have that urge. Here are few precautions to follow when you have a pimple.
Keep your hands away from your skin to prevent spread of bacteria
Continue to follow your skincare routine and ensure adequate cleansing, moisturising and sun protecting
Treat it with home remedies, products or medical help as soon as you can
Don't overly dry out the pimple as it can lead to spots and scars
Avoid oil-based products as it can further aggravate the skin
(Also Read: Did You Know? There Are 6 Types Of Pimples, And Each One Requires A Different Treatment)
Overnight DIY Remedies To Get Of Pimples
So you've got an angry red pimple before a big event that you've been looking forward to. These DIY overnight remedies can reduce its appearance and decrease the size of the bump on your face in hours or with repeated usage over days. Even if it doesn't disappear completely, concealing the skin with makeup will go on much easier.
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is famous for its antibacterial properties. Dilute 2 drops of tea tree oil with a few drops of a carrier oil like coconut oil and dab it on the pimple. Let it sit for a few hours and wash off with warm water.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is one of the most reputable ingredients in the skincare world. It soothes and promotes repair. A dab of fresh aloe vera gel can help settle a pimple when left overnight.
3. Honey
A dab of honey can do wonders for pimple-ridden skin. Its antibacterial properties can reduce inflammation and encourage healing. Apply a drop or two on the affected area through the night and wash it off the next morning.
4. Crushed Aspirin
Don't let pimples give you a headache! Instead use an aspirin tablet by crushing it into a fine powder, turning it into a paste with a few drops of water and dotting on the pimple. It is anti-inflammatory in nature and will soothe the skin problem.
5. Ice
Wrap an ice cube in a fine cloth and place it on pimples. Don't use ice directly on the skin or hold it on the area for more than 20 seconds. Ice it, remove it for the same length of time and ice it again. You can repeat this twice a day. It will ease the pain of the swelling and help contract the pimple.
6. Green Tea
Brew a bag of green tea and after a few minutes, remove from heat and let it cool. Once cold to touch, place on top of pimples. As an overnight remedy, dot brewed green tea over the pimple before sleeping. Its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce swelling and redness.
(Also Read: 10 Home Remedies For Pimples: Keep Your Skin Flawless Naturally)
Hiding your blemishes with makeup is not a permanent solution. To help you get rid of blemishes permanently, we have compiled a list of ingredients that you can easily find in your kitchen and use without any apprehensions about side effects.
We know blemishes can mess with your self-esteem and also make many socially meek. It is impulsive to hunt down all the commercial products and medicines that claim to make blemish marks disappear. But this practice can make your skin prone to chemical treatments that can cause other allergies, chafing, and dryness. Therefore, trusting natural things is a safe alternative.
From egg whites and baking soda to turmeric and oatmeal, there is a lot you can work with at home without much expense and hassle. You can work on a budget and make sure that your dark spots are taken care of. Keep scrolling for more info!
In This Article
- What Are The Causes Of Blemishes?
- How To Remove Blemishes On Face
- The Most Popular Home Remedies For Blemishes
- Simple Tips To Prevent Blemishes
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Causes Of Blemishes?
Blemishes occur due to one major reason, and that is excessive oil production. They usually happen post acne, and though the pimple goes away, it leaves behind scars that will never let you forget it.
The cause of a blemish is the clogging of pores with dead skin cells and excessive oil, which results in acne. When this happens in the upper layers of the epidermis, we get whiteheads and blackheads. However, when this happens in the inner layers, we end up with acne. Acne leaves our skin red and inflamed, which then turns into a blemish once the pimple goes away.
Obviously, waiting for the pimples to vanish and praying that blemishes don’t appear is not the solution. Some things don’t fix themselves, and pimples are one of them. Treating them appropriately is the only way you can make sure they don’t come back to haunt you. Here is how you can remove blemishes (while treating acne) with wonderful secrets from my grandmother’s diary.
How To Remove Blemishes On Face
- Calamine Lotion
- Cocoa Butter
- Baking Soda
- Egg White
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Aloe Vera Gel
- Honey
- Potato Juice
- Lemon Juice
- Toothpaste
- Neem
- Papaya
- Shea Butter
- Yogurt Mask
- Turmeric Face Mask
- Tomato
- Garlic
- Oatmeal Mask
- Oils
The Most Popular Home Remedies For Blemishes
1. Calamine Lotion For Blemishes
You Will NeedCalamine lotion
What You Have To DoApply this directly to the blemish and leave it on.
How Often You Should Do ThisReapply every few hours.
Why This WorksCalamine lotion is composed of zinc that absorbs excess oil and helps get rid of acne and the accompanying blemishes. Zinc is a common ingredient used for the treatment of acne vulgaris (1).
2. Cocoa Butter For Blemishes
Image: Shutterstock
You Will NeedOrganic cocoa butter
What You Have To Do- Take a very small amount of cocoa butter and massage the affected area with it.
- Leave it on overnight.
Repeat this every night.
Why This WorksCocoa butter contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that help to fade the blemish. It also hydrates and moisturizes the skin (2).
3. Baking Soda For Blemishes
You Will Need- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Water or olive oil
- Add a few drops of water or olive oil to the baking soda and mix well to get a paste.
- Apply this paste on the affected area and leave it on for 5-10 minutes.
- Slowly scrub the paste off and rinse the area with clean water.
Repeat this twice a week.
Why This WorksBaking soda neutralizes the pH of the skin and also scrubs away the dead cells that have accumulated at the site of the blemish (3). This makes the blemish appear lighter. And after multiple uses, your blemish will be completely gone.
4. Egg White For Blemishes
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need- 1 egg white
- A face pack brush (optional)
- On clean skin, apply the egg white using either the brush or your fingers.
- Let it dry for about 10 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water.
- Pat dry and apply a moisturizer.
Apply this face mask twice a week.
Why This WorksEgg white contains natural enzymes that tone the skin and lighten blemishes and scars (4).
5. Apple Cider Vinegar For Blemishes
You Will Need- 1 part apple cider vinegar
- 8 parts water
- Spray bottle
- Make a mix of vinegar and water. Store the solution in the spray bottle.
- Spritz your face with this and let it dry naturally.
Do this once or twice daily.
Why This WorksACV works as an astringent and balances the skin’s pH while killing the harmful microbes that may infect the pores. Its mild acids help to lighten blemishes. The excess oil production is also brought under control (5).
6. Aloe Vera Gel For Blemishes
Image: Shutterstock
You Will NeedAn aloe leaf
What You Have To Do- Cut open an aloe vera leaf and extract the fresh gel that is present inside.
- Apply this on the affected area and massage it in for a minute or two.
- Leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water. If it does not feel too sticky, you can also leave it on overnight.
Apply aloe gel twice a day.
Why This WorksAloe vera possesses healing and skin rejuvenating properties. It has antioxidants and polysaccharides that are responsible for these effects on the skin (6).
7. Honey For Blemishes
You Will NeedRaw honey
What You Have To Do- Apply a layer of honey on the blemishes and keep it on for about 15 minutes.
- Wash it off with normal water.
Apply honey every day to get rid of blemishes quickly.
Why This WorksThe humectant and emollient properties of honey nourish the skin cells and keep the skin in optimum health. Its antioxidants remove free radicals and fade away scars as new cells replace the damaged ones (7).
8. Potato Juice For Skin Blemishes
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need1 small potato
What You Have To Do- Grate the potato and squeeze firmly to extract the juice.
- Apply this on the blemish and leave it on for 10 minutes.
- Rinse with water.
Apply potato juice 1-2 times daily.
Why This WorksPotato contains enzymes that act as mild bleaching agents on the blemishes when applied topically (8).
9. Lemon Juice For Blemishes
You Will NeedFresh lemon juice
What You Have To Do- Apply the lemon juice on the affected area.
- Wash it off after about 10 minutes.
Repeat this every day.
Why This WorksLemon juice works as a bleach on the skin, lightening scars, blemishes, and also your skin tone (9).
CautionIf you have sensitive skin, dilute lemon juice with an equal amount of water before applying it.
10. Toothpaste For Blemishes
Image: Shutterstock
You Will NeedToothpaste
What You Have To Do- Apply a tiny amount of toothpaste on the blemish or spot.
- Let it dry for 10-12 minutes and then rinse it off.
Reapply if required.
Why This WorksToothpaste dries out the pimple or spot and absorbs the excess oil present there (10). If it contains essential oils like mint or peppermint, it can also aid the healing of the blemish.
11. Neem For Blemishes
You Will Need- A handful of dried neem leaves
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
- Crush the leaves and mix with honey to get a smooth neem paste.
- Apply this paste on the affected area or the entire face.
- Let the face pack dry for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse it off with regular water.
Use this face pack twice a week.
Why This WorksNeem absorbs the excess oil that is being produced by the skin and clogging the pores. It also fades blemishes with regular usage (11).
12. Papaya For Blemishes
Image: Shutterstock
You Will NeedA few pieces of green papaya
What You Have To Do- Mash the papaya and apply it on your face for 15 minutes.
- Rinse off the papaya pack with water.
Repeat this 2-3 times a week.
Why This WorksThe enzymes found in papaya exfoliate the skin and bring the oil production under control. The accumulated impurities are all removed to reveal a smooth and blemish-free skin (12, 13).
13. Shea Butter For Blemishes
You Will NeedOrganic shea butter
- Cleanse your face and pat it dry.
- Apply shea butter and massage for a few minutes so that it is completely absorbed into the skin.
- Leave this on and go to bed.
Do this every night.
Why This WorksShea butter nourishes the skin and contains vitamin A that is excellent at reducing blemishes and scars. It will keep your skin smooth and young looking (14).
14. Yogurt Mask For Blemishes
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- A pinch of turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon gram flour
- Mix all the ingredients and apply the mask on your face.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes and then rinse with water.
Repeat this 2-3 times a week.
Why This WorksYogurt contains lactic acid that acts as an exfoliant and a blemish lightening agent. It also prevents future acne breakouts that can easily leave scars and blemishes behind (15).
15. Turmeric Face Mask For Blemishes
You Will Need- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Apply the mixture of the ingredients on the face for 10-12 minutes.
- Rinse it off first with warm water and then with cool water.
Apply this every alternate day for best results.
Why This WorksCurcumin, a key phytochemical found in turmeric, possesses antioxidant and skin healing properties. It evens out the skin tone and fades blemishes, scars, and dark spots (16).
16. Tomato For Blemishes
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need1 small tomato
What You Have To Do- Apply tomato pulp on the entire face.
- Massage for a minute or two and leave it on for 10 minutes.
- Rinse it off with cool water.
Follow this routine once every day.
Why This WorksThe antioxidants and vitamin C found in tomato juice remove blemishes and skin tan (17). Your skin will be clear and glowing in just a few weeks.
17. Garlic For Blemishes
You Will Need- 1 garlic capsule
- 1 tablespoon moisturizing lotion
- Break open the garlic capsule and squeeze the content into your moisturizer.
- Dab this on the blemishes.
- Leave it on overnight.
Repeat this every alternate night.
Why This WorksWith its antibiotic and antioxidant properties, garlic can get rid of blemishes and acne scars easily (18).
18. Oatmeal Mask For Blemishes
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need- 2 tablespoons uncooked oats
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Rose water
- Mix the oats with the lemon juice and add enough rose water to get a smooth paste.
- Apply this on your face and let it sit for about 10-12 minutes.
- Rinse it off with warm water.
Use this face mask twice a week.
Why This WorksOatmeal soothes and cleanses the skin and exerts antioxidant effects on the damaged and blemished areas (19). The lemon juice aids in lightening the blemishes.
19. Oils For Blemishes
(a) Almond Oil For Blemishes
You Will NeedA few drops of sweet almond oil
What You Have To DoOn a cleansed face, apply the almond oil and massage it in.
How Often You Should Do ThisDo this every night before going to bed.
Why This WorksAlmond oil contains skin bleaching agents, along with essential fats, that will lighten your blemishes and also keep your skin hydrated and healthy (20).
(b) Argan Oil For Blemishes
Image: Shutterstock
You Will NeedArgan oil
What You Have To DoMassage a few drops of argan oil on your face before going to bed.
How Often You Should Do ThisRepeat this every night.
Why This WorksArgan oil rejuvenates and hydrates the skin while fighting acne and blemishes (21).
(c) Tea Tree Oil For Blemishes
You Will Need- A few drops of coconut oil or olive oil
- 1-2 drops tea tree oil
- Mix the essential oil with either coconut oil or olive oil and apply it to the blemishes.
- Leave it on for as long as possible.
This is best done every night until the blemishes are gone.
Why This WorksTea tree oil is an antiseptic essential oil that prevents breakouts as well as the formation of blemishes. It also possesses healing properties that will help in erasing the existing blemishes and scars (22).
(d) Coconut Oil For Blemishes
Image: Shutterstock
You Will NeedA few drops of virgin coconut oil
What You Have To DoApply coconut oil directly on your blemishes and leave it on.
How Often You Should Do ThisDo this twice a day.
Why This WorksThe phenolic compounds in coconut oil act as antioxidants and will help to get rid of the blemishes in just a few weeks (23).
(e) Castor Oil For Blemishes
You Will NeedCastor oil
What You Have To DoApply a drop of castor oil on the affected area and massage in a circular motion until it gets absorbed.
How Often You Should Do ThisRepeat this twice a day.
Why This WorksCastor oil is an emollient that rejuvenates and heals the skin. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (24, 25).
(f) Olive Oil For Blemishes
Image: Shutterstock
You Will NeedA few drops of extra virgin olive oil
What You Have To DoMassage your face with the oil and leave it on overnight.
How Often You Should Do ThisRepeat this every night.
Why This WorksOlive oil is excellent for topical application. Its anti-inflammatory compounds, antioxidants, and nutrients keep the skin clear, supple, and blemish-free (26).
(g) Rosehip Oil For Blemishes
You Will Need- A few drops of carrier oil
- 2-3 drops rosehip oil
- Mix rosehip oil with any carrier oil of your choice and apply the blend on your face.
- Gently massage so that the oil is absorbed by your skin.
- Leave it on overnight.
Do this every day.
Why This WorksRosehip oil can improve the appearance of scars, blemishes, and even pigmented skin as it contains vitamin A, vitamin E, and fatty acids (27).
(h) Jojoba Oil For Blemishes
Image: Shutterstock
You Will NeedA few drops of jojoba oil
What You Have To DoMassage the oil well into the skin and leave it on overnight.
How Often You Should Do ThisRepeat this every night.
Why This WorksJojoba oil is rich in antioxidants, and it refreshes and rejuvenates your skin. It gets easily absorbed into the skin as it resembles the skin’s natural oils. It heals blemishes and scars and prevents wrinkles as well (28).
(i) Eucalyptus Oil For Blemishes
You Will Need- 1-2 drops eucalyptus oil
- A few drops of carrier oil
- Make a blend of the oils and apply it on your face. You can use this for spot treatment of blemishes.
- Keep it on for as long as possible.
Reapply this essential oil twice a day.
Why This WorksApart from being a strong antimicrobial essential oil, eucalyptus oil can fasten the healing process of your blemishes as it contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances (29).
(j) Lavender Oil For Blemishes
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need- 1-2 drops lavender oil
- A few drops of carrier oil
- Apply the mixture of the oils on the blemished area and rub gently with your fingertips for a few seconds.
- Leave it on for 2-3 hours.
Repeat this 2-3 times daily.
Why This WorksLavender oil is soothing and healing for the damaged cells at the site of the blemish (30). When used along with a good carrier oil, like coconut oil, olive oil or even jojoba oil, the blemish will fade away soon.
(k) Peppermint Oil For Blemishes
You Will Need- 1-2 drops peppermint oil
- A few drops of carrier oil
Mix the oils and apply the blend just on the affected area. You can also apply it to the entire face.
How Often You Should Do ThisApply this every night, before going to bed.
Why This WorksPeppermint oil has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help you deal with skin irritation and issues such as rashes, scars, blemishes, and acne (31).
These remedies will work the best when used as soon as the acne breakout occurs or immediately after the blemish surfaces. However, this is one case where we can positively say that prevention is better than cure. Once the acne hits, getting rid of it is a time-consuming process that eventually affects your self-confidence and self-image. So, here are a few simple steps to keep acne and blemishes at bay.
Simple Tips To Prevent Blemishes
- Gently exfoliate your skin every day to remove excess oils and prevent spotting. However, you must consult a dermatologist before using any harsh scrubs on your skin.
- Don’t use rough washcloths, alcohol-soaked pads or sponges on your skin. These can cause irritation that increases the production of oil and creates new blemishes.
- Make the Cleansing-Toning-Moisturizing routine a part of your daily schedule, especially if you have oily skin.
- Moisturize your skin with an oil-free and alcohol-free moisturizer every day after you rinse off your cleanser and before you put on any makeup. A moisturizer with alpha-hydroxy acids may be good for your skin, but you need to ask your doctor first as AHAs do not suit everybody.
- skin, but you need to ask your doctor first as AHAs do not suit everybody.
- Don’t poke, probe, squeeze, or otherwise manipulate blemishes or pimples with your fingers, especially if they are dirty. Let your cleanser and exfoliator do the work.
- Use a good sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher whenever you go outside. The sun can make blemishes worse and interfere with certain acne medications and treatments.
- Improve your diet. You should consume fiber-rich fruits and vegetables in plenty. Consuming ginger and garlic is good.
- Detoxifying the body is also very good. Drink about 6-10 glasses of water on a daily basis.
- Moderate exercise helps to detoxify the blood and clears your skin.
- Change your pillow cover every day as the perspiration on it can contain bacteria.
In certain cases of extreme acne, you might need microdermabrasion, chemical peel or even laser surgery to control sebum secretion, and these can be prescribed and done only by a certified doctor. But in a lot of cases, this form of treatment fails us, and that is when we give in to the age-old wisdom of our ancestors and get back to tried and tested natural remedies.
Blemishes are most often caused by acne, and so the most common home remedies for blemishes target acne treatment while fading blemishes at the same time. Kitchen staples like baking soda, potatoes, apple cider vinegar, egg white, turmeric, and tomatoes can help you get rid of blemishes. You may also apply calamine lotion, cocoa butter, shea butter, or certain masks to fade blemishes from the skin. In cases of severe acne or blemishes, conventional methods like microdermabrasion, chemical peeling, and laser therapy are available. To prevent acne breakouts and blemishes, you need to follow the CTM routine, make positive lifestyle changes, and avoid picking, probing, or squeezing pimples.
Frequently Asked Questions
What foods cause blemishes?
No foods directly cause blemishes. However, refined sugars, dairy products, processed and oily foods, foods high in omega-6 fatty acids, chocolate and whey protein may cause acne, which can lead to blemishes.
How long does a blemish take to fade?
Blemishes may take anywhere between 3 months to 2 years to fade. However, if those spots are scars, they may take longer to fade and might need cosmetic treatments.
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Kushneet holds a postgraduate degree in biotechnology from Kingston University, London, and is an ISSA Certified Specialist in Fitness &... more
Dr. Priya Gill is a consultant dermatologist in Klang, Malaysia. She specializes in the management of all medical and surgical... more