All you wanted to know about Pimples and the Best Ways to Treat it Naturally
29-03-2020 | Posted By: Chhavi | 28006 View(s)
So, you wake up early in the morning, and when you look in the mirror, you see a pimple staring right back at you! That one teeny, tiny pimple scares a hell out of you, and then you can’t resist yourself from popping it. What next? Poke, pick and just pop a pimple. Finally, you get a huge sigh of relief; but, was it necessary or was it even healthy for your skin? No, it wasn’t! Popping pimples can create more pimples, and also tear your skin. So, it’s best to try home remedies for pimples to get rid of them!
Having flawless skin is a dream of every girl, but for those who have pimples, it seems impossible to have scars free facial skin. There are many home remedies that we have shared already that helps in getting rid of pimples quickly, but getting rid of facial marks is not that easy. Facial marks take a lot of time to fade out. So, today we are sharing some excellent home remedies that will take away your pimple scars too in a very less span of time. But before we move on to the remedies lets first find out the reasons why pimples happen in the first place
What Are The Types of Pimples?
Before knowing the answer to ‘How to Get Rid of Pimples’, let us first understand the types of pimples.
The various types of pimples are as follows:
1. Blackheads
Blackheads are also known as an open comedo and can be seen clearly on the surface of the skin. They are black or dark brown and occur due to bacteria and build-up of dead skin cells. However, many people believe that dirt causes blackheads and so they scrub their faces excessively to get rid of them. However, scrubbing does not help much as it may even irritate the skin and lead to other skin problems.
2. Whiteheads
Whiteheads are commonly known as a closed comedo, and they look like a small, fresh-coloured papule. These are small in size and remain under the skin.
3. Pustules
The pimples which are full of pus are called pustules. These types of pimples are also visible on the surface of the skin. Their base is red with the pus on the top.
4. Papules
These are small, rounded, solid bumps that rise from the skin and are pink.
5. Cysts
These kinds of pimples are filled with pus and are clearly visible on the surface of the skin. These pimples usually cause scars.
6. Nodules
These are just like papules but are larger. They are painful and remain under the skin.
What Are The Causes of Pimples?
Some of the common causes of pimples are
1. Clogged Pores
When the pores become clogged with sebum and dead skin, pimples occur. Sebaceous glands are tiny skin glands that are found inside the pores of the skin. These glands secrete sebum which lubricates the skin and hair. When sebaceous glands produce sebum inside the pores, new skin cells grow and outer layers of skin shed. But, sometimes dead skin cells remain in the pores and get stuck together by the sticky sebum, which in turn cause a blockage in the pore. This, in turn, leads to acne and pimples. During puberty, sebaceous glands produce more sebum which leads to pore blockage. That is why; acne is a common problem during puberty.
2. Digestive Problems
We all know that what we eat reflects on our skin. When our digestive health is not good, the toxins do not get flushed out of the body properly, which in turn leads to skin problems including acne and pimples. Digestive problems are one of the major cause of pimples on the forehead. If you have digestive problems, consult a doctor or Get A Health Checkup Done to find the underlying cause of the problem.
3. Hereditary Factors
If you have a genetic problem, no home remedies will provide a permanent solution to your problem. The genetic rationale behind this is that the hyperactive sebaceous glands produce excessive sebum, which leads to pimple formation. In this case, you must consult a dermatologist to get rid of the problem.
4. Hair and Skincare Products
There are certain hair products such as hair protectant, serum, hairspray, etc. that trigger acne when they come into contact with your facial skin. Also, using skincare products that are not suitable for your skin type can lead to acne and pimples. Applying too much makeup should be avoided because ingredients used in the makeup products contain ingredients that can irritate your skin and lead to acne and breakouts. Moreover, you should avoid greasy, oil-based makeup and try to use water-based cosmetics. Skincare products which are laden with harsh chemicals can lead to skin problems including acne. So, opt for natural products and always remove your makeup before going to bed to prevent acne.
5. Hormonal Changes
Hormone production changes during puberty which can cause the sebaceous glands to become overactive, leading to pimples. Hormonal changes during puberty and menstrual cycle can also cause pimples.
6. Over-Exfoliating
It is true that exfoliating helps in keeping the skin healthy by removing the dead cells. But an excess of anything is bad, and the same goes for exfoliation. Exfoliate your skin once a week because if done excessively, it can cause skin irritation and acne.
7. Certain Medications
There are certain medications like birth control pills that can trigger acne in people. You must consult your Doctor if acne occurs after taking the prescribed medicines.
8. Oily Scalp and Dandruff
When people have an oily scalp, the oil runs down to their skin and result in clogged pores which leads to pimples. Dandruff might be another reason why you have pimples all over your face. Dandruff is caused by fungi that can irritate the skin and cause pimples.
9. Bacterial Growth
The sebum that builds up behind black pores is full of bacteria. This bacteria then spread and cause stubborn, painful pimples. It feeds on sebum and produces a harmful substance that causes skin inflammation.
10. Dairy Products
Many studies state that eating dairy products and foods with a high glycemic index can cause pimples. Though dairy products are high in calcium, consuming them in a high amount is not good for your skin.
11. Popping Pimples
When you pick at pimples or rub your skin, the condition gets worse. You will be amazed to know that even the pressure exerted by helmets, tight collars, and bags can trigger acne.
12. Stress
Though stress directly does not cause pimples, our body does not function properly when we are upset, which can cause pimples. Stress release inflammatory chemicals called neuropeptides which can cause pimples.Stress is one of the leading factors that contribute to acne in some way or the other. Stress obstruct the hormonal balance and the normal oil production of the skin, which in turn, leads to pimples.
13. Sensitive To Testosterone
People who are sensitive to testosterone usually experience the problem of pimples. Testosterone is a hormone present in both males and females. In some people, the testosterone triggers oversecretion of sebum, leading to blockage of pores. This, in turn, causes pimples.
14.Poor Diet
Researchers suggest that eating an unhealthy diet also causes pimples. Eating a lot of fried and oily food triggers your oil glands and produces excessive sebum, which leads to pimples, blackheads and acne. One must eat a diet full of proteins, vitamins, healthy carbs and fibre. Studies suggest that eating a low Glycemic Index (GI) can lower the levels of insulin and androgen in the body, and reduce the chances of acne. So, eat foods which are low in Glycemic Index and high in fibre, proteins and vitamins.
15. Weather Changes
The change in the environment, like the weather, humidity, water and temperature can cause some hormonal changes in your body which can result in pimples and acne.
Best Home Remedies for Pimples That Actually Work
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Using apple cider vinegar is one of the best ways to get rid of pimples. Know why? It’s because it kills off the bacteria that causes pimples and acne. Also, it has alkaline properties which keep the pH level of your skin balanced, making it quite difficult for the bacteria to develop on the skin. On top of that, it contains lactic acid that improves the appearance of acne scars. What’s more, its astringent properties dry up excess oil that causes acne in the first place. So, next time you are at the grocery store, make sure to buy a bottle of apple cider vinegar. It is without any doubt very healthy for your skin.
How to Use It?
Combine one part apple cider vinegar and three parts water; if you have sensitive skin, then you can use more water. After you cleanse your face, apply the mixture gently to the skin using a cotton ball. Let this mixture sit for five to twenty seconds and then rinse with water. Pat dry. This remedy can be followed one to two times per day.
2. Oatmeal
You must have heard that oatmeal aids weight loss and has a lot of health benefits. Well, it surely does! But, its benefits are not just confined to health, it has a lot of skin benefits too! Oatmeal can also help you get rid of pimples. Oatmeal helps in reducing the inflammation and also prevents acne breakouts. It cleanses your skin from within and absorbs excess oil, which in turn helps in getting rid of acne. Also, it exfoliates your skin which keeps your skin free from any impurities and dead skin cells. So, my friends, don’t just eat oatmeal for a healthy body; use it as a facial mask too to get gorgeous, pimple-free skin.
How to Use It?
In a cup of cooked oatmeal, mix in one teaspoon of honey and juice of half a lemon. Blend well and rub this mixture on your skin. Let it work its magic for 30 minutes and then wash off with lukewarm water. You can follow this remedy one to two times a week.
3. Baking Soda
Mix 1 teaspoon baking soda with enough lemon juice or water so that it forms a smooth paste. Wash your skin thoroughly and leave it slightly damp. Apply the paste to the affected areas. Let the paste dry for several minutes. Wash it off with warm water. Do this twice a day.
Baking soda is a fantastic exfoliator and helps in removing excess oil, dirt and dead skin cells. So, next time if your best friend asks you, ‘How to get rid of pimples’ tell your friend that Baking soda is the answer to all the acne-related problems.
How to Use It?
Take just one teaspoon of baking soda and add a little water to it. Apply this paste to your skin and rinse off after a couple of minutes.
Alternatively, you can also combine two tablespoons of baking soda, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, five tablespoons of honey and juice of half a lemon. Blend the ingredients to form a smooth consistency. Apply it to your face correctly. Then, rinse it off after five minutes. You can try this remedy once or twice a week.
4. Lemon Juice
Lemon is acidic which makes it one of the best home remedies for pimples. Lemons help you cleanse your face properly and also removes all the dirt that has accumulated deep inside the pores. You can use lemon on your skin on a daily basis, but if you have dry skin, then it’s best that you use it on alternate days.
How to Use It?
Rub a slice of lemon on the acne-prone area and leave it for a couple of hours. Then rinse off with regular water.
Alternatively, combine lemon juice with rose water in equal proportions and use this mixture to wash the affected area thoroughly.
5. Aloe Vera
When it comes to skincare, I have rarely read an article which does not have this name- Aloe Vera. It is a tropical plant which is widely used to treat rashes, burns and other skin conditions. Not just that, the gel of aloe vera is also used to get clear and glowing skin. There are countless benefits of aloe vera that I think you must add it to your skincare regimen too! And when it comes to treating acne, aloe vera gel can work miraculously. Wonder how? Well, it contains salicylic acid and sulphur; both of which are known to work best in the treatment of pimples and acne. Many studies have shown that applying salicylic acid to the skin reduces acne scars. Likewise, if you apply sulphur, it will help you treat acne effectively. This can be marked as one of the best and easiest home remedies for pimples.
Take an aloe vera leaf and scrape its gel. You just simply need to apply the gel directly to the cleansed skin as a moisturiser. Repeat this one to two times a day, or as needed.
6. Coconut Oil
Using coconut oil for skincare is an old remedy that is followed widely around the globe. Even I massage my skin with coconut oil to get smooth skin, and it works. Know why? It is because coconut oil has antibacterial properties which keep the skin moisturised and hydrated. On top of that, the antioxidants present in the coconut oil heals the skin and also assist in the regeneration of skin cells. Coconut oil is one of the most effective home remedies for pimples.
How to Use It?
Take three to four drops of coconut oil, and heat it up slightly. Now, you must apply this warm coconut oil on the affected areas and massage it with the tips of your fingers gently in a circular motion. Let the oil sit for a few hours and use this method twice a day to get rid of pimples.
7. Green Tea
Being rich in antioxidants, green tea is an effective treatment for pimples. I must also tell you that there are no such studies that suggest that drinking green tea can help in getting rid of acne, but according to studies, applying it directly to the skin is of great help. That is because the flavonoids and tannins present in green tea helps fight bacteria and also reduce inflammation; both of which plays a significant role in causing acne.
Furthermore, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)- the major antioxidant in green tea is known to reduce the production of sebum, fight inflammation and prevent the growth of acne in people who have acne-prone skin.
According to various studies, applying just a two to three per cent green tea extract to the skin can reduce sebum production and pimples. So, green tea is one of the best home remedies for pimples. There are many creams and lotions available in the market that contains green tea, but it is better to make your own green tea mixture at home. Let us know how!
How to Use It?
Steep green tea in boiling water for about three to four minutes. Let it cool and then apply the tea to the skin using a cotton ball and leave it to dry on its own. Then rinse with regular water and pat dry.
8. Orange Peel
Oranges are high in acidic and vitamin C which makes them the perfect remedy for acne. You can use an orange in different ways to get rid of pimples: you can use orange juice or the peel of orange; however, researchers claim that orange peel is more effective in acne treatment.
How to Use It?
Take a few orange peels and put them in the sun so that they can dry out. After that, take the dried peel and grind it into a powder and add water to make a granular paste. Apply the thick paste to the acne-prone area and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
9. Yoghurt
Do you love eating yoghurt? If you do, then don’t just use it to satisfy your taste buds, use it for skincare too! And even if you don’t like the taste of yoghurt; it’s OK! I am not asking you to eat it; I am just recommending you to use it on your skin to get rid of that disgusting pimple. Know why yoghurt is one of the best remedies for pimples? Well, because it has anti-inflammatory properties and cleansing properties, which prevents inflammation, reduces redness and also keeps the skin cool and hydrated. In a nutshell, it prevents the problems that actually cause acne. So, make sure to add this food to your skincare regimen.
How to Use It?
It is quite simple to use yoghurt for acne treatment. Just take one to two tablespoons of plain yoghurt and store it in a refrigerator. Now, use the yoghurt that is lightly chilled and apply yoghurt on the affected area. Rinse off after 15 minutes. You can follow this perfect remedy twice to thrice a week.
10. Honey and Cinnamon Mask
Honey and cinnamon mask is one of the greatest remedies for pimples. Both cinnamon and honey are rich in antioxidants, and various studies have shown that applying antioxidants to the skin is highly effective in reducing acne. Also, both of these ingredients help in fighting bacteria and reducing inflammation; which are two major factors that trigger acne. Therefore, to get rid of those ugly pimples quickly, you must apply honey and cinnamon mask to your skin.
How to Use It?
Take two tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon and blend them well. Then, wash your face with water and apply the mask to your face. Let the mask works its magic for 15 minutes. Rinse it off with water and pat dry. Follow this remedy once a week.
11. Honey and Mustard Powder
Take a ¼ teaspoon of mustard powder and add one to two drops of honey to it to form a smooth paste. Apply the paste on the acne-prone area and keep it on for 15 minutes. Wash it off with regular water. Do this once a day.
Mustard is loaded with vitamin C, E and A, and omega-3 acids that keep the skin clean and glowing. On the other hand, honey is a natural humectant and acts as a healing agent, thereby treating acne.
12. Sandalwood
Make a paste of Sandalwood with Rose Water and apply it on your face. Leave it for an hour on the pimple scars and wash with the plain water. Cooling effects of sandalwood soothe the skin and remove pimple scars.
13. Turmeric
Make a thick paste with a half teaspoon of Turmeric powder and 4-5 drops of Olive Oil and apply it on your face. Wash it with plain water (add few drops of rose water to maintain the moisture).
14. Epsom Salt
How to Get Rid of Pimples? Just, mix one teaspoon Epsom Salt in ½ cup of water. Mix both the ingredients well. Now, take a fresh cotton ball and dip in the saltwater. Dab it on the acne-prone area and leave it on for several minutes. Rinse with warm water and finish by washing your face with cool water. Pat dry and then apply a moisturiser. Repeat one to two times daily.
Epsom Salt helps in cleansing the skin by killing the bacteria and exfoliating the dead skin cells. It also keeps the pH levels of the skin balanced. You can also use this remedy for acne under your buttocks and on your back.
15. Garlic
Take two to three garlic cloves and mash them. Now, add some water to form a smooth paste. Mix the ingredients well and apply the paste to the affected area. Rinse it off after 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can also eat one raw garlic clove to purify your blood and prevent acne and breakouts. Garlic helps in fighting acne due to its antibacterial properties. This is one of the best tips to get rid of pimples.
16. Fuller’s Earth
For this remedy, you will need two tablespoons Multani mitti (Fuller’s earth), one teaspoon rosewater and four to five drops of lemon juice. Mix all of these ingredients to make a smooth paste. Apply the paste to the affected area. Rinse it off after 15 minutes.
Fuller’s earth absorbs the impurities and excess oil from the skin. It also promotes blood circulation and keeps the skin healthy and glowing. Rosewater cleanses the skin and keeps it nourished.
17. Fuller’s Earth (Multani Mitti) and Neem Leaves
What You Will Need
• Neem leaves
• 1 teaspoon Fuller’s Earth (Multani Mitti)
• Rose Water
What You Need To Do
Take a few neem leaves and keep them under the sun so that they can become dry and crips. Grind the leaves to get a fine powder. Take one teaspoon of this neem powder and add one teaspoon fuller’s earth to it. Done? Great! Now you just need to add enough rose water to make a smooth paste. Apply the paste to your skin and keep the pack on for 20 minutes. Rinse it off with water.
What Are The Benefits Of This Remedy
Neem has antibacterial, antifungal, and blood purifying properties that help to treat pimples. Fuller’s Earth (Multani Mitti) is rich in minerals that keep the skin healthy.
18. Peppermint Oil
Take a few drops of the peppermint oil and one teaspoon of vitamin E oil. Mix both the oils and apply the mixture on the pimples. Allow the oil to get absorbed into the skin and let the oil stay on your skin for a couple of hours.
The astringent properties of peppermint oil help in diminishing the redness and swelling. Peppermint oil also possesses antimicrobial properties that fight the infection causing the pimples.
19. Mint and Yoghurt
How to Get Rid of Pimples? Simply, take two tablespoons of finely chopped fresh mint leaves and mix it with two tablespoons each of oatmeal and plain yoghurt. Blend these ingredients to form a smooth, granular paste and apply the paste on your face. Wait for at least 10 minutes and then rinse off with water.
Mint has cooling properties which soothe the skin and gives quick relief from the pain you get due to pimples. It also helps in removing pore-clogging oil.
20. Milk and Turmeric
Things You Will Need
• 1 teaspoon sandalwood powder
• 1 teaspoon milk
• A pinch of turmeric
What You Need To Do
Combine one teaspoon each of sandalwood powder and milk. Add a pinch of turmeric. Mix all of these ingredients properly to form a smooth paste. Apply this paste on your skin. Keep the pack on your skin for half an hour. Wash it off with cold water.
What Are The Benefits Of This Remedy
Sandalwood powder helps in preventing pimples. Turmeric is widely known for its antiseptic and healing properties. It rejuvenates the skin and helps to get rid of the pimples. Milk soothes the skin and keeps it hydrated.
21. Rose Water and Sandalwood Powder
Things You Will Need
• 1 tablespoon rose water
• 2 tablespoons sandalwood powder
What You Need To Do
Mix rose water with sandalwood powder and form a smooth consistency. Apply the mixture on the face. Allow it to dry and wash it off with cold water after 10 minutes.
What Are The Benefits Of This Remedy
Rosewater keeps the skin soft and hydrated. It also helps to get rid of acne scars. Sandalwood powder helps to remove blemishes and prevents pimples.
22. Salt and Water
Things You Will Need
• 1 teaspoon of sea salt
• Three teaspoons of hot water
• Cotton Ball
What You Need To Do
Take sea salt and mix hot water in it. Let it come down to lukewarm temperature. Take a fresh cotton ball and dip it properly in the sea salt water. Dab it on the affected areas. Rinse it off after 10 minutes.
What Are The Benefits Of This Remedy
Sea salt contains vitamins and minerals that heal the skin and keeps it nourished.
23. Rice Water
Things You Will Need
• ½ cup uncooked rice
• 2 cups of water
• Cotton ball
What You Need To Do
Boil ½ cup rice in water. Strain and cool the water that remains. Take a cotton ball and dip it in the rice water. Now, dab it all over your face. Let it dry for 12-15 minutes. Rinse it off with water.
What Are The Benefits Of This Remedy
Rice water is loaded with minerals and antioxidants that reduce pigmentation and cleanse the skin.
You need to follow these home remedies for pimples consistently if you want to get rid of pimples. Also, take care of your diet and exercise daily to get healthy and beautiful skin.“A beautiful face is a silent commendation.”