Starting your morning with a strong cup of coffee and a stylish outfit can set the tone for a great day. However, a pimple in the mirror can ruin it all. Uncover the secret to a clearer complexion – right in your very own kitchen. Believe it or not, common household foods such as honey, cucumbers, and grapes could hold the key to treating your acne.
So why not give these homemade remedies a try and boost the results from your professional dermatologist treatments? We’ve researched and compiled a list of effective home remedies and quick fixes to treat acne breakouts.
What Causes Pimples?
Pimples, also known as acne, are caused by a combination of factors including excess oil production, clogged pores, and an overgrowth of a bacterium known as Propionibacterium acnes. Hormonal changes, stress, diet, and genetics may also play a role in the development of pimples.
- Excess oil production: When the oil-producing glands in the skin produce more oil than needed, it can clog the pores and create an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria.
- Clogged pores: Dead skin cells and other impurities can build up and clog the pores, which can then become infected by the Propionibacterium acnes bacterium.
- Overgrowth of Propionibacterium acnes: This bacterium is naturally present on the skin, but when it overgrows, it can cause inflammation and lead to the development of pimples.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy, can increase oil production and lead to the development of pimples.
- Stress: Stress can trigger the release of hormones that can increase oil production and lead to the development of pimples.
- Diet: A diet high in sugar and dairy products may increase the risk of developing pimples.
- Genetics: Some people may be genetically predisposed to developing pimples.
Easy Home Remedies for Pimples
Aloe vera and garlic
Aloe vera and garlic paste is a natural remedy that can be used to treat pimples. Aloe vera provides hydration to the skin while garlic has antiseptic and clarifying properties that can help to detoxify and treat pimples.
The active compound in garlic, allicin, has antibacterial properties that work together with the antioxidants in aloe vera to help heal and treat pimples.
To use this remedy:
- Crush two cloves of peeled garlic to form a paste.
- Mix in 1 teaspoon of fresh aloe vera pulp.
- Apply the mixture to the affected area and leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water.
- Repeat once a day until the pimple subsides.
Bananas
Banana peels can be used to help treat pimples. Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamins, and minerals that nourish the skin and strengthen its barrier to protect against damage and breakouts.
To use this remedy:
- Cut a small portion of a ripe banana peel.
- Place the inner white side on the affected area.
- Gently rub for 10 minutes.
- Wash your face.
- Repeat twice a day until the pimple subsides.
Cucumber Face Mask
Cucumber slices are a staple at spas, used to reduce puffiness around the eyes. But did you know that cucumbers can also help treat acne?
A recent review has found that cucumbers can have a calming effect on the skin, reducing inflammation, swelling, and pain. This makes them ideal for soothing inflamed skin associated with acne.
Acne often develops within oil glands and follicles, causing red, angry bumps in the skin. If the wall of a cyst ruptures and oil becomes exposed, it can cause a strong inflammatory reaction. This is where cucumbers can come in handy.
According to Dr. Zeichner, cucumbers have skin-soothing and hydrating benefits, which makes them ideal for calming inflamed skin. However, he notes that they are not effective at treating underlying pimples.
To make the most of cucumbers’ skin-calming benefits, Dr. Cook-Bolden recommends blending one small cucumber with 1 cup of oatmeal, then mixing 1 teaspoon of the paste with 1 teaspoon of yogurt. Apply this mixture to your face, let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse it off.
Honey and Cinnamon Mask
The combination of honey and cinnamon has been shown to have antibacterial effects against Propionibacterium acnes. While the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of honey and cinnamon may have potential benefits for acne, more research is needed to determine their effectiveness as a treatment.
To use this mask:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to form a paste.
- After cleansing, apply the paste to the face and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rinse the mask thoroughly and pat the face dry.
Use Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains a variety of acids, including acetic, citric, lactic, and succinic, which have antibacterial properties that can help combat pimple-causing bacteria.
How to Use
Dilute raw apple cider vinegar with water in a 1:3 ratio. Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser, then use a cotton ball to apply the diluted ACV solution to your pimples. Leave it for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with cold water. Finish with a moisturizer and repeat the process daily for the best results.
Spot-Treat With Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an effective and gentle remedy for acne. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it a popular choice for reducing the size of acne lesions and promoting healing. However, it’s important to test for sensitivity to tea tree oil before using it on your face.
How to use: Combine 1-2 drops of tea tree oil with 10-12 drops of jojoba oil. Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser, pat dry, and spot-treat the diluted oil onto your pimples using a Q-tip.
Leave it to dry and follow up with your regular moisturizer. Repeat this twice a day for the best results.
Treat Pimples with Ice Cubes
A simple and unexpected solution to getting rid of pimples is using ice cubes. The cold temperature of the ice cubes can constrict the blood vessels under the skin, making the pimple less noticeable.
Here’s how to use ice cubes for pimple treatment: Place a single ice cube directly on the pimple and hold it in place for about 3 minutes. Repeat this process twice a day until the pimple has disappeared. Try it out and see the results for yourself.
Final Thoughts
Several natural remedies can help with acne and pimple-prone skin. However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s skin is different and what works for one person may not work for another. It is advisable to patch-test these remedies before using them on your entire face.
Ultimately, a balanced diet, stress management, and good skincare practices like keeping your face clean and moisturized are crucial in maintaining healthy skin and preventing acne breakouts.
