An estimated 85% of people at some time in their life may have acne, a prevalent skin condition.

Pimples, which can be annoying and difficult to remove, are one of the symptoms.

Conventional treatments can get rid of pimples, but they frequently have side effects including dryness and skin irritation.

As a result, many individuals are now using natural remedies to quickly get rid of pimples. There are several natural treatments for acne, but only a small number of them have been shown to be effective by science.

Here are 7 natural techniques to quickly clear pimples, albeit there isn't much evidence to support their usefulness for this.

1. Wash your face properly

Although they can develop elsewhere on the skin, pimples on the face are more common. Despite the complexity of the skin microbiome, Propionibacterium acnes is a bacterium that has been linked to acne outbreaks. When this bacterium converts sebum, the skin's natural oil, into fatty acids, it produces irritation

Getting rid of extra oil, debris, and perspiration on a regular basis might help prevent acne, but over-washing your face can exacerbate acne.

According to board-certified dermatologist Anar Mikailove, MD, "When we deplete our skin of its natural sebum with excessive bathing, it actually prompts the skin to create even more oil to rebalance your skin." Thus, using cleansers or astringents that dry up the skin excessively or washing your face too much can also exacerbate acne.

You should only wash your face twice a day as a general rule.

Mikailove advises choosing cleansers that are soft enough to be used twice day, devoid of scent, and without sulphates. Leave the abrasive physical scrubbing and foamy cleaners at home.

Cleaning your face

• Wet your face with warm (not hot) water.
• Apply a light cleanser using your fingertips, not a washcloth, in a gently, circular motion.
• Rinse Thoroughly.
• Clean off.

2. Identify your skin type

Knowing the kind of your skin might help you choose which cosmetics to use and which to avoid. If you're still unclear, you may ask a dermatologist for assistance or utilise the following criteria to determine your skin type:

• Dry: Your skin frequently feels tight and flaking.
• Oily: By the end of the day, your skin usually seems glossy.
• Combination: There are both dry and oily parts of you. The T-zone, often known as your forehead, nose, and chin, is typically the greasy area.
• Sensitive: Your skin is prone to rashes, discolouration, and irritation and reacts readily to products. Any of the aforementioned skin types can coexist with sensitive skin.

According to Mikailove, persons with oily skin are often more prone to acne, although anybody can get pimples. Knowing your skin type might make it simpler to select an acne programme that will help your skin clean up.

According to Mikailove, using too many products containing active chemicals, like as a retinol cream, a salicylic acid wash, and an exfoliating toner, might harm your skin barrier and cause additional breakouts if you have sensitive, acne-prone skin.

3. Use tea tree oil to cure blemishes

Melaleuca alternifolia, an Australian native tree, produces tea tree oil from its leaves.

It is renowned for its capacity to eliminate bacterial growth and lessen skin irritation. In particular, P. acnes and S. epidermidis, two kinds of bacteria that can result in pimples, are combated by tea tree oil.

According to one study, 5% tea tree oil gel was nearly four times as efficient as a placebo in reducing acne lesions and nearly six times as effective at reducing the severity of acne.

Another study found that a lotion with 5 percent benzoyl peroxide, a typical acne treatment, and a gel with 5 percent tea tree oil were equally effective in reducing pimples.

Less negative side effects, such as dryness, irritability, and burning, were also seen after using tea tree oil.

It's vital to remember that tea tree oil has a strong effect and might irritate and produce redness when applied topically. It ought to be diluted with a carrier oil because of this.

Only a little amount of study has been done on the topical application of tea tree oil for medical issues, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, and that research suggests that tea tree oil could be beneficial for acne.

Tea tree oil may be quite irritating and should never be applied undiluted to the skin, so if you decide to try it, apply it carefully and always conduct a test patch on your skin.

Tea tree oil and carrier oils are both available online.

Using tea tree oil to treat acne:

• Mix 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil with 1 drop of tea tree oil.
• Apply the solution immediately on pimples by dipping a cotton swab into the concoction.
• Using moisturiser is optional.
• As necessary, repeat this procedure a couple of times daily.

4. Use more essential oils to spot-treat

Along with tea tree oil, several additional essential oils have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory characteristics that might hasten the healing of acne.

According to a thorough scientific assessment, S. epidermidis and P. acnes-causing bacteria are combated by the essential oils of cinnamon, rose, lavender, and clove.

Lemongrass and rosemary have also been proved to prevent P. acnes.

One research examined the ability of clove-basil oil, 10% benzoyl peroxide, and a placebo to treat acne. Benzoyl peroxide was shown to be less effective and slower in clearing up pimples than the 2 percent and 5 percent clove-basil oils.

Another study discovered that a gel with acetic acid, orange, and sweet basil essential oils increased the rate of pimple healing by 75%.

These essential oils are very concentrated and might irritate the skin if used topically, just as tea tree oil. All essential oils should be diluted with a carrier oil before use, a test patch should be done before daily usage, and use should be stopped if irritation occurs.

Clove oil is one of the many essential oils that can be purchased online.

5. Remain hydrated.

Your body may tell your skin's oil glands to generate extra oil if you're dehydrated. Additionally, dehydration makes your skin seem lacklustre and encourages irritation and discolouration.

Make an effort to consume at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day to keep your body well hydrated.

Drink more:

• after a workout
• whether breastfeeding or pregnant
• when spending time in a warm, muggy climate

6. Use green tea on your skin.

Although many people consume green tea because of its health advantages, it can also be beneficial when administered topically.

Flavonoids and tannins included in green tea are believed to help battle acne-causing germs and inflammation.

It also contains significant amounts of the antioxidant epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which has been demonstrated to lower sebum production, combat inflammation, and stop P. acnes from growing on acne-prone skin.

Applying a 2-3% green tea extract to the skin has been found in several trials to considerably reduce sebum production and acne in those with acne.

There are a few green tea-based skin care products on the market, but creating your own blend at home is quite easy and affordable.

Online retailers provide high-quality green tea.

Using green tea to treat acne:

• Steep green tea for 3 to 4 minutes in boiling water.
• Laissez le thé refroidir.
• Use a cotton ball to dab it on your face or a spray bottle to apply it.
• After leaving it on overnight or for ten minutes, wash your face with water.
• Apply as necessary, 1-2 times daily. It may be kept for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.

7. Moisturize with aloe vera

A tropical plant called aloe vera has leaves that secrete a transparent gel.

Aloe vera gel has demonstrated antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties when applied to skin 

As a result, it's a well-liked remedy for a number of skin issues, such as psoriasis, rashes, wounds, and burns.

Although research on aloe vera's potential to particularly treat acne is limited, the results so far are encouraging.

Lupeol, salicylic acid, urea nitrogen, cinnamonic acid, phenols, and sulphur are all present in aloe vera and work together to prevent acne-causing microorganisms.

In one study, different amounts of aloe vera gel were put to a clove-basil oil and tested for their potential to treat acne. The effectiveness of the lotion to reduce pimples increased with its aloe vera content.

According to a different study, combining tretinoin cream and 50% aloe vera gel considerably improved the effectiveness of treating pimples compared to using tretinoin cream alone. An acne treatment made from vitamin A is retinol cream.

Aloe vera gel improved the anti-acne properties of clove-basil oil and tretinoin cream, despite the fact that it was ineffective in treating acne on its own.

Aloe vera gel could help acne heal on its own, but it might work better in combination with other treatments or drugs.

Using aloe vera gel to treat acne:

• With a spoon, scrape the gel off the aloe leaves.
• When using other acne treatments, apply the gel on your skin. Consider combining it with another skin care regimen before applying it to your skin. Alternately, you might use the aloe gel after using the other acne treatment.
• Repeat 1-2 times daily, or as often as needed.

You may also buy aloe vera gel in bottles online, but be sure it's pure aloe and doesn't include any additives.

Longer-term treatments for acne

With persistent, long-term use, a number of additional natural acne remedies have also been proven to be beneficial.

The home treatments listed below can help prevent and treat acne over time, even if they might not clear up pimples right away.

Add zinc to your diet

The element zinc aids in the healing of wounds and can lessen inflammation.

As a result, it has being investigated as a potential pimple remedy.

According to research, persons with acne often have lower blood zinc levels than people with clean skin 

A zinc supplement has been demonstrated to be beneficial. Indeed, several studies have revealed that consuming 30-45 mg of elemental zinc daily can dramatically lessen acne.

48 acne sufferers who participated in one trial received zinc pills three times daily. 38 of them saw an 80-100 percent reduction in pimples after 8 weeks.

There are several types of zinc that each contain varying amounts of elemental zinc.

No matter the form you select, it's usually better to stick to a daily zinc intake of no more than 40 milligrammes.

Taking too much zinc might have negative consequences, such as gastrointestinal discomfort (28Trusted Source).

Online retailers provide zinc supplements. Get a lesser dose to ensure that you don't go over the 40 mg advised upper limit.

Eat brewer's yeast.

When taken orally, a particular strain of brewer's yeast known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS seems to help reduce pimples.

Chromium, copper, iron, and zinc are typically found in brewer's yeast, which is also a strong source of B vitamins. However, its antimicrobial properties are most likely what give it the potential to cure pimples.

One research tested the efficacy of brewer's yeast over a 5-month period to a placebo.

More than 80% of those receiving the yeast mixture had their pimples cleared up or significantly improved, compared to only 26% of those taking a placebo.

Brewer's yeast has been demonstrated in studies to be safe, however a few users have complained of moderate gas, bloating, or headaches after using it.

Brewer's yeast is available for purchase online.

Try taking a fish oil supplement.

The omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid are found in fish oils (DHA).

Consuming EPA, according to studies, helps control oil production, shield the face from acne, and keep it well hydrated.

High EPA and DHA concentrations have also been demonstrated to lessen variables that fuel inflammation, which may eventually lower the incidence of pimples.

In one study, all 45 patients who took omega-3 fatty acid supplements daily for 10 weeks had a substantial reduction in acne.

Additionally, foods including walnuts, chia seeds, ground flaxseeds, salmon, sardines, and anchovies contain omega-3 fatty acids.

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid, is present in the plant sources mentioned above, but little to no EPA or DHA.

You can better cure acne by ingesting more EPA and DHA by taking a supplement with enriched omega-3s. Online retailers sell fish oil supplements.

Controlling acne

Numerous methods for preventing acne can also be used to treat it. For instance, maintaining a healthy diet, lowering your stress level, and refraining from popping pimples may all help reduce their duration.

Try a prescription-strength therapy, such as: if you have severe acne that doesn't go away despite your efforts to avoid it.

• Retinoids for the skin: These derivatives of vitamin A can aid in preventing blocked pores.
• Antiandrogens or oral contraceptives: These can lower the hormones that cause the body to produce more sebum.
• Swallowed isotretinoin (Accutane): This retinoid lowers sebum production, irritation, and skin microorganisms while preventing blocked pores.

Treatments that require a prescription may have a variety of adverse effects, some of which are severe. Your dermatologist can assist you in weighing the benefits and drawbacks of various treatments and selecting the one that is best for you

What brings on acne?

Hormones, particularly androgen, which increases the production of sebum, can cause breakouts.

Acne and other skin irritants can also be brought on by genetics, food, excessive use of skin care products, and environmental causes like pollution.

Other common causes include:

• Puberty, pregnancy, and the menstrual cycle
• squeezing or picking at existing pimples
• cleaning or rubbing your skin too harshly
• pressure from things like hats, helmets, and backpack straps
• high humidity
• cosmetics, like oil-based products
• some medications

What's the difference between pimples and acne?

Although the phrases "acne" and "pimples" are sometimes used interchangeably, professionals classify acne as a skin disorder that affects the glands and hair follicles of the skin. A sign of this skin ailment are pimples.

• Numerous pimple varieties can be present in various forms of acne, including:
• blackheads (open, plugged pores on the skin’s surface)
• whiteheads (closed, plugged pores under the skin’s surface)
• papules (small, tender red or pink bumps)
• pustules (papules with pus on top)
• nodules (large, painful lumps deep under the skin’s surface)
• cysts (painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin’s surface)

When to consult a doctor?

Acne is quite prevalent and not fatal. Nevertheless, it may be quite uncomfortable and negatively impact your self-esteem.

A few zits here and there that go away fast might not be much of a reason for alarm, but it's always worthwhile to have cysts, scars, and persistent outbreaks examined by a dermatologist. You don't have to accept that you will always have acne.

The following indicators may indicate that you should consult a skin care expert:

• acne that covers a significant part of your body
• deep, painful blemishes that cause discomfort
• fluid-filled cystic acne
• acne scarring
• skin discoloration and inflammation
• acne that doesn’t improve with OTC treatments

According to the AAD, you should typically start seeing results after 4 to 6 weeks of beginning any new treatment or home cure. The next best course of action may be to consult a doctor if your acne doesn't go away. Additionally, you can talk to a medical practitioner or pharmacist about acne treatment options.

Frequently asked questions

Which foods cause acne?

The probable connection between diet and acne is still being studied by experts. A Western diet strong in meat, dairy, and sugar has been linked to adult acne in recent years, and 2016 study has found that high-glycemic diets may make acne worse.

Depending on the individual, there may be a connection between eating and acne. Consuming foods like sugar and dairy products, which have been related to acne, may not always make acne worse. You could also discover that some meals appear to help reduce acne.

If you think particular foods can cause breakouts, you might want to keep track of what you eat for a few weeks to see if there are any associations between certain meals and the condition of your skin.

Can acne scarring be avoided?

Many people who struggle with persistent acne later develop acne scars. The key to avoiding acne is preventing acne itself. Your risk of developing scars can be decreased by:

• receiving acne therapy.
• avoiding popping or picking at pimples, and taking care of your skin (Popping and picking can increase inflammation, which can then worsen scars.)
• Avoid smoking and spending a lot of time in the sun since both have an impact on how your skin recovers.

Keep in mind that there are therapy alternatives available if you do see some scarring. Acne scars can be made to look less noticeable with OTC medications and professional treatments.

Can cystic acne be prevented?

Acne cysts are brought on by blocked pores that swell and become irritated. You can lower your risk of getting cystic acne by doing the following:

• cleansing your skin
• utilising the suitable plugged pore remedies
• Wash your face often to avoid germs and sebum accumulation

Nevertheless, you might not be able to completely avoid it because you can't modify some of the hereditary variables that contribute to acne, such as your age, hormone levels, and family history of the condition.

Contacting a dermatologist or other healthcare provider is a wise move if you think you have cystic acne because it is more challenging to cure at home.

The conclusion

Acne is a common issue that may be difficult to cure.

Many natural options just don't appear to be as effective as conventional therapies, which might lead to redness, dryness, or irritation.

The best, all-natural ways to get rid of pimples are the home treatments mentioned in this article, which are validated by few small studies.

Although some limited research suggests that supplements may require longer-term use, applying different essential oils, green tea, and aloe vera to the skin appears to be the quickest approach to get rid of pimples.

Though they might not be effective for everyone, the solutions in this article could be worth a go.

Notably, the American Academy of Dermatology's recommendations for the management of acne state that there is insufficient evidence to support the safety and efficacy of herbal remedies and other alternative treatments. All of the solutions mentioned in this article are included in this statement.