For a lot of people, acne can be a big problem. A simple zit that pops out on your face can quickly turn into an entire cluster, leading to a massive breakout during, well, some of life’s most opportune moments—like school, a big celebration, or worse, a date.
You may have prayed for all the gods to make your pimples vanish way back in high school, unfortunately, this apparently never happened. And you’re not alone—millions of adults are also dealing with their share of pimple problems from time to time. And if you feel like a zit is popping up at a time when there’s not even an acne cream in your medicine cabinet, don’t despair. Here are some DIY pimple remedies that expert dermatologist have recommended. So check your kitchen and medicine counters now and start prepping your very own acne treatment.
1. Aspirin
Aspirin’s active ingredient is salicylic acid—the very same ingredient in most topical acne-fighting products. To make your own: crush one aspirin in water and create a paste. Once done, apply it directly to your pimples and let it stay there for 10 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water.
2. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil contains mild anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. To make your own treatment: place a few drops of oil onto a cotton pad and dab it gently into your problem areas. For great results, leave it on for a few hours or even overnight.
3. Ice
Ice is a popular go-to product for swollen or sprained ankles, but those are not only what ice can be for—it can also reduce the swelling caused by an inflamed zit. To make your own treatment: get a towel or a washcloth and wrap an ice cube in it. Hold it over your pimple for about a minute or so. Ice promobtes vasoconstriction which levels down the redness and swelling of the area in question.
4. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can be a great facial toner. To do this: dilute one part of apple cider vinegar with three parts water (or use four for a milder version and if you have sensitive skin). Apply on your face using a cotton pad or a cotton ball. This treatment can kill bacteria on the skin’s surface and can provide you with a mild chemical peel. What makes this an effective DIY treatment is the fact that apple cider vinegar has citric acid—a kind of alpha-hydroxy acid that’s being added to lots of OTC acne solutions.
5. Lemon juice
Just like apple cider vinegar, lemon juice also has citric acid. It also contains L-ascorbic acid which acts both as a natural antioxidant and astringent. To start your treatment: apply lemon juice all over your pimples and let it stay on overnight.
6. Garlic
Well, besides the strong odour, you can never go wrong with garlic. It’s got mild antiseptic and antibacterial properties which makes it a great candidate for DIY acne solutions. Crushed garlic also contains a compound called allicin which is also antibacterial in nature. To do your own treatment: create a paste by first crushing a clove of garlic and mixing it with water. Apply the paste to the pimples and wash it off after five minutes.
7. Egg whites
Egg whites are considered an age-old beauty product. The protein and vitamin content of egg whites aid in tightening the pores. It can also help in drawing out oils and other impurities which can significantly assist in unclogging the pores and in reducing inflammation. To start treatment: smear egg whites directly into the areas where there are zits and wash it off after 10 minutes.
8. Honey
Treat a zit on the spot with a dab of honey, or better yet, use it as a facial mask to treat your entire face. Let it stand for 5 minutes then rinse off. Make sure that you use the organic type as the regular honey you may have on your pantry may not be much of a help. Raw, organic honey contains properties that can help in wound healing. It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties as well. Though regular honey may work, its effectiveness is still not proven medically.
