Nobody enjoys seeing large red pimples on their faces early in the morning. However, it is something that every one of us will experience at some point in our lives.
The skincare industry offers many options for dealing with acne and pimples, but before we get into the remedies, let us first characterize a pimple and its causes…
A pimple is a pustule or papule that is small in size. They are formed when sebaceous glands, or oil glands, become clogged with excess sebum production, dead skin cells, or bacteria. Due to this, pimples form, resulting in swollen, red lesions filled with pus.
According to dermatologists, about 80% of adolescents suffer from “Acne Vulgaris,” or in layman’s terms, “Acne,” and is probably the most common cause of pimples. It affects 3% of men and 12% of women over the age of 25. While acne can get severe sometimes, pimples can be easily taken care of.
There are a lot of skincare products on the market and a crippling amount of so-called home remedies. But it is important to remember that not every miracle cream or home remedy works like a charm. Some skin care products and home remedies might have adverse effects on your skin too. So, it is advisable to practice caution and conduct research before going ahead with any skincare routine.
Pimples are especially troublesome to deal with because we can easily get rid of them. Still, if not taken care of properly, pimples keep on making a comeback again and again!
Therefore, if the question of how to get rid of pimples arises, you just need to follow the steps/remedies listed below
1)Know your skin type!
It cannot be stressed enough that it is vital for any skincare condition to first determine what type of skin you have. There are approximately 4 types- Normal, Oily, Dry, and Combination skin; each skin type has the qualities pertaining to its name.
Compare your skin to these definitions to know what skin type you are!
Normal skin is the type of skin balanced in terms of sebum and moisture, and it is neither too oily nor too dry. Oily skin is prone to comedones, or blackheads and whiteheads, and is vulnerable to acne types. Big, easily noticeable pores, a glossy sheen, and thicker/paler skin are all signs of oily skin. Dry skin lacks the lipids it requires to maintain moisture and create a protective barrier against external stimuli due to a lack of sebum. As a result, the barrier mechanism is compromised.
Women have significantly more dry skin than men. The so-called combination skin has an oily T-Zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and dryer cheeks. Overproduction of sebum causes the oilier areas of combination skin. A lack of sebum and a resulting lipid deficiency cause the drier sections of combination skin. It is believed that Oily and Dry skin is most prone to pimples.
2)Minimise hand to face contact
Remember those YouTube videos with simple popping content? It might seem weirdly satisfying to some, But popping a pimple is the worst thing you can do to your skin because it leads to acne or pimple scars. Even dermatologists agree that picking at an acne lesion or pimple Will cause it to take a longer time to heal and probably lead to scarring.
This is because we handle many foreign things with our hands regularly, and our fingernails or fingertips carry a lot of dangerous bacteria that can lead to pimples on our faces.
3)Home remedies: boon or curse?
Every day, Google receives nearly 8000 requests for information about getting rid of pimples with home remedies. However, dermatologists also advise their patients to exercise caution while using home remedies. Not every home remedy is good for your skin; dermatologists strongly advise against using lime juice, toothpaste, or Windex, while turmeric and honey paste, along with the application of tea tree oil to the infected areas, are considered safe and simple to use. Home remedies like- chickpea flour paste, Oats mask, yogurt mask, aloe vera mask, etc., are pretty effective against pimples or acne.
Home remedies are simple and inexpensive ways to naturally get rid of pimples, but keep in mind that not every cheap or affordable remedy is safe or suitable for the skin.
4) Multani Mitti (Fuller’s earth )
Multani Mitti is high in magnesium chloride, that aids in the removal of pimples and the prevention of clogged pores. It is known for being a profound purifier of the skin and aids in removing impurities and dirt particles that can obstruct the pores of our skin. The paste is made up of 12 teaspoons of Multani mitti, 12 tablespoons of water, or rose water, after which it is applied on the face via fingers or face mask brushes and left for 20 minutes on your face. But, if you keep this mud mask on your face for too long, it will dry out your skin and cause itching.
Multani mitti is one of India’s cheapest, most effective mud masks. It is essential to be cautious when using it, as is the case with most mud masks worldwide.
5)Warm and Cold Compress
If you see a blemish developing on your skin, you can use heat to soothe it. It might seem harmful to use too much heat on your face so, it is advisable to use lukewarm water when you use steam or warm compress. Warm compressor steaming helps our skin by opening up our pores, which causes all the dirt and impurities present to come to the surface of the skin, making it easier to thoroughly clean our skin.
Alternatively, if you’re struggling with a painful swollen zit on your forehead, grab an ice cube and wrap it in a thin cloth, place it over the problem area for three to four minutes. The pain/swelling should reduce a little. Repeat this process at least 3 times during the day to relieve discomfort and alleviate swelling temporarily. Both types are compressed also helps in reducing fine lines and wrinkles as well.
6)Acne Treatment
Using the right moisturizer for your skin type, in addition to constantly washing your makeup off at night, spot treatment is suitable for removing the stubborn pimples as well. A few effective ingredients to keep an eye out for acne treatment are Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids. Acne-causing bacteria are killed by benzoyl peroxide. To help exfoliate and unclog pores, salicylic acid is used, and retinoids help to increase cell turnover by causing cells to shed and avoiding clogging.
Although there is no way to get rid of a pimple in less than five minutes (aside from covering it under makeup), there are ways to get rid of a pimple in a day or two. To minimize inflammation, dermatologists recommend using benzoyl peroxide or an over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream right away.
7)A Healthy lifestyle: Watch your diet! And get some sleep
Though at-home remedies should be used in moderation, there are ways to eliminate pimples without using products. As acne is caused by a combination of genetics and your environment, it can cause outbreaks due to factors like Hormonal fluctuations, stress, and an unhealthy diet. Stick to a low-sugar diet and avoid cow’s milk and whey proteins, which have been linked to acne flare-ups/pimple outbreaks, and try to reduce stress in whatever way you can. A proper amount of sleep, staying hydrated, and zinc supplements are essential too.
