woman popping pimple on her face | Indian home remedies for acne

6 Home Remedies for Acne

No matter what kind of skin you have or what age you are, the arrival of acne is always met with annoyance. It always seems to appear at the most inappropriate times. More often than not, it mostly happens before a family function or big party when you're set to put your best foot forward. Acne can hamper even the best-made plans, where you end up having to apply multiple layers of concealer on top.

How Do Acne or Pimples Form?

When the skin's sebaceous glands produce an excess of sebum, it clogs the glands and makes acne or pimples form. Acne or pimples can be commonly seen on the cheeks, forehead, jawline and chin however they can also be seen on the chest, back and thighs.

Why You're Getting Acne or Pimples

There are several reasons why acne or pimples form. Generally, it is due to hormonal changes, medical conditions and lifestyle factors.

Certain medications can cause your skin to flare up and form pimples or acne.
Use certain products that are not suitable for your skin.
They are not following hygiene practices properly by washing sweat off frequently or removing makeup at the end of the day.
Medical conditions like PCOD include pimples or acne as a side-effect.
Periods in which your body gets hormonal changes like puberty and pregnancy.
A diet with high content of salt, refined sugar, and carbohydrates may also cause acne or pimples.

Precautions To Take When You Have Pimples

The first instinct everybody has when they spot a pimple on their face is to pinch it and press it to get rid of it. Immediately stop yourself when you have that urge. Here are a few precautions you need to follow when you have acne or pimples.

Keep your hands away from your skin to prevent the spread of acne-causing bacteria
Continue to follow your skincare regime and ensure proper cleansing, moisturising and sun protecting
Treat it with some home remedies, products or medical help as soon as you can
Don't overly dry out the pimple as it can cause spots and scars
Avoid oil-based products as they can further irritate the skin

Overnight Home Remedies To Get Rid of Acne or Pimples

So you've got an angry red pimple before a big event that you've been looking forward to for such a long time. These DIY overnight Indian home remedies for acne can reduce their appearance and decrease the size of the bump on your face in hours or with repeated usage over days. Even if they don't disappear completely, concealing the skin with makeup will go on much easier.

1. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has amazing antibacterial properties. Mix 2 drops of tea tree oil with a few drops of carrier oil like coconut oil and dab it on the pimple with a cotton ball. Let it sit for a few hours and wash it off with warm water.

2. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is one of the most well-known wonder ingredients in the skincare industry. It soothes and boosts repair. A dab of fresh aloe vera gel can help settle a pimple if left overnight.

3. Honey

A dab of honey can also do wonders for pimple-prone skin. Its antibacterial properties can minimise inflammation and encourage healing. Apply a drop or two on the affected area all through the night and wash it off the following day.

4. Crushed Aspirin

Don't let acne or pimples give you a headache! Instead use an aspirin tab by crushing it into a fine powder, making it into a paste with a few drops of water and applying it to the pimple. It is anti-inflammatory and will soothe skin issues.

5. Ice

Wrap an ice cube in a fine cloth and place it on your pimples. Don't use ice directly on the skin without the cloth or soft towel and don't hold it on the area for more than 20 seconds. Ice it, remove it for the same amount of time and ice it again. You can do this 2-3 times a day. It will reduce the pain of the swelling and help contract the pimple.

6. Green Tea

Brew a bag of green tea for a few minutes, remove it from heat and let it cool down. Once completely cool down, place it on top of acne or pimples. To use it as an overnight remedy, dot brewed green tea over the spot before sleeping. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help minimise swelling and redness.

Research conducted in 2017 suggests this is due to the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of green tea's polyphenols, two major contributors to acne.

Takeaway

You can choose from a wide range of home remedies to treat your acne. Not all acne treatments can work for everyone or in every case, however.

The FDA does not monitor the use of herbal products or essential oils.

Additionally, many natural remedies for acne or pimples are not scientifically proven to work, but some people may find them very helpful for them. You can also try the anti-acne gel.

Always consult with a doctor before using any natural remedies for severe, chronic, deep, or painful acne sores. Likewise, talk to a doctor about minor acne sores that do not respond to primary care or continue to get worse with any remedies.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Should I pop a pimple before an event?

It is strongly advised against prodding, poking, or trying to squeeze acne since doing so would just make it worse and promote inflammation.

2. Where does the pus go if you don't pop a pimple?

A whitehead or pus disappears on its own if you don't pop it, generally in 3 to 7 days.

3. Do pimples heal faster when popped?

Although it may be tempting, popping or squeezing a pimple won't always solve the issue. Squeezing could increase swelling and redness because it might force germs and pus further into the skin.

References:

Acne - mayo clinic
Suzana Saric,1 Manisha Notay,2 and Raja K. Sivamani, Mar 2017, Green Tea and Other Tea Polyphenols: Effects on Sebum Production and Acne Vulgaris