How to get rid of acne: 6 remedies that will help
Pimples, or acne in medical terms , is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become blocked by dead cells and sebum. Inside this “plug” bacteria begin to multiply, inflammation forms, and we see a pimple. Most often, rashes appear on the face, back and chest.
Doctors identify six main types of acne.
1. Open comedones
What are usually called blackheads . Sometimes they may not be black, but dark yellow – this color is given to them not by dirt, but by the inner shell of the hair follicle.
2. Closed comedones
Hard subcutaneous accumulations of sebum that look like white spots. They are also called whiteheads, or milia .
3. Pustules
A pustule is a classic pimple in the human imagination: a small, inflamed red bump with a white head of pus. When the pustule first forms, the pus is still liquid, but over time it will become solid.
4. Papules
Small red bumps without white patches of pus can be quite painful.
5. Nodules
Large, hard nodules that protrude slightly from the surface of the skin, causing it to appear bumpy . Nodules can be quite painful and cause discomfort.
6. Cysts
Large pus-filled lumps that are located under the skin. Cysts are the most severe type of acne and often leave scars.
Where do acne come from?
Contrary to popular belief , acne does not appear because the skin is dirty. There are several factors that can cause or worsen acne:
- Hormonal changes. Acne occurs as a reaction to androgens, hormones whose levels increase during puberty. In addition, in women, acne may occur due to fluctuations in progesterone , estrogen and prolactin during pregnancy and during different phases of the menstrual cycle. Hormonal changes during midlife, especially in women, can also lead to breakouts.
- Wrong cosmetics. Using oily makeup, skin and hair care products increasesthe risk of developing acne.
- Some medications. Acne can be caused by corticosteroids, testosterone or lithium, and birth control
- Acne may appear if a person eats a lot of foods with a high glycemic index – white bread, cornflakes, chips and fries, donuts or other baked goods. In addition, some people get acne from cow’s milk.
- By itself, it does not cause acne, but it provokes an increase in cortisol and androgens. This can lead not only to a quantitative increase in acne, but also to a worsening of its condition.
Most often, acne occurs in teenagers, those whose parents experienced acne, and older people who smoke. Also at risk are women during menstruation and with polycystic ovary syndrome.
How severe can acne be?
Dermatologists determine the severity of acne by the number of rashes on the skin.
- Mild form– mostly white and black dots, with a small number of papules and pustules.
- The average formis more common white and black spots, with many papules and pustules.
- Severe form– many large, painful papules, pustules, nodules or cysts, as well as scars and post-acne marks .
Do you always need to do something about acne?
Sometimes, for acne to go away, you just need to leave it alone. For example, this applies to acne in babies : usually you can just wait and the rash will disappear without treatment or complications.
In adults, everything is more difficult; acne is irritating and can hurt. It happens that you won’t be able to treat yourself. For example, if nodules and cysts occur, it is better to consult a dermatologist.
But in simpler cases, home care is sufficient.
What remedies will help get rid of acne
Unfortunately, a pimple takes time to mature and disappear, so there is no way to get rid of it in a couple of hours. But the process can be accelerated. The following tools are suitable for this.
Benzoyl peroxide (benzoyl peroxide)
Suitable for the treatment of black and white spots, papules and pustules.
This product can be used both for SOS assistance and in regular skin care.
Wash your face and then apply a benzoyl peroxide product to the pimple and leave it on. Benzoyl peroxide will act as an antiseptic, reducing the number of bacteria on the surface of the skin. And although the inflammation will not disappear in 10 minutes, things will definitely go faster.
Benzoyl peroxide is sold in pharmacies in the form of a gel or cream. The concentration can be 2.5, 5 or 10%.
Be careful with applying in the same place: it can dry out the skin. Therefore, if acne appears especially often somewhere, it is better to choose a drug with a lower concentration.
Salicylic acid
Suitable for the treatment of black and white spots, papules, pustules.
This acid dissolves dead skin cells, preventing clogged hair follicles and unclogging pores .
Salicylic acid is available in lotion and gel formats. To combat acne, apply the gel to your face and rinse gently. Wipe the skin with lotion and leave it to absorb.
In addition, you can purchase special patches for acne – you just need to stick them on the rash and hold it for the composition to take effect.
Azelaic acid
Suitable for the treatment of black and white spots, papules, pustules.
A natural acid that has exfoliating , antibacterial and decongestant effects. It is applied to inflammation twice a day and left to absorb.
Azelaic acid can be found in pharmacies in the form of a gel or cream.
Tea tree oil
Suitable for treating blackheads, pustules and papules.
This essential oil helps against inflammation when applied specifically to the pimple. To use , mix one to two drops of tea tree oil with 12 drops of a carrier oil , such as jojoba or argan. And if you don’t want to do this, you can simply buy a separate care product.
Wash your face with a mild cleanser, then apply the diluted oil to the blemishes. Wait for absorption and apply moisturizer to the skin.
Important note: Some people are allergic to tea tree oil. Therefore, before use, it is better to practice: use the product on the inside of the forearm and see if a reaction occurs.
Zinc oxide
Suitable for the treatment of whiteheads, pustules, papules and nodules.
Zinc dries out inflammation and kills bacteria.
A product containing zinc oxide must be shaken before use, since it does not dissolve and precipitates. The product is applied pointwise to the rashes after washing and wait. The powder, which remains on the skin after drying, can be washed off or left overnight.
Topical retinoids
Suitable for the treatment of white and blackheads, papules and pustules.
Retinoids are available in the form of creams, gels and lotions. These drugs can cope with even moderate acne.
Wash your face, wait 20 minutes, and then apply the retinoid product to all areas of your face affected by acne and let it absorb. At first, retinoids are used three times a week, and when the skin gets used to it – every day.
Topical retinoids are not suitable for use before going outside: these products interact with ultraviolet light . They are also prohibited during pregnancy, as they can affect the development of the unborn child.
What else is worth trying?
These methods, although not immediately, will bring results. They will help not only get rid of existing acne, but also prevent their occurrence.
- Don’t squeeze pimples. Eliminating inflammation alone does not combat the problem – increased activity of the glands and clogged pores . After squeezing, dirt may get into the wound, and due to long healing, a scar may remain.
- Don’t wash your face too often. Excessive washing, especially with cleansers, can irritate the skin and worsen symptoms. You should wash your face in the morning and before bed, as well as after playing sports and when you sweat.
- Wash your face with warm water. Being too hot or cold makes acne worse.
- Adjust your diet. Avoid foods with a high glycemic index. You can also try keeping a food diary to track after which foods you break out.
- Use cosmetics labeled “non-comedogenic.” Such products do not clog pores and pollute the skin less.
- Remove makeup completely before bed. Even if you are very tired and want to ignore this rule at least once.
- Avoid wearingtight headbands, baseball caps or other tight headwear, or clothing with tight collars. These things rub the skin and can absorb sebum, which then gets into the pores and clogs them.
Also, if acne often returns and does not respond to self-treatment, you should consult a dermatologist. The doctor will find out the cause of the rash and suggest effective remedies that are right for you.
What not to do if you want to cure acne
There are a lot of tips floating around the Internet on how to get rid of acne, which actually only cause harm. We tell you what actions to avoid.
Do not apply anything unnecessary to the skin
Hydrogen peroxide, along with harmful bacteria on the skin, will also destroy beneficial ones. Toothpaste will not disinfect and dry, but will cause allergies and aggravate the condition of the pimple. And vinegar and lemon juice will lead to irritation.
Do not use loops or paddles
As we have already said, you cannot squeeze out pimples – even with the help of special devices. Although removing the pus with a loop causes less trauma to the skin than if you do it with your fingers, a scar can still form.
Do not use scrubs with coarse abrasives
They can injure delicate skin, which is already irritated or inflamed. Instead, it’s best to choose a non-abrasive cleanser that suits your skin type .