How would you feel if a large, inflamed, red, and very hard-textured pimple suddenly appeared on the surface of your face when you had to attend a very important event soon? In general, a red pimple indicates inflammation and irritation that must be treated immediately. Instead of trying to pop a pimple and risk spreading the bacteria to other parts of the skin, try treating and reducing inflammation of the pimple using the natural ingredients and/or professional acne remedies recommended in this article.
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Method 1 of 3: Using Natural Medicines
Step 1. Apply raw honey to the affected area
Honey is a natural remedy that contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory substances so that it can reduce swelling and redness of acne effectively. Make sure you only use natural honey that has not gone through the processing process, OK!
- Dip a cotton swab or fingertip in honey, and apply it immediately to the surface of the pimple. Let stand for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water until clean. Remember, never rub a pimple when rinsing honey! Repeat the process as often as needed.
- If you want, you can also make a paste from a mixture of cinnamon or turmeric powder and honey. Then, also apply the paste to the surface of the pimple with clean fingers. In general, cinnamon and paste have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that are good for the health of your skin. However, be aware that the skin will be orange in color and can feel a bit stinging when it comes in contact with turmeric. Therefore, try applying a small amount of the paste to your wrist or behind your ear first to make sure you don't have any negative reactions.
Step 2. Use an ice cube to relieve swelling and redness of the skin
As to relieve swelling or pain in the muscles, ice cubes can be directly compressed to the surface of the pimple to reduce inflammation that occurs. To apply this method, you will need ice cubes and a clean cotton towel.
Wrap an ice cube with a towel, and apply it to the pimple for 20 minutes. You can do this process as often as possible by giving a 20-minute break between each application process
Step 3. Try using cucumber
Cucumber is a natural skin conditioning agent that also contains a toning agent, so it can reduce swelling and redness caused by acne. To apply this method, make sure you use only cold-tempered cucumbers. If the temperature is not cold enough, you can try storing the cucumbers in the refrigerator.
Place the cucumber slices, both peeled and unpeeled, on the surface of the pimple. Let stand for five minutes or until the temperature warms up, then replace with fresh cucumber slices that are still cold. Repeat the process as often as needed
Step 4. Use witch hazel or apple cider vinegar
Both contain toning agents that can reduce swelling and redness of acne-prone skin, and can be purchased at various pharmacies or beauty stores near you.
- Apply witch hazel or apple cider vinegar with the help of your fingers to the surface of the pimple, and let it sit until the texture dries. You can do this process as often as needed.
- Stop using apple cider vinegar if your skin becomes irritated afterwards.
Step 5. Apply lemon juice to the affected area
Lemon juice is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory remedy. If possible, use freshly squeezed lemon for this method.
- Pour one to two drops of lemon juice onto your fingertips, then apply immediately to the pimple surface. Let stand for five minutes, then rinse with warm water until clean. Do this method three to four times a day using clean fingers.
- Since lemon juice is slightly acidic, chances are your skin will feel a little sore or sting when you touch it. In addition, lemons also contain bleaching agents so the skin should not be exposed to the sun after interacting with lemon juice. Be careful, these bleaching agents can lighten pimples, making them look lighter than your actual skin tone.
Step 6. Try applying aloe vera
Aloe vera is an herb that has been used since ancient times to treat swelling and irritation of the skin. Aloe vera also contains a toning agent that can tighten skin pores when it dries. If you can't use the natural gel contained in aloe vera leaves, try buying packaged aloe vera gel that is sold at various pharmacies and beauty shops offline and online.
- Dip your fingertips in aloe vera gel, then immediately apply it to the surface of the pimple and wait for it to dry. Then, rinse the aloe vera with warm water. You can do this process twice a day.
- If you have whole aloe vera leaves, try storing them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Leaves can be used until the gel content in it runs out.
- Do not swallow aloe vera. If ingested, aloe vera has been shown to cause diarrhea, electrolyte imbalance, and kidney dysfunction.
Method 2 of 3: Using Professional Acne Medication
Step 1. Use eye drops for acne
In fact, the drops commonly used to treat pink eye contain tetrahydrozoline, a substance that can clog blood vessels. This material will later suppress blood flow to the pimple and make it no longer reddened in a short time. However, understand that the impact of this method is only temporary.
- Pour one to two drops of eye drops onto your fingertips, then apply immediately to the affected area.
- The effect does not last long, generally not more than an hour. Therefore, apply this method right before or when you need to attend an important event.
Step 2. Use aspirin paste
Aspirin contains salicylic acid which can reduce swelling and redness of the skin. However, make sure the aspirin you are using is not enteric-coated, especially since you will need the aspirin to be dissolved before use.
Put two to three aspirin tablets in the water and wait for it to dissolve. Then, stir the aspirin until it has a paste-like consistency. Apply the aspirin paste to the pimple, and let it dry before rinsing it off with warm water
Step 3. Use an acne medication that contains salicylic acid
If you want, you can use over-the-counter acne medications that contain salicylic acid to reduce the redness of the pimple. Generally, salicylic acid is sold in the form of a gel or lotion, and can be applied directly to the surface of the pimple. Leave the product overnight to get maximum results.
- Look for products that contain 0.05 to 1% salicylic acid with a pH of three to four. To treat stubborn acne, try using a product that contains 2% salicylic acid. Some facial cleansers also contain salicylic acid, but be aware that the acid can work better on dry skin. Therefore, the effectiveness of cleansing soaps should not be as good as toners, gels, or lotions.
- You can easily find acne medications containing salicylic acid at various pharmacies or beauty stores. Don't worry, many acne drug manufacturers use salicylic acid in their products.
Method 3 of 3: Reducing Redness
Step 1. Cover the pimple with makeup
If acne doesn't go away even though you've tried various natural or medical methods to treat it, try to disguise it with the help of makeup like concealer.
- First, apply a light textured foundation and/or tinted moisturizer (a moisturizer that contains a little color) to the entire surface of the face. Then, apply a serum or moisturizer to the affected area. This step should be done to moisturize the pimple and soothe the reddened skin.
- Take the concealer and draw a small X line on the surface of the pimple. Use a concealer applicator or a small brush to apply the concealer to the pimple surface. After that, lightly pat the concealer with clean fingers. Remember, the concealer should be patted, not rubbed, so that the color doesn't shift.
- Then, brush the foundation with a special brush to cover the concealer and make it last longer on the skin.
Step 2. Use accessories to distract others from the pimple
For example, you can wear a necklace or earrings with a unique and attractive design to "camouflage" a red pimple on your face. In addition, you can also combine accessories with clothes that are no less attractive so that other people's attention is more focused on other areas of your body, such as your ears or neck, instead of the pimples on your face.
Step 3. Improve the quality of sleep at night
Adequate and quality sleep can significantly improve the appearance of the skin. In particular, getting eight hours of sleep every night can keep your skin from looking puffy and irritated in the morning!
