The appearance of a pimple before a big event can cause panic. Acne usually takes a long time to heal, and conventional methods may not work if you're in a hurry. If you want a pimple-free face in one week, you must be willing to try various treatments, make lifestyle changes, and find solutions with over-the-counter medications. Even if you do everything you can, sometimes it's not possible to get rid of a pimple in one week. However, using various methods can reduce some of the symptoms and treat acne more quickly than usual.
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Part 1 of 3: Evaluating Lifestyle
Step 1. Change your diet
Some foods can trigger acne or make the condition worse. If you want to get rid of acne fast, you have to be committed. This means changing all aspects of life, including diet.
- Dairy and carbohydrates, especially empty carbohydrates like wheat flour and sugar, can trigger acne. Stop eating these foods and try replacing them with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to control acne.
- Chocolate is often included in the list of foods that cause acne, but the link between the two has not been fully proven. Although some studies suggest that chocolate can cause acne, or worsen the condition, more research is needed. However, if you're hoping to get rid of your acne quickly, there's nothing wrong with eliminating chocolate from your diet.
- Oily foods are also considered to be the culprit of acne, but the scientific basis to support it is still minimal. However, working in an oily environment, such as a fast food restaurant kitchen, can cause breakouts because the oil will stick to the skin and clog hair follicles.
Step 2. Don't make the problem worse
Often you make habits that make acne worse without realizing it. If you want your acne to go away quickly, you need to avoid certain behaviors.
- Don't touch the pimple. This action will make the acne condition worse and cause infection and scarring. Holding on to the pimple will also make it more red and swollen.
- Often times, people assume that inadequate hygiene is the cause of acne, so they are obsessed with washing their faces. This behavior actually irritates the skin, making existing pimples more visible and increasing the risk of infection. You can simply continue the routine of washing your face gently twice a day using a mild soap or acne soap.
- The stress of thinking about acne will also make the condition worse. While stress is not yet considered a definite cause of acne, the hormones your body releases when you're stressed are often associated with worsening symptoms.
Step 3. Switch to oil-free products
Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin. Using products that are rich in oil, such as certain cosmetics and hair care products, can increase the chances of developing acne. Check your dressing table and bathroom to identify ingredients that might be causing your breakouts.
- If you wear makeup, look for products that are oil-free. Make-up products are often blamed for causing acne, but you can safely wear them as long as they contain little or no oil. Look for water or mineral based makeup products instead.
- Sunscreen sometimes also contains a lot of oil. Choose a sunscreen that is more natural and oil-free. Look for the “non-comedogenic” label on the package. Neutrogena makes a great sunscreen product and won't cause breakouts.
- Hair care products are also usually oily. Look for brands of shampoo and conditioner that are natural. Often times, products made for salons are better than those sold in stores. If you intend to get rid of acne, it might not hurt you to spend more money.
Part 2 of 3: Using Over-the-counter Drugs
Step 1. Identify the ingredients that are important
Over-the-counter acne medications only work if they contain certain ingredients that can eradicate acne. Make sure you are familiar with these ingredients so you don't buy a product that has little power to fight acne.
- Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria while removing dead skin cells that can clog pores.
- Salicylic acid works as a deterrent while ensuring that the pores are not clogged. While salicylic acid is very effective for long-term prevention, it may not be the best option if you're looking for a solution to get rid of acne in a short amount of time.
- Glycolic acid and lactic acid, sometimes referred to as alpha hydroxy acids, remove dead skin cells and reduce inflammation. Look for products that contain these ingredients if you want a quick cure.
- Sulfur can also remove dead skin cells that cause acne and is a great ingredient for a quick solution.
Step 2. Start with benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is the best ingredient to get rid of pimples in no time. When first looking for a product, start with benzoyl peroxide because it has a high success rate in various circles.
- Benzoyl peroxide cream is available in various concentration levels, from 2.5% to 10%. Bigger concentration is not always better and in fact many people get better results using creams with a 2.5% concentration.
- In general, it takes a few days to see results. Follow the directions for use for any type of cream you buy and don't overuse it as it can irritate the skin. Be patient. Don't expect results overnight, wait about 3-5 days to see significant improvement in your condition.
Step 3. Start with a low dose
Side effects, such as redness and dry skin, can occur when using acne products. Before knowing how your skin reacts, it's a good idea to keep the dose low.
- The skin needs to adapt to the treatment gradually. If you've never used over-the-counter medications before, let your skin get used to it first. Start with the lowest dose.
- While it may be tempting to try high doses for a quick pimple cure, the opposite may be the case. If the skin becomes irritated, or if you have a reaction, the acne will get worse and other skin conditions, such as a rash, may develop. It is best to use the product appropriately, in low doses, and hope that the drug will work quickly rather than risking side effects.
Step 4. Use a variety of products
If you've been trying to treat acne for a long time, try using a combination of different products.
- A variety of products can fight various causes of acne. Combining several products to treat acne may give satisfactory results, especially if you are often bothered with acne problems.
- Many people find that combining benzoyl peroxide with salicylic acid can treat existing acne and prevent new ones from forming. You can try using a face wash that contains salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide cream.
- However, be careful. It is possible that the combination of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid will make acne worse in the first few weeks.
Part 3 of 3: Trying Natural Remedies
Step 1. Look for a cream that contains bovine cartilage
Bovine cartilage is a substance found in the body of a cow that provides structural support for bones. When extracted, this substance can be a powerful and fast acne remedy.
- Look for creams that contain 5% bovine cartilage. You can buy them at supermarkets (in the health section) everywhere.
- Apply the cream twice a day for optimal results.
Step 2. Try green tea extract
Many lotions contain green tea extract, an herbal derivative derived from green tea leaves. This product can fight acne effectively.
- Look for a lotion that contains at least 2% green tea extract. You can buy it at supermarkets, pharmacies, and stores that sell health products.
- This method is most suitable for teenagers and young adults and people who experience mild acne symptoms. If you are older, and your acne is severe enough, you should try another method.
Step 3. Use aloe vera
Aloe vera is a plant species that is used in some gels and creams in small amounts. Aloe vera is very effective against acne.
- Look for a gel that contains 50% aloe vera and combine it with conventional acne medications. Research shows that the use of aloe vera in combination with other medicines shows significantly better results than using one method alone.
- Try to apply aloe vera while using an acne cream. Use the dose recommended on the package. Do not use more than necessary as it may cause irritation.
- Aloe vera can work quickly, but that's not always the case. Sometimes aloe vera takes up to 8 weeks to be effective.
Step 4. Don't rely on tea tree oil for a quick cure
Tea tree oil has long been considered a skin friend. Tea tree oil is very effective at treating acne, but it takes longer to work effectively so it's not recommended if you want a quick treatment.
- The main advantage of tea tree oil is that it has fewer side effects than benzoyl creams and tends to treat acne more effectively. However, you have to be patient because tea tree oil takes a long time to show results. While tea tree oil is considered very effective for long-term healing, it is not the best choice for quick treatment.
- Tea tree oil can cause contact dermatitis if you have allergies. If you find your acne condition getting worse, stop using it.
- Tea tree oil should not be taken orally, and is very dangerous for children if swallowed. If you decide to use it, don't forget to dilute tea tree oil with another oil, such as olive or almond oil.
Step 5. Try other essential oils
Some oils contain antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can help get rid of pimples quickly. If you are looking for a quick solution, this product is worth a try. However, remember, never ingest essential oils. You should only apply it on the surface of the skin.
- Spearmint or peppermint can be diluted in a quarter liter of water and applied to the face. The menthol in this ingredient has antiseptic properties.
- Lavender, thyme, and calendula all contain antibacterial substances that can cleanse the face and get rid of acne quickly.
- Rosemary and oregano contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Ingredients are hard to find in essential oil form. Instead, you can make use of the spices in your kitchen by dissolving teaspoon of dried herbs in water.
Tips
- Do not touch the skin too often. This action can worsen the condition of acne and leave scars.
- Go to a dermatologist if your acne doesn't go away or if you can't control it. A dermatologist will help you control your acne in the long term. In addition, he will also provide a quick solution. Options for a quick solution are steroids injected into the large pimple, laser, chemical exfoliation, or microdermabrasion, along with other common treatments. Taking antibiotics often can also help get rid of acne quickly.
- Don't use multiple products at once. This can make the skin more sensitive, and may make acne worse.
