Acne is a hair follicle that gets clogged with oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. Sometimes, these blocked follicles form the characteristic white or black comedones, or form red, hard lumps under your skin. With proper care, you can prevent acne from getting worse.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Keeping the Skin Area Clean
Step 1. Wash the acne-affected skin area
This will remove excess oil and dead skin that can further irritate the pimple and promote bacterial growth. The pimple may be painful, so use a soft washcloth to gently wipe it off with warm water.
- Wash the area at least twice a day. Do not rub vigorously. The hair follicles are already inflamed due to infection and don't let them burst.
- If you use soap, use a product that is gentle, oil-free and water-based. Oil-based soaps can leave a film on your skin that can clog your pores.
- If the pimple is in an area where your hair can be exposed, use bobby pins, ponytails, or braids to keep your hair away from the pimple. Your hair can transfer oil to your skin and make acne worse. If you can't keep your hair away from the pimple area, wash your hair to reduce the amount of oil that touches the skin.
Step 2. Do not touch or squeeze the pimple under the skin
This kind of acne is not exposed to direct air, so it is a little protected. If you touch or squeeze it, the skin over the pimple will burst open.
This will result in open sores that are more prone to infection and scarring
Step 3. Don't make the pimple worse by exposing it to the sun
Sunlight can trigger acne in some people. If you tend to breakout more easily when you're out in the sun, protect that area with a non-greasy sunscreen or a moisturizer that has sunscreen in it.
- In addition, sunlight can also cause burns, skin aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer.
- This step can be helpful when the sun is very strong. Including when in areas near the equator, on beaches where the water also reflects sunlight, and in summer. Even when the weather is cloudy, UV rays still penetrate the clouds, so you still need to protect your skin.
- If you're worried that sunscreen will make your acne worse, wear a hat instead.
Step 4. Leave your face without makeup or use only oil-free cosmetics
Makeup can also mix with the oils on your skin to clog pores. The safest option is to use no makeup at all on the surface of the pimple. However, if you must use makeup, look for products labeled as non-comedogenic. This means that the cosmetics will not clog the pores of your skin.
- Oily, slippery foundations are more likely to trap bacteria and dirt in the pimple. Then as the bacteria multiply, the pressure in the pimple will increase and it will most likely come out as a whitehead or blackhead.
- Don't sleep with your make-up on. Cleanse your skin before bed so it will have a chance to rest and breathe. This step will prevent the growth of bacteria.
Step 5. Avoid friction between the affected area and clothing when you exercise
This is important because the skin with acne stretches and swells. A rough touch can tear your skin and sweaty clothing rubs oil from your skin into your pores, potentially exacerbating the acne infection.
- Wear loose clothing made of natural fabrics that have better air circulation. This will prevent wet sweat from sticking to your skin. Instead, you can use clothing made from materials that absorb moisture away from your skin, helping it evaporate more quickly. The label on the garment will tell you whether it is made of a material that absorbs moisture.
- Take a shower after exercising. Bathing will remove excess oil and dead skin cells.
Method 2 of 3: Using Over-the-counter Drugs
Step 1. Use over-the-counter medicines
These products will exfoliate, dry the oil and reduce the number of bacteria on your skin. Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions and do not use these drugs more than the recommended dose. Consult a doctor if you are pregnant, nursing, or caring for children. Products with the following ingredients are usually effective:
- Salicylic acid
- Sulfur
- Benzoyl Peroxide
- resorcinol
Step 2. Try alternative medicines and supplements
Consult your doctor before using these alternative medicines, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or nursing children. Although over-the-counter, these medicines can react with other medicines you may be taking. In addition, their dosages are not as tightly regulated as with other drugs and not all of them have been thoroughly researched.
- Zinc (zinc) lotion
- Lotion with 2% green tea extract
- 50% aloe vera gel (aloe vera)
- Brewer's yeast or brewer's yeast, type CBS 5926. This is a drug that is taken by mouth.
Step 3. Crushed aspirin to make a home remedy
The active ingredient in aspirin is salicylic acid, similar to that in many acne medications.
Crush an aspirin pill and add a drop or two of water. Rub the solution onto your pimple. Wash off any remaining unabsorbed aspirin on the skin
Method 3 of 3: Using Natural Medicines and Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Apply ice to the pimple
Cold temperatures will reduce swelling and reduce the chance of the skin breaking. The ice will also make the pimple look smaller, less red, and less noticeable.
You can use ice packs or packaged frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel. Apply the ice for five minutes and then allow your skin to warm up. You will see progress
Step 2. Use tea tree oil to reduce bacteria on your skin
This oil will be useful in helping the pimple to heal if it doesn't burst.
- Tea tree oil must be diluted before it can be applied to your skin. For acne, dissolve tea tree oil in water so this mixture contains 5% tea tree oil and 95% water. Wash the affected skin area with a clean washcloth, being careful not to get the solution into your eyes, nose or mouth. After 15 to 20 minutes, rinse off the solution.
- Tea tree oil is not suitable for people with sensitive skin. This oil can cause contact dermatitis and rosacea.
Step 3. Try acidic home remedies
Similar to tea tree oil, this kind of remedy will kill bacteria if the pimple penetrates the skin. This home remedy will keep your skin dry to prevent natural oils from building up. There are several choices of ingredients and you can choose based on the ingredients available in your home: lemon juice, lime juice, or apple cider vinegar.
Make a solution in a ratio of 1:3 and wash the affected area with this solution. Do not let the solution get into your eyes or nose. If it gets into the eye, it will hurt
Step 4. Don't rub your skin
Exfoliating or using harsh ingredients on your skin can make acne look and feel worse. The following materials are not recommended:
- Scrub
- Astringent
- Alcohol-based substances that will dry out your skin
Step 5. Help your skin fight acne infection with a cucumber mask
Your skin will absorb potassium and vitamins A, C, and vitamin E from the cucumber. The healthier your skin, the stronger its resistance to infection in the pores.
- Peel and mash half a cucumber. You can include the seeds. Apply the liquid on the pimple and leave it on for at least 15 minutes to get absorbed into the skin. Then wash the area with clean water.
- This mask may be sticky, so avoid exposure to dirt or dust when you wear the mask.
Step 6. Manage stress
Stress causes physical and hormonal changes in the body, including increased sweat production. Managing stress can help prevent pimples that are under the skin from fully surfacing with whiteheads and blackheads.
- Try exercising several times a week. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins which are natural pain relievers. Endorphins help reduce anxiety, improve mood, and help you relax. The Mayo Clinic recommends getting at least 75 minutes of exercise per week. These activities can take the form of walking, cycling, hiking, playing sports, or doing physically active household chores such as sweeping leaves or shoveling snow.
- Try some relaxation techniques. Each person is suitable for different relaxation techniques. Some popular methods include: meditation, yoga, tai chi, visualizing calming images, progressively relaxing different muscle groups in your body, or listening to soothing music.
- Enough sleep. The amount of sleep needed varies from person to person, but most people need about 8 hours each night. Teens may need a few more hours of sleep.
Step 7. Avoid foods that trigger acne
Foods that cause acne are different for each person, but common problem foods are dairy products, sugar and foods with high carbohydrate content.
- Contrary to popular belief, research results do not support a relationship between fatty foods and acne.
- To be safe, you may want to avoid chocolate. Indeed, there is no clear evidence, but most chocolate products also contain a lot of sugar that can trigger acne.
Step 8. See a doctor if home remedies don't help
Medicines that doctors prescribe are stronger and usually work. It may take a month or two before you really notice a difference. These drug options include:
- Topical retinoids (Avita, Retin-A, Differin and others) to reduce the formation of blockages in your pores or antibiotics to prevent skin infections. Follow your doctor's advice and the drug's manufacturer's instructions when using it.
- Antibiotics taken by mouth to kill bacteria and facilitate healing.
- Oral contraceptives (Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Estrostep, Yaz) containing both estrogen and progestin may be prescribed to women and girls. Contraceptive use is usually reserved for severe acne that is difficult to treat.
- The doctor may also recommend other treatments such as injections, removal, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser treatment at the site of the pimple to help treat and prevent it.
