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It’s no surprise that over-the-counter acne treatments are often expensive, hard to get or simply ineffective. That’s the reason why some of us prefer to take control and find our own solutions for battling those annoying pimples we all get from time to time. Below are some of the most effective natural spot treatments made with ingredients you’re likely to have in your home already.
You’ve probably reached for aspirin at some point in your life in order to calm down an aggravating headache. Did you know that aspirin makes for a great spot treatment as well? It contains salicylic acid – a type of acid often found in conventional skin care products. Give this mask a go: crush one pill and mix it with water to create a mask. Put the mask on the pimple, wait for a few minutes for it to dry off and then rinse it off.
Ice has the power to constrict the blood vessels, taming both the swelling and the redness surrounding the pimple. Just as you would with a sprained ankle or injury, wrap an ice cube in a piece of clothing and hold it on top of the pimple for a minute or two.
This multifunctional kitchen staple makes for a great option when treating pimples. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of water to create a paste and then put it directly on the affected area. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes and then wash it off. If you want, you could also make a bigger batch, using a couple of tablespoons of baking soda and water and put it all over your face to create a mask. The options don’t stop here! Gently rub the mixture all over your face for a cheap and natural exfoliant.
Witch hazel originates from the leaves of the Hammameli Virginiana shrub and it’s been used for centuries as a powerful treatment for skin disorders.
Since it’s commonly found in cosmetic products, you can try it out in the form of a gentle face cleanser of a spot treatment. But if you want the DIY version, just mix a couple of teaspoons of pure witch hazel with a few drops of wild rose oil and apply the mixture to your pimples. Wash it off after a couple of minutes.
Lemon juice is known to help with hyperpigmentation by brightening and gently exfoliating the skin, but were you aware of its pimple preventing benefits? Citric acid, the active ingredient found in lemon juice, along with L-ascorbic acid give it pimple healing benefits. Lemon juice also contains a high amount of vitamin C, which is very beneficial for the skin. Lemon juice acts as a mild but effective overnight spot treatment. Dip a cotton ball in squeezed lemon juice and apply it on the area you wish to treat. Wait for a few minutes and wash it off thoroughly. Caution: make sure that you avoid using it on pimples that are previously popped or on any open wounds since it can be too abrasive for them and hinder their healing.
A natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory product, tea tree oil is an efficient way to manage your breakouts, especially pesky pimples that appear on awkward places like your nose. It fights the bacteria and fungi on your skin, and helps prevent against future pimples. Either use it in isolation or combine it with other non-comedogenic face oils, such as almond oil or rosehip oil. Apply a few drops on a cotton ball and directly on the problem area.
You wouldn’t think to put sweetener on your face, but it can be a great spot treatment. Just make sure to use raw and organic honey, one that contains no processed sugar or other additives. Put some honey on the pimple, wait for a couple of minutes and then rinse it off with warm water.
Not only does it taste good, but chamomile also has the ability to tame the inflammation that results from pimples. You can either place a used tea bag directly on the problem area or blend the contents of the tea bags with some water to form a mask.
If you’re into masks, then you’ll definitely want to give this one a go! Clay masks are great for purifying and detoxifying, and at the same time they’re cheap and easy to access. There are a couple of different types of clay masks, each serving a unique purpose for different skin types. Here are some of the most commonly used clay masks:
This type works best for people with oily and acne-prone skin since they absorb the excess sebum on the face and prevent future pimples from happening. On top of that, they’re extremely cleansing for clogged pores because they draw out all the built-up toxins, bacterium and dirt from them. Expect glowing and refreshed skin even after the first application.
Red clay is an excellent source of Iron Oxide, a naturally occurring mineral that works to cleanse and nourish even the most sensitive of skin types. They don’t cause any redness, irritation or dryness afterward, which is why they’re the best option for sensitive, acne-prone skin. In addition to that, since it has similar effects as green clay, it will prevent future pimples from occurring.
Another amazing option for sensitive skin types is rose clay. It will purify the skin from toxins and congestion and gently exfoliate the surface but without the side-effects of abrasive face exfoliants. Your skin will be glowing, healthy and moisturized as a result.
Named after the Kao-ling Mountain in China, this multifaceted clay banishes acne, soothes dry and sensitive skin, works as a mild exfoliator and it can also be used as a toothpaste, deodorant, and shampoo. Typically, clay is mixed with water to form a mask, but it can also be mixed with coconut milk and honey. Wash it off when it starts to dry out and make sure you don’t leave it on for more than 5 minutes since it can have an adverse effect and cause redness.
Next time you feel like having French fries for dinner, save a piece of raw potato and try it out as an acne treatment. Leave it on the pimple for 20 minutes to half an hour and enjoy your dinner. Not only will you enjoy a delicious meal, but the potato will likely cause the pimple to shrink and it will minimize the redness.
Just as you would with a potato, rub a piece of strawberry on your pimple (did you know that the top part is actually edible?) and leave it on for 20 minutes or so. Vitamin C, salicylic acid, and the antioxidants present in strawberries will help the healing process.
Juice a bunch of tomatoes and daub the juice on the affected area with a cotton ball. The vitamin C and the lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes, will help soothe the pimples and reduce their size.
Aloe vera is a common ingredient found in many skincare products, particularly those aimed at people with sensitive, dry skin. It’s known to treat sunburns, redness, and irritation. The anti-inflammatory ingredients found in aloe vera will help battle the inflammation and congestion. It also contains Sulphur and salicylic acid, which makes it a great option for an overnight spot treatment.
Research shows that jojoba oil can treat acne and other skin related issues. In addition to that, it helps balance out the oil production and nourishes the skin without clogging the pores. It’s high in vitamin E, zinc and copper, making it a great option for a moisturizer, cleanser or even as an ingredient for face masks. It also has amazing anti-aging benefits, it helps with fine lines and wrinkles. Overall, it reduces redness, swelling, inflammation, irritation, dryness and premature signs of aging, making it the perfect spot treatment. Use it all over your face as a moisturizer, add a drop or two to your favorite face mask or put it directly on the pimple, let it sit overnight and wash it off in the morning.
While it’s not the most appealing option, garlic contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help heal the pimple overnight. It will flatten the pimple, get rid of the swelling and it can even make it disappear altogether after you leave it overnight. Just make sure you’re not allergic to garlic before trying out this method. Take one clove of garlic and extract its juice. Rub it on your pimple and let it sit overnight. Wash it off in the morning and you should see visible improvement in regards to its size and swelling.
Because they’re high in acidity and Vitamin C, orange peels make for a very effective spot treatment. Rinse off an orange to get rid of the dirt and pesticides it may contain. Peel the orange and rub it on the spot you want to treat.
Use neem water, powder or oil to help combat pimples and pigmentation. You can make neem water yourself by boiling neem leaves in water. Boil them until the water becomes green and strain the content in a bowl or a bottle. Use it all over your skin to get rid of pimples, to give your skin a youthful appearance and lighten the skin. You can use neem oil as a safe spot treatment, just dab a cotton ball in the oil and put it on the pimple. You can leave it overnight or wash it off after half an hour.
This powerful herb has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which are crucial for treating pimples. It will also cool down the affected area and help with itching if there is any. It’s rich in vitamin C, A, and omega-3 fatty acids. Boil some mint leaves and strain the water. Use the concoction as a gentle toner and keep it refrigerated. Also, you can extract the juice from a fresh mint leaf and apply it directly on the pimple. In addition to this spot treatment, you could also try purchasing skincare products that contain mint inside.
Similar to tea tree oil, lavender is a natural option for fighting redness, dry skin, and irritation. You can apply a drop or two directly on your pimples using a cotton ball, or add a few drops in your favorite face mask. Add a few drops of lavender oil in your bath water to help with body acne. It’s known to help reduce stress and anxiety, so it will be beneficial for preventing future pimples from occurring.
Banana peel helps with many skin-related issues, such as acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, bug bites and warts. It contains antioxidants, lutein, in particular, that’s known to protect against sun damage, and it’s rich in potassium and manganese. Gently rub the peel all over the acne and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before washing your face.
If you want to get rid of pimples for good, you might want to look into making healthy lifestyle changes. Make sure to add regular exercise as part of your daily routine. Eat as many fresh fruits and vegetables as you can and minimize the amount of processed food you ingest. It might sound counter-productive if you have oily skin, but you need to moisturize your face regularly. Overly dry skin can signal to your brain that it needs to produce more oil, which can result in excess sebum production. On top of that, exfoliate your skin with gentle products regularly, but not too often. Avoid excessive sun exposure and when you do go out in the sun, make sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing like hats or scarves.
With acne, it’s important to stay patient and persistent. It can certainly be a painful experience, so seeing a dermatologist is a good idea if it simply refuses to go away. In the meantime, you can use these DIY acne spot treatments for a quick and easy solution.
