The skin concern has revolutionised the beauty and skincare industry, yet, it persists.
We might as well now accept the fact that pimples are an unwanted guest that will arrive (mostly) when we least expect it. Luckily, thanks to the same revolution mentioned above, we have various methods to help combat those pesky spots.
In this article, we will discuss various ways to get rid of what is commonly known as pimples, acne, and zits.
Quick Fixes to Treat Pimples
Admit it, you searched for ways to remove pimples because you have some nasty ones right now that you badly want to get rid of. It’s okay, we’ve all been there.
Therefore, as much as we preach long-term results and lifestyle changes, it is okay to indulge in some quick-fix methods when needed. Here are some hacks that might help you reduce if not completely heal the pimples. The best part? All of them are safe ways to treat acne. Meaning, if you do not benefit from them, you won’t have any adverse reactions either.
Icing
Rubbing an ice cube wrapped in a towel will help soothe the pimple. It will aid by decreasing the swelling and lightening the redness around the area. While this method may not remove the pimple at once, it will definitely make it less noticeable.
For better results, ice twice or thrice a day for 5 to 10 minutes each.
Pimple patches
If you have a pus-filled pimple aka pustule that just isn’t popping, pimple patches will save your day.
Pimple patches are small stickers that contain hydrocolloid, a substance that absorbs moisture and dries up a wound. Once applied on the zit, it will get rid of all the gunk inside the pore within 2 to 3 hours. However, for best results, let them sit overnight.
Natural Spot Treatment
Another way to heal a pimple fast is by spot-treating it with anti-bacterial and/or anti-inflammatory products. Two of the best options for this are honey and tea tree oil.
Honey is an excellent healing substance. Applying it on the zit (or all over your face) will gently exfoliate the skin and significantly reduce the pimple.
Tea tree oil is well-known for its acne-healing properties. However, it is too strong to be applied directly to the spot. Dilute a drop of tea tree oil with any non-comedogenic carrier oil before applying it to the pimple.
Small Changes that Permanently Remove Pimples
While quick fixes are good to instantly treat a pimple, they won’t bring long-lasting results to acne-prone skin. Only a combination of balanced skincare, lifestyle, and dietary changes is what can bring about real and lasting results to reveal healthy, glowy, and spot-free skin.
1. Skincare Changes for Pimple-free Skin
Double Cleanse
If you wear makeup or sunscreen, then you need to double cleanse at the end of the day.
Washing the face with a facewash just doesn’t cut it anymore. The stubborn residue of makeup and sunscreen can only be taken off by the double cleansing method.
Double cleansing refers to cleaning your face twice – first with a makeup-removing oil, balm or water, and then with a regular cleanser.
Chemical Exfoliation
If you haven’t heard already, chemical exfoliation is the ‘it’ thing in modern skincare, and for all the right reasons.
AHA’s (lactic acid, glycolic acid, and mandelic acid) and BHA’s (salicylic acid) deeply clean the pores and get rid of any dirt or oil present in the skin. Thus, eliminating the cause of pimples.
Chemical exfoliation should be incorporated into your skincare routine no more than twice or thrice a week.
Skin Barrier Repair
When our skin’s natural barrier is damaged, we may encounter all sorts of skin problems. Acne and pimples are one of them. Hence, repairing the skin barrier is the primary step to cure pimples.
Barrier repair is all about treating the skin with gentle, hydrating, and skin-friendly ingredients that are naturally present in our skin. Some such ingredients include ceramides, peptides, fatty acids, urea and hyaluronic acid. Applying products that contain one or more of these ingredients will help heal the skin and prevent multiple skin issues.
Sunscreen
Everyone and their moms know the importance of sunscreen by now, thanks to the widespread awareness.
Sunscreen is said to be the most important part of your skincare. Without this, every other product fails to show results.
2. Lifestyle Changes for Pimple-free Skin
Change Pillow Covers
Our pillow covers are not just made up of fabric, they are also home to residue of our skincare, haircare, and environmental dust. All of which then make a home on our skin. So, to avoid unnecessary germs on our faces overnight, it is necessary to keep switching pillow covers every week.
Stop Touching Your Face
It is said that the human hand has almost 1000 bacteria per square inch.
One of the factors that cause pimples is bacteria.
I guess we’re all wise enough to join two plus two.
Sanitise Phone Screens
Your phone has more germs than you think. 6 to 10 per cent more than a toilet seat, to be precise.
Hence, forming a habit of sanitizing your phone screen every chance you get, will go a long way in healing your skin.
Move Your Body
Regular physical movements are a one-way ticket to pimple-free and glowing skin.
Exercise increases blood flow, enabling more oxygen to reach the cells of your body. The more oxygen your cells receive, the more nourished your skin will be.
3. Diet Changes for Pimple-free Skin
Get Checked for Intolerances
Consult your physician and get checked for any food intolerances that may be causing reactions on your skin.
Colorful Plate
A colorful plate indicates a healthy diet. Meaning, the more fruits, vegetables, and protein you have, the healthier and fresher your skin will be. A balanced diet also helps get rid of any underlying nutrient deficiencies which are necessary to heal acne.
Avoid Junk, Sugar and Processed Foods
Sugar and oil are fuel for all sorts of acne. Hence, eliminating or at least, reducing the consumption of such foods is the best deal to not only look good, but feel good too.
Conclusion
Pimples are an indication that we need to look beyond our skin and beneath it. The only sure way to naturally and permanently remove pimples is by incorporating healthy skincare, lifestyle, and diet habits into our lifestyle.