How To Naturally Get Rid Of Pimples And Acne

Acne can become an embarrassing skin condition for both teenagers and adults. Over-the-counter and prescription acne medications can be harmful to the skin, or can cause rebound breakouts once the treatment is stopped. Many people with mild acne can manage the condition with natural treatment. Talk to your doctor before starting or stopping any acne treatments.

Step 1

Wash your skin twice daily with a mild cleanser and water. Moisturize your skin if it is dry. Avoid using greasy hair products, as they can get on your skin and clog pores.

Step 2

Stop wearing makeup, or opt for oil-free non-comedogenic makeup. Oil in makeup products can worsen acne and clog pores. Also watch for makeup containing lanolins, isopropyl myristate, sodium lauryl sulfate, laureth-4 or D & C red dyes. According to the "Doctor's Book of Home Remedies," these ingredients are too rich for problem skin.

Step 3

Avoid picking at your face, as this could worsen acne. Picking can also cause more inflammation and redness, in addition to increasing the risk of acne scarring. You can, however, squeeze the skin surrounding a blackhead to remove it. Blackheads are blocked pores and the trapped material is solid. According to the "Doctor's Book of Home Remedies," squeezing a blackhead will not result in a pimple.

Step 4

Consider using a gel that contains 5 percent tea tree oil. According to the MayoClinic.com, gels containing 5 percent tea tree oil can be as effective as lotions containing 5 percent benzoyl peroxide. Tea tree oil may take longer to work, so don't give up on it quickly. There is a risk of a bad skin reaction with tea tree oil. Research is limited on herbal remedies, so check with your doctor before using a tea tree oil preparation and stop using it immediately if you see signs of irritation.

Step 5

Take a zinc supplement to help reduce inflammation associated with acne. According to the MayoClinic.com, "the mineral zinc plays a role in wound healing and reduces inflammation." You can alternatively look for natural acne creams containing zinc.

Step 6

Protect your skin from the sun and tanning beds. While it may seem like the sun can dry up acne, the exposure can be damaging to your skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, "using tanning beds before the age of 35 increases one's risk for melanoma by 75 percent." Wear sunscreen of at least SPF 15 every day.