If you have clear, flawless skin, congratulations! You are blessed with not having to go through what so many of us dread. Pimples! Zits and acne are constantly on our face or even body. It can be frustrating, and you are always hoping, praying for that one day when it all just poofs! Disappear, to reveal flawless and smooth skin. I am no stranger to acne and pimples as well. Ever since I hit the age of puberty, I have been struggling and looking for ways to cure my pimples. The process is slow and to this day, I am still looking for that perfect skincare routine

But sometimes, you just get pimples popping up out of nowhere. Maybe before prom? Or even before a big recital in front of huge crowds! Therefore, Beauty Insider has come up with a list of remedies to hopefully help get rid of those stingy pimples. Before you read on, just bear in mind that everyone’s skin is different. Some of the remedies that work for others, might not work for you. But, there is no harm in trying these out! 

Causes of Pimples & Acne

Oh boy, the million-dollar question. Why do pimples happen! This is a question many of us ask ourselves almost every single time. Now, there are many factors that contribute to the causes of pimples. It could be hormonal changes, bacteria, diet or even puberty. Typically, acne and pimples occur when your pores are clogged with either dead skin, bacteria or oil. It can also be caused when the sebaceous oil glands are producing too much oil. Pimples are a part of acne and can appear anywhere from the face, shoulders to the back or chest. 

1. Tea Tree Oil

Spot treating with Tea Tree Oil is a great way to help reduce the appearance of pimples. Tea tree oil is derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca Alternifolia. It has the benefit to help combat bacteria and decrease the inflammation on your skin. Although, tea tree oil is extremely potent, so it is best to dilute it before using it. For best results, spot treat on the affected areas once or twice a day. 

2. Stop Right There Pimple Popper

This is an obvious one and has been said by several experts and people. Stop popping your pimples! It is better to let the pimple fade by itself rather than popping it. By doing so, you can end up irritating it and causing more bacteria to seep into your skin. Popping a pimple can also lead to scarring. Therefore, it is better safe than sorry! Don’t intentionally try to pop it. If it happens accidentally while you are washing your face, that is fine. Just apply some acne creams to soothe and protect it. 

3. Ice Ice Baby

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A cooling method to help reduce pimples is to use ice. Just grab an ice cube from your freezer and wrap it in a small, thin cloth. Icing can help when you are faced with a swollen or even painful pimple. Rubbing the ice onto your face or just holding it against your zit for a few minutes can help.  

4. Benzoyl Peroxide

Another spot treatment for acne is to use benzoyl peroxide. This is actually an acne cream that I personally use. Even if I don’t have a pimple on my forehead, I still apply it. This helps ensure that a zit doesn’t just pop up one day unannounced. You don’t want to chase your pimples around! Spot treating with the cream also tends to reduce the redness on my skin as well. It can also help kill bacteria that is causing your acne. 

5. Aspirin For Pimples

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Looking for a remedy in the house? Grab some aspirin and start crushing! This home remedy is actually recommended by dermatologists as well. Since aspirin contains salicylic acid, it helps fight against acne. Besides that, a paste of aspirin can also help get rid of dead skins and excess oils. As well as unclogging your pores, it also helps reduce redness and swelling at the same time! All you have to do is add a few drops of water to that aspirin you just crushed. Then, just simply apply it directly onto your pimple! 

6. Mystery Trigger Foods

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Next up is a tricky one. Figuring out your trigger foods. For some, chocolate is the culprit. For others, it might be any sort of fast food! The tricky part is figuring what foods are triggering your acne breakout. Maybe you’ve realised that when you are having too many snacks, your face starts breaking out. So, it is best to keep track and find out what those triggers are. Maybe the next time you eat something, take a picture before and after! That way, you can see if it causes any difference. 

7. Zinc Supplements

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An essential nutrient crucial for the growth of our cells, production of hormones, metabolism and immune function is Zinc. compared to other types of natural treatments, zinc has actually been studied to help reduce acne when consumed orally. You can get zinc supplements easily over the counter. Although, ensure that you don’t consume more than the recommended amount. Because it can lead to side effects such as irritation of the gut or stomach aches. 

8. Cinnamon & Honey For Pimples

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If you’re looking for a more spa-day treatment, make your own mask at home! Both cinnamon and honey have the benefit to help reduce inflammation and combat bacteria. Although more research is needed to prove that it actually works, it is still a great remedy to try. Just combine 1 teaspoon of cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of honey and you’re all set!

9. Hello Aloe Vera

aloe vera

Aloe vera has been a method that most people have heard about. It can help soothe and reduce redness and inflammation. Not only that, but aloe vera also helps treat rashes, burns abrasions and other skin conditions. Since aloe vera contains both sulfur and salicylic acid, it actually helps to reduce acne as well. Combine it with other ingredients such as tea tree oil, it can help improve your acne too! So, get to growing some aloe vera plants at home! 

10. Dairy Reduction

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This is also one every person with acne and pimples have heard of. Stay far away from dairy! I’m sure you have absolutely heard this before. Whether it’s from a dermatologist or even your parents. That is to stay away from anything dairy because it can trigger breakouts! Foods such as chocolate and milk tend to cause breakouts for most people. This may be due to hormones as well. 

11. Less Stress & More Exercise

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This may be a hard one to accomplish, but sometimes acne can be the cause of stress. Although not fully understood, hormones produced during stressful periods can lead to inflammation or increased production of sebum. So, to help you reduce stress, get some more sleep, meditate or even start exercising. Since doing exercise can help boost the healthier circulation of blood, it also helps with balancing the levels of the hormone. 

12. Use Lighter Makeup 

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Lastly, it is also good to avoid makeup that can clog the pores. Try opting for makeup brands and products that are non-comedogenic. It’s also good to steer away from makeup containing mineral oils. In my opinion, I feel that if you are having severe acne breakouts, it’s best to avoid makeup completely. Instead, let your skin rest and have a breather. There is no harm in going natural.