How to Get Rid of Acne in 1 Day
Wash up., Exfoliate your skin., Rinse well., Use astringents on the affected areas., Try some benzoyl peroxide., Use salicylic acid., Consider natural astringents., Apply ice cubes to the inflamed acne., Try tea tree oil., Crush up some aspirin...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Wash up.
In order to clear up acne, you need to start by giving your face a nice wash.
Acne consists of bacteria that have invaded your pores, and the first step is to fight back with a gentle, but effective acne wash.
Some people use a washcloth when washing their face, but hands are just as effective, if not less irritating.
Take the directed amount of acne wash, mix it with warm water, and gently rub it into your face in a circular motion. -
Step 2: Exfoliate your skin.
Get into the habit of exfoliating with an acne scrub every week, literally every week.
Exfoliating means gently wiping away the top layer of dead skin cells that accumulate on the epidermis, clearing the way for a nice new layer of vibrant, acne-free skin.
When you wash your face with a gentle exfoliant, take care not to rub too hard. , Get some cool water going and rinse your face well, gently scrubbing as you do.
Where warm water opens your pores and allows the acne wash to properly clean the pores, cold water constricts the blood vessels and causes the pores, and surrounding skin, to tighten. , Astringents are agents that cause the skin to contract or get smaller.
Some commercial acne treatments use a variety of antibacterial, antimicrobial, and astringent compounds to fight acne and clean the skin.
Whatever you plan on using to clean up your skin, astringents are the quickest and most effective way of doing so if you've got a limited amount of time. , Benzoyl peroxide is used to kill the bacteria that contribute to acne.
Benzoyl peroxide comes in different concentrations, but benzoyl peroxide with a
2.5% concentration is just as effective as 5-10% solutions, and it's less irritating to the skin to boot.
Benzoyl peroxide also helps peel away layers of dead skin, leaving brighter, more rejuvenated skin in its place. , Like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid kills bacteria responsible for pimple growth.
It also causes skin cells to shed more rapidly, promoting the growth of new skin.
Put small amounts of salicylic acid onto affected areas before you go asleep, after you have washed your face. , You might have something in your pantry or in your fridge with astringent qualities that you could use without having to make a trip to the store.
If you're trying to clear up acne as quickly as possible, consider using any of the following natural ingredients:
Banana peels are helpful in treating insect and mosquito bites, and may be helpful in reducing the size of some pimples.
Gently rub the banana peel over the affected area.
Also try putting the banana peel with a dash of salt, a teaspoon of vinegar and a tablespoon of maple syrup in the blender.
Apply on your face and leave for 7 minutes.
Wash with a face wash and dry.
Use witch hazel.
Another great astringent with a ton of applications.
Look for witch hazel that doesn't contain alcohol.
Apply a small bit over affected area and let dry.
Green tea is an astringent that's packed with lots of antioxidants, which help reduce signs of aging by fighting free radicals.
Steep a tea bag in some hot water, remove the tea bag along with all the liquid, and place onto affected area briefly.
A tomato has acid that will break down the pimple and reduce it.
The acid closes your pores and fights bacteria.
Apply 1 half of the whole to your face on one side, and the other half to the other side of your face. , Rub an ice cube over the acne on your face until the area goes numb.
When your face goes numb, stop.
Leave your face alone until it's warm again.
Ice will help diminish the size of the pores by constricting the blood vessels underneath the skin.
If your acne is painful, it should also help ease the pain.
If you have a lot of acne, work in sections.
When one section goes numb, move to the next section.
This is the only proven "home" remedy of reducing the size and the amount of acne.
Other methods of shrinking acne have limited or unverified track records or success. , Tea tree oil is an antibacterial essential oil that can blast the microbes that have started to make a home inside of your pores.
With a dropper, dab a Q-Tip with a bit of tea tree oil and apply to pimples as needed, being careful not to put on too much.
Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory propertiesthat can make the redness and size of the pimple less noticeable. , Crush up an aspirin tablet and add just enough water to make it into a paste.
With a Q-Tip, add the aspirin paste to the pimple(s) lightly, covering entirely.
Let dry.
Aspirin is another anti-inflammatory, meaning it will help the skin fight against inflammation, making the pimple less visible.
Let the aspirin paste fight the pimple overnight. , Toothpaste contains silica, which is the drying agent you find in bags of beef jerky, among other things.
Theoretically, toothpaste can help to dry out your pimple overnight, reducing it in size, though it's not an effective way of cleaning your skin.
Make sure to use natural toothpaste when you dab it onto your skin.
Some toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate can irritate the skin.
Watch out for it before applying. , Sleep deprivation and stress can cause hormonal changes, which in turn make your face more susceptible to breakouts.
Get a full eight hours of sleep every night. , Doctors aren't completely sure why, but they do know that there is a link between stress and skin disorders, specifically stress and acne.
Somehow, the cells that produce sebum, which is the stuff that ultimately causes acne, become unregulated when a person experiences a lot of stress.Find creative outlets for your stress.
Some people detach from stressful situations by taking a walk.
Others pour their stress out onto a canvas by painting.
Whatever it is that you do to decompress, do it early and do it often.
Try meditation techniques.
Become aware of your body, focus in on your breathing, and slowly push your awareness to the outer limits of your body, obliterating thought altogether.
Meditation takes time, but it's worth it. , Oils from your hair can cause acne.
In addition, change your pillowcase every week.
The oils that transfer to your pillowcase from your face and hair tend to be dirty and irritating.
They're best to avoid.
If you have longer hair, tie it back, away from your face. , For pretty much any ailment aside from muscle or bone damage, exercise is a panacea.
Exercise is a great option for getting your circulation going, and anything that promotes good circulation also helps keep your skin healthy and vibrant-looking.A couple things to remember when you exercise:
Always wear sunscreen if exercising outdoors.
The benefits of getting your circulation jump started can be outweighed by the disadvantages of sun damage if you're not careful.
Wear sunscreen that is light and doesn't irritate or sting your skin.
Shower or clean yourself after you exercise.
When you sweat, your pores can get clogged with salty, dirty residue that's leftover from your workout.
Be sure to wash your body, and especially your face, after you exercise. , These have been shown to reduce or eliminate acne in a variety of ways.
Talk to your doctor or your dermatologist about which medications might be most effective for you.
For females, oral contraceptives such as birth-control are sometimes used to treat acne.
The birth control regulates the hormones produced by the body, cutting down on breakouts.
Other oral antibiotics attack the bacteria that causes acne.
They can assist in reducing the number of breakouts, as well as in fighting inflammation.
Patients are usually given a higher dosage earlier on before being moved to a lower dosage.
For severe cases, isotretinoin, or Accutane, is available through a prescription.
Isotretinoin is a vitamin-A derivative that shrinks the glands that produce sebum.
It comes with various risks and side-effects, which you should fully understand before embarking on a course of treatment.
Eliminate dairy products.
Because of the hormone content in dairy products, multiple studies have established an association between milk-product consumption and acne, leading a top dermatology journal to editorialize for a “no dairy diet,” reducing dairy consumption for anyone with acne to zero. -
Step 3: Rinse well.
-
Step 4: Use astringents on the affected areas.
-
Step 5: Try some benzoyl peroxide.
-
Step 6: Use salicylic acid.
-
Step 7: Consider natural astringents.
-
Step 8: Apply ice cubes to the inflamed acne.
-
Step 9: Try tea tree oil.
-
Step 10: Crush up some aspirin.
-
Step 11: Try toothpaste.
-
Step 12: Sleep.
-
Step 13: Remove stress from your life.
-
Step 14: Shampoo your hair regularly.
-
Step 15: Exercise.
-
Step 16: Take oral acne medications.
Detailed Guide
In order to clear up acne, you need to start by giving your face a nice wash.
Acne consists of bacteria that have invaded your pores, and the first step is to fight back with a gentle, but effective acne wash.
Some people use a washcloth when washing their face, but hands are just as effective, if not less irritating.
Take the directed amount of acne wash, mix it with warm water, and gently rub it into your face in a circular motion.
Get into the habit of exfoliating with an acne scrub every week, literally every week.
Exfoliating means gently wiping away the top layer of dead skin cells that accumulate on the epidermis, clearing the way for a nice new layer of vibrant, acne-free skin.
When you wash your face with a gentle exfoliant, take care not to rub too hard. , Get some cool water going and rinse your face well, gently scrubbing as you do.
Where warm water opens your pores and allows the acne wash to properly clean the pores, cold water constricts the blood vessels and causes the pores, and surrounding skin, to tighten. , Astringents are agents that cause the skin to contract or get smaller.
Some commercial acne treatments use a variety of antibacterial, antimicrobial, and astringent compounds to fight acne and clean the skin.
Whatever you plan on using to clean up your skin, astringents are the quickest and most effective way of doing so if you've got a limited amount of time. , Benzoyl peroxide is used to kill the bacteria that contribute to acne.
Benzoyl peroxide comes in different concentrations, but benzoyl peroxide with a
2.5% concentration is just as effective as 5-10% solutions, and it's less irritating to the skin to boot.
Benzoyl peroxide also helps peel away layers of dead skin, leaving brighter, more rejuvenated skin in its place. , Like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid kills bacteria responsible for pimple growth.
It also causes skin cells to shed more rapidly, promoting the growth of new skin.
Put small amounts of salicylic acid onto affected areas before you go asleep, after you have washed your face. , You might have something in your pantry or in your fridge with astringent qualities that you could use without having to make a trip to the store.
If you're trying to clear up acne as quickly as possible, consider using any of the following natural ingredients:
Banana peels are helpful in treating insect and mosquito bites, and may be helpful in reducing the size of some pimples.
Gently rub the banana peel over the affected area.
Also try putting the banana peel with a dash of salt, a teaspoon of vinegar and a tablespoon of maple syrup in the blender.
Apply on your face and leave for 7 minutes.
Wash with a face wash and dry.
Use witch hazel.
Another great astringent with a ton of applications.
Look for witch hazel that doesn't contain alcohol.
Apply a small bit over affected area and let dry.
Green tea is an astringent that's packed with lots of antioxidants, which help reduce signs of aging by fighting free radicals.
Steep a tea bag in some hot water, remove the tea bag along with all the liquid, and place onto affected area briefly.
A tomato has acid that will break down the pimple and reduce it.
The acid closes your pores and fights bacteria.
Apply 1 half of the whole to your face on one side, and the other half to the other side of your face. , Rub an ice cube over the acne on your face until the area goes numb.
When your face goes numb, stop.
Leave your face alone until it's warm again.
Ice will help diminish the size of the pores by constricting the blood vessels underneath the skin.
If your acne is painful, it should also help ease the pain.
If you have a lot of acne, work in sections.
When one section goes numb, move to the next section.
This is the only proven "home" remedy of reducing the size and the amount of acne.
Other methods of shrinking acne have limited or unverified track records or success. , Tea tree oil is an antibacterial essential oil that can blast the microbes that have started to make a home inside of your pores.
With a dropper, dab a Q-Tip with a bit of tea tree oil and apply to pimples as needed, being careful not to put on too much.
Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory propertiesthat can make the redness and size of the pimple less noticeable. , Crush up an aspirin tablet and add just enough water to make it into a paste.
With a Q-Tip, add the aspirin paste to the pimple(s) lightly, covering entirely.
Let dry.
Aspirin is another anti-inflammatory, meaning it will help the skin fight against inflammation, making the pimple less visible.
Let the aspirin paste fight the pimple overnight. , Toothpaste contains silica, which is the drying agent you find in bags of beef jerky, among other things.
Theoretically, toothpaste can help to dry out your pimple overnight, reducing it in size, though it's not an effective way of cleaning your skin.
Make sure to use natural toothpaste when you dab it onto your skin.
Some toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate can irritate the skin.
Watch out for it before applying. , Sleep deprivation and stress can cause hormonal changes, which in turn make your face more susceptible to breakouts.
Get a full eight hours of sleep every night. , Doctors aren't completely sure why, but they do know that there is a link between stress and skin disorders, specifically stress and acne.
Somehow, the cells that produce sebum, which is the stuff that ultimately causes acne, become unregulated when a person experiences a lot of stress.Find creative outlets for your stress.
Some people detach from stressful situations by taking a walk.
Others pour their stress out onto a canvas by painting.
Whatever it is that you do to decompress, do it early and do it often.
Try meditation techniques.
Become aware of your body, focus in on your breathing, and slowly push your awareness to the outer limits of your body, obliterating thought altogether.
Meditation takes time, but it's worth it. , Oils from your hair can cause acne.
In addition, change your pillowcase every week.
The oils that transfer to your pillowcase from your face and hair tend to be dirty and irritating.
They're best to avoid.
If you have longer hair, tie it back, away from your face. , For pretty much any ailment aside from muscle or bone damage, exercise is a panacea.
Exercise is a great option for getting your circulation going, and anything that promotes good circulation also helps keep your skin healthy and vibrant-looking.A couple things to remember when you exercise:
Always wear sunscreen if exercising outdoors.
The benefits of getting your circulation jump started can be outweighed by the disadvantages of sun damage if you're not careful.
Wear sunscreen that is light and doesn't irritate or sting your skin.
Shower or clean yourself after you exercise.
When you sweat, your pores can get clogged with salty, dirty residue that's leftover from your workout.
Be sure to wash your body, and especially your face, after you exercise. , These have been shown to reduce or eliminate acne in a variety of ways.
Talk to your doctor or your dermatologist about which medications might be most effective for you.
For females, oral contraceptives such as birth-control are sometimes used to treat acne.
The birth control regulates the hormones produced by the body, cutting down on breakouts.
Other oral antibiotics attack the bacteria that causes acne.
They can assist in reducing the number of breakouts, as well as in fighting inflammation.
Patients are usually given a higher dosage earlier on before being moved to a lower dosage.
For severe cases, isotretinoin, or Accutane, is available through a prescription.
Isotretinoin is a vitamin-A derivative that shrinks the glands that produce sebum.
It comes with various risks and side-effects, which you should fully understand before embarking on a course of treatment.
Eliminate dairy products.
Because of the hormone content in dairy products, multiple studies have established an association between milk-product consumption and acne, leading a top dermatology journal to editorialize for a “no dairy diet,” reducing dairy consumption for anyone with acne to zero.
About the Author
Jerry Miller
Specializes in breaking down complex pet care topics into simple steps.
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