If you’ve ever had a pimple pop up right before an important event, you’ve probably wondered how to get rid of acne fast. Acne is annoying, there’s no doubt about it – but there’s actually a lot you can do to treat your acne at home.
Acne is caused by a number of things, including oil, clogged pores, bacteria, and hormones. Hormonal acne is a little tricky to treat, but it’s easy to learn how to get rid of acne naturally if it’s caused by one of the other culprits. These tips will show you how to get rid of acne once and for all – without visiting the dermatologist once.
How to Get Rid of Acne in Just 1 Week with These Home Remedies
1. Soothe acne-prone skin with aloe.
The aloe plant is well-known for its cooling properties – you’ve probably used it to treat burns before. Aloe is also useful for treating inflammation and helping your skin heal, which makes it an ideal acne treatment. Rub a freshly-cut piece of aloe on your skin, or use aloe vera gel from a bottle.
2. Disinfect your skin with citrus juice.
A big part of learning how to get rid of acne involves keeping your face clean and bacteria-free. Citrus juice – especially lemon juice – is useful for killing those pesky bacteria. Apply citrus juice to the problem areas on your face with a cotton swab.
3. Make a DIY chemical exfoliant with apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar might not be the best-smelling thing to put on your face, but it’s actually a powerful exfoliant due to the lactic acid it contains. Dilute apple cider vinegar with water (never use it on its own!) and pat it on your face to get rid of dead skin cells. No worries – the smell doesn’t linger once it dries.
4. Brew some green tea for your face.
Brew a cup of strong green tea and let it cool. Then apply it to your face with a cotton swab. Green tea contains antioxidants that are good for your skin, and it can kill some kinds of bacteria.
5. Fight acne-causing bacteria with a honey mask.
Honey is ultra-moisturizing for your skin, and it kills microbes that can make you break out. Apply honey to your face alone, or mix it with another skin-friendly ingredient (like oatmeal or plain yogurt) to make a mask.
6. Mix up some tea tree oil and witch hazel to treat acne.
Tea tree oil and witch hazel both have astringent and inflammation-fighting properties. Combine them to make a skin toner that dries out pimples.
7. Use oil as a moisturizer.
Want to know how to get rid of acne and oily skin? Try adding more oil to your face. It sounds strange, but often when someone has oily skin, it’s a sign that their skin is actually dehydrated and producing too much oil to compensate. Adding oil to your skincare routine can help to re-hydrate depleted skin, which will make your face less oily (and acne-prone) in the long run. Coconut oil, avocado oil, and jojoba oil are all good choices.
8. Increase your water intake.
Healthy skin starts on the inside. If you aren’t drinking enough water, your skin won’t look its best. Aim to drink at least half a gallon of water every day.
9. Try a turmeric mask.
Turmeric is famous for its anti-inflammatory properties. To get the benefits of this spice, mix water and turmeric powder to form a paste. Then apply the mixture to your skin. Leave it on for five to ten minutes. This soothes acne, promotes healing, and kills any bacteria on your skin.
10. Dry out acne with aspirin.
Aspirin contains salicylic acid, which is an active ingredient in many commercial treatments for acne. You can make a DIY version by crushing an aspirin tablet and adding a small amount of water to make a paste. Apply the paste to your acne and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.
11. Take fish oil supplements.
Fish oil supplements can help hydrate your skin from the inside. They’re also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation in your skin.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering how to get rid of acne fast at home, there are a number of different remedies you can try. You’ve probably got some of these ingredients in your pantry, fridge or medicine cabinet already! Once you know how to get rid of acne naturally, you’ll never have to go back to store-bought acne treatments.
If you’re prone to acne, be patient as you try these tips. It may take up to a week for your skin to clear up. When your skin improves, continue using these treatments on a regular basis to keep your face healthy. Once you know how to get rid of acne, keeping it at bay is simple – and your face will feel so much better for it.
