Is it just me, or do pimples always seem to make a special appearance when you’ve got something big on? Whether it’s a wedding or an interview for your dream job, you can always count on them to show up when you need to look your best.
You can see its head emerging under the surface a few days earlier, so you slather it in pimple treatment. When that doesn’t immediately make it disappear, you frantically start Googling acne home remedies. But many of these actually dry out your skin or make pimples worse (we’re looking at you, toothpaste!) Or worse yet, you decide to pop it—and are left with a pimple much redder and angrier than what was originally there!
Sound familiar? You need these tried and tested pimple home remedies in your life. They’re fast-acting, efficient and they really work.
Jojoba oil
This stuff is the bomb. Not only does jojoba oil make your skin super hydrated and glowy, it kills the bacteria that causes acne and inflammation. You can use it daily to prevent breakouts or if you can see the beginning of a pimple, apply it to the area to stop it from developing or spreading.
Baking soda
This old school pimple remedy has been around forever and for good reason—it actually works! However, it’s best to use it as a spot treatment rather than as an all-over mask, as it can be drying when used in large amounts. You simply mix a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the pimple, cyst or blackhead. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps to reduce redness and swelling and draw pimples to a head.
Honey
Is there anything honey can’t do? Not only is it a fantastic natural cold remedy, many people swear by it to banish zits! It works on pimples in a few different ways: it reduces redness and swelling, it kills acne-causing bacteria and it helps to control the skin’s sebum production. You can either use it as a homemade face mask or apply it directly to your pimples. For best results, go for high quality Manuka honey.
Ice pack
Cysts are by far the most difficult type of acne to treat, as they’re so deep under the surface. The best way to deal with them is icing them as soon as they appear. Just hold an ice pack against the affected area for 5 minutes on, 10 minutes off for at least an hour. The ice helps to treat cysts by improving the blood circulation in the affected skin area. It also freezes the clogged pores and reduces pain and swelling in the area. Just be sure to wrap your ice pack in a clean tea-towel or face cloth, as you don’t want to expose it to more harmful bacteria.
Tea tree oil
Many people swear by tea tree oil as an overnight pimple remedy. Thanks to its disinfecting and soothing properties, it breaks up clogged pores and clears out dead skin cells. This not only helps to clear your blemishes, but stops it from coming back. But whatever you do, don’t apply pure tea tree oil to your face—it’s far too strong! Instead, dilute it by mixing one part oil to six to nine parts water. Apply it directly to the skin using a cotton ball and leave it on for around 30 minutes.
Shop the Thursday Plantation tea tree blemish stick.
