Whenever a big event is taking place, a pimple seems to rear its ugly head. It shines like a beacon for all the world to see, and you want nothing more than to simply make it disappear.
While it’s impossible to get rid of a pimple the second it pops up, you can reduce the size of one with a few simple home remedies. Here are 6 things you may have laying around the house that can instantly reduce the swelling of a zit, making it appear smaller and less noticeable.
1. Tea tree oil. As one of the most popular essential oils for treating acne, tea tree oil should be a go-to remedy when you feel a pimple emerging. According to Dr. Josh Axe, terpenes — the type of antibacterial properties found in tea tree oil — can kill bacteria and soothe the skin. Dr. Axe recommends mixing 100 percent pure tea tree oil with aloe vera and coconut oil to treat acne. Rub this mixture on a clean face before bed each night.
2. Aspirin. With its anti-inflammatory properties and salicylic acid, aspirin isn’t just good for headaches. Dr. Oz suggests a “pimple paste” which you can make by crushing up an aspirin and diluting it with a small amount of water. When applied to a zit for 10 minutes, it may quickly reduce redness and inflammation.
3. Aloe. While you’re probably used to grabbing aloe for a sunburn, this miracle plant also has powerful properties that treat inflammatory skin conditions like acne. Research from the University of Maryland Medical Center found that aloe’s anti-inflammatory effects were even greater than hydrocortisone cream. Aloe also naturally contains salicylic acid, a common ingredient in over-the-counter pimple creams.
4. Bergamot. A citrus-smelling essential oil, Bergamot has been found to be anti-inflammatory, which means it can be used to spot-treat pimples and shrink their size. As with all essential oils, it’s better to dilute them before applying them to the skin.
5. Ice. According to the DERMAdoctor, ice is the “secret pimple fighter” you may want to use the next time you have a blemish. Wrap an ice cube in a thin washcloth — applying ice directly to the skin can cause damage — and hold it against the pimple for one minute. Rest the skin for five minutes and, if necessary, apply it for another minute. The cold may significantly reduce swelling and inflammation, making a zit appear smaller quickly.
6. Apple cider vinegar. Board-certified dermatologist Sejal Shah, M.D tells Women's Health that the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar may have the ability to dry up zits at their roots. Since some people can be sensitive to this potent home remedy, however, Dr. Shah suggests diluting apple cider vinegar with water before applying it to the skin.
With pimples, the best approach is prevention. But when you need to make a blemish less noticeable before work, a big date, or some other important event, try one of these remedies. Since each person’s skin is different, some may work better for you than others.
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