We all hate acne, but thankfully, Mother Nature can help. Here, I've listed five ways to get rid of acne that don't involve chemicals or toxins. Although many people will try to tell you chemical-filled products are best, these often have undesirable side effects. Some side effects include stinging, dryness, itching, peeling, and even an allergic reaction. If you want to avoid these (and other, more dangerous side effects), give the natural remedies listed in this article a shot.
The 4 Types of Pimples
First things first: it's always good to know what type of pimples you're dealing with. Generally speaking, cystic acne is the hardest to get rid of, but it’s still not impossible. It's also the most painful. That said, every form of acne is uniquely troublesome. Take a look at this list to see which fits the acne on your face.
Whiteheads: These white spots usually appear on oily skin
Pustules/Nodules: The tissue around the pore swells up or gets inflamed
Blackheads: These black spots occur when the material inside the pore is being pushed out
Cysts: These pimples are deep and filled with pus
How to Get Rid of Pimples Overnight
Aloe vera: Aloe vera is so good for soothing irritated skin that it should be a no-brainer to use on acne. After all, it's great at reducing red, inflamed skin when we get a minimal burn. That's because it actually helps to regenerate damaged tissue. Apply aloe vera gel directly onto the problem area, specifically if it's a pustule/nodule or a cyst. This will help soothe your skin and decrease inflammation. Just make sure you're using 95-100 percent pure aloe vera (or just buy an aloe vera leaf and extract the gel from inside, as this would be the purest form you could use).
Honey: Honey is great for acne because it contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. After all, it was used for hundreds of years for wound treatment and skin conditioners. The antibacterial qualities address the pesky bacteria that causes breakouts while the anti-inflammatory properties help reduce unattractive swelling and redness. Make sure you only use raw, organic, and unprocessed honey for acne though. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties are lost when honey has been processed and heated. That means those cute little honey bear jars you see on your grocery shelf need to be avoided. Once you get organic, raw, and unprocessed honey, just cover any problem area with it, let it sit for an hour, and then rinse it off. This is perfect for any sort of acne.
Basil leaves: Who would guess this Italian herb could help with acne? It actually contains antibacterial properties too, along with antiseptic properties for minor bites and stings. Basil is great for stimulating sluggish and congested circulation of skin, which makes it great for fighting acne. To enjoy the healing benefits of basil leaves, all you need to do is make a basil acne tonic. Simply place basil leaves in warm water for 20 minutes. Dip a cotton ball into the tincture and apply to face. This is perfect for any sort of acne.
Lemon juice: Lemons can detox more than just your body -- your skin, too! That's because lemons contain a natural astringent and antibacterial agent that acts as an exfoliant to help remove dead skin cells faster and prevent clogged pores. To experience these healing properties, just dip a cotton swab in lemon juice (be sure to use freshly squeezed) and place on the affected area. Make sure to avoid popping any pimples before doing this, as it will definitely sting. I have heard that lemon juice is also great for treating and reducing acne scars. This remedy is perfect for all forms of acne.
Ice cube: Believe it or not, ice is fantastic at reducing redness, swelling, and inflammation. It also shrinks pores, which can reduce the size of the outbreak. With regular application, ice keeps pores small so there's less chance of them getting clogged (resulting in fewer outbreaks). This also makes skin firmer and smoother. Unfortunately, it's also one of the less pleasant remedies on this list, considering how cold ice is! To try and assuage this unpleasantness, wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth and place on the affected area for a few minutes. This should minimize redness and is perfect for any acne, but specifically pustules/nodules and cysts.
