Got a study date with Mr. crush or a high school dance to attend this weekend and the zits are playing spoilsport? Ugh! as if life did not have enough problems already!
Or have you matured way past your teenage life and yet one fine morning you find yourself standing in front of the mirror with a single villainous zit adorning your forehead just before your best friend’s engagement?
Worry not! With a little care and the right usage of some natural products, you can get rid of the zits in just two days and reduce the effect in 5 hours. But before getting on with that, first know a bit about what is a zit actually.
Popularly known as pimples, zits occur mainly around puberty due to hormonal production changes. It looks like a small pustule in red color. When the sebaceous glands under the skin of the face or chest become overactive and secretes a lot of oil, they become clogged with pollutants, sebum and dead skin creating papules filled with pus. This occurs due to the excessive growth of the bacteria on the skin layer.
Now, let’s get to the point where we discuss about how to get rid of these!
1. Don’t Touch Treatment
First of all, some basic reminders. Never, I repeat never touch or pick at your pimple. It does not do any good and will just act as an irritant to the inflammation. Also, get enough sleep so as to relax your skin.
If you have an acne problem, go light with your make-up. And very importantly, do not forget to use a good cleanser to remove the make-up before going to sleep. Also, exfoliate your skin.
2. Compresses
(a). Using ice cube on your pimple works like magic to reduce the inflammation and swelling. Take an ice cube or some crushed ice on a cotton swab and hold it on the affected area for few minutes. Repeat the process. It helps in removing the dirt and oil present inside your skin.
(b). Using a warm compress also works wonders. A warm compress or steam will open up your skin pores to let out the dirt, bacteria and oil accumulated inside and also let your skin breathe. After using the warm compress or steam, remember to apply a moisturizer which is oil-free.
3. Aspirin Effect
Applying crushed aspirin will soothe your zit as aspirin is a drug derived from salicylic acid which reduces pore size of the skin. Powder the aspirin and add some water to it to make a paste. Apply it to the affected area and keep for maximum fifteen minutes. Then, wash it off. Aspirin will dry your skin so using an oil-free moisturizer is advised.
4. Oil Therapy
It may sound weird because the occurrence of pimples and zits are mainly due to the presence of excessive oils, but some oils like (mainly) tea tree oil, coconut oil, apricot seed oil, lavender essential oil and castor oil do help in getting rid of zits. Take a few drops of any of these oils and add water to dilute it. Now, apply this diluted oil to your face with a cotton swab twice a day. But remember, overusing any such oils can worsen the condition.
5. Organic Treatment
Some natural homemade remedies like applying aloe vera gel or a paste of neem leaves help too as they have medicinal and antibacterial properties. You can also make a paste cinnamon powder and honey which is a natural antibiotic and apply it on the zit and let it rest for ten to fifteen minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water.
Also, it is important to slightly alter your food habits by adding omega-3 foods to your diet and reducing sugar intake. Drink lots of water. Follow either of these methods and keep your fingers crossed, be assured that your zit will be gone before you know it!
