Most people experience outbreaks of pimples in their lives. These outbreaks can be incredibly frustrating because they take away a lot from people’s good looks and this can leave them feeling insecure and ugly. Pimples mostly affect teenagers out of other age groups. Teenagers are incredibly sensitive to their looks since they are always striving for perfect looks to impress their crush (potential boyfriend or girlfriend).

A lot of skin products have been tried and tested for treating pimples. Natural remedies have been proven to be some of the most effective solutions. Cheap skin bleaching products like for example hydroquinone are dangerous for the skin so people should avoid using them as they increase the risk of sunburn and skin cancer. This article will look at natural remedies which have been tried and tested to get rid of pimples, for example: aloe vera, garlic, honey, avocado, cucumber, turmeric, ice and egg whites.

What are pimples/acne?

Pimples/acne are small bumps with pus on their tips, mainly found on the face. Pimples can also occur on the shoulders, chest, neck and upper side of the back. A buildup of bacteria and an oil called sebum, which helps lubricate the skin causes pimples. The bacteria and sebum build-up inside skin pores until they protrude outwards to form a pimple.

Natural remedies to get rid of pimples

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera
Figure 1: Aloe Vera plant.

Aloe vera has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory attributes, so it is effective in reducing pimples and also preventing them from breaking out. It also acts as a moisturizer to the skin since it has high water content.

 How to use Aloe Vera to treat pimples

Cut the aloe vera plant into half and wipe your face gently with the aloe vera gel.

2. Garlic

Garlic contains substances known as organosulfur compounds which help to fight the bacteria that cause pimples and also reduce inflammation. In addition, the compounds in garlic help in boosting immune response and fighting pimple breakouts.

How to use garlic to treat pimples

Add garlic to food or eat it raw. People should be careful about applying garlic directly to their face because it can cause skin irritation.

Garlic
Figure 2: Garlic.

3. Honey

Honey contains compounds known as antioxidants which help in clearing the excess waste and oil that builds up in pimples. In addition, honey has wound healing and anti-bacterial properties, so it helps in fighting pimples.

Honey
Figure 3: Pure honey

How to use honey to treat pimples

Apply honey to the entire face using the hands or cotton and leave the face mask with honey for about 5 minutes before washing it away with water.

4. Avocado

Avocado
Figure 4: Avocado

Avocados contain oils that have anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing pimples. In addition, avocados also moisturize the skin and this helps in preventing pimples.

How to use avocado to treat pimples

5. Cucumber

Cucumbers contain a lot of Vitamin E which has anti-inflammatory properties. They are therefore effective in reducing and preventing pimples.

How to use cucumbers to treat pimples

Cut cucumbers into thin slices and place them on the entire face for at least 15 minutes before washing the face with warm water.

Cucumbers
Figure 5: Cucumbers

6. Ice

Ice reduces the inflammation on pimples. Consistently massaging the pimples with ice will eventually make them go away.

How to use ice to treat pimples

Put ice cubes in a plastic or paper bag. Then massage the pimples for 5 to 10 minutes. Repeat the process at least twice a day, with intervals of 10 minutes between successive massage.

7. Egg Whites

Egg white
Figure 6: Egg white pimple treatment

Egg whites contain an enzyme called lysozyme, which breaks down bacteria that cause pimples. In addition, egg whites tighten skin pores, which help to prevent the formation of pimples.

How to use egg whites to treat pimples

Apply egg white gently to the entire face using your hands and leave the mask for at least 20 minutes before washing the face. Alternatively, leave the egg white mask overnight and wash it off in the morning.

8. Turmeric

turmeric
Figure 7: Turmeric treatment for pimples

Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory properties, therefore it helps in reducing pimples. In addition, it reduces blemishes caused by pimples.

How to use turmeric to treat pimples

Mix turmeric powder with a small amount of water until you form a paste. Apply the turmeric paste to the entire face and leave it for at least 30 minutes before washing it away with warm water.