How to prevent and remove acne

Try Baking Soda.—When you think baking soda, you probably think of keeping your refrigerator fresh. Baking soda, in fact, does much more. For acne, mix baking soda and water in equal parts. Use them to make a paste you can apply to your face. Don’t put it all over your face. You’ll only want to put it on each individual acne spot. It’s usually easier to use a Q-Tip and dab it on. Leave it on your face until it dries. This usually takes around 10 minutes. Wash it off in water that is very cold. This helps close pores. Generally, doing this twice each day can give results. ^[1]

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   Wash your face twice daily. The first step to getting clear skin is to set up a regimented cleansing routine. Buckle down and force yourself to wash your face when you wake up in the morning and before going to bed at night. As tired or busy as you may be, taking the extra few minutes to prep your skin will reduce your acne significantly.
   • Wash your face for at least one minute straight. It takes at least this long for all the pimple-causing bacteria to be killed.
   • If you have acne on other parts of your body such as your shoulders, back, and chest, give these areas a scrubbing twice daily as well.
   • If you wear makeup, never go to bed without washing it all off. Sleeping with makeup on is a surefire way to increase your pimple-count and make getting rid of your acne even more difficult. Use an oil-free makeup remover prior to washing with your regular cleanser to make sure all traces have been removed.
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   Use products with benzoyl peroxide. You can use benzoyl peroxide in the form of either a soap or lotion over your acne-prone areas. This product works to clean off dead skin and help your skin to regenerate new, clean cells faster. Look for products that contain 3% or less of benzoyl peroxide to avoid irritating your skin.
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   Try products with salicylic acid. This acid, similar to benzoyl peroxide, works to slough (to get rid of) off dead skin cells and encourage new skin growth. As a result, you may experience dry skin and scaliness around your acne, but this will dissipate over time as your skin begins to regenerate faster. Use this in a cleanser or spot treatment daily on the acne-affected areas of your skin.^[2]
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   Use sulfur-containing cleansers. Although we don’t know exactly why sulfur works as a great acne-killer, we do know that it does work. Look for products that contain sulfur to clear up your acne, seemingly by reducing oil production.
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   Use a retinoid. Retinoid cleansers contain ultra-high levels of vitamin A, which help to clean out clogged pores and dissolve away grime. You can purchase over-the-counter retinoid products or get a prescription for one from your doctor.
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   Find products containing azelaic acid. Azelaic acid is an antibacterial that also helps to reduce redness and inflammation and is found naturally in wheat and barley. If your acne tends to leave dark marks on your skin, try a product that uses azelaic acid to clean your pores and reduce acne-produced dark spots.^[3]
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   Use a spot treatment. Spot treatments are specialized products that you apply only to your acne spots rather than over the entirety of your face. Buy a spot treatment from your local drugstore or create your own using products you likely already have in your home.
   • Make a paste of baking soda and water and dab it onto your pimples. Do this nightly before bed and rinse off in the morning to clean out bacteria and scrub away dead skin.
   • Aspirin tablets that are ground up can be mixed with water and then put on your zits to reduce redness and swelling.
   • In a pinch, try using a dab of whitening toothpaste to dry out your pimple and reduce redness.
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   Use a face mask. Face masks contain compounds that soothe your skin and kill bacteria. Using a face mask 2-3 times a week for 15-20 minutes to dry out your skin and clean out your pores. Buy face masks from your local beauty supply or drugstore, or make your own at home.
   • Use a “mask” of olive oil rubbed on your face. Give your skin a copious coating and allow it to set for 15 minutes. Then rinse off with warm water, making sure to remove all traces of the oil.
   • Create a blend of cucumbers and oatmeal. The cucumbers help to reduce redness and fight off dark spots while the oatmeal soften and soothes irritated skin. Blend the two together in a food processor until it forms a paste, and then apply it to your skin for 15-20 minutes before washing off with warm water.
   • Rub a light layer of honey into your skin, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
   • Try using egg whites to clean out and close up large pores. Separate the yolks out of one or two eggs, beat the whites a bit, and apply to your face. You should feel your pores tighten up as it dries; let it set until completely dry. Rinse off the egg whites with warm water.
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   Apply essential oils to active pimples. Some essential oils are thought to have antimicrobial properties that can kill acne-causing bacteria. Dab a drop on each spot, or wet a cotton swab and wipe it over problem areas. Some popular options include lavender, rosemary, thyme, and sandalwood.^[4]
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    Exfoliate your face. Exfoliates are mild scrubbing products that work to slough (to get rid of) off dead skin cells that build up and cause acne. Buy a mild exfoliate at your local drugstore or make your own at home using household ingredients.
    • Make a paste of baking soda and water (similar to the spot treatment) and gently rub it in a circular motion around your face. This will kill bacteria and remove dead skin cells simultaneously.
    • If you have sensitive skin, consider using oatmeal as an exfoliate. Mix oatmeal with honey and rub it onto your face for 2-3 minutes, and gently rinse away the residue with warm water.
    • For very dry skin, use coffee grounds mixed with your regular facial cleanser. Using coarser grounds will give a more abrasive exfoliate, while a fine grind will be more gentle for sensitive skin.^[5]
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    Try tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is an antibacterial agent that can help clear out the microbes clogging your skin. Apply the oil to a cotton swab, and gently touch the swab to any pimples. Avoid using too much tea tree oil — it'll burn your skin, and just make the redness worse.^[6]
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    Use a toner after cleansing. After you wash your face, exfoliate, or apply a face mask, apply a toner to the entirety of your face. Toners work to tighten pores making it less likely that dirt and oil will become trapped in them. Buy acne toners at a local drugstore, or use witch hazel or apple cider vinegar dabbed on with a cotton ball. Don’t rinse toners after application - allow them to stay on your skin.