A pimple is a type of skin problem. It occurs as a result of plugging of the hair follicles of the skin with oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. [1]
Unfortunately, when this happens, the skin becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Propionibacterium acnes is such a bacteria that can cause irritation and infection. [2]
Hormones, stress, and the type of diet followed can be the reason behind the appearance of acne. You may also develop pimples because of certain medications. [1]
Pimples are not usually a cause for concern. But this skin problem can bring emotional distress and affect self-esteem.
It is an embarrassing case for school-going teenagers, college graduates, and professionals.
That is why you should get rid of pimples as fast as possible.
For a reason, if you don’t, then it can leave dark spots on your face. So, it is imperative for you to get rid of pimples fast with safe and efficient home remedies.
Following is a list of 16 evidence-based home remedies to help you get rid of pimples fast.
All the ingredients are readily available and safe for your skin. But if you are allergic to certain products, you must avoid them and try something that suits you the best.
1. Honey
One of the oldest and most popular remedies for pimples is honey.
It’s a natural substance produced by bees. Honey is a favorite ingredient in cosmetic products. Manufacturers use it to make facial cleansers, conditioners, moisturizers, and acne treatments. [3]
It works great as an anti-acne treatment. Because, it is a proven antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, hydrating, and cleansing agent. [3]
A study found that honey can colonize and trap bacteria that cause pimples and infection on the skin. [4]
The results prove not only its efficacy but also its safety, as it doesn’t have any severe side effects. [4]
You can use honey for a long time without worrying about skin irritation or other side effects.
Honey soothes annoying acne on your skin. It also helps keep it soft and supple.
Honey can draw in moisture from the atmosphere and keep it locked in your skin.
So, honey is without any doubt one of the most reliable remedies to get rid of pimples fast.
How to use honey on pimples:
Use a cotton swab to apply honey on pimples. Wait for 30 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Repeat every day until the acne heals.
Read More: 10 Health Benefits of Honey (Backed by Science)
2. Tea Tree Oil
The surprising health benefits of tea tree oil have recently become well-known worldwide. [5]
In Australia, people have been using it as a remedy for various ailments for the last 100 years. [5]
Besides, tea tree oil can also help get rid of those annoying zits on your face. Because, it has antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. [5, 6]
It disinfects the skin and suppresses the growth of pathogens that cause pimples. Also, tea tree oil controls the swelling of the skin caused by acne.
A study discovered that its anti-acne actions were as active as 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion. [6]
Both reduced the amount of both inflamed and non-inflamed lesions on the skin. [6]
Tea tree oil’s anti-acne actions were a little slower compared to the medication. But, it had fewer side effects, which is why many patients still preferred to use it. [6]
After all, safety is more critical than immediacy.
Tea tree oil is an effective remedy for pimples in mild to moderate cases. [7]
Of the 60 patients suffering from acne, half of them received a tea tree oil gel while the other half got a placebo. [7]
Tea tree oil users got amazing results after the application of treatment every 15 days for 45 days. [7]
Tea tree oil was 3.55 to 5.75 times more effective than the placebo. [7]
How to use tea tree oil:
Add 4 drops of tea tree oil to ½ tsp of almond oil. Dip a cotton ball into the oil mixture. Apply to the affected areas. Wash face with cold water after 20 minutes. Do this regimen daily for up to one month.
Read More: Tea Tree Oil for Skin Tags: 8 Natural Remedies to Try Now!
3. Clove Oil
In 2007, the Mahidol University Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences published a study. It listed 19 essential oils that could inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnes. Clove oil was one of them. [8]
It has potent inhibitory effects on this particular bacterial strain. [8]
They obtained these results using the disc diffusion and agar dilution methods. [8]
Clove’s bactericidal actions are due to the presence of eugenol. [8]
These were also the findings in a study featured in the Archives of Dermatology. [9]
Researchers explain that clove oil works by inhibiting the synthesis of protein. It means the oil can kill the pimple-causing bacteria. [9]
Try this clove oil mixture to get rid of pimples:
Combine 5 drops of clove oil with 1 tsp of almond oil. After washing the face with a mild cleanser, apply the mixture. Wipe it off after 30 minutes. Repeat twice daily for two to three weeks.
Read More: Evening Primrose Oil For Acne: Can Solve Your Problems?
4. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus has become very popular in recent years for its pharmacological properties. [10]
Eucalyptus is one of the most sought-after natural ingredients in cosmetics. Manufacturers now include it in many skincare products. [11]
The oil has strong antibacterial effects against pathogens that cause acne. It’s one of the reasons behind its incorporation in anti-acne formulations. [11]
Eucalyptus oil can also inhibit factors that cause excessive production of sebum. [12]
That’s not all. Eucalyptus also leaves a cooling sensation that seems to help ease swelling.
It can also induce relaxation, and lower stress caused by the appearance of zits on your skin.
how to use eucalyptus oil:
Move your face to a bowl of hot water to let the steam open up the pores. After five minutes, apply a mixture of 1 tsp of olive oil and 5 drops of eucalyptus oil to your face. Rinse with fresh water after five minutes.
Read More: 12 Essential Oils for Acne That You Should Try
5. Aloe Vera
People have been using Aloe Vera for skin healing since ancient times. [13]
For many years, aloe vera has been soothing skin irritations, itching, and injuries. [13]
It is also an excellent skin rejuvenator, slowing down signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines. [13]
On top of all these, aloe vera can also help clear out pimples.
18 patients with acne attended In a clinical trial conducted in 1990. They used polyethylene oxide gel on one side of their faces and aloe vera dressing on the other side. [14]
After five days of treatment, those who used aloe vera have a faster recovery. [14]
The wound healing was 72 hours quicker with the aloe vera application. The reason might be aloe vera’s strong bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties. [14]
Besides, aloe vera can thwart premature aging and make you look younger than your actual age.
How to use aloe vera gel:
Break off the aloe vera leaf. Squeeze out the gel. Dab a small amount of gel on the acne. Wait for 30 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
Read More: Aloe Vera Gel for Acne: 12 Sure-Fire Ways to Cure Acne
6. Cinnamon
As it turns out, cinnamon doesn’t only sweeten up your pastries and hot chocolate, it can also help get rid of pimples.
Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis are the acne-causing bacteria. Cinnamon oil has potent inhibitory effects against those bacteria. [15]
A more recent study conducted by Indian scientists revealed the same positive results. They indicated that cinnamon has the highest activity of acne-causing bacteria. [16]
It was very effective in controlling the growth and spread of bacteria.
Cinnamon’s potent anti-inflammatory agent can tone down swelling caused by pimples. [16]
It doesn’t only reduce the symptoms, but it even gets to the source of the problem to stop it for good.
How to:
Dissolve 1 tsp of cinnamon powder in a cup of water. Use this solution to wash your face. Repeat every day until pimples disappear.
Read More: The Benefits of Honey and Cinnamon for Weight Loss
7. Neem
Researchers have called neem many times “nature’s drug store.” Because it contains more than 60 bioactive chemicals. [17]
It is one of the Indian herbs found to be effective in killing pimple-causing bacteria. [18]
Neem also has bactericidal effects on various pathogens that cause pimples. [16]
It also helps acne sufferers by suppressing inflammation of the skin. [18]
The leaves have soothing effects on the skin. Thus, it can do so much in toning down redness, inflammation, and swelling.
For you to enjoy its multitude of benefits, you have to boil neem leaves in water first.
How to:
Boil a cup of neem leaves in a bowl of water. Remove from heat. Strain the leaves. Let the solution cool. Use this to rinse your face every day for one to two weeks.
Read More: Baking Soda for Acne: 12 Easy Ways You Can Use
8. Lemon
Another useful and safe way to reduce the problem of facial pimples is with the use of lemon.
It has strong inhibitory activities against bacteria that cause zits. [19, 20, 21]
The study showed that it could control Propionibacterium acnes growth and spread by up to 58%. [21]
Lemon juice is even stronger and more effective than conventional cleansers. [21]
It also helps the lemon is rich in vitamin C.
As you know, vitamin C is a potent antioxidant. It can neutralize free radical damage in the skin, and at the same time, make it more resistant to infections.
Since this nutrient can boost the production of collagen, it can speed up healing of the skin lesions. Thus, lemon juice helps to get rid of pimple scars fast as well.
Pour 1 tablespoon of lemon juice into 2 cups of water. Mix well. Use this to rinse your face every after a bath. Repeat the remedy daily for one week.
Read More: Lemon Juice for Acne: 8 Simple Home Remedies
9. Garlic
Many people consider garlic a “wonder drug” [22].
For centuries, it has been treating countless ailments. These include cold, flu, high blood pressure, bronchitis, infections, and gastrointestinal problems [22].
It has a potent chemical called allicin, which functions as a natural antibiotic [22].
This herb also works excellent in combating acne and relieving its symptoms [22].
It is one of the 36 herbal extracts found useful in controlling pathogens that cause pimples [23].
Note that garlic may cause a little bit of stinging sensation when applied to the skin. So you must not use it on the skin without mixing it with water.
How you may use garlic for your pimples:
Crush 2 garlic cloves. Add garlic to a cup of water. Boil water and garlic in a pot. Remove from heat. Let the solution cool. Use this to wash your face once a day for five days.
Read More: 20 Great Ways Of Using Ginger To Fight Your Acne
10. Cucumber
Most people use cucumber to get rid of puffy eyes.
Did you know that this is also a potent remedy for acne?
Cucumber is one of the ingredients used to make a new anti-acne herbal cream [24].
The topical preparation was useful in reducing acne formations. It was also safe and well-tolerated by users [24].
It resolved the problem without drying or irritating the skin [24].
Besides, cucumbers can also help rejuvenate the skin and keep it moisturized [25].
This simple remedy not only gives you clear skin but also makes it look and feel softer.
Try this most natural way to treat your pimples with cucumber:
Put cucumber on the affected areas of your face. Let it sit for 30 minutes. Rinse with cold water after.
Read More: 12 Benefits of Cucumber Water and How to Make It
11. Mangosteen
Did you know that people have hailed mangosteen as the “queen of fruits” [26]?
You can find this tropical plant in Southeast Asian countries. It is full of biological activities and therapeutic applications [26].
Its various parts—peel, rind, fruit, and hull—have been a vital part of folk medicine. It could treat an ulcer, wounds, abdominal cramps, and dysentery, among others [26].
Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent remedy for acne [26].
Many studies have proved the efficacy of its rind and peel in treating pimples and other blemishes [27, 28, 29, 30].
Its mode of action is particularly useful for pimple-causing pathogens [30].
How to use mangosteen for pimple remedy:
Boil several mangosteen peels in a bowl of water. Simmer for 15 minutes. Transfer liquid to a glass bottle with a cap. Use this mixture to wash affected skin three times a day. Rinse with cool water.
Read More: How Apple Cider Vinegar Can Help You Get Rid of Your Acne
12. Calendula
Calendula is an ancient medicinal herb used in Europe, the United States, China, and India [31].
Its flowers may have antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities [31].
All these properties can benefit skin health and relieve issues like pimples.
Study shows calendula flowers are effective and safe in treating acne vulgaris [32].
Another study assessed the efficacy of an anti-acne herbal formulation. It used calendula as the main ingredient [33].
24 men and women with acne participated in this experiment. Most of them experienced quick recovery after using the herbal formulation [33].
Learn how you can use calendula to get rid of pimples:
Bring water to a boil. Add a cup of calendula flowers. Simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from the stove. Strain the solution. Use a cotton pad to apply the mixture to the face. Leave it on for half an hour before rinsing with cold water.
Read More: 12 Impressive Health Benefits of Calendula Oil
13. Papaya
This yummy fruit can help you to get rid of your acne as well. [34]
Papaya is an excellent source of antioxidants and enzymes.
Papaya contains an enzyme named papain which is very beneficial for acne-prone skin. Papain works as an exfoliator that helps your skin get rid of dead skin cells and rejuvenates the skin. Papain also fights off acne and moisturizes your skin.
The vitamins of papaya help to reduce inflammation of the skin and make your skin soft, smooth, and glowy.
Many studies show the efficiency of papaya in treating acne-prone skin. The ‘honey and papaya’ mask for glowing skin is quite famous. [35]
Use papaya juice to cure your pimples:
Crush the papaya pieces to extract the juice and apply it over your pimples. Leave to rest for 15 minutes before washing it off.
Read More: 8 Vitamins for Acne-Prone Skin That You Should Know
14. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is potent, as well as a faster remedy for pimples. [36]
It’s a fermented juice that comes from crushed apples. As the regular apple juice, it’s also full of nutritional values.
Apple cider vinegar contains a satisfying amount of citric acid and acetic acid. These acids are great for eliminating pimples, as well as the scars they leave behind.
A study shows, that ACV is rich in antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic compounds. The components help reduce the appearance of pimples.
It works as a natural astringent and is quite useful as a toner and cleanser.
Treat your pimples with apple cider vinegar:
Mix 1 part of raw, unfiltered ACV with 3 parts of water. Increase the water if you have sensitive skin. Clean your face. Then apply the diluted ACV to your affected areas using a cotton ball. Wait for a few minutes. Rinse off with water. Repeat this process two times a day.
Read More: How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Eczema Relief
15. Baking Soda
A staple in the kitchen that has countless benefits for your health and skin. [37]
It’s a miracle product that can do wonders for your skin, especially if you want to get rid of pimples.
Baking soda is a quick and easy solution to reduce pimples, and irritation because of the issues.
It removes the dead cells and kills the bacteria responsible for any skin infections.
It can dry out the pimples and bring balance to the pH level of your skin.
Try this baking soda paste to heal pimples:
Add some water to baking soda to form a smooth paste. Apply this paste to your pimples with your fingers. Rinse it off after 15 minutes. To get the best result, repeat this process two times every day for three weeks.
Read More: Baking Soda for Constipation Relief: 4 Quick Remedies
16. Toothpaste
Toothpaste is the first thing we run for when the pimples appear.
Toothpaste contains antibacterial agents that can kill the bacteria responsible for acne.
Like baking soda, toothpaste dries out the pimples. Thus, it reduces the possibility of further infections.
How to use toothpaste on your pimples:
Take a generous amount of toothpaste on your finger and apply it to your pimples. Wait till it becomes dry, and then wash off. You should repeat this method 2-3 times per day until your pimples heal.
Read More: 9 Effective Home Remedies for Pimples On Head
When to See a Dermatologist
Home remedies are always the best option for pimples as they don’t have side effects. But they might not work for everyone. If your pimples get severe, you should immediately consult a dermatologist.
You may also develop acne due to some medications. Your doctor might be able to help you in that case.
Bottom Line
Acnes are ugly, and they could be worse if you don’t take any action to get rid of pimples fast. They could lead to severe infections and leave you behind with ugly scars.
But then again, you don’t have to suffer from these pesky pimples for long.
For the best results and to get ailment you can try using home remedies to clear your skin of acne.
These home remedies are the most effective solution to pimples, and they are safe as well!
We hope this article came to your help; if you have any questions or confusion about it feel free to ask us.
Also, don’t forget to share your experience with us by leaving a comment in our comments section below.
Read Next: 20 Home Remedies for Acne & Pimples (Backed By Evidence)
