The best way to start the morning is with a strong cup of coffee and an outfit that slays. But even when you have both those bases covered, a zit staring back at you in the mirror can be a total buzzkill. And since we’re so familiar with that feeling, we did some research on how to treat pimples in the comfort of our own home. Here is a list of some of the most effective home remedies and quick fixes we turn to in an acne crisis.

•  How to remove pimples at home

Now that you are familiar with the causes of pimples, here are some natural ways of getting rid of them at home. Do make sure to not overdo these home remedies and always do a patch test before applying any kitchen ingredient on your face.

• Turn to aloe vera and garlic

Aloe vera is an excellent hydrating agent for the skin and combined with the antiseptic and clarifying properties of garlic, can be a good detox mask for curing pimples. Allicin, an active compound found in garlic is anti-bacterial in nature. When combined with the antioxidant properties of aloe vera, they fasten healing and help treat pimples.

How to use: Crush two cloves of peeled garlic to form a paste. Add 1 teaspoon of fresh aloe vera pulp to it and mix thoroughly. Apply the mixture to the affected area, leave it for 20 minutes and wash it off with warm water. Repeat this once a day until the pimple subsides.

•  Go bananas!

After you’ve gobbled down a banana, don’t throw away the peel! We say that because bananas are rich in potassium, vitamins, and minerals; many of which are stored in the peel. It is this nourishing group of nutrients that will help strengthen the barrier of your skin and protect it from damage and breakouts. 

How to use: Cut out a small portion of a ripe banana peel and place the inner white side over your skin. Rub it gently for 10 minutes and wash your face. Repeat this twice a day and within a couple of days, you can say goodbye to pimples!

• Go with cinnamon and honey

If you’re wondering how to reduce pimples at home, turn to the trusted combination of cinnamon and honey. Thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon and anti-bacterial honey, your pimples will soon be non-existent.

How to use: Combine ½ teaspoon of cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of honey to create a thick paste. Apply it all over the affected area and leave it for 30 minutes. Wash it off with warm water and repeat the treatment once a day.

• Ice it away

A surprising yet effective method to get rid of pimples is using ice cubes. The temperature of the ice cube constricts the blood vessels beneath the surface of the skin, which reduces its size.

How to use: Place a single ice cube directly on top of a pimple and keep it there for about 3 minutes. Repeat the method twice a day until your pimple is gone.

 

•  Opt for baking soda

The next time a zit troubles you, remember that baking soda isn’t just for cakes. With its excellent exfoliating powers, baking powers strip away oily residue, balances the pH level of the skin, and eases irritation.

How to use: Gently rub a paste of baking powder and water directly on your pimple and leave it for 10 minutes. Wash it away thoroughly and repeat it every alternate day

•  Use apple cider vinegar

Raw apple cider vinegar has been known to contain acetic, citric, lactic, and succinic acid, all of which are capable of killing acne-causing bacteria on your face. 

How to use: Dilute some raw ACV with water in the concentration of 1:3. Wash your face with a mild cleanser then apply the ACV solution on your pimples with a cotton ball, let sit for 5-10 minutes and wash with cold water. Follow up with a moisturizer and repeat everyday week for best results.  

•  Spot-treat with tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is one of the most popular spot treatments that is used for acne. Combining its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, this essential oil can help reduce the size of acne lesions and cure them in a gentle way. But make sure to check you are not sensitive to the essential oil before applying it to your face. 

How to use: Mix 1-2 drops of tea tree oil with 10-12 drops of jojoba carrier oil. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Spot treat with the diluted oil just on your pimples with a Q-tip. Allow it to dry and follow up with your regular moisturizer. Do this twice a day for the best results.