How To Prevent Pimples And Treat Pimple Marks

Pimples are pesky and have a habit of popping up randomly. Thankfully, there are a few tips and tricks to reduce pimples and prevent them from reoccurring.

The struggle doesn't end just there - pimples mostly leave behind dark marks or spots that can be bothersome.

Read on to know how to prevent pimples and how to treat pimple marks at home using easy DIY methods!

Pimples are tender, swollen bumps on the skin's surface. They are reddish with white or yellow pus at their tips.

Pimples are a type of acne comedones.

[Also Read: The Ultimate Guide You Need To Get Rid Of Acne]

What Causes Pimples?

Pimples can occur due to numerous factors:

• Overactive sebaceous glands
• Oily skin
• Puberty
• Hormone fluctuations during periods or pregnancy
• Heredity and genetics
• Medical conditions and certain medications
• Unhealthy food habits
• Wrong skincare and cosmetic products

How To Reduce Pimples?

1. Keep Your Hands Off

Don't: Don't touch the pimples no matter how tempting the thought of bursting it is. 

Poking and prodding might cause unwanted cuts, scratches and scars. You might also end up pushing the pus and infected material deeper into the skin.

Do: If the pimple is too itchy then wrap an ice cube in a thin cloth and gently hold it over the pimple. 

Ice effectively reduces swelling and cools the area. This will calm the pimple and stop you from touching it.

2. Wash Twice Daily

Don't: Don't let the day's dirt and grime sit on your skin. Don't wash more than necessary because stripping the skin of its required natural oils will have adverse effects. Never scrub pimples or acne.

Do: Wash your face to keep it clean. Wash once in the morning and once at night to cleanse your face of all impurities. 

Use a mild soap or face wash that does not have any artificial fragrance.

3. Right Skincare Products

Don't: Don't use heavy creams and lotions that clog up the skin's pores. Do not use oil-based skincare products on pimple-prone skin. This will make the skin more oily and greasy which is the breeding ground for breakouts.

Do: Always choose products that are labelled as non-comedogenic. Choose water-based skincare products. 

Look out for products containing Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Lactic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide etc.

[Also Read: What Is My Skin Type And It's Preferred Products?]

4. Right Makeup Products

Don't: Do not slather heavy and cakey makeup on pimple-prone skin. Steer clear of makeup products that contain mineral oil, isopropyl, propylene or lanolin.

Do: Choose lightweight foundations, moisturizers and concealers. Select products that are non-comedogenic. 

Non-comedogenic products don't trigger acne breakouts since they don't clog up the skin's pores.

5. Eat Healthy Food

Don't: Don't eat junk and oily food. Avoid consuming excess salt, sugar and processed food. Cut back on dairy products and chocolates. Notice which food triggers your breakouts and stay away from it.

Do: Eat foods that have a low glycemic index. Eat a healthy balanced diet. Include fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins, legumes, whole grains, quinoa, nuts etc in your diet. Take Zinc, Omega 3, Vitamin A and E supplements if necessary (only after consulting the doctor)

6. Drink Lots Of Water

Don't: Don't let your body get dehydrated. Dehydration causes many health issues. Dehydrated skin is dry and flaky.

Do: Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. Water flushes out the harmful toxins accumulated in the body. Water hydrates the skin and keeps it moisturized.

7. Sweat

Don't: Don't let sweat cling to your skin. Sweat clogs up the skin's pores and causes breakouts known as 'sweat pimples'. Don't wear tight-fitting synthetic or nylon clothes.

Do: Shower or wash up as soon as possible after a workout or any other activity that causes sweating. Wipe off sweat before it dries on your skin. Wear loose and breathable cotton fabric.

8. Cleanliness

Don't: Don't let pimple-prone skin come in direct contact with dirty objects. These can cause infections and trigger nasty acne flare-ups. Don't use uncleaned makeup brushes and sponges.

Do: Wipe your cellphone, earphones, eyeglasses, makeup brushes etc with disinfectants to keep them clean. Wash and change your pillowcases and bedsheets every week. Keep your face towels clean too.

9. Hair Care

Don't: Don't use shampoos that are oily, contain sulphates or have strong artificial fragrance. Harsh chemicals in shampoos can cause pimples. Don't let hair gels or sprays come in contact with your face.

Do: Use mild and gentle shampoos. Use a good anti-dandruff shampoo if you have dandruff since they can cause forehead pimples. Wash your hair twice a week if you have oily hair. Keep your hair away from your face.

[Also Read: 10 DIY Recipes For Herb Infused Hair Oils For All Your Hair Problems]

10. Stay Happy

Don't: Don't stress. Too much of stress and anxiety can take a toll on your skin's appearance. Pimples won't go away if you keep obsessing over them. In fact, stressing about pimples can make everything worse.

Do: Indulge in relaxing and de-stressing activities like painting, sewing, art and craft, gardening etc. Exercising, dancing, singing, yoga and meditation are fun, relaxing and calming.

Home Remedies For Pimple Marks

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is anti-inflammatory, has antioxidants and is a medicinal plant. Aloe vera treats marks, spots, blemishes and hydrates the skin making it soft and supple.

Slice an aloe vera leaf, rub the cool gel on your affected area and wash it off after a few hours. Do this regularly to see noticeable results. Aloe vera is suitable for all skin types.

2. Orange Peel Powder

Orange peel powder is abundant in Vitamin C. The citric acid present in it lightens marks and brightens the skin. It also gently exfoliates the skin.

Mix orange peel powder with milk, apply it on your face and wash after 20 minutes. Do this once or twice a day. This paste can be used on all skin types.

3. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is rich in citric acid, vitamin C and antioxidants. It is a natural bleaching agent. It effectively lightens spots and discolouration.

Dilute a few drops of fresh lemon juice with distilled water, apply it on your face and rinse off after 10 minutes. Do this once a day. Do not use lemon juice on dry or sensitive skin.

4. Turmeric

Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and has medicinal properties. Turmeric holds a special place in Indian cuisine and beauty remedies. It is used to even out the skin tone and makes the skin glow.

Mix turmeric powder with yoghurt, apply the smooth paste on your face and wash it off after 30 minutes. Repeat this twice a week. It can be used on all skin types. 

5. Potato Juice

Potato has mild bleaching properties. Potato Juice has high starch content which absorbs excess oils. Potato lightens and improves the skin's complexion.

Take a freshly cut potato slice and rub it on your face using circular motions. Wash your face after 15 minutes. Do this twice daily. Potato juice can be applied to all skin types.

6. Papaya

Papaya's enzyme papain removes discolouration and hyperpigmentation. It clears up blemishes and makes the skin glow. Papaya improves the skin's complexion.

Mash a ripe papaya and apply the pulp on your face. Wash it off after 30 minutes. You can do this every alternate day or twice a week. Papaya works well for all skin types.

7. Tomato

Tomato is rich in antioxidants. It stimulates collagen production, brightens the complexion and has anti-ageing benefits. Tomatoes contain lycopene, vitamin C, K, B2 and potassium.

Blend a ripe tomato and apply the paste on your face and wash it off after it air dries. You can do this one or twice daily. Tomato suits all skin types.

8. Green Tea

Green Tea diminishes the appearance of marks, spots and scars. It reduces inflammation and eliminates microbes. It also tones and hydrates the skin.

Soak a tissue in brewed green tea and spread it on your face. Let it sit for 20 minutes and rinse off. You can do this twice a day. Green tea is good for all skin types. 

9. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar prevents treats acne marks and scars. It also balances the pH level of the skin. It is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial.

Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 2 tablespoons of honey or distilled water. Apply and wash it off after 10 minutes. Do this every alternate day. Don't use this on dry or sensitive skin.

10. Sugar Solution

Sugar is rich in glycolic acid. It rejuvenates the skin and makes it look fresh and youthful. Sugar solution also hydrates the skin.

Mix sugar with water and apply the solution on your face. Wash it off after 15 minutes. You can repeat this every alternate day. This can be used on all skin types.

Disclaimer: Always conduct a patch test before using any home remedy directly on your face. Consult a board-certified dermatologist if your pimples are due to underlying medical issues. 

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