Homemade Beauty Tips for Pimples

Pimples, blemishes, zits… whatever you want to call them, are a highly inconvenient (and sometimes embarrassing) reality that most of us will encounter at some point in our youth.  For the lucky of us, it’ll taper off and never be an issue after those teenage years, but I have found that many of us are not as fortunate.  

I wasn’t particularly troubled with horrible acne in my teenage years, but I certainly wasn’t exempt from monthly break-outs.  As I hit my twenties, I assumed I would become permanently blemish-free, and was sorely disappointed to discover that was simply not the case.  I think I actually had more break-outs in my twenties than I did in my teens. 

I have finally figured out how to manage my skin, so I seldom get pimples anymore.  If anything, I will get one small pimple every month or so, but it has vastly improved over the past few years.  Here are some of the things I have done that have dramatically improved the quality of my facial skin, and reduced the number of pimples I have gotten. 

Get Adequate Nutrition

Certain foods may make acne worse, and a lack of proper nutrition can aggravate the problem further. This isn’t rocket science, but your skin is a good reflection of what’s going on inside your body. If you are fueling your body with processed foods, junk and sodas, your body is not going to function at optimal levels.  It will also likely leave your skin looking less than glorious.  

Low levels of certain vitamins and minerals will also play into how often acne pops up.  Specifically, low levels of vitamin C and E, carotenoids and zinc may increase occurrences of acne (source).  Interestingly enough, in some cultures, acne is virtually non-existent (source).  Although genetics can play some role in it, it appears that environmental factors (including diet) are a contributing factor for the lack of acne. These cultures where acne is not an issue generally eat healthy, traditional diets which are rich in whole foods from natural sources (think fruit, seafood, vegetables, nuts, fermented foods, minimal dairy and non-wheat grains).  What they don’t eat is processed foods. 

I personally saw a huge improvement in my skin quality when I started preparing and eating primarily homemade foods and when I incorporated more fruits and vegetables into my diet.  I also started taking a vegan, raw, plant-based multivitamin.  

I also believe that it is crucial to get your daily amount of water (you can find out how much you need by taking this handy quiz), both for optimal function of your body, and also to keep your skin looking great. 

There is no underestimating how far nutrition and a healthy diet will go in keeping your skin looking healthy.  If you’ve heard the term “Garbage In, Garbage Out”, this also applies to our bodies.  Fuel your body with nutritious food and enough water, and your body will reflect that you are taking care of it. 

But sometimes, inevitably, those pimples will creep up.  So what then? 

Here are some homemade beauty tips that you can do at home, which may help alleviate pimples, when they pop up.  These homemade beauty tips for pimples work to combat different causes of pimples, so try them out, and find which method works the best for your skin type!

Homemade Beauty Tips for Pimples

• Baking Soda – mix 1 tsp of baking soda with enough water to make a thick paste.  Apply paste onto affected areas, and allow to sit for 1 – 2 minutes, then wash your face with warm water. (Note: don’t leave baking soda on your skin for more than a couple minutes, as it can be drying and cause irritation). 
• Honey – Drizzle a little honey (raw and local is best) onto a q-tip, and apply to affected area.  Leave on the skin for half an hour, and then wash well with warm water. 
• Ice or an Ice Pack- This may help improve blood circulation and tighten pores, while reducing the oil and dirt on the skin.  Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 15 – 30 seconds, wait a few minutes, and repeat. 
• Tea Tree Oil – This is my go-to oil for most skin ailments, since it has antibacterial properties (which is often a contributing factor to pimples).  Place a few drops of tea tree oil on a cotton ball, and dab it onto the blemish.  You can also make your own blend of oil face wash and add tea tree oil to the mixture, to use it as an overall face treatment. (Note: Tea tree oil is one of the only times I will use essential oils undiluted on the skin.  If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, use a 2% dilution of tea tree oil in a carrier oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil, and apply to affected area). 
• Lemon – Lemons may help dry up blemishes, to help them dissipate more quickly.  Slice a lemon, and rub a q-tip over the exposed juice.  Apply lemon juice soaked q-tip to skin, and leave over night (Note: citrus fruits can make your skin extra sensitive to sunlight, so this is best done at night, and washed off before you are exposed to sunlight). 
• Garlic – Take a garlic clove, and cut it in half to get the juices exposed.  Rub the garlic clove onto affected areas, then leave for 5 minutes.  Rinse with warm water. 
• Chamomile & Peppermint Tea – Mix together a solution of chamomile and peppermint tea, and allow to cool.  Rub tea onto face, and allow to sit for 30 minutes.  Rinse with warm water.   
• Yogurt – Yogurt is a natural astringent and full of good bacteria that may help restore the natural pH balance of your skin. To use to treat pimples: spread plain, non-flavored yogurt onto the skin, and allow to sit for 15 minutes.  Rinse with warm water. 

Finding a Good Face Wash

I do not like commercial face washes.  I have never had a good experience with one.  They dry out my skin, and generally make my skin look worse.  I have even purchased organic face washes, but they are no better (in my opinion) for my skin.  I have decided that natural is the way to go.  

I have a few favorite homemade face washes I rotate.  Try them out.  Let me know what works for you! 

• Homemade Makeup Remover Wipes – cleansing, moisturizing, and convenient.  Wash your face from the comfort of your couch! 
• Homemade Face Wash Recipes – here are 5 various homemade face wash recipes that work with different skin types.  
• Oil Cleansing Method – This is my good ol’ standby.  It’s simple, it’s effective, and it does great things for my skin.  I love this face wash. 

I hope these homemade beauty tips for pimples can help alleviate any problems you may have!  These are all homemade, community-tried methods, and are generally safe to try at home.  But, keep in mind that I am not a qualified medical professional, and this is not to be considered medical advice.  If you have a serious skin issue or any questions, please consult a qualified medical professional or dermatologist. 

What homemade beauty tips for pimples do you have to share?  What works for your skin?  We would love to hear from you in the comments!