Acne is a troublesome skin condition for millions of teens as well as some adults in their 20s or even 30s. An outbreak of acne before a big event like the school prom, a long awaited date, or even a wedding day, can cause the acne sufferer additional stress or emotional upheaval. Because stress is one of the top causes of acne outbreaks, it's a vicious cycle that can continue for weeks, months and in some cases, years. And when you're dealing with an outbreak, finding a way to get rid of acne fast seems far more important than finding ways to prevent acne down the road. Here are a few techniques and treatments to help reduce the symptoms and signs of acne quickly:
Tea Tree Oil - It's an all-natural essential oil that comes from the Tea Tree ( Melaleuca alternifolia ) that grows along the coast of New South Wales in Australia. It's pale yellow in color and has a camphorous odor which for some can be a bit strong. However, the medicinal properties far outweigh its strong odor. When applied topically, tea tree oil acts as an antibacterial agent with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. That's good news for acne sufferers who are looking for a fast way to reduce swelling, reduce infection and reduce the redness associated with an acne outbreak. Use a cotton swab or cotton ball to dab tea tree oil directly onto pimples at night, and by morning you should see a noticeable difference in your condition. Repeating this process 1-2 times per day for 2-3 days to significantly improve any visible acne outbreaks.
Benzoyl Peroxide - Over-the-counter acne treatments that contain benzoyl peroxide can be very helpful for getting rid of acne fast, as it breaks up dead cells and removes oil that clogs your pores. Benzoyl peroxide comes in cleansing bars, lotions, creams and gels, and is available at a variety of retail locations that carry health and beauty products. Common product names include ZapZyt, Acne-Clear, Ben-Aqua and Clean & Clear.
Toothpaste - Some say it's a folk remedy, others say it's an inexpensive way to quickly dry up pimples. For many however, toothpaste has been used for generations as a way to get rid of acne fast, by dabbing it on at night before bedtime. In the morning when you wake, you may notice reduced swelling and irritation, as toothpaste is known for it's ability to draw out painful pimples that are deep below the skin.
Cold Compress - An ice pack or cold compress can remove some of the symptoms of acne quickly including swelling and redness. You can use a sealable storage bag with crushed ice, a refrigerated gel mask or even a bag of frozen vegetables to apply a soothing cold compress to the affected area.
For most people with mild to moderate acne, these techniques and treatments (along with keeping your skin clean and eating a healthy diet) will help to keep your skin as acne-free as possible. For those that suffer from acute acne, stronger oral or topical medications may be prescribed by your physician.
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