Pimples – we’ve all had them and we all hate them. And if you’ve ever stared at the mirror wondering what you’re going to do about that huge zit on your face we’ve got a few simple home remedies that can help you deal.

What Are The Causes Of Pimples?

But first let’s understand how pimples develop in the first place. Pimples form when your hair follicles (which are tiny pores in your skin out of which hair grows) become clogged with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. Hormonal factors can cause sebum producing glands which are attached to hair follicles to produce extra oil or sebum. The extra oil then triggers a normally harmless skin bacterium known as Propionibacterium acnes, to become more aggressive and cause the development of pus and inflammation. In short, the four main factors that lead to the development of acne are: excess sebum or oil production, the clogging of hair follicles, bacteria, and inflammation.^[1][Acne].Mayo Clinic. ^[2][Acne].NHS.

Ancient ayurvedic texts refer to acne as ‘yuvan pidika’ because it commonly develops during adolescence (yuva). Because it’s inflammatory in nature and can cause scars it’s also referred to as ‘mukhadushika’. An imbalance in kapha dosha, vata dosha and rakta dhatu (blood) are considered to lead to the development of acne. Lifestyle factors such as excessive sleep, insomnia, excessive consumption of spicy, sweet, or oily food etc. are thought to contribute to the development of pimples. As are psychological factors like stress, anger, and irritation.^[3] Upasani, Sachin Anil, and S. U. Nipanikar. “Review on Yuvanpidika vis-a-vis acne vulgaris.” Int J Pharm Pharm Res 5, no. 3 (2016): 77-94.

Effective Home Remedies For Pimples

Here are a few home remedies that can be helpful in dealing with pimples:

1. Apply Turmeric Paste

The answer to your acne woes might be sitting in your spice box – turmeric. According to research turmeric can regulate the excessive production of sebum. This effect is thought to be due to its ability to inhibit the enzyme 5α-reductase and thereby impact hormones that affect sebum production.^[4]Zaman, S. U., and Naveed Akhtar. “Effect of turmeric (Curcuma longa Zingiberaceae) extract cream on human skin sebum secretion.” Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research 12, no. 5 … Continue readingTurmeric has also been found to inhibit inflammation caused by Propionibacterium acnes which plays a significant role in the development of acne.^[5]Jain, A., and E. Basal. “Inhibition of Propionibacterium acnes-induced mediators of inflammation by Indian herbs.” Phytomedicine 10, no. 1 (2003): 34-38.

How to use:

• Combine turmeric powder with water to make a paste. You can substitute honey for water if you have dry skin.
• Apply this paste to your face and rinse it off once it’s dry.

Precaution:

• Do test all new skin care ingredients on a small patch of skin before applying it to your face to make sure that you do not react adversely to it.

2. Use Manjistha

Manjistha has traditionally been used in ayurveda to treat skin disorders. According to a study, manjistha can inhibit the growth of the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes which contributes to the development of acne. It’s antioxidant property is also beneficial as it can counter oxidative stress which plays a role in the development of acne.^[6]Gorle, Archana M., and Swati S. Patil. “Evaluation of antioxidant and antiacne property of Rubia cordifolia.” Der Pharmacia Sinica 1, no. 3 (2010): 59-63.

How to use:

• Combine the dry root powder of manjistha with honey and apply to your face.
• Rinse it off after 1 to 2 hours.

Precaution:

• Do test all new skin care ingredients on a small patch of skin before applying it to your face to make sure that you do not react adversely to it.

3. Try Neem

Neem is another medicinal plant that has traditionally been used to tackle acne. And this remedy has scientific backing too. One study found that the application of neem paste was effective at dealing with acne in teenagers. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of neem are thought to be responsible for this beneficial effect.^[7]Satralkar, S.; Zagade, T.B. “Effectiveness of Application of Neem Paste on Face Acne among Teenagers in Selected Area of Sangli, Miraj and Kupwad Corporation.” Intern J Sci Res, 2019, 8(6), … Continue reading

How to use:

• Grind neem leaves with a little water and apply the paste to your pimples. You can even add in some turmeric powder to boost this face pack’s anti-acne powers.
• Rinse it off once it’s dry. ^[8]Gamwell, Calvert. 95 Surprisingly Effective Natural Ways to Fight Acne. Human Innovation Labs, 2011.

Precaution:

• Do test all new skin care ingredients on a small patch of skin before applying it to your face to make sure that you do not react adversely to it.

4. Apply Green Tea

Yes, drinking green tea is great for your health. But did you know that using this antioxidant rich brew topically can help you get rid of acne? One study observed that applying a lotion that contained green tea twice a day, reduced pimples by 58.33% in six weeks.^[9]Elsaie, Mohamed L., Mahmoud F. Abdelhamid, Lotfy T. Elsaaiee, and Hanaa M. Emam. “The efficacy of topical 2% green tea lotion in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris.” Journal of drugs in … Continue reading Like turmeric, green tea too has been found to reduce sebum production by inhibiting the enzyme 5α-reductase which impact hormones that affect sebum production.^[10]Mahmood, T., N. Akhtar, and C. Moldovan. “A comparison of the effects of topical green tea and lotus on facial sebum control in healthy humans.” Hippokratia 17, no. 1 (2013): 64.

How to use:

• Steep green tea leaves in hot water. After straining out the leaves you can apply the tea to acne affected areas. Allow the tea to dry on your skin before washing it off.

Precaution:

• Do test all new skin care ingredients on a small patch of skin before applying it to your face to make sure that you do not react adversely to it.

5. Apply Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has traditionally been used by aboriginal Australians to fight skin infections. And according to research it acts against acne promoting bacteria too. Beneficial compounds present in this essential oil such as terpinen-4-ol, α-terpine, and α-pinene are considered to account for its antibacterial property.^[11]Raman, A., U. Weir, and S. F. Bloomfield. “Antimicrobial effects of tea‐tree oil and its major components on Staphylococcus aureus, Staph. epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes.” … Continue reading

How to use:

• Dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil and apply to your pimples – use 16 drops of the essential for 10ml of the carrier oil.
• Argan or rosehip oil can be beneficial as carrier oils if you have dry skin, jojoba oil makes for a great carrier oil if you have oily skin, and grapeseed oil works well for combination skin.
• Allow it to sit for around 30 minutes before rinsing it off.

Precaution:

• Do test all new skin care ingredients on a small patch of skin before applying it to your face to make sure that you do not react adversely to it.

6. Use Arjuna

Arjuna is valued in ayurveda for its many medicinal benefits – it has antioxidant, anti-atherogenic, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties. And yes, it can take care of that humble pimple too. Research indicates that it acts against bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes which can trigger acne.^[12]Vijayalakshmi, A., A. Tripura, and V. Ravichandiran. “Development and evaluation of anti-acne products from Terminalia arjuna bark.” Int J Chem Tech Res 3 (2011): 320-27.

How to use:

• Grind arjuna bark into a paste and add a little honey. This paste can be applied to acne affected areas.
• Rinse it off after 4 to 5 minutes.

Precaution:

• Do test all new skin care ingredients on a small patch of skin before applying it to your face to make sure that you do not react adversely to it.

7. Try Tulsi

Tulsi or holy basil is considered sacred by many communities in India. And it’s widely used in Ayurveda for its many medicinal properties. It’s also a great natural remedy for pimples. The essential oil of tulsi is effective against Propionibacterium acnes bacteria.^[13]Lertsatitthanakorn, P., S. Taweechaisupapong, C. Aromdee, and W. Khunkitti. “In vitro bioactivities of essential oils used for acne control.” International Journal of Aromatherapy 16, no. … Continue reading

How to use:

• Grind some fresh clean tulsi leaves and squeeze out its juice. This juice can be applied to your face to get rid of pimples.
• Allow it to sit for around 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing it off.

Precaution:

• Do test all new skin care ingredients on a small patch of skin before applying it to your face to make sure that you do not react adversely to it.

8. Use Amla Paste

Amla – these tasty sour fruits pack quite an antioxidant punch due to the presence of compounds such as ascorbic acid and gallic acid. And their powerful antioxidant properties can be useful in dealing with acne.^[14]Kanlayavattanakul, M., and N. Lourith. “Therapeutic agents and herbs in topical application for acne treatment.” International journal of cosmetic science 33, no. 4 (2011): 289-297. Research also indicates that amla be beneficial if you have oily skin since it can help reduce sebum.^[15]Timudom, Thanaroat, Chaiyavat Chaiyasut, Bhagavathi Sundaram Sivamaruthi, Pratya Tiampasook, and Duangporn Nacapunchai. “Anti-Sebum Efficacy of Phyllanthus emblica L.(Emblica) Toner on Facial … Continue reading

How to use:

• Grind deseeded amla fruits with a little water to prepare a paste. Alternatively, you can prepare a paste by combining amla powder and water.
• Apply this paste to your face and allow it to sit for around 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing it off.

Precaution:

• Do test all new skin care ingredients on a small patch of skin before applying it to your face to make sure that you do not react adversely to it.

9. Try Chamomile

Chamomile is another natural remedy that can help you beat acne. Research shows that it’s effective against the acne causing bacteria – Propionibacterium acnes.^[16]Zu, Yuangang, Huimin Yu, Lu Liang, Yujie Fu, Thomas Efferth, Xia Liu, and Nan Wu. “Activities of ten essential oils towards Propionibacterium acnes and PC-3, A-549 and MCF-7 cancer … Continue reading It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can be helpful in dealing with pimples.^[17]Gardiner, Paula. “Chamomile (Matricaria recutita, Anthemis nobilis).” Longwood herbal task force (1999): 1-21.

How to use:

• Grind chamomile with water to prepare a paste and apply it to your pimples. Alternatively, steep chamomile in hot water for around 15 minutes to prepare chamomile tea. This tea can then be dabbed on to your pimples to get rid of them. Leave chamomile paste or tea on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing it off.

Precaution:

• Do test all new skin care ingredients on a small patch of skin before applying it to your face to make sure that you do not react adversely to it.

10. Try Cinnamon And Honey

Here’s another remedy for pimples that can be found on your kitchen shelf – cinnamon and honey. Both these sweet ingredients work against acne causing bacteria on their own. And one study found that they’re more potent as a combo.^[18]Julianti, Elin, Kasturi K. Rajah, and Irda Fidrianny. “Antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract of cinnamon bark, honey, and their combination effects against acne-causing bacteria.” … Continue reading Research also shows that cinnamon has beneficial anti-inflammatory properties.^[19]Han, Xuesheng, and Tory L. Parker. “Antiinflammatory activity of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) bark essential oil in a human skin disease model.” Phytotherapy Research 31, no. 7 … Continue reading

How to use:

• Combine 2 to 3 teaspoons of honey with a tablespoon of cinnamon to form a smooth paste.
• Apply this paste on your pimples and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off.

Precaution:

• Do test all new skin care ingredients on a small patch of skin before applying it to your face to make sure that you do not react adversely to it.

General Tips For Dealing With Pimples

Here are a few general skin care tips to keep in mind while dealing with pimples:

• Don’t scrub your skin too roughly or wash acne affected areas more than twice daily. Frequent or harsh washing can irritate your skin and worsen acne.
• Use a mild soap and lukewarm water to clean your skin. Using extremely cold or hot water can worsen acne.
• Don’t squeeze pimples. This can worsen the problem and even lead to scars.
• Use water based skin care products and cosmetics. Products which are less likely to block your skin pores will be labeled “non-comedogenic”.
• Try to keep your hair off your face, and wash hair regularly. ^[20][Acne].NHS.