Having phrases like “long-term” and “skin condition” in the same sentence is disturbing. But unfortunately, these are the two keywords associated with acne. Most people who have battled acne for a long with little or no progress usually refer to it as a nightmare. And this nightmare leaves visible features for all to see. Some apparent features of acne-infested skin include blackheads, pimples, oily skin, scarring, and whiteheads. Acne harms the patient’s good looks more than the acknowledged impact. Sometimes, it also influences the personality, possibly triggering reduced self-esteem, timidity, and, in some cases, anxiety.
What is an Acne Bump?
Acne, scientifically called Acne vulgaris, arises from the blockage of skin pores due to a combination of dead skin cells and oil. The face, back, and upper chest regions, which contain a higher concentration of oil glands, are the primary areas this skin condition affects. (1).
Causes of Acne
Anyone may be affected by acne as the human skin has oily glands, and the skin cells are bound to weaken and be renewed naturally. However, the following factors may trigger the further appearance of acne bumps on the skin.
1. Genetics: Described as a significant factor (about 80% of the cases) in provoking acne.
2. Excessive smoking of cigarettes.
3. Poor hygiene.
4. Poor diet and feeding habits.
5. The excessive growth of Cutibacterium acnes (bacteria naturally present in healthy adolescents and adults).
6. Excessive sebum production (a fatty acid unique to the human skin).
10 Easy and Effective Ways To Get Rid Of Acne Bumps
Some accessible practices may significantly rid your face of acne bumps and give you a smooth skin appearance. Here are ten easy and effective practices to get rid of acne bumps.
1. Leave the Acne Bumps Alone
This is the golden rule of getting rid of acne bumps. However, you may have to resist the urge to use your fingers to eliminate acne bumps. This touching and pressing may yield a few hours of immediate satisfaction but leaves you with a more significant long-term disadvantage. When you pierce an acne bump with your fingers, the sebum may flow out and infect other skin parts. Dirt in the fingers may also lead to further infections.
2. Always Keep Your Face Clean
This is a healthy routine that should be followed meticulously. To shed dead skin cells and soothe inflammation, it is advised that you use a face wash that contains salicylic acid (an acid with high exfoliating properties that help to keep the pores clean) (2). You may also include a routine exercise to get rid of oil in the skin in this context.
Also, Read – Vitamin E Face Packs- Say Goodbye To Aging, Acne Scars & Stretch Marks
3. Avoid High Glycemic Load Diets
The Glycemic Index gauges how rapidly a particular food raises your blood sugar. Consuming foods with a high glycemic index may elevate blood sugar to unhealthy levels, potentially leading to increased sebum production in the skin. High glycemic foods include white bread, cake, sugary cereals, and soft drinks. Choose alternatives like legumes, nuts, vegetables, and fruits with lower glycemic index levels for a healthier impact on blood sugar and skin health.
4. Treat with Tea Tree Oil
A blend of tea tree oil and drops of coconut oil has adequate antibacterial content to rid the skin of acne. Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia (a tea tree native to Australia). It is a very potent cure for acne.
Directions for Use
- Mix a drop of undiluted tea tree oil with four drops of coconut oil or nine drops of water.
- Use a cotton swab to apply the mixture to the affected areas of your skin.
- Leave to dry, then rinse off after 10-15 minutes.
- You may repeat the process twice daily.
5. Apply Lemon Juice and Aloe Vera Mask
Consider rubbing a lemon fruit slice on your face to combat bump-causing bacteria. Combining it with aloe vera gel can enhance the efficacy of lemon juice in treating acne. Aloe vera gel is known for its healing properties, addressing abrasions, burns, rashes, and various skin conditions. With sulfur and salicylic acid, both recognized acne treatments, aloe vera becomes a valuable component. Creating a mask with lemon juice and aloe vera eliminates excess sebum, combats acne-causing bacteria, and soothes skin inflammation.
Directions for Use
- Use a spoon to scoop the aloe vera gel from the plant.
- Mix four teaspoons of the gel with two teaspoons of lemon juice.
- Apply the mixture to your clean skin using a cotton ball.
- Repeat the process twice daily.
6. Treat with Neem Leaves
The bark, seed, root, flower, and leaves of the neem plant (a medicinal tree native to India) are highly potent. In addition, the neem plant has antibacterial and blood-purifying properties, and research has proven that the leaves are a powerful acne treatment (3).
Directions for Use
- Blend fresh neem leaves to get a green paste. If you can’t find the leaves, use neem powder purchased from a reliable source.
- If you are using neem powder, mix four teaspoons of it with three teaspoons of water to make a paste.
- Use a cotton swab to apply the paste to the parts of your skin with acne bumps.
- Rinse it off with cold water after 15-20 minutes
7. Treat with Sandalwood Paste
The East Indian endemic sandalwood tree is arguably one of the most valuable trees, with a unique yellow color and intense aroma. Sandalwood paste is a proven cure for acne and functions primarily by drying the bumps out while soothing the skin.
Directions for Use
- Mix one teaspoon of sandalwood powder with one teaspoon of water to make a paste.
- Use a cotton ball to apply the paste to your skin.
- Rinse it off with cold water after 15-20 minutes.
8. Apply Aspirin Topically
Aspirin is readily available and may be purchased over the counter at local pharmacy stores.
Directions for Use
- Crush aspirin into a fine powder and add a few drops of water to make a fine paste.
- Apply the paste to your skin with a cotton ball (advisably, after bathing at night).
- Leave it on till the following day, then rinse it with warm water.
- Repeat this process for 2-4 days, and the bump will fall off.
9. Benzoyl Peroxide Treatment
This is a chemical compound abbreviated as (BZO)2. When used in acne treatment, it reduces excessive skin sebum production. It also readily dries up the acne bumps and helps the skin to peel off dead cells. (BZO)Two ointments with 2.5% concentration are ideal for use and offer long-lasting results in acne treatment. You may find this ointment in local pharmacy stores; however, you are advised to consult your dermatologist before use (4).
10. Regular Exfoliation
Exfoliation is the removal of the top layer of dead skin cells. Regular exfoliation of the skin will remove the dead cells that clog pores. Acne may not have a conducive environment to grow when this is achieved. Skin exfoliation can be done using dermatologically approved chemicals, mechanical tools (body brushes, exfoliating brushes, towels, scrubs), and face masks. The face masks may include fruit salad masks, rice flour and green tea masks, yogurt and sugar masks, milk, oatmeal masks, etc.
It’s important to note that mechanical exfoliation should be carried out carefully as it may further irritate the skin (5).
Also Read – Can Avocado Oil Cure Acne? What New Evidence Suggests
Tips to Improve Overall Skin Appearance
To keep the skin healthy, there’s the need to always take proper care of the skin by embracing practices that enhance skin health and avoid adversely affecting it.
1. Improve Your Eating Habit
The benefits of feeding the body rights are innumerable, and the problems of not providing rights are just as countless. Eating adequate portions of fruits and vegetables, eating healthy meals, and drinking enough water are vital activities that should be implemented daily. These activities may keep skin hydrated and improve skin appearance.
2. Reduce Sun Exposure
Always protect your skin from blistering sun rays to the best of your effort. Excessive sun exposure may trigger age spots & wrinkles and increase the risk of almost every skin condition. In addition, you can protect your skin by avoiding direct sun exposure, wearing protective clothing like hats, and using sunglasses to protect the eyes.
3. Treat Your Skin Kindly
Some seemingly cool activities infused into your daily routine, which you carry out in the bathroom or dressing room, maybe unhealthy to the skin. For example, activities such as constantly bathing with hot water, carelessly shaving body hair off the skin, using random soaps, etc., may adversely affect the skin. A safer practice will be using warm water instead of scorching water, less use of medicated soap, proper skin lubrication before shaving, and constant moisturization.
4. Reduce Smoking Habit
The urge to puff smoke in and out may not be easy to overcome; however, a drastic reduction may improve your skin appearance. Smoking decreases blood flow to the skin by narrowing the blood vessels in the epidermis. This, in turn, makes the skin pale and very vulnerable to skin conditions.
Also Read – Hydrating Avocado Hair Masks
5. Reduce Stress and Have Adequate Sleep
You should get at least 6-8 hours of sleep daily. Getting enough rest will keep your mind and body fit and give your skin immunity for acne and other skin problems (6).
Summary
Regardless of age or skin color, having facial acne bumps is undesirable, but the good news is that they can be eliminated, regardless of their duration. Lifestyle factors, like excessive smoking, poor eating habits, and inadequate hygiene, can contribute to acne breakouts. Effective solutions include using lemon, aloe vera, sandalwood paste, neem leaves, etc. However, the golden rule is to resist the urge to touch acne-infested skin areas and leave the acne bumps undisturbed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I get rid of acne bumps overnight?
Getting rid of bumps is a gradual process that may take weeks. However, some remedies that yield fast results include the topical application of tea tree oil, aloe vera, crushed aspirin, and honey.
Does toothpaste work on acne?
Although this speculation is widespread, it is wrong. Do not use toothpaste to treat acne bumps. While it is true that some ingredients found in toothpaste can shrink acne bumps, applying ‘toothpaste to the skin may trigger further intense reactions.
What are the foods to avoid while treating acne?
Some foods may help regulate your skin’s sebum production, while others may increase its production and jeopardize your efforts to eliminate acne. Fish, fruits, and vegetables are good for treating acne, while fatty foods and dairy products should be avoided.
References –
- “Slideshow: Acne Visual Dictionary” – webmd.com
- “Can Salicylic Acid Help Treat Acne?” – healthline.com
- “Therapeutics Role of Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Their Active Constituents in Diseases Prevention and Treatment” – ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- “13 Powerful Home Remedies for Acne” – healthline.com
- “HOW TO SAFELY EXFOLIATE AT HOME” – aad.org
- “Skincare: 5 tips for healthy skin” – mayoclinic.org
