Pimples-the mere thought about them fills up a teenager (and an adult) with dread. It is no laughing matter since those who suffer from this skin condition know how terrible it can be for their self esteem. Pimples are often difficult to treat and most dermatologists recommend a dose of topical and oral antibiotics which only provide symptomatic relief and do nothing to eliminate their root cause. But despair not: there is hope. In this guide we will study some easy natural ways to get rid of pimples overnight. Not only are these remedies completely safe, you need not even go further than your kitchen in order to access them. These easy ways to get rid of pimples overnight will save you money and also ensure the clearer complexion you have been dreaming of.
But first, let us discuss some basics about pimples.
What is a pimple? How do pimples occur?
Pimples affect men and women, adults and teenagers. They are mainly caused due to the male hormones that stimulate the skin cells to produce keratin which causes an enlargement of the sebaceous glands that go into an overdrive and produce oil or sebum. When this sebum hardens and mixes up with dirt, pollutants, cosmetics or makeup products, the result is inflammation of the hair follicle that further clogs up pores and results in pus filled pimples.
A number of factors are responsible for pimple formation:
- Improper diet– Your diet plays a crucial role in pimples. If you eat too much of refined food made with sugar, refined grains, as well as oily and deep fried foods, then your chances of developing pimples go up significantly. Also, there is some evidence that allergens like soy, dairy, wheat etc can also cause pimples.
- Hormones– The main reason why teenagers suffer from acne at puberty is because of the fact that hormones get out of control during this age. It is also the reason why women suffer from acne during or after pregnancy and at the onset of menopause. Certain hormone based drugs especially oral contraceptive pills can also lead to pimples.
- Stress– Stress plays a huge role in acne vulgaris. People with higher stress levels show an increased production of stress hormone called cortisol which, in turn, impacts other hormones that cause acne.
- Cosmetics– Women who sleep with their makeup on, or use unclean makeup brushes for applying makeup products could unknowingly invite acne. Many heavy oil based products clog the skin’s pores leading to inflammation and subsequent acne.
We will now study some of the best natural remedies to get rid of pimples overnight.
25 Natural remedies to get rid of pimples overnight
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is nature’s gift to man as it can heal, soothe, protect and nourish the body. The specific compounds in Aloe Vera provide antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to the skin which prevents acne formation.
Directions: Cut out an aloe leaf and extract the gel. You can use a blender to make the gel smooth. Apply the gel day and night on the face to dry out existing blemishes, prevent new breakouts and also moisturize, heal and nourish the skin.
2. Apple cider vinegar
Drinking organic apple cider vinegar is one of the best natural ways to get rid of pimples fast. Apple cider vinegar balances the ph of the skin to prevent inflammation which forms pimples and zits.
Directions: Drink a tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar with some orange juice or warm water on an empty stomach, before breakfast. Not only does this remedy cure constipation, it reduces toxins in the body and prevents further breakouts. You can also apply apple cider vinegar on the pimples and let it dry naturally. This will shrink the size of your pimples and reduce acne scars.
3. Honey and cinnamon
Honey contains antibacterial properties that heal and soothe pimple prone skin. Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants that clear up blemishes and reduce active pimples.
Directions: Apply a mixture of honey and cinnamon on the pimples. Leave the paste on overnight. This will reduce scarring and dry up existing pimples.
4. Garlic
Garlic is naturally antimicrobial and antiseptic. It can kill the bacteria that cause acne and also stimulate inherent healing capacity of the skin.
Directions: Crush a couple of cloves of garlic. Apply the juice to the acne-both active and dried pimples. Leave it on overnight. This will lighten the skin tone and reduce pimple scars quickly.
5. Nutmeg and milk
Like cinnamon, nutmeg also has antioxidant properties that can fight acne and related blemishes.
Directions: Mix nutmeg powder with fresh cold milk to make a thick paste. Apply this all over the pimples. Let it dry and leave it on overnight or for 3-4 hours. Wash off with cold water. The zits will vanish quickly and your skin will be softer and glowing.
6. Turmeric
The curcumin in turmeric has anti-cancer properties and the antioxidants in this yellow root also fight coughs, colds, and pimples. Regular use of turmeric powder, internally and externally, can strengthen immunity and also fight pimples and blemishes.
Directions: Drink a glass of warm milk with turmeric daily before bedtime. Also, make a paste of turmeric with a little honey or milk. Apply this all over the pimples and see them disappear! Be careful when using turmeric as it can stain your clothing.
7. Olive oil
Olive oil is one of the best natural remedies to get rid of acne fast. Not only can you use this remedy for the pimples on your face; but also for butt acne, acne on the back etc.
Directions: You can use olive oil in numerous ways. You could make a scrub with olive oil and brown sugar; use it in circular motion all over the face. Rinse with warm water and wash off with a mild cleanser. This scrub helps exfoliate your skin and unclog pores. You can also use olive oil on pimples as a moisturizer. Simply massage the oil on the face and leave it on for a few hours. Olive oil is light and readily absorbed by the skin but it won’t clog your pores.
8. Lemon juice
Lemon juice is packed with vitamin C which is a proven antioxidant that fights free radical damage. The acidic ph of lemon juice kills the acne causing bacteria to reduce pimples overnight.
Directions: Squeeze the juice of a lemon. Apply it using a clean cotton swab and gently dab it all over the pimples. Let it air dry. Wash off with cool water. You need not use any soap or cleanser. Make sure you use a sunscreen during the day time when using this natural pimple remedy, since lemon juice tends to make your skin sensitive to sun burn.
9. Baking soda
Another easy way to get rid of pimples overnight is to use a paste of baking soda in a little bit of water. Baking soda eases the inflammation and also reduces blemishes left behind by acne. Baking soda is also beneficial for healing many types of skin problems such as insect bites, poison ivy rashes or contact dermatitis etc.
Directions: Mix fresh baking soda with a little water. Use this as a cleanser to clean the face twice a day. You can also leave a bit of baking soda on the pimples overnight for a clearer complexion the next morning. You could even make this remedy more effective by mixing lemon juice and baking soda.
10. Potato juice
Potato juice is one of the best known remedies for dark circles but few people know that it also heals acne. The special minerals in potato juice such as potassium, sulfur, phosphorus and chlorine can lighten scars and also heal the skin quickly.
Directions: Grate a raw potato. Apply the juice on the pimples. Let it dry naturally. Once it is dry, you can rinse off after 20 minutes.
11. Tea tree oil
Tea tree essential oil is obtained from the bark and leaves of tea tree. It is a healing essential-oil that has antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It not only reduces the acne-causing bacteria; it can also prevent future breakouts.
Directions: Dilute tea tree oil with a little Jojoba oil. If you do not have Jojoba oil you can use sweet almond, coconut or olive oils for diluting concentrated tea tree oil. Using a Q-tip, apply it all over the acne. Leave it on overnight to zap pimples quickly. You must also use diluted tea tree oil in some coconut oil and massage your scalp in case of dandruff which is the leading cause of forehead acne.
12. Toothpaste
This may be the most surprising of all natural remedies you can use for getting rid of acne overnight. Toothpaste containing hydrogen peroxide helps dry up active pimples fast and also reduce the possibility of scar formation.
Direction: Use a toothpaste containing hydrogen peroxide all over the acne. Let it dry overnight. The pimple will be gone by morning.
13. Coconut oil
Coconut oil contains antifungal, antiseptic and antibacterial properties which can help you get rid of pimples quickly.
Directions: Dip a clean sterile cotton wool in some organic virgin coconut oil and apply it on the pimples. Let it remain overnight. You can also use the oil to massage your scalp and get rid of dandruff which may be leading to forehead pimples. Also massage your body with warm coconut oil to get rid of pimples on the back, neck, butt etc.
14. Aspirin
Aspirin not only prevents heart attacks; it can also prevent and treat pimples quickly. Aspirin has properties similar to salicylic acid which eliminates pimples overnight.
Directions: dissolve a couple of aspirin tablets in some fresh warm water. Apply this paste all over the face concentrating on the areas with pimples. Leave it on overnight. Wash with tepid water the next morning.
15. Walnut extract
Walnut bark makes an excellent face wash to cure pimples by gently dislodging the whiteheads and blackheads along with sebum that clogs the pores.
Directions: Use walnut shells to scrub the face gently in a circular motion. This will reduce dried sebum and also remove blackheads. You can also purchase walnut extracts or walnut oil and use if for massaging on the pimples to get rid of them fast. To make your own walnut extracts, boil husks of walnut in 2 inches of water until the mixture reduces down to 1 inch. Store the extract in an airtight bottle. Use it on the pimples several times a day. This is one of the best remedies to get rid of pimples quickly.
16. Orange peels
The peel of an orange is rich in vitamin C and can help eliminate blemishes, uneven skin tone and also fight acne breakouts.
Directions: Save the peel of oranges after eating them. Dry them in the sun for several days. Powder the dried peels. Take a teaspoon of this powder and mix it with milk. Apply this paste on the pimples at bedtime. Let it remain overnight. You can also crush fresh peels of oranges and lemons in a mixer and apply the resulting juice all over the breakouts. Repeat application 3-4 times a day to get rid of acne quickly.
17. Lavender
There are multiple ways in which you can use lavender to get rid of pimples quickly. Lavender oil obtained from cold pressing lavender flowers is readily available in the market. This oil has soothing, anti bacterial, anti inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Directions: Drink 1-2 cups of lavender tea to strengthen the immunity and fight acne from inside out. Purchase good quality lavender oil and add it to the bath water to get rid of pimples on the body. Directly apply lavender oil on the pimples to soothe the skin and heal the infection. Use lavender oil in your shampoo to fight dandruff which may be causing the acne.
18. Coriander juice
Coriander or cilantro juice is used for eliminating toxins from the body. Drinking coriander juice can help chelate heavy metals like lead and mercury from the body. When used on acne, coriander juice can effectively eliminate pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.
Directions: Blend cilantro in a mixer. Apply the juice on the pimples. To make this remedy even more effective, you can add a pinch of turmeric to it. Apply the mixture on the pimples every night before bed to completely eliminate them.
19. Epsom salts
Epsom salts are magnesium sulfate. The wonders of this naturally occurring substance have been known for centuries. From treating skin issues to eliminating toxins from the body, you can use Epsom salts as one of the best and quickest natural pimple remedies.
Direction: Add a cup of Epsom salts to your hot bath water. Use it for soaking for 15 minutes (or until you sweat heavily). Rinse off with warm water and a mild soap. This remedy will cure pimples on the face and body quickly.
20. Cucumber juice
Cucumber juice applied to acne can cure acne overnight, soothe inflamed skin and also lighten the scars.
Directions: Grate some cucumber and apply the juice on the face. Let it dry completely before washing with cool water and a mild cleanser.
21. Zinc oxide cream (Diaper rash cream!)
Zinc oxide is a natural mineral that is used in many creams especially formulated for baby’s delicate skin. You can also find it in salves and lotions made for diaper or nappy rashes. Zinc oxide fights sun damage and can prevent tanning, heat rashes, eczema and other skin irritations. Zinc oxide calms the redness and inflammation caused by acne. It also protects the skin from future breakouts.
Directions: Use the diaper rash cream with zinc all over the face and also spot treat the pimples. Leave it on overnight and wake up to gorgeous blemish free skin.
22. Banana peels
Another surprising though effective natural remedy is banana peels for pimples. The inner part of banana peel contains plenty of vitamins including vitamin E which helps fight blemishes. The peel also moisturizes dry, acne prone skin.
Directions: Wash and dry the face. Take the peel of a ripe banana and rub it gently on the acne. Do not rub harshly. Let the skin dry off naturally. You can wash off with warm water after 20 minutes. You could also make mask with some crushed oatmeal and ripe mashed banana to apply to the face. Rinse off clean with warm water.
23. Green tea
Green tea is packed with flavonoids and polyphenols which are antioxidants that fight free radicals as well as environmental damage done by pollutants to our body.
Directions: Drink at least 2 cups of green tea daily to fight pimples from the inside out. You will do your skin a lot of favor by doing so. Additionally, brew some green tea and apply it to the skin. Let it dry naturally. Wash off for a clearer complexion. Repeat the remedy several times a week.
24. Rose water
One of the gentlest though most effective natural remedies to get rid of pimples overnight is rose water. Rose water is readily available in the market or you can make your own. Direction: Boil some dried rose petals in water for 20 minutes. Strain and cool the liquid. Store it in an airtight bottle. Keep the bottle refrigerated until use. Apply rose water to the pimples and let dry. This will soothe and heal the skin and also nourish it. You can make the remedy more potent by adding a few drops of lemon juice to it. Repeat application 2-3 times a day.
25. Milk of magnesia
Milk of magnesia when applied topically to cystic and nodular acne can dry out the pimples quickly and is one of the best remedies for treating acne in oily skin.
Direction: Apply milk of magnesia on the pimples for at least half an hour. Wash off with cold water. The pimples will reduce considerably within single application. Repeat this remedy 2-3 times a day.
So, the next time you suffer a bout of pimples; use these easy and all natural remedies to get rid of them quickly overnight.
