How to Get Clear Skin Fast and Naturally

Dealing with acne can be frustrating, but you're not alone. Millions of people experience breakouts every day. Fortunately, there's no need to panic! It's possible to clear up your skin quickly and naturally with some simple products and skincare tips. If your acne doesn't go away after 2-3 months of home treatment then it's best to see your dermatologist for further treatment.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Caring for Your Skin

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    Wash your face twice a day with a gentle facial cleanser. Choose a cleanser that's formulated for treating acne for the best results. Wet your face with warm water, then apply a dollop of cleanser into your palm. Use your fingers to rub the cleanser over your face, using circular movements. Rinse away the cleanser using warm water, then pat your face dry with a clean towel.[1]
    • Don't rub your face dry with a towel. This will irritate your skin and could make acne worse.
    • If you have a breakout or rash, be especially gentle so you don't worsen the breakout.
    • Get a product that has no alcohol or fragrances. Look for natural ingredients like aloe, jojoba, coconut, or olive oil.[2]
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    Use moisturizer to improve your skin's texture. Moisturizers have many benefits for your skin like protecting it from breakouts, improving tone and texture, and covering up imperfections. Not all skin is the same, therefore, the moisturizer you choose will depend on if you have dry, oily, sensitive, or normal skin. In general, some of the best natural moisturizers contain jojoba oil, honey, shea butter, and coconut oil.[3]
    • Water-based moisturizers go with nearly all skin types because they typically contain light oils, silicone-derived ingredients, and leave a non-greasy feel to them after application.
    • For dry skin, consider a heavier, oil-based moisturizer that focus on hydration.
    • If you have acne or oily skin, use a water-based moisturizer that is classified as non-comedogenic because it won't clog your pores.
    • Sensitive skin prone to irritation, redness, or rashes requires a more soothing moisturizer with chamomile or aloe. Look for a hypoallergenic product as well.
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    Keep your hair, hands, and accessories off of your face. Maintain good hygiene and keep your hair, hands, and tight clothing off of your face. These can spread oil, dirt, and germs to your face and make breakouts worse. Dress appropriately for the weather so your don't sweat too much.[4]
    • Choose non-greasy cosmetics, sunscreens, hair products, and acne concealers. Stick to water-based or non-comedogenic products that are less likely to cause acne.
    • When wearing sunscreen, which you should wear everyday, use an oil-free moisturizer or a moisturizer that already included a sunscreen ingredient.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Using Natural Products

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    Use products that don't have any fragrances or alcohol. These ingredients are irritating and can make acne breakouts worse. Alcohol especially can dry your skin out. Moisturizers, lotions, cleansers, and soaps can all contain fragrances or alcohol, so always check the products you use to make sure they're fragrance-free.[5]
    • Some products labeled "unscented" might still have fragrances in them. They should say "fragrance-free."
    • Never apply rubbing alcohol to pimples. This can make the inflammation worse.[6]
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    Treat oily spots with witch hazel. Witch hazel is a natural astringent that’s used in many acne products, but you can use it by itself as well. It dries out oily or inflamed spots on your skin. Pour some onto a cotton ball and swab any trouble spots to reduce oil and inflammation.[7]
    • Witch hazel can sometimes irritate sensitive skin, so stop using it if it causes any redness or burning.
    • You can also dilute witch hazel if it dries out your skin too much. Pour a bit into a cup, and then add the same amount of water for a weaker solution.
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    Spot treat pimples with honey to reduce inflammation. Honey, especially medical-grade honeys like manuka or kanuka, have antibacterial properties and could help kill the bacteria that causes acne. Honey can also reduce redness and inflammation from acne. Wash your hands and use your finger to dab some honey onto inflamed areas. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse it off with cool water.[8]
    • Regular food-grade honey won't work as well because it might have preservatives or chemicals that actually increase inflammation. It's much better to use raw honey that doesn't have any additives.
    • You could also make a honey mask to treat your whole face.
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    Apply tea tree oil to acne pimples. A 5% tea tree oil mixture is effective in fighting acne inflammation and redness. Get a bottle of diluted tree oil and apply to your pimples once a day to see if this reduces your acne.[9]
    • Always follow the application instructions that come with the tree oil.
    • Some gels and face washes contain tree oil. These are good, natural acne products.
    • Only apply tree oil topically and never ingest it.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Fighting Acne with Diet

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    Fill your diet with fresh fruits and vegetables. Good nutrition is the foundation of healthy skin. Fruits and vegetables have essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that hydrate your skin to fight the effects of aging and acne. Include some fruits and vegetables into at least 1 meal every day.[10]
    • Fruits are full of pectin, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. This could help you prevent wrinkles and blemishes, and will also strengthen your immune system.
    • Carotenoid fruits and vegetables, like carrots, contain high amounts of beta-carotene, vitamin A, and antioxidants. Carrots benefit not only your skin but also your hair, teeth, and the digestive system.
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    Get lots of antioxidants in your diet. Antioxidants stabilize the free radicals responsible for causing damage to your skin and accelerating the aging process. Vitamins A and E found in pumpkins, sweet potatoes, carrots, and cantaloupes are high in antioxidants. In other words, eating a healthy diet will help you obtain all the necessary antioxidants your body needs.[11]
    • Although we often associate fruits and vegetables as sources of good antioxidants, spices and herbs are actually very effective. Choose a food, like Indian cuisine, that contains lots of turmeric, one of the best spices to consume.
    • Nutrients such as beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, and selenium are good sources for antioxidants.
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    Include foods high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are excellent for strengthening your skin and are largely found in fish and nuts. These are good fats that promote the health of the cell membrane, which determines the ability of the cell to hold water, produce moisture, and help reduce wrinkles on the skin.[12]
    • Almonds (antioxidants, vitamin E); pecans (complex B vitamins); hazelnuts (magnesium, unsaturated fats, and vitamin E); and pistachios (vitamin E, oleic acid, and antioxidants) provide enough healthy nutrition that you no longer have to avoid the “nut tray” during holidays.
    • Omega-3 fatty acids are also involved in slowing down the skin's aging process and impacts how the skin appears.
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    Drink water to hydrate your skin. Water helps increase blood flow to the surface of your skin, which improves your skin's density and thickness. If the outer layer of skin, the epidermis, does not retain enough water, it will lose elasticity and feel coarse. Drink 8-10 glasses of water per day to stay hydrated.[13]
    • Despite the connection between water and a hydrated epidermis, there is no evidence that drinking excess water will increase the hydration of your skin.
    • This amount of water is just a guideline, and you may need to drink more if you exercise or live in a hot climate.
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    Drink green tea to get more antioxidants. Green tea has an abundant amount of plant polyphenols and antioxidants that protect the skin against UV rays, accelerated aging of the skin, and loss of tissue elasticity. When you drink green tea, squeeze some lemon juice into it to help your body absorb more of the antioxidants.[14]
    • Green tea is good for your eyes, too. You can steep your tea for drinking and then squeeze the excess water from the tea bags. Chill the green tea bags and then place them on your eyes for 10-15 minutes. The tannins inside the tea will constrict the skin and help reduce puffiness.
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    Avoid sugar because it causes inflammation and damages your skin. Sugar spikes insulin levels which will induce inflammation, irritating and aging your skin. This inflammation breaks down collagen, a protein that aids in the appearance of supple skin, making your skin look dull, dry, and brittle.[15]
    • Avoid foods with a high glycemic index (GI), which means that they raise your blood sugar. High GI foods include white breads and white flour products, sugary cereals, rice, pumpkin, and pineapple.[16]
    • Although fruits are high in sugar, they also have a high fiber content. Fruits are also anti-inflammatory and good for your skin.
    • Dark chocolate and cocoa protect your cardiovascular system, protect your brain, absorb important nutrients, and protect against sun damage to your skin. In this case, choose extra dark chocolate of at least 70 to 85% cocoa concentration.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Seeking Medical Care

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    See a doctor if your acne doesn't improve in 2-3 months. If your acne persists or worsens after 2-3 months of treating it at home, it's best to talk to your doctor or a dermatologist. They will examine your skin to figure out the type of acne you have. Then, they'll offer you treatment options to help improve your skin.[17]
    • It's best to see a dermatologist. Ask your primary care physician to refer you to a dermatologist for more help.
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    Get immediate care for signs of an allergic reaction to acne treatments. While it's rare, you may have an allergic reaction to an acne treatment. This is often an emergency situation, so seek immediate care from an emergency room or urgent care center. Watch for the following symptoms of an allergic reaction:[18]
    • Fainting
    • Trouble breathing
    • Tightness in your throat
    • Swelling of your face, eyes, lips, or tongue
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    Talk to your doctor if you're an adult who gets a sudden acne outbreak. While you're likely okay, a sudden outbreak during adulthood can be a sign of a medical condition. Your doctor can examine you to make sure you're okay. Call them to make an appointment as soon as you notice a breakout.[19]
    • Your acne may go away if you treat your underlying condition, if you have one.
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    Visit a dermatologist if your pimples are large, hard, and painful. You may have cystic acne, which typically requires additional treatment. These pimples form deep within the surface of your skin, so they may not respond to topical treatments. However, a dermatologist can offer you a prescription treatment to help your skin clear.[20]
    • Your pimples may also be filled with fluid.
    • Cystic acne is more likely to cause scarring, but your doctor can help.
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    Talk to your doctor if your acne is seriously affecting your life. Acne is a common condition, and it shouldn't limit your ability to enjoy your life. However, you may feel really distressed and embarrassed about your breakouts. If this is the case, it's best to see your doctor. Your acne may be negatively impacting your life if any of the following apply:[21]
    • You avoid social events because of your acne.
    • You don't want to go out on dates because of breakouts.
    • Your self-esteem suffers because of your acne.
    • You feel depressed about your acne.
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    Check with a dermatologist if your parent had severe acne. Acne has a strong genetic component, so you may have a similar experience with acne as your parents. If one or both of your parents had severe acne or has acne scarring, you're more likely to have stubborn acne. See your dermatologist to find out if you may need additional treatments.[22]
    • Let your doctor know that your parents had severe acne so that they can help you evaluate your own risk for stubborn acne.
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    Talk to your doctor about your treatment options. Your treatment options will depend on the type of acne you have, as well as how severe it is. Once you start treatment, it may take 4-8 weeks to see results, and your skin may seem to worsen at first. Check with your doctor if you have any concerns about how your treatment is working. You may be offered the following treatments:[23]
    • Topical creams, including retinoids, antibiotics, salicylic acid, azelaic acid, and dapsone gel.
    • Oral medications like antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and anti-andogen agents.
    • Laser or photodynamic therapy.
    • Chemical peels.
    • Extractions of your acne.
    • Steroid injections for cystic acne.
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References

  1. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20020580
  2. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20626172
  3. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-skin/in-depth/moisturizers/art-20044232
  4. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20020580
  5. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/oily-skin#
  6. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/habits-stop
  7. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4025519/
  8. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5661189/
  9. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17314442
  1. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/healthy-skin/faq-20058184
  2. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/multimedia/antioxidants/sls-20076428
  3. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/skin-care/art-20048237
  4. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/expert-answers/hydrated-skin/faq-20058067
  5. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26114360
  6. ↑ https://www.aad.org/stories-and-news/news-releases/growing-evidence-suggests-possible-link-between-diet-and-acne
  7. ↑ https://www.diabetes.org/glycemic-index-and-diabetes
  8. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/in-depth/acne-products/art-20045814
  9. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/symptoms-causes/syc-20368047
  10. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/symptoms-causes/syc-20368047
  11. ↑ https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/aa37670
  12. ↑ https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/aa37670
  13. ↑ https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/aa37670
  14. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20368048

About This Article

Zora Degrandpre, ND
Co-authored by:
Zora Degrandpre, ND
Natural Health Doctor
This article was co-authored by Zora Degrandpre, ND. Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007. This article has been viewed 250,922 times.
12 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 24
Updated: April 6, 2020
Views: 250,922
Categories: Skin Care | Skin Health

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Article SummaryX

While dealing with acne can be frustrating, you may be able to clear your skin naturally by taking good care of it and using quality facial products. Wash your face twice a day with a cleanser that’s formulated to treat acne. You can also look for cleansers or creams that have benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid in them to help kill bacteria and unclog your pores. After you clean your skin, apply moisturizer to improve its texture. Look for a moisturizer that’s specifically formulated for your skin type, like an oil-based product for dry skin or a water-based moisturizer for dry skin. Another way to help clear your skin is to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help repair damaged skin. You’ll also want to drink plenty of water to increase blood flow to your skin, which will make it look more smooth and soft. For more tips from our Medical co-author, including when to seek medical help for your acne, keep reading!

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