The fastest way to get rid of acne
Proven acne quick fixes for a flawless face
Acne has this annoying habit of breaking out just when you need it least – like the night before a job interview, a Zoom call with an important client, or (worst of all) a long-awaited date.
It sucks – but you don’t have to put up with it.
5 quick acne fixes
Though there's no magical way to get that zit to disappear in a minute, there are some proven ways to speed up the healing process and make your acne, if not invisible, then at least close to it.
1. Ice it
Wrap an ice cube in a clean, soft cotton cloth, and hold it on your pimple for 3-4 minutes, and repeat 2-3 times.
This reduces inflammation, redness and swelling – making your pimple smaller and much less visible.
2. Use acne patches
Use a tested and approved acne patch that will shrink a zit overnight or even make it vanish.
These ultra-thin, transparent hydrocolloid patches seal tight over pimples to suck out pus and oil, leading to fast healing.
Suitable for all skin types and tones, you can even wear an acne patch during the day to help conceal as well as heal..
3. Try high frequency therapy
High frequency therapy sends oxygen into the skin, increasing cell turnover and killing acne-causing bacteria. It’s great as a preventative measure – but it can also be used as a quick fix, reducing healing time by 90%.
At one time, you’d have had to get this done in the salon (not ideal when you have an urgent pimple to deal with!). But now, High Frequency Therapy Wands are available for home use too.
4. Apply aspirin paste
Salicylic acid is a common ingredient in skincare products – but you’ll also find it in aspirin. It helps remove your skin’s dead top layer, unclogging pores so acne can heal.
Crush an aspirin tablet or two, add 3-4 drops of water to form a thick paste, and dab it directly onto your skint. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with water. This should reduce redness and swelling.
5. Get an anti-acne face serum
Ideally, choose a plant-based acne defender serum made with natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin – healing breakouts faster.
Acne don’ts
- Don’t pick your face. This can increase inflammation and redness, potentially leaving a scar. Stay away from pore-clogging ingredients like mineral oil and lanolin. These comedogenic ingredients often clog pores and trigger acne.
- Look out for potential trigger foods. While the evidence so far isn’t conclusive, it could be that some people react to certain foods, such as dairy or refined carbs, by breaking out.
But remember: everyone’s skin is different
Tried the tips above and found they haven’t worked for you? It’s important to remember that acne doesn’t have a single cause – and finding the right treatment (whether long-term or quick-fix) means working with your particular skin type.
We’d love to know how you get on, and what your acne top tips are. Share your experience in our Facebook group.