If this doesn’t do the trick, try a color correcting product. Green or yellow tones help counteract the red color of the pimple. Using hypo-allergenic makeup is a good idea when you have a breakout.
Don’t try this if you’re under 12 years old, or if the acne started because the skin was irritated (from a headband, for instance). [6] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
If you haven’t used tea tree oil before, it’s not a bad idea to do a patch test on your arm first, just to see if you’re allergic. [8] X Research source You can buy pure tea tree oil instead and dilute it yourself on a kitchen scale, adding 1 gram of tea tree oil for every 19 grams of vegetable oil (not water). Jojoba oil is a good choice, since it helps reduce inflammation (while some other oils could clog pores and make things worse). [9] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
If you have hay fever, go for a honey face mask or other skincare product with honey instead. These should use honey that’s had all the pollen filtered out, so it doesn’t cause allergies. [12] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Test a new product by dabbing it behind your ear and leaving it there for an hour or two to see if your face reacts badly. If you’re putting the skin mask near your eyes, protect the sensitive skin there with a light dab of petroleum jelly. A clay mask with jojoba oil seems to work well for some people. Use it 2 or 3 times per week over your whole face or just over the area with acne. [15] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
This stings or irritates some people’s skin. You can try it once every other day at first to see if you get used to it. [17] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source If this doesn’t work, you could try azelaic acid or a retinoid, or ask a doctor or dermatologist for a stronger prescription treatment. Salicylic acid, another very common over-the-counter acne drug, is usually better for whiteheads and blackheads instead of pimples.
Also wash your skin after you’ve been sweating. An oily scalp can cause acne around your hairline. Shampooing more often can help if your hair gets oily fast. You can also wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Some cleansers contain salicylic or glycolic acid, which can help open your pores and make your acne a little better. [19] X Expert Source Paul Friedman, MDBoard Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology Expert Interview. 8 April 2020.
Look for a moisturizer labeled “oil-free”, “non-comedogenic”, or “won’t clog pores. "
It’s not all dairy products—cheese and yoghurt seem fine. Skim milk has the biggest link to acne, so even switching to reduced fat or whole fat milk could help.
There’s a long list of ingredients that can cause issues, but the most common culprits are fragrances, followed by preservatives like paraben or methylisothiazolinone. Even hypo-allergenic makeup can cause issues. If you think makeup is giving you acne, a dermatologist or allergist can help you figure out what you can use. Don’t forget to remove your makeup before going to sleep. [23] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source [24] X Expert Source Paul Friedman, MDBoard Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology Expert Interview. 8 April 2020.
