How to Get Rid of Acne Quickly and Cheaply

Blemishes associated with acne usually result from hair follicles being plugged by oil, dead skin, or bacteria. Gentle cleansers offer the most reliable form of acne care, while readily available over-the-counter products, and even some unexpected natural remedies, can come to your rescue during a breakout.^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source} Experiment with different treatment methods and products to find the quickest, cheapest, and most effective way to get rid of your acne.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Getting Rid of Acne with Good Cleansing Habits

1
Wash acne-prone areas frequently and gently. Using a gentle, non-soap cleanser twice a day is likely the most powerful weapon in the battle against acne. Another key tip: don’t be overzealous. Wash consistently, but without scrubbing, as this can actually make acne worse.^{[2]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Favor a cleanser that dissolves during washing, as these are less abrasive.
- Avoid cleansers with something ground up in them (like fruit pits or plastic), as well as cleansers that contain aluminum oxide. Use a cleanser that is made specifically for your face.
- Avoid messing with blemishes. Picking at or squeezing blemishes will likely result in acne-worsening infections and may even lead to scars.
- Wash stuff that touches your face. Wash your hair, keep your hands clean by washing them whenever you’re in the bathroom or kitchen, wipe your cell phone with an alcohol pad, and wash any beauty products regularly.
2
Consider other cleansing options. There are a handful of different options for non-medicated cleansing.^{[3]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Use cleansing towelettes. Even within the realm of mini cleansing cloths, you have several options. Use open-weave cloths for dry, sensitive skin. Use tightly-woven cloths for removing dead skin cells.
- Try pore-cleaning adhesive strips. There are skincare products designed to physically remove dirt, oil, and plugs from your pores. Apply while your skin is wet, let it dry, and gently remove the strip.
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3
Know the most important acne-fighting tips and tricks. The lower-strength-first rule holds more often than not, you’re going to want to switch things up, it may be worth moisturizing, and there's a few products to avoid.^{[4]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- With all acne products, less is more. Whenever there’s an option, go with a lower-strength version first. This will minimize side effects like redness and dry skin. You can always adjust the frequency of your use of the product instead of blasting your skin with potentially irritating chemicals.
- Use a water-based, oil-free moisturizer. If dead skin is the likely culprit for clogging your pores, moisturizer can be effective in diminishing acne by alleviating dry skin. Use a moisturizer that contains sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from sun damage.
- Keep in mind that many acne products tend to dry or irritate the skin, so a good moisturizer can help reduce these side-effects.
- Don’t use oily skin or hair products. Only use cosmetics, sunscreens, and hair products that are water-based and noncomedogenic.
4
Limit the amount of products you use. Whatever you use, don't use too much. Only use enough of whatever you’re using to do the job. After washing, apply only enough acne product to cover the affected area.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source} A pea sized amount is usually enough.
- Note that some cleaning options (such as some towelettes) come with benzoyl peroxide and other active ingredients in them. If you’re using these, don’t apply more of the same acne products after cleansing.
- Vary the use of products with different active ingredients. If you have especially frustrating bouts of acne, try one product in the morning and a different one at night. You will likely see improved results as well as less skin irritation.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Over-the-Counter Acne-Fighting Products

1
Use benzoyl peroxide first. If you want to try an acne product, start with one that contains benzoyl peroxide as an active ingredient. This ingredient kills the bacteria that cause acne, helps remove excess oil and dead skin cells, and is comfortably tolerated by most people’s skin.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- It will take a few days before benzoyl peroxide achieves its full acne-preventing power. If you have more moderate acne, then it can take at least a few weeks to see significant results.
- Start with a low-percentage option. Stronger is not necessarily better. A 2.5% product may even work better than those with higher strengths, and will cause fewer side effects.
- Beware of side effects including dry skin, scaling, redness, burning and stinging.^{[7]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Benzoyl peroxide can also bleach towels, sheets, pillow cases, and clothing, so be careful when using this product.
2
Try a product with salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is especially helpful in preventing pores from becoming clogged. You can get over-the-counter products made with various percentages of salicylic acid. Remember, less is more!^{[8]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Use salicylic acid-based products daily to see quick results.
- Possible side effects of salicylic acid use include skin irritation and stinging.
- Dryness and flakiness following your first few applications should eventually diminish.
3
Consider a product with retinol or sulfur. Retinol is a form of vitamin A, which dries the skin and can help clear your pores. Though it may be harsh for some people, it may be worth a try. Alternatively, sulfur helps remove dead skin cells and diminishes excess oil (while admittedly a bit overly-aromatic).^{[9]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Since retinol can be particularly harsh on your skin, take care to apply minimal amounts.
- Apply ample amounts of a water-based moisturizer when using retinol.
- Sulfur is usually included as an additive in acne medications that also include benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, giving you two acne-fighting agents in one product.
- Apply retinol at night, as it increases sensitivity to sunlight
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Fighting Acne with Natural Remedies

1
Use tea tree oil. Of all the natural products marketed towards helping you combat acne, naturally anti-bacterial tea tree oil may be the most effective. It may even be as effective as benzoyl peroxide for some people.^{[10]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source},
- Though it may work more slowly to actually prevent acne, it can help reduce inflammation and redness associated with acne overnight.
- Use a gel containing 5% tea tree oil topically every day.
- Be wary if you have rosacea, as tea tree oil may worsen your symptoms.
- Allow tea tree oil to soak into your skin for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing it off.
2
Consider using products that include naturally-occurring acids. Alpha hydroxy acids (including glycolic acid and lactic acid) and azelaic acid can help remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation associated with acne.^{[11]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source},^{[12]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Alpha hydroxy acids will also help new, healthy skin grow.
- Beware of the side effects of using hydroxyl acid, which include sensitivity to sunlight, redness of your skin, and mild stinging.
- Azelaic acid has antibacterial properties, and has been shown to be equally as effective as conventional acne treatments when used correctly – though, again, it takes a bit longer to work. Azelaic acid may also be helpful in reducing redness associated with acne and rosacea.
- Use a 20% azelaic acid cream twice a day for at least four weeks.
- Prescription azelaic acid medications are great options to fight acne during pregnancy and while breast-feeding.
3
Look into natural acne treatment options. There are a few natural options that may seem odd, but may also help you combat acne quickly and cheaply. Consider each of the following:^{[13]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source},
- Toothpaste. Silica in toothpaste will reduce the size of pimples by drying them out overnight. Use a natural toothpaste to avoid potentially irritating ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate.
- Ice cubes. Ice can be used to reduce inflammation by rubbing a small cube on the affected area. Stop if your skin begins to go numb.
- Aloe vera. Especially in conjunction with conventional acne treatment, a 50% aloe vera gel can greatly assist in your battle against acne. As a nutrient and vitamin rich moisturizer, it will help your skin heal, recover, and generally look and feel more healthy!
- Coconut oil. Another natural moisturizer, coconut oil is also known for skin healing properties. Spread a teaspoon of coconut oil over the affected area, and allow it to soak in for half an hour or so before washing it off.
- Aspirin tablets. Crush up an aspirin tab and mix it into warm water. Use a Q-tip to apply the paste to individual pimples. Allow the paste to dry and wash it off with warm water. This will make pimples less noticeable, and is a great option to reduce the appearance of acne overnight.
- Zinc. Lotions and creams that contain zinc may be more effective in helping to reduce acne breakouts.
- Green tea extract. Use a lotion with 2% green tea extract to reduce mild to moderate acne.
- Bovine cartilage. Get a cream containing 5% bovine cartilage and apply it twice a day.
- Brewer's yeast. There’s a specific strain of brewer's yeast – CBS 5926 – that may reduce your acne. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for use.
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Expert Q&A

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How long do we leave the toothpaste on?
Laura Marusinec, MD
Board Certified Pediatrician
Dr. Marusinec is a board certified Pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, where she is on the Clinical Practice Council. She received her M.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1995 and completed her residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Pediatrics in 1998. She is a member of the American Medical Writers Association and the Society for Pediatric Urgent Care.
Laura Marusinec, MD
Board Certified Pediatrician
Expert Answer
You can put a small amount on active blemishes at night, and wash it off in the morning.
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Tips

Remove makeup before you go to bed, and regularly clean cosmetic brushes and applicators with soapy water. ^{[14]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
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Wear loose clothing. Tight clothing traps heat and moisture, which can irritate your skin. In particular, avoid tight straps and headwear to prevent friction against your skin.^{[15]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
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Shower after working out. Wash away oil and sweat that might lead to breakouts.^{[16]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
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