4 All-Natural Pimple Remedies That Really Work -- And 4 That Don't

The Ones That Work First Place: Tea Tree Oil All three dermatologists we spoke to for this story put tea tree oil at the top of their list for zit zapping, and research shows that it can be effective in treating mild-to-moderate acne. Best for: Deep, inflamed pimples How it works: It's an anti-inflammatory and has antibacterial properties, so it'll soothe that angry red breakout while fighting the bacteria that's fueling it, says Ranella Hirsch, MD, board-certified dermatologist in Boston. Use it like this: Get a 5 percent tea tree oil solution, then dilute with equal parts water, to minimize the chances of irritation (if you can't find a 5 percent product online, create your own by diluting a stronger one with more water). Wet a cotton ball with the watered-down oil and apply to the pimple once or twice a day until it's gone. Second Place: Aspirin Best for: Blackheads and whiteheads How it works: Aspirin is really a natural form of salicylic acid, the pimple buster you find in tons of OTC acne products. In addition to helping soothe inflamed skin, its exfoliating powers break down the blackhead or whitehead that's plugging up your pore, says Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York. Use it like this: Crush two aspirin tablets, mix with 2 tablespoons of water and apply that mixture to the pimple for a minute or two, then rinse it off, says Rachel Nazarian, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. Make sure you're ...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news