When I was a teenager, I started to get really bad acne. It made me self conscious and was, frankly, embarrassing. I tried every acne cream, facial scrub and mask I could find. Some were effective in not making it worse, but that was about it. Nothing "cured" my acne.
Then one day, I noticed that if some shampoo suds got on my forehead, it made my skin feel dry and tight there. Just like some of the nicer mud masks I "borrowed" from my mom, it help dry up the oily parts of my skin. So I started to experiment.
I discovered that if I put the shampoo directly on my skin and let it sit for a minute, it was VERY effective at drying out my skin, almost too effective. It was great for putting a breakout in check but my skin was so dry and tight that I could hardly talk to anyone before 3rd period, for fear of cracking my skin. Once my natural skin oils kicked in and my face loosened up, it actually felt great. The several hours of my face being uncomfortably dry though was not pleasant.
Next, I tried just using the suds from the top of my head after I washed my hair. This work perfect! I would gently massage the suds onto my face and let them sit for about a minute before rinsing my head and face. After about 2 weeks of doing this, my face was completely cleared up. I have done this everyday for over 20 years now, and never had a serious acne breakout since.
I can't stress enough how important it is to be gentle with your skin, particularly in the middle of a breakout. I still have small scars and pock marks in some places on my face from before I discovered this method of getting rid of acne. As I said, I tried many methods prior and facial exfoliant scrubs were among them. It is tempting to think that you can scrub away the acne but you can't. When your skin is red and inflamed from an infection or has even come to a head, it is important not to scrub it too hard.
Remember, while the acne may be irritating and ugly, a scar will be just as ugly and be there forever. Let your body heal naturally after you have neutralized the infection, and your skin will go back to normal.
Lastly, an anecdote. A couple months after I started using shampoo to wash my face, I was starting to feel more self confident and decided to share my "secret" with a couple friends of mine. My female friend, predictably, laughed and said, "that's just silly". However, my male friend said, "You know, I did the exact same thing. Remember how I used to have zits all over my face a few months ago and now I don't? I used shampoo, too!"
By Jess from Hillsboro, OR
It does work, but please remember nothing works over night. I know avocado all over your face seems strange. Try it for a week, you'll be happy that you did. A few things people forget to tell you that are very important:
By Luana from San Diego, CA
After you wash your face and put on moisturizer, put a bit of tea tree oil on a Q-Tip, then on the spot before bed. It stinks and it drys out the skin. Use some Jojoba oil and a gently brushing of a dry cloth the next day. It's much better than sticking it with cortisone, which my doctor has offered a few times!
By Michawn from CA
1st Step: Find aloe vera.
2nd Step: cut the aloe vera in in half so you can extract the inside.
3rd Step (Optional):Heat it on the stove or microwave.
4th Step: Apply it on your skin and let it dry.
5th Step: Once it has finally dried then wash your face with soap.
Continue doing this for 2 weeks, and see what the results are.
By Bianca from Fresno, CA
By coville123 from Brockville, Ontario
Source: A friend
By Vickie from Canton, MI
Or use soda white tooth paste and put on your zit and let it dry. See how it takes away the zit.
By Batool
My daughter has used this for two weeks and has seen a huge improvement. Her skin is so soft and has a beautiful glow. Just be very careful to keep it away from your eyes as it will sting them.
To use, put a little of each on your wash cloth and mix it a little with your finger and then wash your face. This way, the mixture is always fresh. This is a very invigorating face wash and mask.
The baking soda in the tooth paste exfoliates, the peroxide purifies and cleans. The salicylic acid in the Pepto helps to clean and close pores, the pink bismuth leaves a nice glow, and the cold water rinse after the warm wash helps to close the pores to keep impurities and bacteria out.
Warning: Do not use this if you are allergic to aspirin or other salicylates. This mixture is just for topical use only. I am not sure if a salicylate topical solution is safe for use on teen-ageers or children with flu symptoms because of Reye's syndrome. I would ask a doctor first.
By proudmary from Boise, ID
I'm 23 year old male. My problem is I have had some kind of infection on my scalp for 4 years. I have continuously occurring acne like pimples all over my scalp. When I use anti-dandruff shampoos containing zinc pyothine, these remain under control, but nothing has cured them. These pimples release same material as that of acne. I also have acne all over my face. I have tried many oral antibiotics like erythromycin and tetracycline, but no cure. Please help me.
By Atiharsh from Pakistan
By HAPPYINHARNED
04/11/2011
My Uncle developed the same thing and tried everything to get cured. He is very clean but he does wear a do-rag often. He had to go to a Dr. It was a staph infection, or a yeast infection, I cant remember which one. But with an antibiotic , it cleared right up.
I have really bad acne and acnes scars on my face. My skin is very oily. I have tried many different medicines and herbal treatments, but nothing has worked. If I put coconut oil on my hair, acne forms on my face. My doctor says that I am allergic and have very sensitive skin.
When I try to remove my scars by putting something on my face like turmeric, banana or oats acne forms. I just want to get rid of this horrible situation. Does anyone have any advice or homemade tips that will remove my acne marks without getting more pimples.
By cett
09/12/2009
Hi. I had really bad acne as a teenager and tried everything for my very oily, sensitive skin. Then a doctor recommended (probably as a last resort) to go to the pharmacy and get 1% sulphur mixed in calamine lotion. I used to dab it on my spots and boils every night after washing my face with soap (whatever you normally find the best for you) and unbelievably, they DID dry up without scarring my face, and because I worked as an airline representative, I had to look good and wear make up for work every day. My skin became smooth, fine, and is unscarred. Hope this helps.
My daughter has had very bad acne for 7 years. Nothing works. Help.
By Miriam
By meoowmom
05/17/2012
I was prescribed antibiotics and purchased many a cure. The thing that worked for me was: Maalox actually I had a generic plain brand and
would apply this on my washed and dry face let it dry then rinsed it off well
The stuff in the Maalox draws up the oils. It works try it!
I get bad acne. I've been using OXY brand stuff and its helped a little bit but I need something else that works a little better, whether I still have to use the Oxy stuff with it or not. I want a facial scrub or something that is easy to make and will make my skin look fresh, soft, clean, and clear with no stupid acne.
By Tina (Guest Post)
12/21/2008
I found this all natural facial scrub called ACNE ALL GONE. It has helped get rid of my acne tremendously and the Overnight Repair Boost Serum has gotten rid of my red blotches and scars. I buy it at http://www.acneallgone.com/ Go ahead and try this. You will absolutely love it!
Would using a baking soda and water mixture be good to use as a mask for acne?
By jefinerj
By Lizzyanny
12/27/2011
My daughter swears by Milk of Magnesia. I tried it for a breakout once and it cleared in 24 hours. I just shook it up and put it on my face, allowded it tot dry and then washed it off. She uses it on a regular basis (every other day) and get the cheap kind from walmart.
I've had bad acne on my face for over 3 years. Then a couple of months ago I got acne on my back and chest. I'm going to a waterpark with my family and I don't want to wear a bikini. So I'm gonna wear rash guard. I just recently started using Acne Free Severe, I've heard it's just like Proactive which is the thing that started the acne on my back and chest. Does anyone know anything that can get rid of it overnight or in a couple of days?
By Alexis
By louel53
07/17/2012
There is nothing that gets rid of acne overnight or in a few days. If you have had it for years, and it is getting worse, you should go to a doctor. There are many prescription products that work very well. Home remedies do not work; if they did, no one would have bothered inventing a prescription or over the counter product. If you can not afford to go to a doctor (in Canada, this would not be an issue), go to your local pharmacist and ask for advice. They can be most helpful and will guide you to the products that are available over the counter. Some of these, used as directed and faithfully, will work if your acne is not too severe.
How can you clear back and chest acne? I have bad scarring and acne on my back and chest. My face is fine with very mild acne. I have tried multiple scrubs for my acne, along with acne pills (which were supposed to clear my back and chest acne, but didn't!) and also acne cream.
All of my friends go swimming in bathing suits together. They invite me, but I have to forfeit and come up with a lame excuse of why I cannot go. All of this acne junk has made my self-esteem go way down. Please help me.
By Aliya
By Jane
01/27/2012
I know exactly what you mean! Ever since I started taking a certain medication I have been getting bad acne on my back. I still haven't decided what to try to get rid of it. I'll have to try some of the comment suggestions, and I'm also thinking of maybe an salicylic acid peel (ex. http://dermalure.com/salicylic_acid_peel ). Hope you figured out how to get rid of yours!
I am 22 and have a dark complexion. I have old, black, acne scars on my face. My face is not too oily, rather it is dry and whiteheads occur often. My skin is sensitive and prone to acne. There is also acne on my scalp. When I use medicated anti dandruff shampoo it's removed, but occurs again after a day. I want to remove the scars and improve my complexion without medicine or lasers. Is olive oil good for acne prone skin? Please suggest a solution.
By Tazeen
By lynnt
09/12/2011
When I was in my late twenties an old black woman gave me a tiny piece of aluminum foil with a dab of zinc oxide in it. She told me to dab any zit when it first appeared and it would clear up without developing into a pimple. It worked for me. I'm now 62 and still use it if I have the beginning signs of a pimple. If you have a severe problem, you might try doing what I do to prevent a cold or other virus.
I know this sounds unrelated, but just follow me here. When I have the first symptom of a cold, I take two 50 milligram zinc tablets (available in 50 mg tablets only, over the counter at grocery and drug stores). You MUST take them with food or you will develop a severe stomach ache. I take two tablets (total of 100 mg) for 3 to 4 days in a row and my cold or virus symptoms just go away. I can't say pimples are a virus, but if zinc oxide works on them, then I would suggest you invest in some zinc tablets and try taking 100 mg each day for 3 to 4 days and then cut back to one (50 mg) a day for a week or so and then just take one every three to four days, maybe even once a week and see if that clears you up and keeps you from having any more pimples.
I don't think it will help whiteheads and certainly won't help scars, but vitamin E is supposed to be good to put on scars so that they fade. I have whiteheads and I seriously think I would have far less is I drank enough water. They appear to be really thick oil from your pores and it gets so thick it can no longer seep out and just builds up under the skin. These are just some suggestions and they would be pretty cheap. Remember, zinc oxide (found in diaper rash cream), zinc tablets, and vitamin E. Taking zinc at the first sign of coming down with a cold or sinus infection has worked for me for years. You might never have another cold if you regularly take zinc. My multiple vitamin has s o m e, but I'd suggest taking extra, but don't forget to eat first.
My acne started when I was 14. I had it for a couple of years then it cleared up. I was at the point where I barely needed to wash it and it still was clear. I maybe had a couple of pimples here and there like around my period and that's it. As soon as I hit 21 and had a really stressful time my face started to break out and it is horrible! It is all over my T zone (forehead, cheeks, and chin). Before it was never on my forehead like it is now. My forehead is covered in pimples. Also my back is pretty bad too.
I've tried birth control, antibiotics, Proactiv, vitamins that are good for your skin, everything! Nothing is working. I won't leave my house. I cry everyday. I am miserable. Its been like this for 5 months now. I'm about to quit my job and turn into a hermit. That's not even a joke. All I want to know is if this has happened to anyone and if it went away later down the road? All I want is hope and I have none at this point.
By Brooke
10/26/2012
Pure Aloe Vera to help with healing ... use it as your moisturizer. And Milk of Magnesia for the acne itself. I know it sounds strange. I use it everyday under my makeup to control oil and it also clears up acne. Use a cosmetic sponge and apply it in a thin even coat on skin and let it dry before applying makeup. Wash & moisturize before applying. after a couple of weeks you will see a great improvement. Dab aloe & then the MOM on your back & or chest as well.
I have been having troubles with acne and I need some home remedies on how to get rid of it fast! Please help.
By poohbear
By Alyie
06/11/2011
As you know, acne is difficult to treat and especially quickly.
Some home remedies that can help:
--Egg Yolks contain Vitamin A. To attempt this method of acne treatment, whip up an egg yolk, apply it to your skin for 20 minutes. Wash off.
--Egg Whites, All you need to do is separate the yolk from the egg whites. Then whip the egg whites until it is nice and frothy. Apply it to your clean face (using clean hands). Leave on for approximately 20 minutes and wash off with warm water.
--Oatmeal Mask, Blend some oatmeal with water and gently spread it onto your skin. Leave it until it dries (10-15 minutes). This mask is gentle and safe.
--Baking Soda, not Baking Powder. Mix a little together in your hands after washing your face with a mild cleanser and apply gently to your skin. Once you've coated your face with the baking soda and water mix, let it sit for about 20 minutes.
Rinse the baking soda film off your face. If your skin enjoys this recipe, and your acne improves, then you may try it several times a week to help clear your acne.
I've been breaking out like crazy for about 3 months now and it is on my forehead and chin. I have been drinking lots of water and have been staying away from sweets. I have tried many products, but none seem to work. I just have had enough of this. Does anyone know how to get rid of this? Please someone help.
By Lisette
By meoowmom
07/06/2012
The best thing I ever used was a generic/maalox. Wash face let dry then apply the maalox all over let it dry. It dries hard rinse off the sucks the oils up.
I tried numerous products and spent lots of money and my mom had the cheapest easiest solution. She was told by a doctor that this works and it does without hurting or burning your skin.
I have an acne problem on my face. I have tried many products and homemade remedies, but its not worked. My friend told me to use baby soap. It worked but after a few months it came back. My skin is so sensitive and oily. Please help.
By Simi
By beeeky9182
12/06/2009
I know how annoying acne cam be! When I have acne I just wash my face with a rag with warm water on it, I don't use creams or soaps cause it can clog up your pores and stuff. Just wash your face with water and try to avoid wearing alot of makeup. Also try splashing your face with warm water mixed with apple cidar vinegar. Remember, when your going thorugh a skin breakout, give your face a rest and just wash with warm water.
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Acne Remedies