Quick ways to clear acne, By Chinenye Ugonna

A healthy diet and rest is also a major way of clearing acne.

I am sure at least once in your lifetime, you have had to struggle with acne especially during teen years. You have this date with this really cute boy you crushed on in high school and the morning before, you wake up with this huge pimple. We all know how frustrating that is.

Here are a few tips and tricks to clear your acne naturally without the use of medications or chemicals.

The first tip for clearing your acne is by using herbal toothpaste. Press out a small quantity of the paste on your finger and apply on the affected area. Leave this on the pimple throughout the night, this helps dry out the pimple. Avoid gel tooth paste.

The second tip is the use of baking soda. I am sure you are probably thinking how this works. Shockingly, it is one of the most effective treatments of clearing up your acne in no time. Make a paste with the baking soda and a little water. Apply the paste on only the affected area and not the whole face. Wash off after ten minutes with cold water which significantly also helps to close the pores on the face.

This should be repeated twice a day.

The third remedy would be the lemon juice. Most of us would not be caught dead having lemon as a fruit because of the stinging sour taste it. Due to this, we overlook its advantages which include making a pimple disappear in two days. Cut the lemon into half and rub the open side of the lemon against the acne. This act gives a stinging feeling. When this happens, do not panic, it just means the lemon juice is working. It reacts differently because lemon contains citric acid which attacks the bacteria that causes acne. Leave for about 30-45 minutes before washing off. Make sure the juice is thoroughly washed off the face because citric acid is a bleaching agent which could cause sunburns. A sunscreen is advised to apply on the face after washing.

Honey is another tip for clearing pimples. Apply honey with a clean cotton cloth on the affected area for 30 minutes. If you want to use your hands, always wash them just before the application of the honey.
Wash off with lukewarm water. Honey is a natural antibiotic which speed up the healing processes of injuries, acne and prevents infections.

Ice is another effective way of clearing acne. As we all know, ice is usually used to reduce swellings. This is because it helps in the circulation of blood to the affected area. It also removes oil and dirt accumulated on the skin. Both crushed ice and whole ice can work depending on what is more comfortable for you. Wrap the ice in a small face towel and press on the pimple for a few seconds. Repeat this process continuously for a whole day.

Garlic could also be used for this purpose. It is an antiviral and antifungal agent and contains sulphur which helps in the fast treatment of acne. Cut fresh garlic into half and rub against the pimple like it is done with the lemon. Leave for 10 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water. This should be repeated several times a day.

Cucumbers also aid in the clearing of acne. Cucumbers are said to be rich in potassium and vitamins A, C and E. Slice cucumber and soak in water for an hour, the nutrients such as potassium and vitamins transfer to the water. Drink water or use water to wash face. You can also make a face mask with cucumber by grinding with little or no water. Apply all over the face and leave it for 20minutes, then wash off with warm water. This act helps remove oil and dirt from the face which aid in clearing acne.
Papaya (pawpaw) is also an effective treatment of acne. Papaya is said to be rich in vitamin A and also reduces inflammation. Make a paste by blending and apply all over the face. Wash face with lukewarm water. The exfoliating effect in papaya also helps remove dead cells from skin but this is advised to use after the pimple is gone.

A healthy diet and rest is also a major way of clearing acne. These two go together. This is the reason we look fresher when we are well rested and eat right. Most people take the food we eat for granted neglecting the most important, which are vegetables. Having a healthy diet such as vegetables, whole grains and fruits help metabolize and suppress the junk food which force out the acne. Oils and carbohydrates should be minimal to avoid acne.

These are the natural home remedies to clear acne .If your skin reacts to any of these tips, you should stop immediately as we are all born with different skin types.