How to Get Rid of Acne Fast: 5 Effective Treatments

Although acne is not exactly life-threatening, it can really affect your livelihood and confidence. Whether it is as small as a pimple showing up before a big event or persistent breakouts that just won’t go away, everyone is looking for ways to get rid of acne fast.

Below we have outlined a list of both natural and more aggressive treatments for acne, but first, let’s discuss exactly what acne is.

What Is Acne?

The pores (those small holes on your face you see when you look closely into a mirror) are connected to your oil glands. The oily substance in these glands is called sebum. Sebum rises to the surface of the skin with dead skin cells and bacteria because your body wants to get rid of the excess.

We know what you might be thinking, “I wash my face regularly and exfoliate the dead skin off, why do I still have acne?”

Everyone’s skin is different and some skin types produce more sebum than others.

A lot of people with acne think it is best to wash their face multiple times a day with cleansers that calin to dry the skin out. However, this could actually cause more sebum production as your skin thinks that it is too dry and needs moisture.

How To Get Rid Of Acne Fast: Natural Treatments 

The good news is that even if you suffer from this condition, you can take steps to try and keep it at bay. In fact, currently, there is some very promising evidence for the use of natural treatments in the prevention and cure of acne.

1. Green Tea 

You may like to drink this stuff when you need a boost – but it can work for your skin too! Studies have shown that green tea can actually be beneficial in the management of acne. In fact, it contains all sorts of wonderful things that can have a positive effect on acne breakouts.

One of these is epigallocatechin-3-gallate EGCG.

EGCG is an antioxidant that both inhibits sebum production and lowers inflammation of pimples or nodules. EGCG has also been shown to help fight bacteria as well, making green tea an excellent all-round acne treatment.

Note: while many products have green tea listed as an ingredient, you do not have to spend a fortune to get the benefit here.

2. Aloe Vera 

You may already have an aloe vera plant growing in your home or garden. If so, you can use it to try and reduce the appearance of your acne.

In fact, the combination of healing, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties from the gel inside of the leaves that make it potentially effective.

Although, it is worth pointing out that research in this area is only in its beginning stages. Nevertheless, the information we do have on aloe vera suggests that it has the potential to help reduce the appearance of acne. It is currently being used as an enhancement to other treatments including boosting the efficacy of popular acne medication Tretinoin by up to 50%!

Note: Do not use the product you buy at the pharmacy for sunburns. These aloe vera treatments have additional chemicals and additives that can be harmful to the delicate skin on your face.

3. Tea Tree Oil 

If you are trying to find out how to get rid of acne fast, like really fast, tea tree oil might be a shot worth taking.

In fact, treating yourself with tea tree oil is very simple as all you need to do is make a mixture of nine parts water to one part oil. Then apply it, with a clean cue tip to the area affected.

Of course, you do have to make sure that the tea tree oil is diluted because it can be pretty powerful stuff.

In fact, it is packed with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits so much so that one study found using a tea tree oil gel rivaled benzoyl peroxide and had fewer side effects. Not bad for an all-natural product at all!

Note: If you are nervous about diluting your tea tree oil, you can buy skincare products that already contain it. We always suggest doing a test patch of any product or solution containing tea tree oil before using it on your face – especially if you have sensitive skin.

Dealing With More Persistent Acne?

Now, the options we outlined above are great for those who have a pimple or two pop up every once in awhile, but for those suffering from a more severe or persistent case of acne, the natural remedies discussed may not be enough on their own to provide relief.

It is in this situation, many people turn to other treatments, like laser therapy.

Laser Therapy 

Laser therapy for acne uses lasers as the primary method of treatment. However, it is important to understand the distinction between the different types of laser and light therapies and what they can be used for.

For example, visible light treatments, infrared, and IPL with vacuum therapy can all be used to treat things like whiteheads, blackheads and pimples. However, for more severe cases of acne such as cystic or nodule photopneumatic therapy or PDT is needed.

This treatment alone will not completely get rid of acne forever. In fact, it is suggested as a treatment for more severe cases along with additional medications and acne prevention skincare routine.

It is also important to note that another type of laser therapy that uses The Halo Hybrid Fractional Laser is great for removing acne scars – something that tends to come along with chronic acne.

Now, back to PDT. PDT is designed to help clear the acne that is currently symptomatic, so it will be your responsibility to prevent new acne from forming.

PDT is not a quick fix, like some of the treatments above are. In fact, results often take several sessions, and the effect will vary from person to person. However, with strong research in this area, with some showing up to a 72% reduction in acne 12 weeks after therapy, it may be well worth the wait.

If you would to a consultation at the Vargas Face and Skin Center to discuss your acne and treatment options, click below to schedule your visit today!