It’s definitely a myth that pimples stop once you become an adult. I have struggled with pimples my entire life. So long as I have hormones running through my body, it’s just something I will have to deal with. One thing I know for sure is this: My pimples got better once I figured out a few easy tips and tricks. Read on to see how I help pimples clear fast.
1-For the Love of Masks
Use a face mask weekly to help pimples
I have been using face masks as a part of my skincare routine since I was a teenager. I have tried it all-from egg yolk masks (yes, I put egg yolk on my face!), to clay, to honey and more.
One mask that I have kept as my go-to pimple buster for many years now is a combination of two ingredients: Aztec Indian Healing Clay mixed with apple cider vinegar. It’s a pretty intense mask but it seems to help me combat monthly hormonal pimples as well as stress-related or lack of sleep related pimples.
How-To:
Simply mix a couple of tablespoons (use more or less depending on the size of your face), with a little apple cider vinegar (shaken!). Use water if you have very sensitive skin.
I mix my mask in a plastic bowl and mixing set made just for face masks. I suggest using glass or plastic when using an something acidic like vinegar for face mask making AND in cooking.
I add a little of the liquid at a time, stirring a bit in between each addition to reach a smooth, not-to-runny consistency. You’ll be able to tell if you have too little or too much liquid. If you accidentally add too much liquid, add a bit more clay.
Brush on your skin, steering clear of your eye area and lips (as it can be a bit drying)
Allow the mask to dry for 15-20 minutes (or longer if you can stand all the crazy pulling it does!)
Rinse with cool water or gently use a damp washcloth to remove and pat your skin dry
Apply your favorite serums or moisturizer (as the mask can dry your skin out)
Your skin may be a bit red after using the mask. This usually disappears within a few minutes.
Use once a week (or more or less depending on your skin situation)
If you have reactive skin (breaks out easily when using new products) or have super sensitive skin, I suggest asking your dermatologist or doctor prior to using this or any face mask
Here’s my quick video tutorial on YouTube:
2- Stick to a Good Skincare Routine
Keeping your skin hydrated helps keep skin clear
I have been using my same face wash and moisturizers for quite a while now. Since my skin tends to break out if I introduce new products, I like to stick to the same skincare routine when it is working for me. As I’ve aged, I’ve added heavier moisturizers and serums, but all in all, I’ve done well using what I am. See my full skincare routine by either clicking this link OR watching the video below!
3- Get Plenty of Sleep
Get more rest to help pimples
I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but I’ll repeat it again. GET PLENTY OF SLEEP! I know from personal experience how important getting good sleep is for your skin. Whenever I skimp on sleep for several days in a row, my skin looks dull and breaks out like crazy. If you stick with a consistent sleeping schedule (with the amount of hours that work for your body), your skin will thank you for it.
If you have break-out prone skin like me, you’ll want to ALWAYS remove your makeup before going to bed, as well as keeping your pillowcases and sleeping masks clean. You should do this even if your skin isn’t break-out prone. You gotta give your skin some oxygen!
4- Drink Water
Drinking water helps keep skin clear
This is something else I’m sure you’ve heard before, but it’s true. When I increased the amount of water I drank, my skin cleared up. Dehydrated skin breaks out more easily, in my experience. The amount of water you should drink is based on your own personal body composition. If you are unsure about how much you should drink, talk with your doctor about it.
To be sure I ingest the right amount of water for me, I fill up my favorite Rubbermaid carafe (I’ve used this size and style for years but Amazon has some personal measuring water bottles too) with filtered water every night and put it in the fridge. The next day I work to drink the entire pitcher.
If I don’t drink it all by the end of the day, then I know I didn’t get what my body needed. I then work hard to make sure I get enough water the next day. My husband follows this routine too and it works for us. We drink plain, unflavored and unsweetened water, but you could add some fresh squeezed lemon or orange juice to add a bit of flavor if needed.
We also like to use Vega Sport Hydrator (we like Lemon Lime best) in our water when we are working out or doing some sweat-inducing yard work.
5- Stress Less and Eat Well
Doing yoga helps keep skin clear
Believe it or not, these are two HUGE factors that you can easily control. Some people would argue that they can’t help stressing out or that they don’t have time to eat well, but I strongly disagree. You must figure out a way to balance your stress levels and carve out time to figure out how to eat better.
I like to practice yoga and meditation (I use FREE video versions I find on YouTube…yes they have ads, but that’s how creators get paid to create!) whenever I’m feeling stressed. I cook most of my meals at home, practicing clean, organic eating. Sure, I feel stress, and sure, I like to eat sweets and eat out sometimes, but if I don’t keep both under control, my skin breaks out.
Try using the tips for at least 7 weeks. That seems to be the amount of time it takes to develop a new good habit AND to see if it works for you. I can’t guarantee you’ll always have perfect skin BUT I do know taking care of yourself and your skin helps you not only on the outside, but on the inside as well.