Talk To A Dermatologist About Antibiotics
Topical antibiotics can fight an overgrowth of P. acne bacteria in the skin. Examples of antibiotics that treat this inflammatory acne include erythromycin and clindamycin, which are available by prescription.
A person can identify inflammatory acne by its very red, irritated appearance. It can also be painful.
Steer Clear Of Allergens
For people who are sensitive or allergic to them, certain perfumes and other chemicals in laundry detergents, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, and flushable wipes can trigger a rash on the buttocks.
For example, studies have found that a common preservative in cosmetics used in flushable wipes called methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone is associated with allergic contact dermatitis. If you suspect your laundry or personal hygiene product has caused your butt acne, switch to a hypoallergenic version.
The Best Acne Products For Natural Acne Treatment
There are hundreds, maybe even thousands, of natural acne treatment products on the market, but these are a few of our favorites:
Barlean’s uses organic coconuts for their product. If you’re into using coconut oil for acne but also environmentally or socially conscientious, you’ll like thatBarlean’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is also fair trade, non-GMO and vegan.
Barlean’s organic virgin coconut oil, from $16,
NOW Tea Tree Oil for acne is a popular choice thanks to the product’s strong antiseptic and germicidal properties. Distilled from the leaves of the tea tree in Australia, this brand is 100 percent tea tree oil and also has a milder smell than you might expect.
NOW tea tree oil, from $11,
You May Like: Do Antibiotics Work For Acne
How To Treat Cystic Acne
Sorry, but at some pointideally right away! Now! Yesterday!youre likely going to need work with a dermatologist to fully prevent and/or treat your cystic zits, especially if youre dealing with more than 1-2 bumps a month . That being said, its helpful to know what cystic acne treatments are potentially in store for you, starting with:
Tread Carefully When It Comes To Home Remedies

While toothpaste, lemon juice, and even Windex have been cited as excellent at-home remedies for blemishes, dermatologists advise against them. Skip these “DIY fixes:”
- “Toothpaste traditionally contained an ingredient called triclosan, which has antimicrobial properties, and the thought was that it helped lower levels of acne-causing bacteria to reduce inflammation and treat the pimple,” Dr. Zeichner explains. “Because triclosan is a known cause of skin allergies, it has been removed from most toothpastes, so they are no longer useful in treating acne.”
- “Lemon juice is also irritating and wouldn’t have any effect on the pimple itself,” Dr. Day adds.
- Windex well, it’s glass cleaner. Don’t put glass cleaner on your face.
One way to remove pimples naturally is by applying tea tree oil, which “may help by reducing inflammation and lowering levels of acne-causing bacteria,” Dr. Zeichner says. But he warns against applying it undiluted to the skin, because it may cause irritation.
Read Also: How To Fade Acne Dark Spots
How To Get Rid Of Back Acne
Back acne is a potentially embarrassing and sometimes painful condition where clogged hair follicles on the back cause pimples and blackheads. Back acne can be caused by the same factors as other types of acne: diet, hormones, certain medications, genetics or any combination thereof. But when you’re considering how to get rid of back acne, also remember that most people have their back covered the majority of the day. The clothing we wear matters, and the way in which we wash the skin on our back is key for clear skin, the whole body over. Learn more about common back acne causes, the best acne products for your body, and how to prevent acne on the back from returning in this section.
Avoid Skincare Products That Contain Oil
Skincare products contain oil can clog the pores. These products are often intended for use on dry or mature skin that may not have as much natural oil.
Products that do not contain oil are usually labeled non-comedogenic.
It may be a good idea to avoid touching household grease and cooking oils, which can also clog pores.
Read Also: Does Noxzema Clear Acne Scars
Do: Use A Cleansing Brush
A cleansing device takes off more dirt, bacteria and makeup from your skin, says Dr. Debra Jaliman, a board-certified dermatologist and author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist. Cleansing brushes also exfoliate the skins surface, leaving it looking and feeling softer and smoother. Just be sure to use a device thats designed for acne. Some bristles can be too rough, causing redness and sensitivity.
Try:FOREO Luna 3 for Sensitive Skin
How To Make A Honey And Cinnamon Mask
Summary
Honey and cinnamon have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. They may help reduce acne, but more studies are needed.
Tea tree oil is an essential oil thats extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree native to Australia.
Its well known for its ability to fight bacteria and reduce skin inflammation (
Summary
Tea tree oil has strong anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying it to the skin may reduce acne.
Read Also: Is Dairy Bad For Acne
How To Get Rid Of Acne: 25 Skin Care Tips From Dermatologists
fast.
It can take years and dozens of trips to the dermatologist to discover how to get rid of acne on your unique skin. Everyone has unique skin types, skin tones, lifestyles, and genetic histories that make it impossible to have a single piece of one-size-fits-all advice. But here at Teen Vogue, we’ve pretty much made it our life mission to figure out the best tips from the pros to point you in the right direction. We’ve seen it all and won’t recommend skincare products or acne treatments unless they’re backed up by experience and science.
We’ve rounded up the best advice on how to get clear skin from top dermatologists. Read on for our favorite ways to get your skin to look and feel its best.
Wash The Face Twice Daily
Acne is rarely the result of a dirty face, contrary to popular belief. However, it is important to remove excess dirt and oil from the skin by washing regularly.
Many people prefer to use a mild cleanser and warm water. Applying an oil-free moisturizer after washing can keep the skin from becoming too dry.
Over-washing the face may cause the skin to become dry, which can aggravate pimples.
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Cystic Acne Permanently
Regularly Change Your Face Towel
When you think about it, consistently reaching for your go-to face towel every day is like reusing a dinner napkin over and over again. Using dirty towels can harbor bacteria, and they can even introduce new bacteria to your skin, which may lead to more pimples. Thankfully, this doesn’t mean you need to reach for a new towel every single time you wash your face, according to Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, board-certified NYC dermatologist and clinical instructor at NYU Langone and Mount Sinai Hospital. As long as you’re truly washing off all of your makeup, you can stick to switching out your towels on a weekly basis.
How Long Does It Take To Clear Up Acne Scars

Mild acne scars will typically clear up on their own or with some additional help within three to six months. Severe acne scars may never completely go away. Taking preventative measures like not picking at the skin and seeking appropriate medical attention can help scars heal faster. The amount of time it will take to clear up acne scars depends on the individual, their symptoms, and response to treatment.
You May Like: What Really Works For Acne
Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Face Acne At Home
Do: Say Hello To Retinoids
A topical retinoid can prevent clogged pores and help acne treatments work better and faster, says Dr. Jeremy Brauer, Director of Clinical Research at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York. These products can be harsh, though, so start by applying only a pea-size amount to your face and do it just once every three days. As your skin adjusts, you can increase to a nightly application and revel in the knowledge that your face is now after picture material.
Try:PCA SKIN Intensive Clarity Treatment 0.5 Pure Retinol Night
Look Into Birth Control
Birth control pills that contain both estrogen and progesterone have been shown to lower the amount of androgens in your body and therefore, are sometimes prescribed to help treat hormonal acne.
Related Story
It can take a few months to see results and initially your acne may get worse. There are risks associated with taking birth control pills, and some types can actually make your acne worse. Talk to your doctor to see if taking birth control pills will help the kind of acne you have.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Acne Marks Fast
Tea Tree Oil For Acne Treatment
Some people swear by the disinfecting power of tea tree oil for acne treatment. It can be applied either full strength or slightly diluted with water directly onto pimples. Use a small amount on a clean cotton swab or cotton pad and dab on the affected areas immediately after cleansing. Because tea tree oil can be drying, you might choose to use both tea tree oil and coconut oil for acne as part of your clear skin regimen.
How To Get Rid Of Acne
Lifestyle
Moderation and regularity are good things, but not everyone can sleep eight hours, eat three healthy meals per day, and drink plenty of water a day. Probably the most useful lifestyle changes one can make is to never to pick or squeeze pimples. Playing with or popping pimples, no matter how careful and clean one is, nearly always makes bumps stay redder and bumpier longer. People often refer to redness as “scarring,” but fortunately, it usually isn’t permanent. It’s just a mark that takes months to fade if left entirely alone.
Open the pores
Occasional visits to an esthetician who is an expert at safely removing blackheads during a facial can be beneficial.
Cleansing and skin care
Despite what one might read in popular style and fashion magazines, there is no magic product or regimen that is right for every person and situation.
- Mild cleansers: Washing once or twice a day with a mild cleansing bar or liquid will keep the skin clean and minimize sensitivity and irritation.
- Exfoliating cleansers and masks: A variety of mild scrubs, exfoliants, and masks can be used. These products may contain salicylic acid in a concentration that makes it a very mild peeling agent. These products remove the outer layer of the skin and thus open pores. Products containing glycolic or alpha hydroxy acids are also gentle skin exfoliants.
- Retinol: Not to be confused with the prescription medication Retin-A, this derivative of vitamin A can help promote skin peeling.
Reducing bacteria
You May Like: What Is Good For Fungal Acne
Skip Makeup When You’re Working Out
Take an extra five minutes before hopping on the treadmill to completely wash your face and remove your makeup to minimize the risk of breakouts. “Sweat is released through visible pores in the skin,” says dermatologist Dr. Janelle Vega. “When makeup covers those pores, that barrier doesn’t allow the sweat to make it to the surface of the skin, which can lead to clogged pores. The trapped debris and bacteria are a perfect breeding ground for acne bumps and zits.”
Easy Home Remedies For Acne
Is the secret to clearer skin hiding in your kitchen? Homemade acne treatments from foods such as honey, cucumbers, and grapes may help complement professional treatment from a dermatologist.
Mihajlo Ckovric/Stocksy
Acne can be stubborn and seem to pop up at the worst times. The good news is that over-the-counter and prescription medications can zap pimples and help stop new breakouts. The bad news is that some acne products can cause side effects like redness, discoloration, or dryness, notes the Mayo Clinic. For this reason, some people prefer treating acne at home with natural solutions.
Typically, the more mild the acne, the more easily it can be treated at home, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. In more severe cases, though especially if there are cysts or nodules professional treatments often are necessary.
For mild acne, you might be surprised to learn that you already have several acne remedies in your own home and in your kitchen of all places.
You can mix common foods and ingredients, such as cucumbers, oatmeal, grapes, and yeast, into a facial mask and create an acne treatment. A homemade facial may help prevent or clear acne, as well as keep your skin glowing, moisturized, and healthy.
Don’t Miss: What Is Acne Prone Skin Means
Three Things That Can Improve Acne Clearing
These techniques arent necessary for every blemish. Acne often clears with acne medicine and the right skin care.
While youre waiting for your skin to clear, it can be tempting to pop a large pimple or squeeze out a blackhead. That can delay clearing.
Here are 3 things you can do that will help you see clearer skin more quickly.
Keep your hands away from your face.Touching, picking, and popping can worsen acne.
Relieve pain with ice.Some acne can be painful, especially nodules and cysts. Ice reduces the inflammation.
Treat your acne.Many people can clear their acne with treatment that they can buy online or at a drugstore. Treatment takes time to work. If you dont see results in 4 to 6 weeks, a dermatologist can help you clear your skin.
Can Natural Remedies Improve Acne Scars

Because acne scars result from changes in the amount and structure of collagen and elastic fibers in the skin, the use of natural remedies such as apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, coconut oil, and other products arent effective in reducing scarring once it develops, says Shah.
She suggests making an appointment with a dermatologist to discuss treatments for existing scars.
Recommended Reading: Does Apple Cider Help With Acne
Ask Your Doctor About Cortisone Injections
If you wake up the day before school starts with a big honking zit, your doc may be able to help. If you can swing it, Dr. Levin says your best bet is to head to the dermatologist for a cortisone injection.
It’s quick, with minimal discomfort, and will zap your zit almost immediately. This isn’t an easy or cheap option, obviously, but when it’s an emergency like, you have a huge whitehead on the tip of your nose the day before senior portraits it might be worth it.
How Do You Get Rid Of Acne Scars And Dark Spots
There are both professional treatments and over-the-counter products you can try to minimize the appearance of acne scars and dark spots. For over-the-counter products, it is important to look for exfoliating ingredients, such as retinol, azelaic acid, salicylic acid, and AHAs . These types of ingredients work by essentially tricking the skin into thinking it is being wounded. The top layer of skin is sloughed away and the production of collagen is promoted, resulting in decreased acne scars and lightened dark spots.
For acne scars, professional treatments options include chemical peels, microneedling, and lasers. Dark spots are best treated with either lasers or chemical peels. Multiple sessions may be needed to fully fade spots or scars. Meet with a dermatologist to determine which type and strength of treatment will work best for your specific needs.
Dark spots can also be faded using a prescribed hydroquinone cream, which lightens the skin. However, hydroquinone has been found to be toxic, and should not be used for more than 12 weeks.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Cystic Acne On Inner Thighs
Read Also: Is Dove Soap Good For Acne
Papaya For Dark Black Spots
Similarly papaya is a miracle fruits which is highly used for the treatment for dark spots naturally. This fruit is easily available but its benefits are numerous, you can use papaya packs to make the skin look better in texture as well. There are several things that papaya can do for the skin. This is why we have included this here as well.
Recommended Reading: Does Glycolic Acid Help With Acne Scars
Shower Asap After Exercise
Sweat that gets trapped against the skin and then dries can be highly irritating to hair follicles. It can create the perfect place for bacteria to grow.
Try to schedule workouts and other physical activities so that you can take a shower immediately after. Don’t stop by the grocery store or the library until you’ve lathered up and changed clothes.
Biking, rowing, spin classes, and other activities that you perform while sitting can create friction on the skin of the buttocks. This may irritate butt acne. In these cases, it may be best to switch to an alternative activity until the breakout heals.
Don’t Miss: How To Clear Acne Home Remedies