Having genetically oily skin definitely makes it easier for acne to flare up on an otherwise healthy, clear face. I find no solace in the many sources that say oily skin ages better because the production of oil keeps skin moist and smooth, keeping wrinkles at bay. There are several of my pals that I have never seen with a blemish on their beautiful faces; hormonal breakouts are non-existent, and stress-related pimples seem to pass their dry skin by completely and land directly on my face. Cleansing with a natural face wash twice a day and using a natural astringent and moisturizer seems to keep my pimples to an all-time low. Unfortunately, those seasonal changes and hormones are something I have little control over and when I do get a zit? Well, let's just say it's out for blood.
Personally, I can feel a zit coming at least a few days before it makes a public appearance. As soon as a spot begins to feel slightly tender, I groan inwardly and apply a natural anti-inflammatory and hope to all hell that it can keep a pimple from making a cameo in my social and professional life. I'm all for natural over the counter zit-zappers, but I'm not interested in spending serious dough or getting on a subway to get to a beauty supply store. If that were my only option, pimples would be a regular guest star in my life.
Fortunately, there are plenty of items you may have in your garden, kitchen, or bathroom already that can be used as a home-remedy to ditch a pimple before it can make a fool out of you. If you've been a victim of a pimple attack away from home, you will definitely appreciate these over-night zit zapping remedies that can keep you from being plagued with pimples on a weekend getaway.
1. Toothpaste
Throughout my college years, spending most of my funds on booze meant I almost never had cash to spare for luxuries such as topical acne treatment. Toothpaste dries out your pimple and can speed up the healing time. Be sure to get a brand with little to no additives to avoid further irritation. This isn't the healthiest option for your skin, but it's been found effective and let's face it, toothpaste is pretty easy to come by in any hotel or location away from home.
2. Cinnamon, Nutmeg & Honey Paste
This remedy is one of my all-time favorites to get rid of a pimple. Make a paste with raw honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg and you'll have some serious anti-inflammatory properties for your skin to soak up which will decrease redness and heal that pesky zit. If you are away from home, find the nearest coffee shop and snag some freebies while you get a Cup of Joe to make your concoction.
3. Salt & Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice can act as a natural astringent and skin brightener, you can alleviate a blemish at rapid speed when you add some salt to your mixture.
4. Ice
Applying ice to your blemish is a sure way to take down the swelling. According to Top 10 Remedies' website, it will freeze the skin pores and eliminate buildup from oil and dirt. Simply wrap a cube of ice around a washcloth and press gently on your zit.
5. Tomato Juice
Applying fresh squeezed tomato juice to your face can give you the cooling and astringent properties necessary to banish a zit once and for all. Tomatoes are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants which are key to keeping young, clear-looking skin. This is not only the biz at getting rid of a zit, it's also going to keep them from popping up in the future. Ask for a tomato with room service or grab some from the produce section of the nearest grocery.
6. Vodka
Vodka is a super effective astringent, especially if you've got oily skin that's prone to breakouts. It has a natural antiseptic ability to clean and tighten up those infected pores. If you've already broken into the mini fridge in your hotel or have done a proper liquor run, dab some vodka on your pimple with a cotton ball.
7. Garlic
Oh, garlic- is there anything you can't do? Not only is garlic a natural remedy for fungal infections and gray hair, it can also be your zit-zapping cure to save you from an embarrassing blemish showing up in photos of your get-away vaca. Garlic is rich in salicylic acid, which is often a main ingredient in many OTC topical treatments for acne. Find some fresh garlic and get zappin!
Image: Kristin Collins Jackson
