To get rid of spots completely, use gentle cleansing with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, apply spot treatments (patches, ice), maintain a healthy diet, and avoid picking; for persistent or severe acne, consult a doctor for prescription options like antibiotics or isotretinoin, as consistent treatment (2-3 months) is key and results take time.
Isotretinoin: This is a potent medicine that attacks all four causes of acne—bacteria, clogged pores, excess oil, and inflammation (redness and swelling). About 85% of patients see permanent clearing after one course of isotretinoin.
Kids' acne treatment involves gentle cleansing, using non-comedogenic products, avoiding picking, and applying over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription treatments like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to unclog pores, with stronger options like retinoids or antibiotics for severe cases, always guided by a doctor for persistent issues.
To treat pregnancy acne, start with self-care:
Products containing a low concentration of benzoyl peroxide may be recommended, but be careful as this can bleach clothing. If your acne is severe or appears on your chest and back, it may need to be treated with antibiotics or stronger creams that are only available on prescription.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is most effective as a dark spot preventive as it has antiviral and antiseptic properties. Its power is in its capacity to quickly heal and prevent blemishes or wounds from becoming dark spots and allows you to remove spots from the face in 2 days naturally.
In addition to acne control medications and cleansers, you can also use several natural ingredients found around your home to restore your skin health including:
Foods that cause your blood sugar to rise quickly, such as white bread and fries, may worsen acne.
Spearmint Tea
Spearmint not only has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, but it can help correct hormonal imbalances too. Studies have shown that regular consumption of spearmint tea can reduce your acne problems by 25 to 50%.
Stress acne often manifests in the form of whiteheads, blackheads, and small pimples, typically appearing around your forehead, chin, or jawline. If you've noticed that your skin seems to worsen during busy periods at work or after a stressful event, it's likely that stress is the culprit.
Spoiler alert—no! Using toothpaste to treat acne can cause dryness and irritation. We're here to share what we know — but don't take it as medical advice. Talk to your medical provider if you have questions.
Baby acne is small, inflamed bumps on a baby's face, neck, back or chest. It often develops within 2 to 4 weeks of birth. Many babies also develop tiny, pimple-like bumps on the face. These harmless spots are called milia. They disappear on their own within a few weeks.
Rising levels of male sex hormones (androgens) in both boys and girls during puberty that cause more sebum and more dead skin cells. Using makeup or cosmetics that block the pores. Using certain products to wash the skin. Wearing clothes that rub or irritate the skin.
Pimples typically affect teenagers (adolescents) and young adults undergoing hormonal changes. However, they can affect babies, and many adults continue to have pimples into their 20s, 30s and beyond. Some even develop pimples for the first time as adults.
Korean skincare stands out from Western skincare because it typically involves a more extensive routine. A Korean routine for acne includes double cleansing, toners and essences, and twice daily moisturizing. Most Korean skincare routines also include a weekly mask and exfoliation.
Benzoyl peroxide.
This ingredient kills bacteria that cause acne, helps remove excess oil from the skin and removes dead skin cells, which can clog pores. Benzoyl peroxide products that you can buy without a prescription are available in strengths from 2.5% to 10%.
High-fiber foods can help reduce inflammation and blood sugar spikes. Steel cut oats, beans, apples, and carrots are all excellent options for helping keep your skin clear. Fresh fruits and vegetables are among the best foods for acne, thanks to their high levels of antioxidants and vitamins.
If your acne persists for more than a couple of months, if it's causing scarring and if topical therapies haven't been effective, it might be time to consider a systemic treatment, like an antibiotic, as a next step.
Say yes to healthy and glowing skin with these simple and easy-to-make 5 morning detox drinks for glowing skin:
Acne isn't caused by dirty skin. In fact, scrubbing the skin too hard or cleansing with harsh soaps or chemicals irritates the skin and can make acne worse. Cosmetics. Cosmetics don't necessarily worsen acne, especially if you use oil-free makeup that doesn't clog pores (noncomedogenics) and remove makeup regularly.
My Top 10 Vitamin and Supplement Recommendations for Hormonal Acne
CeraVe is the #1 dermatologist-recommended cleanser brand for acne*, and our Acne Control Cleanser with 2% salicylic acid is formulated to clear acne, reduce blackheads and improve the appearance of pores, while purifying clay helps absorb excess oil.
You can't 100% guarantee permanent removal, but severe acne can often be cleared long-term with powerful prescription treatments like isotretinoin, while milder cases respond to consistent use of topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, or hormonal therapies, combined with gentle skincare, avoiding picking, and a low-GI diet for best results. A dermatologist can find the best approach for severe or stubborn acne.
The topical application of tea tree oil is effective for the treatment of acne. Tea tree oil reduces bacteria and other microbes associated with acne vulgaris. It is available in a variety of topical creams or facial rinses.
Inadequate sleep can lead to acne through hormonal imbalances, increased inflammation, and impaired skin repair. A dedicated skincare routine, both in the morning and evening, is vital for addressing acne caused by irregular sleep.