Do Pimple Remedies Really Work?

As with every other health concern, acne has dozens of supposed miracle pimple remedies that people swear by. Pimples, small red bumps that can appear in many places on the body, are most often found on the face, in the “T-Zone,” the area across the forehead, down the nose, and covering the chin.

They can be hard, subcutaneous bumps, small red welts, tiny blackheads, “volcanic” whiteheads, and rash-like formations of acne.

How it appears and its frequency varies by person, and can be caused by genetics, environmental things like smoke and pollution, stress, and hormones.

There are many remedies on the market for pimples and acne. Stand in the facial cleansing aisle of any grocery store, drug store, or discount store, and your jaw may drop as you stare, overwhelmed at the wealth of options.

These days, you can choose from medicated pads marketed to teens, kits consisting of cleansers and toners, and combination wrinkle and acne creams for those of us past our prime of youth but still plagued by its bumpiness. Commercial pimple remedies abound.

Of course, cleansing is key! No one can deny that leaving your skin unwashed is going to do nothing for your pimples. Notice the word: cleansing.

Use a cleanser, not soap. Pumping the handsoap and scrubbing your face with it will only make it worse. Please, please, please don’t do it! Use a cleanser specifically designed for acne-prone skin.

For basic spot treatment, try a commercial spot gel like Revitol, or try out some home remedies like Eucalyptus, or a masque of blended tomato, kaolin and water.

My grandmother’s skin was perfect for her entire adult life, and she swore by placing her head over a steaming bowl or sink of water every evening with a towel over her head.

This steam opened up her pores, so when she cleansed her skin (gently!) the oils came right out. Ask some of your friends and relatives (especially relatives, since you share their genes!) what has worked for them in the past. You may be surprised by the homemade pimple remedies that really do work.