How to Treat Zits at Home

Cleaning your face regularly can help prevent the formation of zits.

Zits have a variety of different causes. Adolescence, hormonal changes, menstrual cycles, pregnancy and birth control pills can all lead to unwanted markings on your face and other parts of your body -- including your shoulders, back and neck. Zits are build up on pus, dead skin cells and bacteria below the skins surface that can lead to unsightly and painful bumps on your skin. With advances in over-the-counter medications, you can now treat many breakouts of zits at home.

Things You'll Need

• Facial cleanser
• Hypo-allergenic make-up

Instructions

1. Keep your face clean. Clean your face in the morning and in the evening using water and a mild facial cleanser. Avoid scrubs and astringents, as they can be harsh on your face. While washing, pay close attention to problem areas -- areas of your face or body that are more prone to breakouts. You can also use an over-the-counter acne lotion. These lotions are designed to promote peeling which can help dry zits out.

2. Keep your hands away from your face. Your hands touch a large amount of unclean surfaces and products on a daily basis. By touching your hands to your face, you are risking spreading bacteria to your face which can increase the prevalence of zits.

3. Avoid oily make-up products and sunscreens. Look for oil-free or hypoallergenic make-up if you must wear make-up. If wearing make-up to cover acne up, look for a tinted acne medication. Tinted acne medications can help clear your skin while covering up the appearance of acne. When choosing a sunscreen, avoid sunscreens that are not oil-free.

4. Try alternative medicine. MayoClinic.com indicates that over-the-counter gels that contain tea tree oil can help to treat mild to moderate acne. Zinc, Brewer's yeast and guggul may also be helpful in the treatment of zits.

5. Remove make-up before going to bed. Allow your skin to breath while you sleep. Failing to remove your makeup can lead to clogged pores which can cause acne.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have no success with at-home zit treatments, make an appointment with a dermatologist. Your dermatologist can prescribe stronger medications to help reduce the appearance of acne as well as prevent future breakouts.

• Do not pick at or pop zits. This can lead to scarring and infection at the site of your zit.

References

• MayoClinic.com: Acne; 2009
• American Academy of Dermatology; Acne Treatment; 1998