What is the best way to get rid of pimples? You asked and we’ve answered! There are plenty of things you can do to battle breakouts, from lifestyle and dietary changes to skincare routines. Read on for our tips to get rid of pimples and clear breakouts.

1. Wash bedding regularly

Is your bedding contributing to breakouts?

It’s icky to think about but dirty pillow covers, sheets, and bed covers are hotspots for bacteria, dead skin cells, and oil. When your skin comes in contact with dirty bedding it also comes in contact with all these factors that can trigger breakouts.

If you’re wondering how to get rid pimples, the answer could be simple: change your bedding at least once a week. 

2. Don’t touch!

It might seem like one of the easiest way to get rid of pimples, but squeezing them never ends well! It might be momentarily satisfying to pop a pimple but you’re making breakouts worse.

When you pick at your skin, it spreads bacteria to other parts of your face. Skin also becomes red, inflamed and the chances of scarring increase.

Even if you don’t pop a pimple, touching and rubbing your face can also transfer the dirt and oil from your fingers to your face. Become more mindful of how often you touch your skin during the day and try to minimise it.

3. Sanitise your phone

Most phone screens are dirtier than a toilet seat. Gross but true, according to research by Scientists at the University of Arizona.

Along with bacteria, phone screens carry oil and dirt which is transferred to the skin around your cheek area. If you’re wondering how to stop pimples that keep appearing in this area, it could be as simple as cleaning your dirty phone screen.

Keep your phone screen germ free by regularly cleaning it with sanitising wipes. 

4. Remove makeup before bed

We know it can be tempting to skip the PM cleanse and just crawl into bed after a busy day or a big night.

The problem? Makeup left on overnight blocks pores, causes irritation and chances are, you’ll wake up to pimples.

No matter how tired you are, always take a few minutes to cleanse before bed with a gentle cleanse like The Uncomplicated Cleanser. It’s time well spent for clearer, healthier skin.

5. Reach for complex carbs

A few simple dietary changes may help get rid of pimples too.

Switching foods like white pasta, bread, pizza, and cakes for complex carbohydrates (low-glycemic foods) can be beneficial for your skin.

Good sources of complex carbs include brown rice, wild rice, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, corn, lentils, kidney beans, chickpeas, and other veggies like asparagus and zucchini.

6. Drink more water

Good things come to those who drink plenty of water! Including healthier, calmer skin.

Sipping H2O helps keep your skin hydrated which in turn can balance out excess sebum production.

Your skin is triggered to produce more oil when it is dry and dehydrated. It’s your body’s way of trying to add moisture to the skin.

Less oil reduces the chance of clogged pores which means fewer pimples. 

7. Wear sun protection!

Not protecting your face with SPF is the #1 skin crime.

Sunburn speeds up the signs of ageing, increases the chances of skin cancer and can also contribute to acne.

Sunburn triggers the skin to produce more oil. Excess sebum mixed with dry, peeling sunburnt skin builds up on the surface and becomes trapped in pores.

Stay sun safe and help prevent pimples with our Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen with SPF 30.

Ideal for all skin types, including oily skin, this antioxidant-rich sunscreen is non-greasy and won’t block pores.

8. Avoid harsh products

It sounds strange but many skincare products (especially cleansers) promoted to get rid of pimples can actually make the problem worse.

Strong products strip the skin of acne bacteria but also of its natural oils and moisture. You may see a short term improvement as pimples clear up but in the long run, these products are keeping you trapped in an oily cycle.

When your skin is stripped of moisture and oils, the surface becomes dry. Your sebaceous glands go into overdrive producing more oil to compensate for the loss of moisture.

More oil increases the chance of blocked pores and pimples.

The skin barrier can become damaged with the long term use of harsh cleansers causing skin to become red and reactive too.

9. Oils are your friend

Don’t shy away from oils because you have acne-prone skin.

Using the right facial oil regulates sebum production and restores the balance of oily, breakout prone skin.

Including healthy oils and foods that contain essential fatty acids like omega-3s and omega-6s in your diet can improve skin too. Omega 3 and 6 are the building blocks of healthy skin cell membranes helping to keep skin hydrated and clear.

Good sources of these fats include salmon, sardines, flaxseed oil, flaxseeds, walnuts, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds.

10. Adopt a skin care routine

A customised skin care routine is one of the best ways to get rid of pimples. The basic skincare routine for pimples includes:

• A gentle cleanser

Always use a gentle cleanser that nourishes and hydrates the skin rather than stripping it of oil and moisture.

We recommend: The Uncomplicated Cleanser 

• Hydrating serum and anti-redness serum

A hydrating serum helps regulate oil flow as skin is hydrated and not triggered to produce more sebum to compensate for lack of moisture.

Incorporating an anti-redness serum will cool inflamed, red skin and is ideal for inflammatory types of acne.

We recommend: Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum and Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie.

• Moisturiser or face oil with anti inflammatory and antioxidant benefits

Follow the serum step with a moisturiser or face oil to lock in moisture and provide extra antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial benefits.

We recommend: Peppermint Green Oil

• Weekly exfoliation

Exfoliation helps keep pores clear by removing the buildup of dead skin cells, oil, and debris from the surface of the skin.

We recommend: Fresh Sea and Salty Sand Gentle-Foliant

• Weekly anti redness mask

A regular masking session can help minimise the appearance of red, inflamed pimples and treat them with powerful natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

We recommend: Anti-inflammation Mint Gel Booster Mask

 

Discover our full range of acne skin care formulated to help get rid of pimples. You can also talk to one of our esmi Skin Consultants for a free skin care plan to tackle pimples.