If you are struggling with a less than perfect complexion and you want to know how to get rid of acne fast, you need a good plan of action. The correct treatment depends on the type and severity of acne you are experiencing. Here are some tips on how to get rid of acne fast:

If you have occasional pimples that always seem to crop up just before a big event and you need a quick fix, there are a few things that can make a big difference in a short amount of time. If the pimple is inflamed, applying ice for about fifteen minutes off and on can really help bring the swelling down. There are a number of treatments you can apply to the pimple overnight to see fast results such as benzoyl peroxide (found in Persagel 10) and sulfur (found in Acnomel). Crushed up uncoated aspirin mixed with aloe vera gel can also help to get rid of acne fast. If you have a clay mask, that can also be used to help dry up big pimples quickly.

If you have severe acne, you are going to need a bit of patience. It takes time for a bad case of acne to clear up, although you can speed up the process by quickly identifying the root cause. One problem a lot of acne sufferers have is that it can take several months to get an appointment with a dermatologist. In the meantime, you can try to see your general practitioner who might be able to give you samples of medicine that can control acne until you can see your dermatologist.

If you are a woman and you suspect your acne could be hormonal, you can speak to your gynecologist as well. Hormonal acne usually appears on the chin and jawline shortly before your period. Birth control pills can help control this type of acne so if you suspect this could apply to you, you can bypass the derm altogether and see your gynecologist instead.

If you don’t have insurance, you are not out of luck. There are a number of folk treatments that some people swear by. None of these is a magical cure but try a few of these ideas for a week each and see if anything improves. One popular acne remedy involves making a scrub out of sea salt and scrubbing your face with it daily. Another involves placing the cut edge of a potato on each pimple for ten minutes per day. Lemon juice mixed with honey can also be applied to the face to help reduce acne. Others insist that an egg white mask transforms the skin. Apple cider vinegar diluted with water has also been known to clear up acne and can help with blackhead removal as well.

These are just a few ideas about how to clear up acne fast. You may also be interested in our ideas on how to get rid of acne scars. Different things work for different people so don’t fret if the first thing you try doesn’t work. Just move on to something else until you find the perfect solution for your acne!