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How To Get Rid Of Acne Overnight: 10 Helpful Tips
11/25/20228 min read
You look in the mirror one morning in a panic. Why are there so many pimples on your face when you have a special event the next day? If you're wondering how to get rid of acne overnight, you’re in the right place.
While we can’t give you a magic wand to make it all disappear, we can provide you with some tips and tricks that may help. Keep reading for 10 different strategies to improve your skin’s appearance quickly.
But before treating your acne, it’s essential to understand why you're having breakouts in the first place.
Table Of Contents
What Causes Acne?
Acne is a skin condition caused by clogged pores. Hormones, stress, genetics, and environmental factors can all contribute to its development. The American Academy of Dermatology Association also lists the following as potential causes:
- Not getting enough sleep
- Using oily skincare or haircare products
- Your dietary choices
And contrary to popular belief, acne is not just a problem teenagers face. Adults of all ages can also suffer from untimely breakouts.
Acne Symptoms
The main symptom of acne is the appearance of pimples and bumps on your skin. But depending on the type of acne you have, you may notice other signs, such as:
- Whiteheads
- Blackheads
- Cysts
- Papules (small, reddish bumps)
- Nodules (small, reddish bumps filled with pus)
- Scarring of the skin
The types of blemishes you notice can depend on the severity of your acne. Milder cases may result in whiteheads or blackheads, while more severe cases can lead to cysts, papules, and nodules.
Where Acne Can Appear
Acne can appear on your face, chest, back, neck, and shoulders. It’s also common to have breakouts in multiple areas simultaneously.
With this in mind, let's move on to the good stuff: quickly getting rid of your blemishes.
How To Get Rid Of Acne Overnight
As mentioned above, we don't have any magical solutions that'll completely clear your skin overnight. Truly fighting acne takes time and patience.
But the good news is that there are several treatments you can try to reduce the appearance of your acne. Let’s look at 10 of the most promising.
1) Ice The Area
Ice is a great way to reduce swelling and skin inflammation. In addition, this treatment option can help reduce the size of red pimples, making them less noticeable and easier to hide with concealer or other makeup options.
To ice your acne, wrap a handful of ice cubes in a cloth and apply it to the affected area. Hold it there for around 10 minutes, and then remove it so your skin can rest.
If you don’t notice the desired results, repeat this process. Just give your skin a break in-between treatments.
2) Treat Acne With Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a member of the aspirin family. It comes from plants, such as willow bark, and is also made synthetically. Because it helps break down dead skin cells and unclog pores, it's a star ingredient when treating skin conditions, like acne and psoriasis.
You can pick up different acne face washes or spot treatments that include salicylic acid over the counter. Or your dermatologist may prescribe a more potent formula.
Just be sure to follow the product’s instructions carefully to avoid irritating your skin or drying it out too much since dry skin can make acne worse.
3) Use A Healing Face Mask
If you're looking for an at-home spa day, try treating your skin with a healing face mask. Clay masks are excellent for gently exfoliating your skin and drawing out impurities.
Look for formulas that contain ingredients like tea tree oil, witch hazel, aloe vera, and charcoal to help soothe and calm your skin .
4) Clean Your Skin Thoroughly
Cleaning your skin is an integral part of the acne-fighting process. But if you're trying to get rid of acne fast, it's even more crucial. While cleansing won’t immediately make acne vanish, it can help remove dirt, oil, and acne-causing bacteria from your skin's surface.
Use lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser or soap. And if you have sensitive skin, look for formulas specifically designed with this in mind, such as our Sensitive Skin Moisturizing Body Wash.
The ingredients in this product have been specially selected to help keep your skin feeling soft and smooth. For example, niacinamide (vitamin B3) helps lock in moisture, and cleaning agents help keep your pores clean.
5) Apply Tea Tree Oil
After cleansing, consider a natural remedy, like tea tree oil.
Be careful when applying tea tree oil to your skin. Dilute it with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil. And if you've never used this ingredient before, do a patch before dabbing it on your body. Otherwise, you may have an adverse reaction.
Once you know tea tree oil is safe for your body, use a cotton swab or your fingertips to apply the diluted oil directly to your skin. It can help moisturize to give you healthier-looking skin.
6) Change Your Pillowcase
Your pillowcase can be a breeding ground for bacteria. So, if you're looking for an at-home fix to get rid of acne overnight, make sure you swap out your pillowcase. After working hard to clear up your skin, the last thing you want to do is rest your face in bacteria all night.
Use pillowcases made from breathable, natural fibers, like cotton or silk, to wick away moisture and help keep your skin dry. These materials will reduce the chances of bacteria buildup and help prevent future breakouts.
7) Add A Moisturizer
Although not all moisturizers directly treat existing breakouts, they can help keep your skin hydrated and prevent future ones from forming. Without proper moisture, your skin can get too dry and become irritated.
To help with this, look for oil-free or non-comedogenic formulas that won't clog your pores. Ingredients like ceramides, green tea extract, and niacinamide are great for soothing your skin and can help keep your skin balanced so it doesn’t get too greasy or dry.
And if you're looking for an extra boost of hydration, try a facial mist or hydrating toner afterward. These products can help keep your skin smooth and refreshed throughout the day.
8) Watch Your Diet
With moisture under control, it’s time to look at your diet.
Diet can play a role in acne, so avoid processed and sugary foods when trying to clear up your complexion. Focus on eating nutrient-dense whole foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates.
While one day of dietary changes may not get rid of your acne overnight, eating well can help ensure that your diet doesn't make your current breakout any worse.
It’s also important to drink plenty of water as well. Staying hydrated helps keep your skin supple and may prevent further breakouts.
9) Keep Your Hands Off
Avoid touching your face, no matter how tempted you may be. This means no picking or squeezing pimples if you see one. Popping a zit can cause the bacteria and oil to spread, which isn't a good thing.
Also, since bacteria and dirt from your hands can contribute to the problem, keep them away from your face as much as possible throughout the day. If you must touch your face, wash your hands first.
10) Seek Professional Help
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you can’t get rid of acne overnight on your own. If that's the case, it may be time to seek professional help.
A board-certified dermatologist can evaluate your skin and determine what type of acne you're dealing with. They can help you think of possible triggers that worsen your condition and work with you to create a tailored treatment plan to clear up your skin.
This might include topical creams or medications, laser treatments, or light therapy. Depending on the severity, they may even recommend a combination of treatments to help you get back to glowing skin in no time.
Put Your Best Face Forward
If you're dreading facing tomorrow with a breakout, these tips on how to get rid of acne overnight can help you put your best face forward. Each step will help you get closer to clearer-looking skin, from cleansing and moisturizing to changing your pillowcase and diet.
Acne can be a frustrating condition to deal with, but with these tips, you can get on the right track to better skin days. Of course, you’ll also want to select quality skincare products, like our Sensitive Skin Moisturizing Body Wash.
And remember, consistency, patience, and perseverance are key!
References
ADA American Academy of Dermatology Association National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Tricoci University of Beauty Culture
