10 Home Remedies for Pimples

Skincare
February 11, 2026
10 Home Remedies for Pimples
In this blog
accordion-open-icon
In this blog
accordion-open-icon
    verified-icon
    • Verified by :
      Dr. Naren Prakash
    • MBBS, MD - Dermatology - 13+ Years Exp
    • Updated on :
      February 11, 2026

    Tired of waking up to new pimples every other day? You wash your face, eat right (mostly), and still—they come back. Painful, red, and right where everyone can see them. It’s frustrating, and sometimes it feels like nothing works.

    That’s why so many people are switching to acne removal home remedies. These natural fixes are simple, safe, and actually work without burning your skin or costing a fortune. Whether you want fast results or long-term clear skin, there’s a home remedy for pimples that can help.

    In this blog, you’ll find 10 easy, science-backed ways to remove pimples naturally—some that work overnight, and others that keep your skin clean for good. So if you’ve been wondering how to remove pimples naturally and permanently, start here.

    10 Effective Home Remedies for Pimples

    1. Tea Tree Oil

    You know that feeling when a pimple shows up right before something important? It’s like your face turns into a battlefield overnight. It hurts, looks bad, and shows up when you least expect it. That’s why so many people turn to tea tree oil—a gentle, natural oil that fights acne without making your skin worse.

    It’s known for killing the bacteria that cause pimples and calming red, swollen skin.

    Benefits:

    • Fights (1) acne-causing bacteria
    • Reduces redness and swelling
    • Helps dry out pimples overnight

    How to use it:

    • Mix 1 drop of tea tree oil with 2–3 drops of water or aloe vera
    • Dab it on the pimple with a cotton swab
    • Use once or twice a day

    2. Apple Cider Vinegar

    When your face suddenly breaks out, you might feel helpless—like no matter what you try, nothing works. That’s where apple cider vinegar (ACV) can be a game-changer. It’s something many people already have in their kitchen, and it can help dry out pimples fast.

    ACV (2) has natural acids that fight bacteria and help clear dead skin cells. It works like a gentle toner to keep pores clean.

    Benefits:

    • Fights pimple-causing bacteria
    • Removes excess oil and dead skin
    • Helps fade marks over time

    How to use it:

    • Mix 1 part ACV with 3 parts water
    • Dip a cotton ball and apply it to pimples
    • Let it sit for 5–10 seconds, then rinse
    • Use once a day

    You can go for Anti-Acne Peel for active acne

    3. Argan Oil

    If your skin feels dry and oily at the same time, it can be hard to know what to do. You don’t want to clog your pores—but skipping moisturizer makes things worse. That’s where argan oil helps. It’s light, non-greasy, and actually helps balance your skin.

    Argan oil (3) is full of vitamin E and healthy fats. It helps reduce inflammation and keeps your skin soft without causing breakouts.

    Benefits:

    • Moisturizes without clogging pores
    • Calms redness and swelling
    • Helps skin heal faster from pimples

    How to use it:

    • Put 2–3 drops of argan oil on clean fingertips
    • Gently massage into your skin, especially dry or irritated areas
    • Use once or twice a day

    4. Jojoba Oil

    Some pimples happen because your skin makes too much oil. But drying it out too much can make it worse. That’s where jojoba oil comes in—it tells your skin to stop overproducing oil.

    Jojoba oil (4) is very close to the natural oil your skin makes. It helps keep your skin balanced, calm, and clear. Many people use it daily to reduce breakouts and get smoother skin.

    Benefits:

    • Balances oil production
    • Soothes irritated or inflamed skin
    • Helps prevent clogged pores

    How to use it:

    • Take 2–3 drops of jojoba oil
    • Gently massage into clean skin, especially oily areas
    • Use daily after washing your face

    5. Aloe Vera

    Pimples can hurt—not just your skin, but your confidence too. When your face feels hot, red, or sore, aloe vera brings instant relief. It is cool, soothing, and gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin.

    Aloe vera (5) is packed with vitamins and natural healing agents. It helps reduce swelling, fights bacteria, and speeds up skin repair. It is one of the easiest and safest acne removal home remedies.

    Benefits:

    • Soothes redness and irritation
    • Helps heal pimples faster
    • Keeps skin calm and hydrated

    How to use it:

    • Cut a fresh aloe leaf and scoop out the gel
    • Apply a thin layer to clean skin
    • Leave it on overnight or wash off after 20 minutes
    • Use once or twice daily

    6. Honey

    Pimples can make you want to hide your face—but nature has its own sweet solution. Honey is not just for tea or toast. It is a natural healer that’s been used for skin problems for centuries.

    Honey is packed with antibacterial properties that help fight the germs that cause pimples. It also keeps your skin soft and helps speed up healing. When nothing feels safe to put on your face, honey usually is.

    Benefits:

    • Kills acne-causing bacteria
    • Speeds up skin healing
    • Prevents scars and soothes skin

    How to use it:

    • Use raw or manuka honey
    • Dab a small amount directly on the pimple
    • Leave it for 20–30 minutes, then rinse
    • Use once or twice daily

    7. Zinc

    If you’ve tried everything and your pimples still keep coming back, your body might be missing something—like zinc. This tiny mineral plays a big role in skin health and healing.

    When your body doesn’t have enough zinc, it can lead to more breakouts. Taking zinc or using it on your skin can help control oil, fight bacteria, and calm redness. It is one of the most studied and trusted natural treatments for acne.

    Benefits:

    • Reduces (6) oil production
    • Fights acne-causing bacteria
    • Helps skin heal faster and reduce scarring

    How to use it:

    • Take zinc supplements (consult a doctor first)
    • Or use a zinc-based cream on pimples
    • Use once daily for best results

    8. Green Tea

    Some days, your skin just feels tired, oily, and inflamed. That’s when green tea can help—not just as a drink, but right on your skin. It is packed with antioxidants that help fight breakouts from the inside and out.

    Green tea helps reduce swelling and fights the bacteria that cause pimples. It also controls oil and keeps your skin fresh and clean. It is gentle, natural, and perfect for daily use.

    Benefits:

    • Fights acne-causing bacteria and inflammation
    • Reduces oil production
    • Rich in antioxidants that help repair skin

    How to use it:

    • Brew green tea and let it cool
    • Use a cotton ball to apply it to your face
    • Leave it on for 10–15 minutes, then rinse
    • Use once a day

    9. Rosemary

    When your skin feels angry—red, swollen, and painful—rosemary can bring calm. This powerful herb is not just for cooking. It has natural oils that fight germs and reduce puffiness, making it a quiet hero for acne-prone skin.

    Rosemary is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial powers. It helps dry out pimples, clear up clogged pores, and keep your skin looking fresh.

    Benefits:

    • Reduces swelling and redness
    • Kills acne-causing bacteria
    • Helps clear clogged pores

    How to use it:

    • Steep fresh rosemary leaves in hot water
    • Let it cool and apply to the skin with a cotton pad
    • Leave on for 10–15 minutes, then rinse
    • Use once a day

    10. Coconut Oil

    If your skin feels dry, irritated, or tight after a breakout, coconut oil can feel like relief in a jar. It is rich, smooth, and deeply healing—but only for the right skin type.

    Coconut oil has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps fight acne-causing bacteria and keeps your skin soft and protected. However, it is best for people with dry or normal skin—not oily or very acne-prone skin.

    Benefits:

    • Moisturizes and heals dry, damaged skin
    • Fights bacteria that cause pimples
    • Helps fade acne scars over time

    How to use it:

    • Use a small amount of virgin coconut oil
    • Rub gently onto clean, dry skin
    • Leave on overnight and rinse in the morning
    • Use 2–3 times a week

    Conclusion

    Dealing with pimples can feel like a never-ending battle. You try new products, change your routine, and still—they come back. But sometimes, the best answers are the simplest ones. These home remedies for pimples are gentle, natural, and trusted by many people around the world.

    Whether you want to remove pimples overnight at home naturally or stop breakouts in the long run, these 10 remedies can help. They are easy to use, kind to your skin, and don’t require expensive products or harsh chemicals.

    The key is to stay consistent. Pick one remedy that suits your skin and give it time to work. Clearer skin is possible, and you can get there with patience and the right care.

    References:

    1. Cited: Nascimento T, Gomes D, Simões R, da Graça Miguel M. Tea Tree Oil: Properties and the Therapeutic Approach to Acne-A Review. Antioxidants (Basel). 2023 Jun 12;12(6):1264. doi: 10.3390/antiox12061264. PMID: 37371994; PMCID: PMC10295805.

    Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10295805/ 

    2. Cited: Elhage KG, St Claire K, Daveluy S. Acetic acid and the skin: a review of vinegar in dermatology. Int J Dermatol. 2022 Jul;61(7):804-811. doi: 10.1111/ijd.15804. Epub 2021 Aug 5. PMID: 34350993.

    Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34350993/ 

    3. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-argan-oil 

    4. Cited: Gad HA, Roberts A, Hamzi SH, Gad HA, Touiss I, Altyar AE, Kensara OA, Ashour ML. Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity. Polymers (Basel). 2021 May 24;13(11):1711. doi: 10.3390/polym13111711. PMID: 34073772; PMCID: PMC8197201.

    Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8197201/ 

    5. Cited: Hekmatpou D, Mehrabi F, Rahzani K, Aminiyan A. The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review. Iran J Med Sci. 2019 Jan;44(1):1-9. PMID: 30666070; PMCID: PMC6330525.

    Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6330525/ 

    6. Cited: Brandt S. The clinical effects of zinc as a topical or oral agent on the clinical response and pathophysiologic mechanisms of acne: a systematic review of the literature. J Drugs Dermatol. 2013 May;12(5):542-5. PMID: 23652948.

    Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23652948/ 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How to prevent pimples from coming back?

    Prevent pimple recurrence by washing your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser, using non-comedogenic products, avoiding touching your face, changing pillowcases weekly, managing stress, eating a balanced low-sugar diet, removing makeup before bed, and applying lightweight moisturiser. For recurring acne, a maintenance skincare plan from Uncover Clinics' dermatologists keeps breakouts in long-term remission.

    Arrow Icon

    Are home remedies enough to treat acne?

    Home remedies can help with mild, occasional pimples but are usually insufficient for moderate to severe, cystic, or hormonal acne. If you have more than 10 active pimples, deep cystic lesions, acne scarring, or breakouts that don't respond to home care within 4–6 weeks, you need professional treatment. Dermatologists at Uncover Clinics offer medical-grade acne solutions with faster, lasting results.

    Arrow Icon

    What causes pimples on the face?

    Pimples are caused by a combination of excess sebum (oil) production, clogged pores (dead skin cells + oil), bacteria (C. acnes), and inflammation. Triggers include hormonal fluctuations (puberty, periods, PCOS), stress, diet (sugar, dairy), comedogenic skincare products, pollution, and genetics. Identifying your specific trigger with a dermatologist at Uncover Clinics leads to targeted, effective treatment.

    Arrow Icon

    Can aloe vera cure pimples?

    Aloe vera can help manage pimples due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and wound-healing properties. It soothes acne-related redness and helps fade post-acne marks. Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly on pimples and leave overnight. However, aloe vera alone cannot cure moderate to severe acne — it works best as a complementary remedy alongside dermatologist-prescribed treatments.

    Arrow Icon

    How to remove pimples overnight naturally?

    While no remedy completely removes pimples overnight, you can significantly reduce inflammation by applying a spot treatment of tea tree oil or benzoyl peroxide, placing an ice cube on the pimple for 2 minutes to reduce swelling, or using a hydrocolloid pimple patch to absorb pus. Avoid squeezing pimples. For stubborn acne, Uncover Clinics offers same-day cortisone injections for rapid relief.

    Arrow Icon

    Does toothpaste help with pimples?

    No, toothpaste is not recommended for pimples. While it may temporarily dry out a pimple due to ingredients like baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, it also contains irritants (menthol, fluoride, SLS) that can burn the skin, cause redness, peeling, and worsen acne. Use a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment instead. For safe acne treatments, consult Uncover Clinics' dermatologists.

    Arrow Icon

    What are the best home remedies for pimples?

    Effective home remedies for pimples include tea tree oil (natural antibacterial — dilute with carrier oil), honey and cinnamon mask (anti-inflammatory), aloe vera gel (soothes and heals), green tea extract (reduces sebum), ice application (reduces swelling), turmeric paste (antiseptic), apple cider vinegar toner (balances pH), and neem paste (antibacterial). For persistent acne, consult dermatologists at Uncover Clinics.

    Arrow Icon

    What foods should I avoid to prevent pimples?

    To prevent pimples, reduce or avoid high-glycemic foods (white bread, rice, sugary snacks, soda), dairy products (especially skim milk), whey protein supplements, fried and greasy foods, processed foods with preservatives, and excessive chocolate. Instead, eat vegetables, fruits, nuts, fatty fish, whole grains, and probiotic-rich foods. Uncover Clinics' dermatologists provide comprehensive diet guidance alongside acne treatment.

    Arrow Icon

    Are home remedies enough to treat acne?

    Home remedies can help with mild, occasional pimples but are usually insufficient for moderate to severe acne, hormonal acne, cystic acne, or acne that leaves scars. If you have more than 10 active pimples, painful cystic lesions, or acne persisting beyond 3 months despite home care, professional treatment at Uncover Clinics (topical retinoids, chemical peels, laser) delivers significantly better outcomes.

    Arrow Icon

    Can ice remove pimples?

    Ice doesn't remove pimples directly but reduces inflammation, redness, and swelling, making pimples appear smaller and less noticeable. Wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth and hold it on the pimple for 5–10 minutes. Repeat 2–3 times daily. Ice is most effective for red, inflamed pimples and cystic acne. For complete acne treatment, combine home remedies with professional care at Uncover Clinics.

    Arrow Icon

    What causes pimples on the face?

    Facial pimples are caused by excess sebum (oil) production, clogged pores from dead skin cells, bacterial growth (Cutibacterium acnes), hormonal fluctuations (puberty, menstruation, PCOS), stress, poor diet (high sugar and dairy), comedogenic skincare products, and environmental pollution. Understanding the root cause helps target treatment. Dermatologists at Uncover Clinics diagnose acne causes through skin analysis.

    Arrow Icon

    How to get rid of pimples overnight?

    While no remedy guarantees overnight pimple removal, these speed up healing: apply a hydrocolloid pimple patch to absorb fluid, dab benzoyl peroxide (2.5%) as a spot treatment, apply ice for 5 minutes to reduce inflammation, use tea tree oil diluted with a carrier oil, or try sulfur-based spot treatment. For cystic pimples, a dermatologist at Uncover Clinics can provide cortisone injections for rapid resolution.

    Arrow Icon

    Does toothpaste help remove pimples?

    Toothpaste is not recommended for pimples despite the popular myth. While some toothpastes contain baking soda and hydrogen peroxide that may dry out a pimple, they also contain fluoride, menthol, and sodium lauryl sulphate that can severely irritate skin, cause chemical burns, and worsen acne. Use benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid spot treatments instead. Consult Uncover Clinics for persistent acne.

    Arrow Icon

    What are the best home remedies to remove pimples?

    Effective home remedies for pimples include tea tree oil (natural antibacterial — apply diluted), honey and cinnamon mask (anti-inflammatory), aloe vera gel (soothes and heals), green tea extract (reduces sebum), ice application (reduces swelling), apple cider vinegar toner (diluted 1:3 with water), and turmeric paste with yoghurt. Apply remedies consistently for 2–4 weeks for best results.

    Arrow Icon