Everybody desires a clear and fresh skin without any blemishes, pimples or wrinkles. Pimples are particularly a nightmare to many people. They are red, ugly and sometimes infectious. Clearing pimples is difficult but it can be easier if you know how to stop a pimple from growing. Read on and discover the best ways to get rid of pimples.

How to Stop a Pimple from Growing

If you have pimples on your face, you can follow the remedies outlined below and have a pimple free skin.

1. Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet

Pimples appear when excess oil in your body clogs your pores. Junk food does not cause pimples, but limiting your intake keeps your skin healthy. Limit your intake of foods rich in sugar, fat and starch such as chocolate, fries, chips, pizza, etc. Instead, take a diet rich in vegetables and fruits to get enough vitamins A, C and E. Their water content hydrates your skin while vitamins and minerals improve your immunity against pimples.

2. Drink Enough Water

Water eliminates toxins and inhibits their production. Taking plenty of water hydrates your skin and makes it look plump and firm. Besides, taking water regenerates your skin and ensures that its metabolism functions properly. However, too much water may dilute your blood and lead to seizures. Another solution of how to stop a pimple from growing is avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol. Alcohol causes hormonal imbalance and damages the liver which is responsible for your skin's health.

3. Use Skin Products Sparingly

Apply all skin products including gels, creams, make up and lotions sparingly. Excessive skin products clog your pores and eventually lead to skin breakouts. Ensure that you use a facial cleanser every night to remove makeup. Avoid hair products with chemicals or strong fragrances because they clog your pores when your hair touches the skin. Use gentle conditioners and shampoos. In addition, clean your makeup brushes and change your pillowcase weekly to avoid bacterial buildup.

4. Wash You Face Twice Every Day

Washing your face prevents pimples by removing excess oils, impurities and dirt. Wash your face twice or thrice daily with a mild cleanser and warm water. Pat your face dry with a clean towel. Do not scrub your face with a sponge, washcloth or loofah because they irritate your skin. They inflame pimples and may contain bacteria that should not come in contact with your face. Besides, washing your face excessively will irritate your skin and dry it out.

5. Apply a Non-Comedogenic Moisturizer

Applying a moisturizer after washing your face hydrates your skin and prevents irritation. Oily and heavy moisturizers tend to clog your pores and lead to skin breakouts. It is advisable to use non-comedogenic moisturizers. Light, gel-based moisturizers suit oily skins, while heavy, cream-based moisturizers suit dry and flaky skins. Wash your hands before applying the moisturizer to avoid transferring any dirt or bacteria from your hands to your face.

6. Exfoliate Your Face and Use Face Masks

One of the ways of how to stop a pimple from growing is using facemasks and exfoliators. Exfoliating cleanse your skin and eliminate dead skin cells. However, they should be used sparingly because they can irritate your skin when dry or used excessively. Their effects are worse on skins that are prone to pimples. Face masks calm and cleanse your skin from impurities. Apply a face mask once a week to get the best soothing effects.

7. Don't Pop Pimples or Touch Your Face

Hands collect bacteria and germs all day and touching your face spreads the bacteria, which puts you at risk of an infection. Touching your pimples irritates and inflames them more. This does not only prolong their healing time but also worsen their appearance. Popping pimples is very tempting but it can leave ugly scars that are hard to remove especially acne scars. Avoid using your hand to support your cheek while working or sleeping.

8. Avoid Direct Sunrays

Traditionally, pimple-prone skins were exposed to the sun to dry out pimples. However, this remedy is risky because UV rays from the sun worsen the redness and inflammation on your skin. Protect your skin from direct sunrays with a sunscreen or by simply wearing a hat. The sunscreen should have a SPF of at least 30 or more. Avoid oily sunscreens because they will clog your skin pores. Instead, look for non-comedogenic sunscreens.

9. Use Aloe Vera

Applying aloe Vera protects your skin from bacteria and prevents inflammation, swelling and redness. It also repairs damaged tissues. If you have an aloe vera plant in your home, open its leaves and extract its gel. Apply this gel on pimples or on any inflamed area on your skin. Leave the gel on for about 20 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water. Repeat the process twice in a day until the inflammation and pimples disappear.

10. Apply Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a natural skin treatment with antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Tea tree oil is effective in removing pimples and has minimal side effects. Take one or two drop of this oil and apply it on a pimple using a clean q-tip. Apply tea tree oil twice every day. This essential oil is highly concentrated and hence it should be used sparingly. Apply it while undiluted or in excess irritates and dries out the skin.

11. Apply Over-the-Counter Creams

If you do not know how to stop a pimple from growing, consider over-the-counter creams. They clear pimples and protect your skin from new pimples within 6-8 weeks. The creams contain benzoyl peroxide that kills bacteria and rejuvenates the skin. Salicylic acid and sulfur in them kill bacteria, treat blackheads and whiteheads, open blocked pores, and shed off dead skin layers. Besides, Retin-A unblocks pores and exfoliates the skin while azelaid acid reduces inflammation, oil and bacteria on your skin.

12. Turn to Professional Treatments

You can use professional treatments to reduce the appearance of pimples and prevent scarring.

• Laser therapy inhibits the excess production of sebum that causes pimples.
• Light therapy eliminates acne-causing bacteria on your skin surface, improves your skin texture and reduces inflammation.
• Chemical peels and microdermabrasion peel off top skin layers and reveal the fresh layers underneath. They are also effective in removing scars and marks.