How to Clear Mild Acne Fast
If you need to clear mild acne fast, start by trying a benzoyl peroxide cream. Benzoyl peroxide comes in a variety of strengths, from 2.5 to 10 percent, and it's best to start with the lowest strength for mild acne. If benzoyl peroxide alone isn't getting the job done, try adding salicylic acid to the mix. You can also try alpha hydroxy acids, like glycolic acid and lactic acid. These acids can fight acne, minimize acne scars, and make pores look smaller. All of these products are available over-the-counter, but be sure to give each treatment at least a week so you can properly gauge the results.
Try benzoyl peroxide. If you're looking to clear up acne fast, the most widely used and effective over-the-counter skin cream available is benzoyl peroxide. It can be purchased at most drug stores. This should be the first option you try for mild acne. Benzoyl peroxide works by killing bacteria that cause acne. It comes in cream form in a variety of strengths, from 2.5 to 10 percent. Start with a lower dose kind as stronger is not always better. Your skin might respond better to a 2.5 percent cream than a 10 percent one. It also reduces inflammation and helps keep your pores clean. Side effects can include red skin, dry skin, scaling, and burning. Severe side effects are rare, however, but you should be careful if you have sensitive skin. Be careful when using benzoyl peroxide. It can bleach clothing and skin. Add salicylic acid to your skincare regimen. If benzoyl peroxide on its own does not work, add salicylic acid to the mix. Salicylic acid can also be purchased at most drug stores and often works great in conjunction with benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid mainly works by preventing pores from being clogged which stops acne breakouts from starting. If your breakouts usually start small and build from there, you might want to use salicylic acid right away to prevent the breakout spreading. Side effects can include mild stinging and skin irritation. As with benzoyl peroxide, it's best to start with a weaker prescription-strength product. Consider alpha hydroxy acids. Alpha hydroxy acids come in several types, most commonly glycolic acid and lactic acid, and can be purchased at most drug stores without a prescription. These are synthetic versions of acids normally drawn from fruits and work by removing dead skin cells and preventing inflammation of the skin. Alpha hydroxy acids can lessen the appearance of acne scars by stimulating the growth of new skin. If you popped or picked off a pimple, applying alpha hydroxy acids might lessen the appearance of the scar. Alpha hydroxy acids can also make pores look smaller, improving the overall appearance of the skin in addition to eliminating acne. Use sulfur. Scrubs and over-the-counter acne products that contain sulfur help remove dead skin cells that clog pores and lead to acne. Sulfur also helps reduce the bacteria in the skin that cause acne. You can combine sulfur-based products with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. However, be careful as sulfur can cause dry skin and might produce an unpleasant odor. Wash your skin regularly. One of the best ways to clear up acne fast is by regularly washing your skin. Choose an over-the-counter skin wash that's low in oils and chemicals and wash your skin at least twice a day. Your doctor may recommend using a cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Wash your skin once in the morning and once before bed. When you dry your face, pat dry with a clean, dry towel. Do not use a towel that's been sitting out in the bathroom as you want to keep bacteria away from your skin. Always wash your skin after working out. If any sweat or dirt is left on your face after a hard workout, it can clog pores and cause acne. Make sure you wash your face after a workout. Consider changing your diet. While there is conflicting evidence on the effects of diet on acne, you can try to change your diet for a week or two and see if it makes a difference. Dairy foods, chocolate, and foods containing a lot of sugar seem to increase the likelihood of breakouts. Some research indicates dairy, skim milk in particular, increases the likelihood of acne breakouts. You should try cutting back on dairy for a week or two and see if you notice any changes in your skin. While further studies are needed to verify, some research does show chocolate can cause breakouts. High sugar food especially can cause breakouts, so it might be a good idea to avoid sweets in general in addition to chocolate. Use sunscreen. Sun can damage skin and some acne medications can make you more susceptible to sunburns. Always apply a layer of sunscreen to your face before going outdoors. Remember, even if it's cold out, if the sun's shining, it could cause burns. Aim for a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. Eliminate potential irritants. If you're looking to cure a breakout fast, eliminate any potential skin irritants until your acne is gone. Certain makeups and cover-ups can clog pores. While they may not cause a breakout in and of themselves, using makeup during a breakout can prolong its duration. It's a good idea to go without makeup until acne is eliminated, but another option is to talk to your doctor or skin care expert about better choices of makeup, such as loose mineral-based powders. A tinted moisturizer may be a good choice as well. Look for makeup that is water-based or noncomedogenic. If you've recently started using a new bath wash or shampoo, this may have caused your breakout. Cease use and see if it makes a difference. Ask a dermatologist about prescription acne creams. If your acne does not respond to over-the-counter medications, see a dermatologist about prescription creams. The ingredients are generally stronger and may help clear up your acne faster than drugstore brands. Retinoids come in the form of gels, powders, and creams. They are derived from vitamin A and add nutrients to the skin that can eliminate acne. Retinoids are applied three times a week in the evening. If you need to use retinoids for an extended period, you'll eventually move up to using them once at night. Note that there is a retinoid cream called Differin gel (adapalene gel) that is now available over-the-counter. It is a little more gentle than other retinoids. Antibiotic creams kill bacteria and reduce redness in the skin. Usually, antibiotic creams are used in conjunction with retinoids or benzoyl peroxide. You would apply antibiotics in the morning and retinoids at night. The combination may clear up mild acne faster, so ask your dermatologist about using both if you're interested in fast cures. Dapsone is a gel that is sometimes prescribed with retinoids. It may cause redness and dryness, however. If you're trying to clear up acne fast for a big event, you may want to consider other methods. Dapsone gel is not recommended to be used with benzoyl peroxide, due to the possibility of causing a yellow or orange discoloration of the skin. Consider oral contraceptives. If you're female and frequently break out with mild acne, you might want to talk to a doctor about oral contraceptives. The hormones found in most oral birth controls can help prevent acne. Combined oral contraceptives contain estrogen and progesterone, and these hormones combined can prevent acne. While this might not help clear up acne fast, it's worth looking into if you're looking for a long-term solution. Such products may cause headaches, breast tenderness, mood swings, and spotting between periods. For most women, side effects taper off within the first three months. If oral contraceptives do not work, consider an antiandrogen agent as a possibility. This is a drug that works by blocking the effect of certain hormones on the glands, eliminating acne from developing. Ask about chemical peels and other skin therapies. A dermatologist can perform chemical peels and other skin therapies that should remove acne fairly quickly. Ask your dermatologist about skin therapies if you're interested in swift removal. A chemical peel is usually done in one treatment, but some people need several treatments for the full effect. Your dermatologist will apply a solution to your skin designed to exfoliate it. The solution may be left on or washed off before the end of the session. The procedure is non-invasive and usually takes less than an hour. They are fairly effective at quickly removing acne or acne scars. While your skin may sting, the procedure is not painful. The downside is, however, the chemical peels are generally not covered by insurance and may be somewhat expensive depending on your dermatologist's rates. You may experience some redness and flaking or peeling of the skin for several days after having the peel. A microdermabrasion is a non-surgical means to rejuvenate the skin. Skin is gently sanded to remove the thicker, outer layer. It can lessen the appearance of acne and acne scars and make skin look younger and lighter overall. Like chemical peels, however, the procedure can be expensive and is generally not covered by insurance. Ask about light and laser therapy for acne. You will likely need multiple treatments for this to work, and it must usually be done in combination with a topical treatment. Blue, red, and blue and red light devices can be used to reduce pimples. There are even some at-home light treatments you can use. Other options include treatment with infrared light, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and photo pneumatic therapy. 
Try benzoyl peroxide. Add salicylic acid to your skincare regimen. Consider alpha hydroxy acids. Use sulfur. Wash your skin regularly. Consider changing your diet. Use sunscreen. Eliminate potential irritants. Ask a dermatologist about prescription acne creams. Consider oral contraceptives. Ask about chemical peels and other skin therapies. 