In case you found yourself clicking on the title How to Get Rid of Acne Fast faster than you could think, then please keep reading. Maybe you are naturally curious and wanted to see if this is clickbait. Or you truly struggle with acne, perhaps for years, and you have tried everything to get rid of it.
If you are tired of pointless skincare routines, damaging your liver with yet another acne medication, or trying the new TikTok trends that promise instant results, you are at the right place.
I’ve struggled with acne, scars and other skin issues for over 14 years. I was misdiagnosed by several dermatologists and doctors. And now I’m here to guide you, provide information, cheer you up and pass my own experience onto my readers. Let’s find out together if it’s possible to get rid of acne fast.
Long Story Short…
I don’t mean to bore you with long paragraphs of my story. But perhaps you will find it inspiring, and it will give you hope. When I turned 12, my hormones spiralled. Which is super normal for a teenager. A few small bumps appeared on my forehead. Did not think much of it.
By the age of 15, however, my skin worsened, and about 90% of my face, back, shoulders and chest were covered in painful spots. My mum started to buy me a specific skincare product, and it was not a cheap business. But she did not know much about acne and different acne types (God bless her!). So I was using products that did more harm than good.
Nothing was helping or working, so I started to visit a dermatologist in my city. It went well, actually, and the lady diagnosed me with hormonal acne. I thought, Cool, it makes sense at my age. But the solution to it did not make any sense at all. Normally, they put you right on a hormonal contraceptive, which seems to be working for some people. But for me…well, it messed up my whole body.
This was my skin at that time (these pictures are not edited, taken on my super old phone):
It was painful. And hard times for my mental health. I used to wake up 2 hours before high school just to put on layers of makeup and have a chance of looking good. I was insecure, scared and uncomfortable during social interactions. Cover the worst parts of my face with my hand or another object. Look at the ground or avoid eye contact. And rushing home from school to hide from the world.
Understand this: I spent over five years at that point trying to resolve this issue. I was at my dermatologist’s at least twice a month. They did blood tests and allergy tests and tried different medications, gels, and topical creams, even chemical peels. I stopped going there once they suggested a very strong medication that could potentially damage my liver. And I stopped with contraception.
Before I graduated from high school, I went down the rabbit hole and tried some holistic methods, too. If I could not find the answer at the pharmacy, perhaps I could in nature. Boy, was I wrong. I followed the steps of an untrained professional who wanted to make a profit. Not knowing much and not doing my research led me to a hospital.
I tried to cleanse myself from inside. Which is actually what I do nowadays, too, but I’m way smarter about it. Back then, I just poured homemade juices and expensive supplements into myself and stopped eating. Not only did I develop a severe ED, but one day I fainted at school and ended up in the emergency room. I vomited green stuff and was unable to even get up.
It took a while to heal from it. I’ve learnt my lesson with natural remedies that I know nothing about. I want to make one point clear – 90% of my diet and products that I use now are natural and healthy, but I know how to balance it better. The story is meant to describe jumping from one extreme to another, not to bash natural remedies. I love those!
After graduating from school, I moved to London in the UK, and I kind of gave up on the whole situation. I would simply wake up in the morning, slap on a ton of foundation and carry on with my life. But I still spent so much money on new products that I tested. It was never the never-ending story. Until the year 2023 rolled in. I gave birth to my son, and my skin was worse than ever. I knew I had to change something for good.
Spending hours and hours doing my own research, listening to my body, and inner voice led me to the final answer. I self-diagnosed in 2023 with fungal acne and proceeded to apply new knowledge. I healed my skin within 3 weeks! This was my skin in 2023 after three weeks of healing with the right products and diet:
Since then, a lot of time has passed. I’ve learnt even more about how to get rid of acne fast, especially when I have an upcoming event and one spot pops out. I consider my skin to be healed now, but because of my genetics and condition, I have to carry on taking the best care of it. Otherwise, I would get back to the beginning. Nowadays, I focus mostly on healing acne scars. But I walk outside with no makeup whenever I feel like it.
My skincare is simple, and you can find it in my article “How to Get Rid of Fungal Acne Fast: What Actually Works“. It’s a simple, yet functional routine. I also wrote a book about this whole topic called How to Cure Skin in Two Weeks; you can find it on the Google Play Store.
I want you to know that there is hope, and your skin WILL be clear one day. You will reclaim your freedom, happiness and confidence. You will heal, and so will your skin. Whatever you are going through right now, it WILL be alright again.
Understand Your Acne Type
Understanding my acne type was the crucial step to healing my skin. There are so many skin conditions, and sometimes combinations or different variations of them. You also need to understand your skin type and how your skin responds to certain ingredients in skin care or makeup products.
Our skin changes, and it depends on so many factors, some of which we cannot control. So, how do you know with certainty what type of acne you have?
- Ask the right questions. What does it look like? Where is it located? How does your skin feel? When does it flare up? Do you pick or squeeze your skin?
- Match the symptoms to the type (see the guide below).
- Recognise, treat and heal.
Now, I’m not a dermatologist, and I do not advise determining your skin type or condition over an online quiz. But I do believe that you know your body, and you have already observed how your skin behaves. I advise you to consult with a doctor and also create your own opinion. You might get the help you need right away. Or you might need to do your own research, like I did.
A great way to resolve your skin issue is to write a skincare journal. Write down every product you use and the progress, and do the same with medications or supplements. Even the tiniest change matters. You can come back to certain periods or decisions and reevaluate the entire process. Take pictures of yourself every 3 months to track the visible changes.
A quick guide to help you match your acne type
This is a list of the most common acne types and causes. You might need to observe yourself and test products to determine the final answer correctly. As I mentioned before, doctors always described my acne as hormonal, which at the time made sense, because from the picture above, you can see how my skin looked. But in reality, I struggled with fungal acne, and using the wrong products and medication caused those painful flare-ups.
Comedonal Acne (Non-inflammatory):
- Blackheads: Open pores with dark material.
- Whiteheads: Closed pores, skin-coloured bumps.
- Where: Forehead, nose, chin.
- Cause: Clogged pores due to oil, makeup, or dead skin.
Inflammatory Acne:
- Papules: Small, red, tender bumps.
- Pustules: Like papules but with pus at the tip.
- Where: Common on cheeks and T-zone.
- Cause: Bacteria and inflammation in clogged pores.
Nodular or Cystic Acne (Severe):
- Nodules: Deep, hard, painful lumps under the skin.
- Cysts: Large, pus-filled, painful bumps that may scar.
- Where: Often jawline, back, or chest.
- Cause: Hormonal imbalance, genetics, and bacteria.
Hormonal Acne:
- Clue: Flare-ups around the mouth, chin, jawline, and before menstruation.
- Type: Usually deeper, painful pimples or cysts. Often oily skin, irregular periods, or adult-onset acne.
Fungal Acne (Malassezia folliculitis):
- Clue: Itchy, uniform red bumps (often on chest, back, and forehead).
- Cause: Yeast overgrowth, not bacteria.
- Worsens with sweat, humidity, or antibiotics.
If you are a woman, it’s also worth testing yourself for PCOS. Sometimes acne is also a result of other health issues, and our body uses it as a signal that there is something wrong.
What Helps for Each Type
Now that you recognised your acne type, let’s break down what will help you to heal your skin. I plan to post individual articles about each acne type and cover it in depth, plus recommend the best products, so stay tuned for those. But if you have fungal acne, then you can read my article “How to Get Rid of Fungal Acne Fast: What Actually Works“.
I also highly recommend checking the website called folliculitisscout.com, where you can find a lot of useful information and also a list of products safe to use if you have acne-prone skin. There is also an ingredient checker that will help you determine whether the formula of your favourite product is safe to use.
Comedonal Acne (Blackheads and Whiteheads)
Clogged pores are a very common skin concern, but also one of the easiest to sort out. The focus should be on removing the clog gently, because over-exfoliation can make it worse.
What helps:
- Salicylic Acid (BHA): Unclogs pores by dissolving dead skin and sebum.
- Try: Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant or CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
- Niacinamide: Regulates oil production and reduces pore appearance.
- Try: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Retinoids (for persistent cases): Increase cell turnover.
- Try: Differin Gel (Adapalene 0.1%) – available OTC
- Low Glycaemic Foods: Stabilise insulin levels, which reduces sebum production.
- Try: oats, sweet potatoes, brown rice, and legumes
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Anti-inflammatory and may help balance hormones.
- Try: salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts, and chia seeds
- Zinc-Rich Foods: Helps regulate oil production and skin healing.
- Try: pumpkin seeds, lentils, quinoa, chickpeas
- Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Support skin repair and reduce oxidative stress.
- Try: Berries, leafy greens, green tea
What to avoid:
Coconut oil, thick moisturisers, greasy sunscreens and comedogenic products in general. High-Glycaemic Foods: Sugar spikes can trigger oil production. Dairy (especially skim milk): Linked to increased acne in some studies, possibly due to hormones. Excess Iodine: Found in some iodised salts and shellfish; may worsen acne in sensitive individuals.
Inflammatory Acne (Papules and Pustules)
Inflammatory acne is often a sign of internal imbalance, whether it’s hormonal, bacterial, or immune-related. Never squeeze this type of acne, no matter how tempting it is, because it will spread the inflammation deeper. Perhaps you’ve noticed that when you squeeze one out, another one appears the next day nearby. This type needs gentle but effective antibacterial treatment.
What helps:
- Benzoyl Peroxide: Kills acne-causing bacteria (C. acnes).
- Try: PanOxyl 10% Acne Foaming Wash or La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+
- Salicylic Acid: Helps reduce inflammation and keeps pores clear.
- Azelaic Acid: Reduces redness and bacteria without irritation.
- Try: The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
- Spot Treatment: Use sulphur or benzoyl peroxide at night on active breakouts.
- Try: Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
- Zinc (15–30 mg/day)
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA & DHA – 1000–2000 mg/day)
- Probiotics
- DIM (Diindolylmethane) – For hormonal acne in women
- Prescription Oral Medications (for moderate to severe cases)
- Isotretinoin (Accutane) – honestly, it’s best to avoid it, but very necessary in some cases.
What to avoid:
Thick moisturisers, coconut oil, shea butter, and certain silicones can clog pores and trap bacteria. Scrubs with walnut shells, microbeads, or brushes can aggravate inflamed skin, spread bacteria, and cause microtears. Touching, picking, or popping pimples. Fragranced skincare and alcohol-based toners. Over-washing or over-exfoliating. And skim milk, sugary snacks, and white carbs may worsen inflammation.
Nodular or Cystic Acne
Cystic acne is something that SHOULD be treated by professionals, never at home. It requires medical intervention in order to start treatment as early as possible. Otherwise, you might be scared for life (quite literally). You know you have this type of acne if you have deep, painful and persistent lumps under your skin.
What helps:
- Prescription Retinoids (Tretinoin): Your best friend for long-term healing.
- Ask your GP or dermatologist.
- Oral Treatments: If severe, consider oral antibiotics (short term), spironolactone (for women), or isotretinoin (Accutane).
- Topical Treatments: Combine with benzoyl peroxide or azelaic acid.
- Hydration & Repair: Use a non-comedogenic moisturiser to support the barrier.
- Try: CeraVe PM Lotion or La Roche-Posay Toleriane
- Low Glycaemic Index Diet
- Anti-Inflammatory Foods (fatty fish, avocados, turmeric, green tea, etc.)
- Dairy Reduction
- Zinc-Rich Foods
- Vitamin D3 (1000–2000 IU/day, or more if deficient)
- Probiotics (Daily)
- Spearmint Tea
- DIM + Calcium D-Glucarate (for hormonal acne in women)
- Spironolactone (for hormonal cystic acne – women only)
- Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs)
- Oral Antibiotics (Short-term only)
- Azelaic Acid (Topical)
What to avoid:
It’s best if you avoid high-glycaemic index (GI) foods, dairy (especially skimmed milk), whey protein (which triggers insulin and IGF-1), processed and greasy food, and excess iodine-rich food. Always check for non-comedogenic products that you use. Try to frequently change pillowcases and towels, avoid touching your face, and reduce chronic stress (which I know is a challenge alone when dealing with acne).
Some medications may trigger or worsen cystic acne as a side effect (corticosteroids, lithium, certain antidepressants, isoniazid & rifampin or even contraception). The same goes for supplements. It’s wise to avoid biotin, excess vitamin B12, maca root and DHEA or testosterone boosters.
Remember: If it clogs, inflames, or stimulates oil/hormones, it likely worsens cystic acne.
Hormonal Acne
This acne type is one of the messiest because it can be triggered by so many different things. Our hormones might respond to stress, lack of sleep, our period, diet or medication. Usually, it’s treated by oral treatments, but nowadays, so many people prefer to treat it naturally with diet and supplements.
What helps:
- Topical Retinoids + Salicylic Acid: Reduce pore clogging and inflammation.
- Spironolactone (Women): Oral medication that blocks androgen hormones.
- Prescription only
- DIM Supplements (Diindolylmethane): Can balance hormones naturally.
- Try: Smoky Mountain DIM Supplement (check with your doctor first)
- Diet Changes: Reduce dairy and sugar, and manage stress.
- Non-comedogenic oils: Avoid pore-clogging ingredients in skincare and makeup.
- Zinc (Especially Zinc Picolinate or Gluconate)
- Spearmint Tea (Natural Anti-Androgen)
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA)
- Probiotics
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
- Azelaic Acid
- Oil-Free Moisturisers
What to avoid:
High-glycaemic foods, sodas (which can spike insulin levels), dairy, biotin (a hidden acne culprit because it competes with vitamin B5, which is crucial for skin health), whey protein, certain types of birth control pills, and products containing comedogenic ingredients like coconut oil, cocoa butter, lanolin, and isopropyl myristate.
Personal input: I used to deal with this acne type as a result of poor diet and imbalanced hormones in puberty. My main acne type, which is fungal acne, somehow managed to transform into something worse. Which is why several dermatologists thought I was dealing with hormonal acne instead.
I was using the worst possible products on my face, literally spreading shea butter all over, because natural is better, right? Just remembering those days gives me shivers. I would slap any makeup on my face without checking the ingredients. I would wait for whatever I felt like eating. And I overdosed on incorrect supplements.
Only a few of the spots I had were actually caused by hormones. The rest was untreated fungal acne and additional factors that triggered my hormones and flare-ups.
Fungal Acne (Malassezia Folliculitis)
I don’t think I will ever shut up about Malassezia. Because it still gets me mad. I spent a year trying to treat acne when, in fact, I had a yeast problem. Fungal acne is not really acne…it’s yeast overgrowth. And traditional acne products can make it worse! So annoying, isn’t it?
Many dermatologists will tell you that fungal acne typically does not appear on the face. In many cases, it did. But also on my back, chest, shoulders and butt. Basically, anywhere where I sweat the most and where yeast and bacteria thrive. Some people even describe a foul smell when they squeeze it out (keratin and bacteria combo).
What helps:
- Anti-fungal Shampoo (as face wash):
- Try: Nizoral (Ketoconazole 2%) – leave on for 5 minutes (my Holy grail!)
- Azelaic Acid
- Anti-fungal Foot Cream (sounds silly, but it really helps; nowadays you have those creams for the face too)
- Sulphur Treatments
- Moisturisers: Malezia (the brand that cleared my skin) and Dermalogica Calm Water Gel
- Best Diet for Fungal Acne: Low sugar & low glycaemic, anti-inflammatory foods
- Hydration
- Zinc, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin D3, Probiotics (Yeast-Free Only), Caprylic Acid (Optional)
What to avoid:
Your goal is to starve the yeast. Avoid anything that isn’t labelled as “fungal acne safe” (check the folliculitisscout.com website). In terms of diet, high-sugar foods, refined carbs, fermented foods, and excessive dairy can promote yeast overgrowth. Be cautious with probiotics that contain Saccharomyces boulardii. Oily supplements like fish oil can also worsen your fungal acne and feed the yeast because of increased oil production.
When choosing skincare and makeup, avoid fatty acids, esters, or oils that feed Malassezia. Avoid ingredients like oleic acid, lauric acid, isopropyl myristate, stearic acid, and sorbitan oleate—they’re commonly found in moisturisers, sunscreens, and foundations. Coconut oil and shea butter are an absolute no-no! Be careful with your hair products, too.
Some medications can also wipe out beneficial bacteria, which allows yeast to overgrow. Many times, dermatologists will put you on antifungal treatment instead of antibiotics.
Final Thoughts: The Truth About Healing Acne in Two Weeks
People ask me weekly, “How do I get rid of acne fast?” Or “Is it possible to heal my skin in only two weeks?” And I always say, Yes, it is possible. BUT it depends on your current skin condition. For example, if you struggle with painful, deep cysts, eczema or acne scars, you have to be realistic. Your skin will eventually clear out, but in such cases, it might take months. That does not mean you won’t see improvements, though.
For mild conditions, I can say with all confidence that your skin will be clear in two weeks. If you know what you are doing, of course. Once I understood my skin type and acne type, I did my research on the right products and dropped unnecessary medication. My skin took only 3 weeks to heal. I’m still treating those deep scars I caused myself from squeezing pimples too hard.
Are you going to be happy when you clear your spots? Or when can you walk outside with no makeup? Or are you going to be fully satisfied only when your skin is flawless? The extent of the success is determined by you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to heal acne quickly?
You can heal acne quickly by sticking to a simple routine with anti-acne ingredients, like niacinamide or tea tree oil. Avoid heavy makeup, wash your pillowcases often, and cut back on sugar to see faster results.
Acne won’t clear up.
When acne won’t go away, it may be due to hormonal imbalances, poor product choices, or an irritated skin barrier. Try switching to a gentle routine, drinking more water, and avoiding picking at your skin. If nothing works, it might be time to speak with a dermatologist.
What to do if acne is not clear?
If your acne isn’t clearing up, look at what you’re using—some products might be too harsh or not right for your skin type. You might also need to check your diet, stress levels, or hormones. Sometimes, it helps to simplify your routine and be consistent.
Can acne cause inflammation?
Yes, acne often causes inflammation. Redness, swelling, and pain around pimples happen because your skin is reacting to clogged pores, bacteria, or oil buildup. Calming treatments like aloe vera, green tea, and cold compresses can help reduce the inflammation.
How to get rid of pimples fast
To get rid of pimples fast, try a warm compress to open pores, then apply a spot treatment. Ice can help reduce swelling, and products with salicylic acid can shrink pimples overnight.
What foods help clear acne fast?
Foods rich in zinc, omega-3s, and antioxidants can help reduce acne quickly. Think leafy greens, salmon, pumpkin seeds, berries, and green tea. Avoiding dairy, processed sugar, and greasy junk food is equally important. When your gut is happy, your skin usually reflects that in just a few days.
Does acne mean bad hygiene?
Not at all. Acne doesn’t mean you’re dirty or unhygienic—it’s caused by many factors like hormones, clogged pores, bacteria, and even genetics. Over-washing or scrubbing your face too hard can actually make acne worse. The goal is to keep your skin clean but not stripped, using gentle products and smart routines.
