1. Reduce Inflammation with Ice

At first hint of a pimple, wrap an ice cube in a piece of plastic wrap and hold it up to the area at last twice a day--every hour if you can, but for no longer than five minutes each time. The cold will reduce the redness and ease the inflammation.

2. Take Some Aspirin

Taking one or two 325-milligram tablets four times a day can help calm an acne outbreak by reducing inflammation. (Check with your doctor before taking aspirin regularly.

3. Try Tea-Tree Oil

Three times a day, dab a drop of tea-tree oil on blemishes to discourage infection and speed healing. Research has found that 5% tea-tree oil is as effective against acne as a 5% benzoyl peroxide solution.

4. Drink a Cup of Tea

For acne that flares at that time of the month, drink one or two cups of chasteberry tea a day. Some studies show that this herb helps regulate female hormones. Give the hrb two or three months to work. And don't drink copious amounts of the tea to hasten the reults. It may make your skin look worse.

5. Apply Vinegar or Lemon Juice

Dab either vinegar or lemon juice on pimples. All vinegars contain acids that can help flush out pores. Lemon juice has the same properties so either of these substances can be helpful the next time you have a break out.

6. Add Zinc to Your Diet

People with acne tend to have lower than normal zinc levels. Zinc supplements produce visible improvement in about a third of people who take them. You'll need high doses, though (between 200 and 600 milligrams daily) so take it only under your doctor's supervision.