While there are ways to avoid acne on the whole, there are also times when you get that one pimple in the worst imaginable spot, and you feel like you're walking around with a giant bulls-eye on your face. Well, here's how you can single out that one pesky zit and make it disappear ASAP.
Steps
- Do not touch or pop the pimple. It will only make the pimple more obvious and risk infection and scarring. Instead, take up the following routine, twice a day, until it disappears.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before you begin to touch your face.
- Wash your face gently but thoroughly with a mild, medicated soap and warm water.
- The water shouldn't feel hot, and lukewarm is a little too cool.
- Do not use a washcloth, as the scrubbing action could pick up and distribute bacteria to other parts of your face. It is best to use your hands.
- Wash for about 30 seconds.
- Pat your skin dry with a towel.
- Apply a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid topical cream on the pimple. If the spot is under the surface of the skin and hurts to the touch, use benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic Acid should work well for all other acne spots.
- After topical treatment is dry, apply a basic face moisturizer (preferably allergy-tested, fragrance free, and oil free). Without moisturizing, the skin around the pimple can dry and irritate your skin, possibly making the pimple more inflamed and noticeable.
- Cover the pimple with medicated concealer (optional).
- Learn how to prevent acne in the first place, so that you stop that next monster pimple before it even starts.
Tips
- Wear sunblock (oil-free) when you go out on a sunny day. Since pimples are raw skin, sunburn will only make it worse.
- Hands off your face! Do not touch or pick at your spot, this will not help it to go away faster.
- Homeopathic alternatives include tea tree oil, baking soda paste (mix with a little water, apply and let dry), and witchhazel.
Warnings
- 2.5% to 5% Benzoyl-Peroxide Solutions are sufficient; 10% or higher can irritate the skin and exacerbate the problem.
- Don't use rubbing alcohol. It will sting like crazy and dry and irritate your skin.
- One should cleanse, gently exfoliate, and moisturize one's skin twice daily. Go to an expert for a skin consultation to find out what strength of soap and clarifying lotion you should be using for your skin type.
