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(Spoiler alert: Yes, youcanoverdry a zit.)
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How to get rid of pimples fast
1.
Repeat throughout the day to relieve pain and temporarily reduce swelling.
Whatever you do, dont pick your face.
If you haveadult acne, we know youve heard this one already.
If the skin is irritated or scabbing, its best to avoid continuing to use an acne spot treatment.
One way to stop yourself from picking is to apply anacne patch.
Itll form a physical barrier to absent-minded fiddling, and psychologically youll feel youre taking care of the problem.
Or slap one on before going to bed and wake up with a dramatically diminished zit.
Switch to an acne-fighting cleanser.
According to Dr. Zeichner, salicylic acid is a go-to ingredient in an acne-fighting cleanser.
In short, using a face wash formulated with it is beneficial for combatting breakouts.
CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Facial Cleanser
Dermstore
4.
BothMurad Rapid Relief Acne Spot TreatmentandBliss Clear Genius Acne Spot Treatmentcontain 2% salicylic acid.
Dont overdry the affected area, though.
That said, be careful not to use too much of any chemical exfoliant.
To prevent irritation, try a lower concentration of the active ingredient once youve already broken out.
Dr. Zeichner recommends checking your label for a concentration ofbenzoyl peroxidethats around 2.5%.
One that really works:Paulas Choice Clear Regular Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment.
Paulas Choice Clear Regular Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment
6.
Tone down on toner.
Unless you haveveryoily skin, skip the zit itself when youre doing this step in your skin care routine.
Avene Eau Thermale Gentle Toning Lotion
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Toner
7.
Instead of squeezing or overdrying, simply consider getting a facial.
Instead, see your esthetician for an acne facial if you need some help!
Choose your makeup wisely.
For all the salicylic acid out there, there are certain ingredients to steer clear of.
People who suffer from acne should avoid makeup that contains mineral oil or lanolin, Dr. Nazarian says.
These ingredients are comedogenic, meaning they have a high likelihood of clogging pores and triggering acne.
Check the labels to ensure your complexion products dont contain either.
Makeup that contains fragrances, dyes, acrylics, parabens, and silicones are most triggering.
Try makeup with salicylic acid.
Thats why Dr. Zeichner recommends using an acne-fighting primer.
An acne-preventing primer is an important step if you have breakouts.
Some derm-approved picks includeClinique Acne Solutions Liquid MakeupandAlmay Clear Complexion Makeup.
For touch-ups, try a concealer with it too, likeNeutrogenas Skin-Clesring Blemish Concealer.
Wash your makeup brushes and sponges.
If youre wearing makeup, be sure toclean your makeup brushesregularly, says Gunn.
It may seem simple, but dirty makeup brushes are a shockingly common cause of acne.
Beautyblender Blendercleanser Solid
E.L.F.
Daily Brush Cleaner
11.
Change your pillowcases regularly.
Swap out your pillow covering at least once a week to reduce the risk of breakouts.
Slip Silk Pillowcase - Standard/Queen
12.
Opt for a gel-based or lightweight moisturizer.
If you have oily and acne-prone skin, you still need moisturizer.
Dr. Zeichner says that skin oiliness and skin hydration are actually two different issues.
Layer your skin care products properly.
But to treat a zit, its better if you follow a few steps first.
Shes a fan of gels with adapalene, since they regulate skin cells to prevent clogging of pores.
Her favorite isProactivMD Adapalene Gel 0.1%, which she notes can be applied very nicely under makeup.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Daily Moisturizer
Proactiv Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment
14.
Drawing out a big pimple once the whitehead is poking through your skin.
Dr. Tanzi recommends using a washcloth with hotbut not scaldingwater to excavate the pus before applying your spot treatment.
Dont believe every DIY hack you see.
Even toothpaste isnt the remedy it was when we were teens.
Not all supplements have scientific backing when it comes to acne treatment, but zinc shows promising results.
On the other hand, shes skeptical of other touted supplements that claim to heal breakouts.
I havent found much evidence that fish oil will help acne, Dr. Ciraldo says.
ZitSticka Skin Discipline
17.
Consider red- and blue-light therapy.
These are in-office treatments and work very well.
If youre really in a pinch, though,Glamoureditors swear by the Beauty Awardwinning Solawavefor treating breakouts.
Solawave Radiant Renewal Wand
18.
Dont limit acne treatment to just your skin care products.
Sometimes acne is brought on by or worsened with certain hair products you may be using, she says.
Sulfate-based or heavily fragranced shampoos can promote acne.
To test whether this applies to you, look at the distribution of your breakouts.
Dr. Ciraldo likesNeutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo, which contains 3% salicylic acid.
Its a good reminder to also keep yourpillowcasesandface towelscleanand swap them out frequently.
Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo
Target
19.
Consider long-term swaps for treatment and prevention.
Continuous use ofretinolsis key, Dr. Rabach says.
It also decreases the amount of sebum you produce, which in turn decreases clogged pores.
(you might also try bufferinga trick tominimize retinol burnto lessen the possible side effects.)
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Serum
Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
20.
And make some lifestyle changes while youre at it.
You should make the approach to acne proactive, not just reactive.
Thats why Gunn suggests implementing some lifestyle changes too.
You dont have to live with it; we just need to change some of your habits.
One of the first things I tell my clients is cut the dairy.
I know its not fun to hear.
Of course, this wont apply to everyone: What triggers one persons acne wont necessarily apply to another.
Sometimes it takes trial and error to find your triggers.
That said, changing the habit of falling asleep in makeupisuniversally beneficial.
Consider cortisol shots for stubborn cystic pimples.
If youre struggling with an especially stubborn cystic pimple, you might want to consider a cortisol shot.
Seek out prescription-based treatment.
Try not to stress.
We know stressing less is much easier said than done, but its something to consider.
This increase of oil then can clog pores and lead to more breakouts.
