Pimples: When blackheads and pimples appear, the first impulse is often to poke, pinch, or squeeze. Stop immediately—you would only make the situation worse. By following these eight rules, you can get your skin imperfections under control in just 60 seconds. From that point on, your skin takes care of the healing process itself.
1. Stay away
It is easier said than done. Sometimes, it takes almost superhuman willpower to resist the temptation to pick at a freshly discovered blemish.
They can be itchy, painful, and—above all—make you feel uncomfortable in your own skin. But be warned: unless a pimple is a whitehead—that is, visibly filled with pus—popping it is an absolute taboo! This is particularly true for blemishes located deep within the layers of the skin, as well as for those that appear on the buttocks.
Barely perceptible dirt often accumulates under the fingernails, which exacerbates inflammation. The sharp edges of the nails can even injure the skin so severely that they leave scars. Moreover, the skin no longer takes the usual four days to heal; instead, it requires three to four times as long.
2. Peeling break
Unfortunately, scrubbing is not enough to eliminate pimples.
Exfoliation is a preventive measure, as it removes dead skin cells and thus allows sebum to flow more freely from the pores. Conversely, exfoliating a pimple directly produces the opposite effect: bacteria present on the skin spread and can worsen the inflammation.
- It is preferable to use a gentle cleansing foam or gel rather than irritating skin that is already inflamed through exfoliation.
- Spray a skin disinfectant onto a cotton pad and gently dab the pimple.
- A zinc oxide ointment or hydrocortisone cream can be useful for treating particularly painful inflammation.
3. Cool, cool, cool
Cold reduces inflammation and alleviates the pain of a pimple. Heat—such as that from warm compresses—on the other hand, allows pores to open and inflammation to rise to the surface.
4. The best home remedies for pimples
Almost everyone has these first-aid remedies in their kitchen.
- Both honey and cinnamon possess antiseptic properties.
- Tea tree oil—available in pharmacies and drugstores in the form of an applicator pen—also has anti-inflammatory and healing effects.
- Diluted apple cider vinegar helps the skin stabilize its natural pH and exerts an astringent effect: pores tighten, and blood circulation is stimulated. Mix a few drops of vinegar with water—using a ratio of one part vinegar to four parts water—soak a cotton pad in the mixture, and use it as a facial toner.
- Baking soda—or better yet, pure sodium bicarbonate—removes dead skin cells and impurities. To do this, mix it with a little water and apply the resulting paste to the affected areas like a mask. Let it dry.
If you have sensitive skin, avoid baking soda, as contact may cause redness.
5. Quick help with eye drops
If you discover a pimple shortly before heading out, eye drops can prove useful—albeit only temporarily. These drops—typically used for red eyes—diminish the appearance of a red pimple by causing blood vessels to constrict. However, they have no curative effect. You can also dab a little toner onto the affected area to soothe it.
6. Cover pimples properly
- A stick concealer containing salicylic acid temporarily conceals blemishes and promotes healing. As this product typically comes in the form of a rather dense paste, it is advisable to apply it using a cotton pad or cotton swab to achieve the best possible visual result.
- Foundation: Once the inflammation has subsided, you can replace the concealer with a lightweight foundation featuring antibacterial properties.
- Powder: Finally, set your makeup with a touch of mineral powder to mask any residual redness that may still be slightly visible.