Pimples, blemishes and acne, the most common skin complaints, can be a huge source of embarrassment. Contrary to common belief, this problem is not exclusive to teens and adolescents. Adults often experience acne problems after years of clear skin. Treatment of pimples is somewhat tricky. While there's no quick, homemade cure for these unsightly blemishes, putting a stop to major breakouts will greatly reduce your discomfort and chances of scarring. Here are some tips that might help you get rid of them: Keep your face clean and don't overscrub it. This will only irritate your skin and make you more prone to breakouts. Wash your face gently twice a day with antibacterial or mild soap, perhaps three times a day for acne-prone skin. Do not use harsh soaps and fragrances as they may aggravate pimples. To avoid transferring bacteria and germs, clean your pillowcase, washcloths, towels, make-up brushes and applicators frequently. Try washing your make-up applicators in antibacterial soap or clarifying shampoo. Keep your hair clean and out of your face. Along the same lines, keep your phone mouthpiece and writing instruments away from your chin and clean them often. Avoid wearing heavy make-up and always wash it off before going to bed. Buy make-up specifically designed for your skin type and throw it away after its expiry date. Wash your hands frequently and make a conscious effort to avoid touching your face during the day. This is when you're most likely to do it and you may not realise that it's a habit. Any correlation to diet and blemishes is a myth. There is no proof that greasy food and sugar will cause your skin to break out. However, too much junk food can lead to other health problems down the road anyway – so keep your diet healthy. It's best to avoid becoming anxious and ensure you get enough beauty sleep. When you're under stress, do not neglect your skin care routine. Take the time for preventive maintenance or your pimples will return with a vengeance. Acne-prone people are still going to experience pimples and blemishes, even with the best skincare routine. After they appear, knowing how to get rid of them quickly and sensibly reduces your chances of scarring. Use the preventive maintenance suggested above, along with some pimple-drying techniques to shorten the life of your blemishes and breakouts. If your skin is oily, use an over-the-counter cleanser that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to start the drying process. If you're experiencing one of those painful ‘under-the-skin, cystic' pimples, put a warm compress on it to drain it first, then dry it up with benzoyl peroxide. Sometimes putting a small piece of tape on your blemish overnight will help draw out the fluid and infection. Aspirin is a painkiller and an antiinflammatory drug. It can also be used for drying out pimples. Put uncoated aspirin in a small bowl. Crush with a spoon and add warm water to make a paste. Apply it to the pimple and leave it on for several minutes. Rinse. You should notice reduced redness and swelling. This also works on bug bites! It's not recommended to squeeze a pimple, but the jury is still out. While doing this makes you more prone to scarring and skin discolouration, sometimes it's the only fast way to drain it. If you're at the point where you feel the need to squeeze, consult your dermatologist for treatment.
