Pimples are some of the most annoying things to deal with, especially in summer when you want to be showing off your skin. Here are a few tips for getting rid of pimples.
What’s the best prevention and treatment?
Wash your face regularly and gently. People often think scrubbing will prevent blackheads, but it increases the shedding of skin cells and causes further clogging of the pores, Karen noted.
Remove any makeup before you exercise and wash your face afterwards, or use face wipes to get rid of the dirt and sweat so your pores can breathe a little bit more, she added.
Once blackheads and pimples appear, there are many options.
“We need to unplug the pore, calm down the bacteria and the inflammation, and control the oil production,” Jacob said.
- Salicylic acid helps rid the skin of the dead skin cells that are clogging the pores.
- Benzoyl peroxide is anti-inflammatory, so it limits the inflammation that leads to pimples or pustules. (It bleaches towels, clothing and bedding, so use white towels or wash it off completely, Karen cautioned.)
- Vitamin A creams, or topical retinoids, help to unplug the pores, fade away pink spots and decrease inflammation. Not everybody can tolerate them because they tend to be very irritating, Karen noted. You have to try them slowly in small amounts. Be aware they can make you more sun sensitive.
- Antibiotics, given topically or orally, can be of some help to decrease inflammation.
Should you ever pop or squeeze?
Don’t do it! Our experts warned that while picking can be tempting, it can lead to small scarring.
You might also increase the amount of inflammation that’s already there.
You’d be better off putting benzoyl peroxide on a pimple than to try to pop it, Jacob said.
There is one time it’s OK to squeeze, according to Karen. If a blackhead is “super ripe” and you absolutely can’t resist getting rid of it:
- Clean your face and use clean fingers
- very gently apply pressure to the periphery of the black bump
Keep your skin healthy and soft after removing any unwanted hair. To learn about aftercare for your laser treatments go here!
SRC: www.today.com/health/pimples-blackheads-101-how-clear-those-dreaded-skin-blemishes-t100239