Pimples can be frustrating and the appear the worst possible times e.g. Job interview, your wedding day, school presentation, you just ask yourself why they didn’t come in advance and safe you the embarrassment for that special day. Pimples can lower your self esteem, you feel that you don’t want to face any mirror, I have been there before and I perfectly know how it feels, but with the right strategies, you can eliminate then completely. Most pimples take approximately 4-7 days to go away, but the good thing is that with the research that has been developed you can eliminate them faster. In this blog, we’ll explore ten effective tips to help you get rid of pimples quickly.
1. Benzoyl Peroxide: The Acne Fighter
Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful ingredient that fights acne-causing bacteria that clog pore lower inflammation and break apart white and blackheads, all these help in minimising and healing pimples much faster.
Benzoyl peroxide is readily available over the counter in many different formulations like gels, creams and gels and their concentration range between 2.5% to 10 %.Keep in mind that high concentration can dry or irritate your skin if you have sensitive skin so is advisable you stick to a lower concentration.
Here’s how to use it:
- Apply a thin layer of benzoyl peroxide gel or cream to the affected area.
- Start with a lower concentration (2.5% or 5%) to avoid excessive dryness.
- Use it once or twice daily.
2. Cool Down with Ice
Ice can reduce inflammation and redness associated with pimples: The cold temperature can lower the inflammation by tightening the blood vessels around the pimple, also can reduce any pain experienced because of the pimple. Be careful not to leave ice on the pimple for so long since it can result to ice bite.
How to use ice
- Wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth.
- Apply it to the pimple for 5 minutes.
- Repeat the process for a total of 20 to 30 minutes.
3. Salicylic Acid: Unclog Those Pores
Salicylic acid helps unclog pores and prevent new pimples. It exfoliates your skin and helps unclog pores. It is available in various forms e.g. creams, lotions and washes. The good thing is that you don’t need a prescription for it and in that case, you can buy it over the counter in concentrations of 0.05% to 5%. Is recommended you start with a lower concentration of the salicylic acid since it can cause skin irritation and dryness.
How to apply it
- Use facial cleansers, toners, or spot treatments containing salicylic acid.
- Apply as directed, usually once or twice daily.
4. Hydrocortisone Cream for Swelling
Hydrocortisone cream can reduce inflammation and swelling. It is a type of corticosteroid that help lower the inflammation and get rid of redness and tenderness of the skin, when using hydrocortisone, is advisable you use it at least twice a week, prolonged usage can cause thinning of the skin and other skin problems.
How to use it
- Apply a thin layer of 1% hydrocortisone cream to the pimple.
- Use it sparingly and avoid prolonged use.
5. Pimple Patches: Invisible Healing
Pimple patches (hydrocolloid bandages) absorb excess oil and promote healing, some also come with ingredients that treat the acne like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, some pimple patches can lower redness, dark spots, oil secretion, however not all patches work, to treat a red inflamed pimple is advisable you look for a pimple patch with added anti acne ingredients.
How to use it
- Clean the pimple area.
- Apply a pimple patch directly over the pimple.
- Leave it on overnight or as needed.
6. Tea Tree Oil: Nature’s Antibacterial
Tea tree oil has natural antibacterial properties, it helps to lower inflammation and fighting bacteria in the skin. Some people tend to be allergic to tea tree oil so is advisable before you use it on the face you test a small amount on inner arm.
How to use it
- Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil).
- Apply it to the pimple using a cotton swab.
- Use it once or twice daily.
7. Visit Your Dermatologist
Sometimes, professional advice is essential, if the pimples are deep, painful and has redness, they can offer professional advice or inject you with a small amount of corticosteroid into the pimple to reduce the redness and swelling hence help in quick healing.
- If pimples persist or worsen, consult a dermatologist.
- They can recommend personalized treatments based on your skin type.
How can you treat pimples on the body?
You will find some annoying pimples on the chest and back as well. This may prevent you from waring fancy clothes at the latest fashion in town so apart from treating pimples on the face we should not forget pimples on other part of the body. Pimples on the chest and back are highly treatable though they require different approach as compared to facial treatments because of variation in the skin. Some of these treatments include:
- Applying a 0.1% adapalene gel to skin lesion areas. This gel can be purchased over the counter.
- Refraining from scratching or picking pimples. This can make them worst and increase the risk of more severe symptoms.
- Always using oil and fragrance-free lotions. You may wonder, how does a fragrance cause pimple? Yes, some skin types are sensitive to fragrances and end up breaking out. By avoiding oils and fragrances on acne prone areas the body can reduce the risks and likelihood of acne breakouts.
- Changing clothing immediately after exercising to reduce sweat and oil building up. Taking a shower after exercising makes you feel relaxed and fresh after excess sweating, not showering immediately after exercising will promote oil buildup resulting to breakouts, and if you can not make to shower immediately it is advisable to wipe the skin with cleansing wipe.
Just as the facial pimples, body acnes on the body can take time to clear fully, if you don’t see results within 6 to 8 week is advisable that you visit a dermatologist even before attempting to treat acne and breakout with new products. Many of the listed products are available over the counter.
What you should not do when you have a pimple
I understand is the dream of everyone to eliminate a pimple immediately, but there some things one should really avoid doing.
- Avoid touching or picking at your face.
- Avoid completely using harsh scrubs.
- Don’t use often home remedies like toothpaste, hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol.
- Don’t try to pop your pimple since doing this will increase inflammation, increased pain, and acne scars. It can also lead to redness and swelling leading to pimples become more noticeable and high probability of getting an infection.
How to prevent yourself from getting pimples
Pimples and breakouts can happen to anyone so is always good to take the right measure to prevent yourself from getting them. Now let’s look at some of the measures you can take to prevent pimples and breakouts:
- Ceasing the skin twice a daily with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water not hot water.
- Applying a topical agent daily that helps in preventing blemishes by reducing oil and improving skin cell turnover rate, these topical treatments include, retinol, adapalene gel, tea tree oil, benzyl peroxide, alicyclic acid
- Applying an oil and fragrance-free moisturizer to the skin
- Changing the sheets and pillowcases at least twice a week to reduce buildup of dead skin cells, oil and bacteria that may cause acne breakouts.
- Using fragrance free detergents to wash clothing and bedding whenever possible.
Conclusion
Pimples and breakouts can lower your self esteem and are frustrating and you would want them to varnish in a blink of an eye. Combine these tips with a gentle skincare routine, avoid picking or squeezing pimples, and maintain a healthy lifestyle but be sure to visit you dermatologist if the inflamed blemish or the acnes fails to go away to get more treatment options.
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