Breakout prone? Bookmark this easy list of do’s and don’ts to get rid of acne fast
So you woke up this morning, and—BAM. A pimple popped up during your supposedly restorative sleep. While acne is, of course, temporary and nothing to hide your face over, if you want to get rid of acne fast, below are our top, super-simple do’s and don’ts to always remember.
But first, what makes acne and pimples form so fast, anyway? Your sebaceous glands normally help moisturize and lubricate your skin. However, the combination of stress and hormones can cause an overproduction of excess oil and lead to acne-prone skin. This can blend with dead skin cells, build up of acne-causing bacteria, form clogged pores and trigger the inflammation that leads to an acne breakout.
DON’T touch your face.
We know how tempting it is to constantly feel the pimple to see if it’s shrinking or hurting less (those deep ones under the skin can be killers). But the oil from your hands can actually cause more harm than good, adding excess oil where you least want it.
DO apply a warm compress. Or ice it. You pick (just not the spot, literally).
A warm compress can help bring everything to the surface, which can reduce inflammation. Lie down for about 15-20 minutes and take a moment to destress. Since stress can help trigger an acne breakout, a little bit of relaxation couldn’t hurt. Other home remedies include applying ice. Simply grab an ice cube from your freezer, wrap it in a thin towel and hold it against the pimple for 3-4 minutes. Repeat throughout the day, which can relieve pain and reduce skin irritation.
DON’T pick your pimples.
The best way to get rid of pimples fast? By leaving them alone! It can feel satisfying in the moment to pick or squeeze that pimple and watch it pop—but not only does it then take longer to heal, it can also lead to acne scarring. As tough as it is to just look at that red spot on your face for a few days, it’s just so much better to leave. It. Alone.
DO follow the recommended treatment dose.
When you’re itching for clear skin, one of the biggest mistakes is overloading on an acne treatment (or acne treatments). If you’re using a spot treatment or scar resurfacing treatment, apply directly to the affected area as directed to prevent overdrying and skin irritation. If you’re using an active ingredient like benzoyl peroxide, look for a concentration of 2.5%.
Are there any products that will help?
Yes, most likely there are acne skincare products out there for you. Your routine for acne-prone skin should include products formulated with salicylic acid, a fast-working ingredient that clears, treats and prevents breakouts. You can typically find it in various product forms, from a clarifying cleanser to a spot treatment to a moisturizer.
So what’s the bottom line?
We know it can be tempting to pick and squeeze those troublesome spots, but ultimately the best acne treatment is doing as little as possible: Treat it, leave it and before you know it, those pesky spots will be on their way—and you’ll be on your way to clear skin.
