When a pimple decides to show up right before a big event, of course, you’ll be searching high and low for all kind of solutions and remedies, whether it’s how to make your own pimple spot treatment, how to dry out a pimple overnight, or how to shrink a pimple overnight.
However, keep in mind that while we’re all after a quick pimple fix, pimples won’t magically disappear overnight. Instead, it’s more helpful to take the right measures ‒ don’t pop or squeeze them, use the right anti-acne ingredients, etc. ‒ in order to help your skin clear.
To make your pimples a lot more manageable, ahead, we’re exploring methods to make their appearance less noticeable and how to help them heal faster. Plus, we’re also sharing some acne prevention tips to jot down so those pesky breakouts won’t come back knocking.
How to spot treat a pimple
To find the perfect pimple spot treatment, it’s important to select one that contains anti-acne ingredients that help dry out excess sebum. Ingredients to look out for include salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and sulfur.
Salicylic acid is a type of beta hydroxy acid that is often incorporated into spot treatments, because it treats pimples by unplugging blocked skin pores. Salicylic also provides natural exfoliation to the skin by softening and loosening dry skin.
Like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide is also used in spot treatment products because it treats breakouts by decreasing P. acnes bacteria on the skin. Benzoyl peroxide also dries out excess sebum and oil that could potentially clog pores.
Finally, sulfur is another ingredient that is used in pimple spot treatments because it removes dead skin cells that clog pores and it helps remove excess oil. Like benzoyl peroxide, sulfur can be drying, so only use it as directed – and don’t forget to moisturize and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen if going outside in the daytime.
Other quick pimple fixes
While unexpected pimples can be a pain to deal with, thankfully there are other measures you can take to help them heal faster.
For starters, always keep your skin clean with a gentle and fragrance-free cleanser. Cleansing your skin can help remove dirt and sebum from the face.
If you have a pretty large and noticeable pimple on your hands, icing it can be helpful in easing pain and swelling temporarily. However, consulting with a dermatologist is probably your best option, as these awesome individuals can help guide you as to what treatment is best for your specific skin type.
Acne prevention tips
There are several things you can do to prevent breakouts from showing up unannounced. Aside from keeping your skin clean, you’ll want to be mindful of how you get the job done. Scrubbing too hard while cleansing, for example, only irritates acne and makes your breakouts worse.
Second, always resist the temptation to pop, squeeze, or pick at your zits, no matter how large they are or tempting it can be. This only ups your risk for scarring, and it can even cause new pimples to form.
Finally, if you are trying any kind of acne treatment system or medication, make sure you are consistent in using it. Keep in mind that it can take several months for certain treatments or medications to yield results, so be patient and don’t give up.
Wrap-up
Unannounced breakouts can be frustrating to deal with, especially when you want them to clear in time for a big event.
While pimples won’t magically disappear overnight, thankfully, there are several courses of action to take to help them clear quickly. Using treatments containing anti-acne ingredients can be beneficial, as they can help pimples dry out and help prevent new breakouts from forming.
There are other acne prevention tips worth keeping in mind. These include keeping your skin clean with a gentle cleanser, not popping your zits, and being consistent with any medication, treatment, or routine you may be trying. And when in doubt – don’t forget to consult with a dermatologist!
