Getting a big, red Pimples on your face happens to everyone, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept defeat and wait patiently until the blemish goes away. There are many ways to treat adult acne, but first it’s important to understand the basics of how and why acne occurs in the first place.
“We have sebaceous glands in the skin that normally provide moisture and lubrication, but the combination of stress and hormones can form clogs,” explains Marina Peredo, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City. “The bacteria causes inflammation in the skin, which is why blemishes and acne form.” And just like that, your skin flares up.
So, how do you free yourself of pesky inflammation and acne? Here’s how dermatologists recommend getting rid of those pimples quickly — and how to avoid making them worse. (If you need acne scar treatments to fix the aftermath of a troubling zit, there are many solutions to cure those as well.)
1. Keep your hands off your face!
All dermatologists agree that you should never, ever pick at your pimple. We repeat: Do not pick at your pimple. “It may seem tempting, but remember that once you’ve picked at an acne lesion, it will take longer to heal and is more likely to scar,” warns Doris Day, M.D., a dermatologist in NYC and author of 100 Questions and Answers About Acne.
And other derms agree, especially when trying to get rid of a pimple overnight. “Whatever you do, don’t pick your pimple before bed,” says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC. “When you are tired you will inevitably cause more harm than good.” Trust us on this one.
2. Tread carefully when it comes to home “remedies.”
While toothpaste, lemon juice, and even Windex have been cited as excellent at-home remedies for blemishes, dermatologists advise against them. Skip these “DIY fixes:”
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