How to Zap an Acne Breakout

If you awake on the morning of a special day to discover a red pimple on the tip of your nose, all hope is not lost. Here's how to remedy an unwelcome pimple.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ice
• Ice
• Soap
• Acne Medication
• Hot Compress
• Oil-free Powder
• Soap

1. Tempting as it is, don't try to pop the pimple by squeezing, pinching, or picking at it. This will just inflame the pore and spread the oils that caused the pimple.

2. Apply ice to the area for 2 minutes every half hour. This will help shrink the pimple and possibly reduce it to an invisible size.

3. Apply a flesh-tinted acne medication that contains benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or sulfur. Since these medications dry out the skin, apply only to the pimple area.

4. If you'd like, use an oil-free powder to cover up the medicated area and reduce any shine.

5. If the pimple is already coming to a head and it's too late to use the ice treatment, use heat. Wash the area with soap and water. Apply a hot, damp compress to the pimple for 60 seconds. This increases circulation and helps bring the pimple to a head. Remove the compress and apply gentle pressure to drain the pimple; do not squeeze. If the pimple does not drain, reapply heat and try again. Do not force the pimple to drain. Wash the area with soap and water after pimple drains.

Tips & Warnings

• If you wear makeup and facial moisturizers, choose products that are noncomedogenic (won't cause pore buildup) and nonacnegenic (won't cause acne). Remove all makeup nightly.

[nbritton]

on 10/9/2008 I had a bad breakout the other day and got it to clear up very fast by taking Vitamin A, using Clean & Clear advantage acne spot treatment, and rubbing Neosporin all over my face. You have to rub off the Neosporin with a dry cloth so your face doesn't look like it's covered in oil. Anyhow, it worked way better then I expected.

[domihop20]

on 8/30/2008 Previous comment is an ADD - check out her other comments! DO not believe her.

[Phaedrarain]

on 7/12/2007 I have had really good luck with a routine suggested by my facialist. She recommended using a super mild exfoliating scrub followed by an antibacterial soap ever morning in the shower, then immediately after getting out of the shower applying a small amount a good moisturizer. I have super fair skin so I got one with a SPF, and UV protection, I haven’t had a break out or a peeling red nose since!!!

[hijinks155]

on 4/7/2007 Okay, no matter what you think no alcohol, toothpaste, or peroxide, these things will just strip your skin of its oil and cause it to over compensate making your acne worse, your skin itchy, and big red blotches after several uses.

on 8/8/2006 When I get pimples, I make a paste out of baking soda and water, poke the zit lightly with a pin, and apply the paste. I leave it on overnight, and in the morning I just wash it off! My zits disappear in 3 days!