How to Get Rid of a Pimple or Zit
At some time in our lives, most of us have woken up, looked in the mirror and discovered a pimple or zit that popped up overnight. While acne may appear seemingly overnight, treating blemishes unfortunately takes quite a bit longer -- four to eight weeks when using an at-home treatment, notes the American Academy of Dermatology. While you may be able to cover up the blemish temporarily, you'll need to follow several steps over a period of time to get rid of a pimple or zit and maintain clearer skin. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Mild cleanser
- Benzoyl peroxide treatment
- Salicylic acid treatment
- Concealer
- Ice
Instructions
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Cleanse your face daily with a mild facial soap or acne-fighting cleanser. Wash in the morning and before bed, removing any makeup you may wear. Avoid scrubs, harsh cleansers and astringents, as these can irritate your skin and contribute to more breakouts. Clean your skin in a gentle, circular motion with warm water; harsh scrubbing can irritate skin and promote excess sebum production.
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Do not pop pimples that appear. To reduce the redness and swelling, apply an ice cube wrapped in a napkin or paper towel to the blemish for a few minutes, every couple of hours.
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Apply a medicated treatment containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid directly to the pimple. These active ingredients dry up excess oil, which can combine with dead skin cells to clog pores and promote new pimples. These ingredients also promote peeling of the skin, which will help the pimple or zit to slough off.
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Use a light concealer to hide the pimple until it goes away. Use noncomedogenic makeup and remove it every night. Look for concealers that contain acne-fighting agents, such as salicylic acid.
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Tips & Warnings
Consult with a dermatologist if your self-care measures don't appear to aid your blemishes.
References
- Photo Credit Pixland/Pixland/Getty Images
