Things You'll Need:
- St. Helen's Mint Julep Mask
- Facial Cleanser
- Facial Moisturizer
- SPF 15 - 30 Sun Screen
- Under Eye Cream
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Step 1
I am putting this step first, because it seems to have the fastest results - especially for readers who are looking for a quick fix for a pimple!
When a pimple pops up treat it with Queen Helen's Mint Julep Mask. Queen Helen's Mint Julep Mask can be purchased at most major drug stores. Using a Q-tip dab a little of the mask's cream directly on the pimple. Allow the cream to dry on the pimple and keep it on over night. By the morning the pimple should be smaller and less red. Continue each night till the pimple goes away.
If your break out is more extensive, use the mask on all of your face. After it has dried wash it off with a towel. Then spot treat the biggest pimples with the method described above. Use the mask twice a week. -
Step 2
Okay but let's go back to the beginning - prevention. Preventing pimples begins with good beauty habits.
First - keeping skin clean. Find a good cleanser for your skin. Chances are your skin in your 20s has changed from your skin when you were a teen. Your usual stand-by cleanser might not work so well for you and you will need to find a new one.
It might take a little bit of trial and error to find the right one. Personally, I recommend using cleansers that are gentler than the ones that you used as a teen, because chances are even if you still break out your skin texture is probably less oily - so you don't want to dry out your skin. However, you still want to use a product that has some salicylic acid in it to keep pimples at bay. But as I said, it takes time to find the perfect product for you, but the most important thing is to realize your skin's needs may have changed. -
Step 3
Second part of pimple prevention is making sure you remove your make up properly at night.
Using only a facial cleanser to take off make up sometimes does not adequately do the job and the residual make up can cause a break out. It is wise then to invest in a product specifically made for make up removal. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. I've heard that Pond's Cold Cream does the trick great. Or personally I like Oil of Olay products, but it's really up to you, and your specific skin needs.
Once you have removed your make up immediately follow by using your facial cleanser. -
Step 4
The second step in preventing pimples is using the right moisturizer. This may sound counter intuitive, especially since pimples seem to crop up most when your skin is oily. However, getting great skin is more than just treating the "problems" it's also about taking care of all the skin around it as well - and keeping that skin happy and healthy! Also, even if you did not use a moisturizer as a teen you should start using one now that you are in your 20s. Maintaining proper moisture in your skin helps prevent against wrinkles.
Again, finding the right moisturizer can take some guesswork - you might have to try many brands. However, if your skin is relatively normal (i.e. not very dry or oily) my personal suggestion would be Cetaphil moisturizer. It is a great all purpose moisturizer that isn't too expensive and can even be used on sensitive skin. -
Step 5
Use sunscreen! It prevents wrinkles and skin cancer. If you work inside all day long then SPF 15 is probably enough to suffice. If you plan on being outside for a while use at least SPF 30.
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Step 6
using the weekly mask treatment / spot treating - are the pimples still stubbornly popping up?
Yeah, unfortunately even having the best beauty regiment may not be enough. In this case you may have to change your lifestyle or go on medication. Let's start with lifestyle.
Sleep! Sleep! Sleep! Okay, so now you've got your first job and you're working a lot. Or maybe you're working but since you're also getting paid you're also partying a lot. Either way, if you are not sleeping enough that is a surefire way to aggravate your skin.
You don't have to be an Old Maid and stay in every night, but keep in mind that the recommended amount of sleep an average adult should get is 7-8 hours per night.
The term "beauty sleep" is no joke. Getting enough rest keeps your looking better. -
Step 7
Make sure to eat a sensible diet and get regular exercise. Now that you do not live at home with your parents it is your responsibility for you to take charge of these parts of your life. Remember, a healthy lifestyle will generally translate into more beautiful skin. Eat a balanced diet - with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
Although the old myth that chocolate causes pimples is not true - I've heard of recent studies that have shown eating a lot of refined sugar can cause a spike in hormones and a spike in hormones can sometimes cause havoc on the skin. Although these studies have not been well substantiated at the very least it supports the fact that eating a diet full of fresh foods can help keep your skin clear. -
Step 8
Now that you are working most likely you have your health insurance. This means you might need to find your own doctor / set your own appointments. If you are a woman, it might be a good idea to bring up trying birth control contraceptives with your doctor (if you have not tried it already). Contraceptives can greatly help with regulating your hormones and helping to keep skin clear.
However, remember, birth control is a hormonal treatment so it might be months before you see results with your skin. It might also take some time to find the right dosage / right prescription to take as well - so don't expect to clear up your skin over night.
Talk with your doctor to see if this might be an option for you. -
Step 9
The last resort! So you've tried everything and you're at a loss! Do not lose hope! Research your health insurance coverage and try to find a dermatologist within your network for an appointment.
Dermatologists can prescribe specific topical remedies for your skin and work with you to try to find a regiment and products that will work for you.
