Comments on: How to Treat Pimples

on 11/22/2005 I've just read all the other tips and as a 20-yr acne veteran would like to emphasize that some remedies work for some people and not for others; and sometimes, especially at times of great stress/emotional upheaval/illness, remedies that used to work aren't so effective. I would advise to try EVERYTHING until you find something that works for you (except for seriously scary remedies such as Accutane). Remember to be consistent and give something a chance to work before you move on to the next remedy. Just because someone leaves a screaming note of rage about how toothpaste (or whatever) didn't work for them doesn't mean it might not work for you. I also have found that remedies that worked in my teens didn't work in my twenties and those that worked in my twenties no longer worked when I reached my thirties. But don't give up hope! (I also must add that I went to a dermatologist for 10 straight years and NOTHING he ever prescribed for me topically or orally ever helped! I was far better off by myself. But again, dermatologists can work wonders for some so at least make one appointment to try out medical science.)

on 11/22/2005 I know it may not be the best thing for your body, but I was on Orthotricycline for years and my skin was usually clear. I just went off of it and although I lost some weight, and started breaking out. The pill really does keep your skin clearer. Also, a natural soap called Clearly Natural is good and gentle.

on 11/22/2005 In order to successfully treat acne, you must understand what you are treating. Acne occurs in the following way:

Step 1: Dead skin gets stuck in your skins pores. This is because skin cells are naturally sticky AND your skin naturally produces oils, which act like glue. The dead skin cells turn black if they're exposed to air (a process called oxidation), producing a "blackhead". If they aren't exposed, they stay white, producing a "whitehead."

Step 2: Cells called macrophages try to break down the dead skin cells in your pores by releasing chemicals. This causes an inflammatory reaction, producing a red, warm, tender area around the pore.

Step 3: Bacteria that naturally lives on your skin also break down the dead skin cells to use them for food. Your body sends more infection-fighting cells to your skin, increasing the inflammatory reaction.

Step 4: Eventually, the build-up of dead skin cells and infection-fighting cells produces a pocket called a cyst or abscess filled with pus. This cyst eventually breaks and heals in the form of a scar.

Okay, hopefully you understand how your body makes zits. Now, on to how to treat it:

Tip 1 - Prevent dead cells from sticking to your skin. There are 2 main medicines that can do this: benzoyl peroxide and topical vitamin A (retinoic acid). Benzoyl peroxide can be purchased over the counter or by prescription; retinoic acid is by prescription only.

Tip 2 - Decrease the amount of inflammation on your face. There are medicines that can do this, but I would not use them without consultation with a dermatologist. The best advice I can give is to avoid harsh abrasive cleaners that contain alcohol. The safest way to wash your face is by applying a moisturizing soap like Dove and washing it off with warm water. I know this is tough for women, but mascara is really bad for your skin. Also, minimize your exposure to UV rays by using sunscreen.

Tip 3 - If you have a lot of red bumpy pimples, or pimples with white heads, you will need some antibiotic lotion to prevent bacteria from growing inside the zits. Get a prescription from your doctor for a topical antibiotic such as erythromycin or Cleocin. You don't need to see a dermatologist to get the prescription; most internists and pediatricians will give you a prescription without any problems. A popular medicine called Benzamycin is a combination of benzoyl peroxide and Cleocin. If your skin is bad enough, you may need to take antibiotics by mouth.

Most people need antibiotic lotion or orally for a short period of time (1 - 2 months) just to get their skin under control. After that, benzoyl peroxide or retinoic acid daily is sufficient to prevent zits.

on 11/22/2005 Go to a dermatologist. Period. She/he will determine what is best for you. For instance, whiteheads (the bumps under your skin) won't budge with over the counter drugs. You can try, but you need a prescription to get those out. Then, you'll treat the skin with Benazaiacin and your face will look beautiful. 2 years ago, my daughter was breaking out badly. Now, people always ask how she gets such a glowing a beautiful complexion? Is it her make-up? She wears none.

on 11/22/2005 I have found that using an oil-free moisturizing cleanser and gently exfoliating with a warm wash cloth every night seems to work for nasty acne. I used a cream from the Dr. called Benzomycin, this worked SO well (only thing that did the trick). This stuff is super drying so make sure to moisturize your face in the morning after washing your face.
If you can get away with wearing foundation, do it!!! It protects your skin (get one with sunscreen) from sun and pollution. I use Neutrogena's Healthy Skin make-up.
Just remember, nobody has perfect skin and to control acne and blackheads you have to stick to a regimen.

on 11/22/2005 Okay This may sound a little gross, but I have done a few modeling jobs and everyone that gets a pimple uses hemmoroid cream..It sounds gross..But it really works!

on 11/22/2005 Toothpaste works and I know from experience, but you should try poking the white head with a sterile (hold it over a lighter for a couple of seconds) needle, but not too deep (just enough so that the toothpaste can suck up all the pus and whatever else is inside there). I tried that and it works a lot better. I would recommend it to anyone who uses toothpaste now. One more thing: Do not leave the toothpaste on for a long period of time because it can burn the skin.

on 11/22/2005 Apply some LEMON juice, just few drops is sufficient, after washing the effected area with soap and water.
It works for me.

on 11/22/2005 In High School, I used Acuutane for six months for my severe acne. It worked SO well! I was amazed. Now it's six years later and I'm still feeling side effects. My eyes dry out really quickly making it hard to wear contacts, and I also need to apply lip balm almost constantly. It also gave me severe depression while I was taking it. I didn't have these problems before Accutane. Please ONLY use it as an absolute last resort.

on 11/22/2005 EAT ORANGES AND DRINK LOTS OF WATER! Oranges keep the face smooth. Also, bathe everyday. Visine on the pimple also works, trust me.

on 11/22/2005 Go to a Bath and Body Works store and buy Blemish Control Gel. It's only $8.00. It really works!!! When I find a whitehead or a big red pimple, I put some of this gel on to the pimple twice a day. And by the next day, the pimple is gone or really small and going away. This gel has green tea, which nourishes and protects your skin, willow back which will calm and sooth your skin and .5% sallicylic acid. try it!! It really does work!!

on 11/22/2005 Try Queen Anne Mint Jalup Mask. It works almost like toothpaste, but it is much safer for your skin! You can either use it as a mask, or as an overnight spot treatment. It works wonders! You'll see a big difference after just one use. It'll clear up both your pimples and blackheads. You can find it at walgreens.

on 11/22/2005 Table salt made in to a paste with hot water will shrink a pimple like magic!

on 11/22/2005 when you put toothpast on a zit, only put a LITTLE bit on. the toothpaste dries up the zit, but it will dry out the rest of your skin to. just sleep with it on, and wash it off in the morning

on 11/22/2005 Don't pop it. There is a good chance it will leave a discoloration for a long, long time, much longer than you would have the pimple there. It's really not worth the gamble.