Pimples form when dead skin cells and oil block the pores and bacteria comes in, leading to inflammation. Pus-filled lesions can take their sweet time to heal and they often come one right after another. If you are trying to manage that vicious cycle, you're not alone. Pimples affect 40 to 50 million of Americans and 85 percent of U.S. teenagers, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. In severe cases, acne can lead to permanent emotional and physical scarring. However, some treatments and easy skin care techniques can reduce outbreaks.
Step 1
Wash your face, but don't overdo it. Once or twice per day should be enough to keep your skin clean but not overly dry, says the American Academy of Dermatology. Also, use only your hands, lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser rather than a harsh soap or facial scrub, or else you risk irritating your skin and making your acne worse, according to MayoClinic.com.
Step 2
Apply an over-the-counter acne lotion. If you're not sure which product to use, look for one with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid as the active ingredient, recommends MayoClinic.com. The lotion should help reduce any excess oil and promote skin peeling, it can also cause unwanted side effects such as flaking and redness. If this is the case, cut back on how often you use it.
Step 3
Buy only oil-free cosmetics. Some sunscreens, facial moisturizers, and make-up clog your pores and lead to more breakouts. Avoid the problem by looking for products with labels that use words such as "water-based," "non-acnegenic," "won't clog pores," or "noncomedogenic."
Step 4
Cover up in the sun. Sun exposure can make pimples worse, so wear long-sleeves and pants made of a breathable material such as cotton, but look for a tight weave. Also keep a wide-brimmed hat on to avoid exposing your face to the sun and apply an oil-free sunscreen of at least SPF 15 to any area of your body that will be exposed. If you are using any acne medication or face wash your skin may be more susceptible to sun damage, so talk to your doctor about whether you should take extra precautions.
Step 5
Ask your dermatologist about prescription medications and treatments. If your over-the-counter treatments aren't working, he may prescribe a stronger lotion, oral contraceptives if you are female, antibiotics or a strong medication called isotretinoin, according to MayoClinic.com. He might also inform you about treatments such as laser therapy, microdermabrasion and cosmetic procedures.
Step 6
Keep your hands in your pockets. Acne treatments can take up to 8 weeks to start working, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. You may be tempted to take matters into your own hands by picking at or squeezing blemishes in the meantime, but messing with your skin can cause scars and push infected material deeper into your skin.
Things You'll Need
- Oil-free cosmetics
- Gentle cleanser
- Sunscreen, SPF 15 or greater
- Over-the-counter acne lotion
- Cotton pants and shirts
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