When you develop a pimple, it's most likely because of excess oil and dead skin trapped in one of your pores. This shed skin and excess oil can develop into what is known as a soft plug, obstructing the pore and causing the walls of your follicle to become inflamed. The inflammation eventually leads to a pimple. If you're looking for the simplest way to get rid of this blemish, put into place some basic skincare techniques.
Step 1
Wash unruly areas more than once a day. Regions of the skin that are prone to pimples should be washed with a gentle cleanser twice a day, according to the Mayo Clinic. For your face, look for cleansers formulated for this part of the body. All other areas of the skin should positively respond to regular bar soap.
Step 2
Avoid oil-based moisturizers, sunscreens, makeups and other toiletries. The American Academy of Dermatology maintains that oil-based products tend to clog the pores more than non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic skin supplies. Read all labels prior to purchase.
Step 3
Apply an acne cream after each wash. Regardless of the location, use an over-the-counter acne cream on your skin after each washing. Acne creams not only help to dry excess oil that may be causing the pimples, but they also go a long way in killing bacteria and removing dead skin.
Step 4
Ask your doctor for a prescription-strength acne cream. When pimples don't respond to self-care measures, you may need medical intervention. Talk to a dermatologist about a prescription topical cream, such as retinol, adapalene, tretinoin or tazarotene.
Step 5
Give your skin time to heal. According to the Mayo Clinic, it can take 4 to 8 weeks to see a noticeable improvement in your skin.
Tips and Warnings
- Set realistic expectations for pimple treatments. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there isn't an overnight treatment for any type of acne. They all take time to work. Sometimes you may even see a worsening in your complexion before an improvement. Non-comedogenic means that the product doesn't cause the formation of comedones, which are commonly called whiteheads or blackheads. Non-acnegenic means that the product doesn't cause the formation of pimples.
Things You'll Need
- Facial cleanser
- Bar soap
- Acne cream
- Prescription acne cream (optional)
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