How to Get Rid of Pimples?
Pimples are a problem for anyone, no matter their age. The common problem that is faced by people is why they find a pimple on their skin, what they can do to get rid of it and how to prevent any more in the future. So, I have put together the most asked pimple-related questions which will hopefully get to the bottom of any concerns or queries you have about pimples by the end of this blog post, things will be a lot clearer.
How do you quickly get rid of a pimple?
Sadly, there is no rapid way of ridding yourself of a pimple, unless of course you apply some makeup to conceal them.
There are some tips to follow when wanting to get rid of a pimple quickly, here is a rundown of what to do-
Keep your hands clean and off your face
It’s a known thing that picking spots is a huge no-no, especially with hands that aren’t clean. I understand how tempting it may be to pick and squeeze a spot and be done with it but what you are actually doing is increasing your chances of getting more spots. By spreading the bacteria from any active pimples on the skin as well as the germs and impurities you transfer onto your face with your unwashed hands. Not only will you encounter more breakouts but you will also cause the lesion to take longer to heal and could potentially be left with acne scarring too.
Use an acne spot treatment formula
This is a step in your routine that can be changed and work towards you. For example, there are products that can be applied all over the skin and others that are formulated for a more topical application.
The best ingredients to look for when finding the best acne treatment formula are:
Benzoyl Peroxide- known as one of the best anti-blemish ingredients and is able to kill off the bacteria that create multiple breakouts
Salicylic Acid- the most used BHA that can exfoliate the skin and works deep into the lower layers and unclog the pores
Retinoids- highly potent ingredient that can provide any skin benefits, most of all helping to boost cell turnover, promoting cells to be removed and stops the pores from clogging.
Establish a good skincare routine
The oil glands that are in the skin are active all day and produce the natural oil known as sebum in the skin surface. Sebum is vital for maintaining the skin’s health and balance but depending on your skin type can be overproduced resulting in frequent breakouts. By establishing a good skincare routine will ensure your skin remains clear making it easier to keep on top of your breakouts. Keeping the skin clean with a cleanser enriched in nourishing ingredients will help remove makeup and other impurities followed by an exfoliating toner containing an AHA, such as glycolic acid or lactic acid. Once the skin is clean you can then apply a hyaluronic acid serum to lock in moisture and reduce the risk of irritation. Finally, there are the last steps in a good routine, such as face oils, moisturisers and skin treatment face masks that can all work towards keeping the clarity of the skin and help you stay on top of your pimples.
How to get rid of a pimple overnight?
As previously mentioned, there is not an easy way of removing a pimple completely overnight, you can however, treat it with effective ingredient and skincare formulas to reduce the size and calm any redness. Here are some of the best tips to try when treating a pimple overnight:
Use a product with salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is the most used BHA and has gained a reputation for combating pimples effectively. You’ll find that it is oil soluble and can penetrate into the lower layers and unclog the pores of excess build-up of sebum, bacteria, dirt and impurities.
Apply a hot press
To do this you find a clean flannel and run it under hot water, make sure it’s not too hot as this can burn the skin. Hold the flannel onto the skin for 15 minutes, repeat this about 3 times until the pimple releases the pus inside and heals. It is important to remember not to squeeze or pop the pimple as this will only spread bacteria and cause damage to the skin surface.
Be wary of at home remedies
The internet is flooded with at home remedies for pimples with various methods and ingredients you can find in your freezer, fridge or cupboards. As convincing as these DIY videos appear you can’t guarantee you will end up with the same results. Instead opt to using proven and formulated products, ones that are either medical grade or backed by science would be preferred. Before applying any products or home remedies it is best to consult with a doctor or dermatologist to ensure you avoid any unwanted skin reactions.
How long do pimples last?
Generally speaking, it all depends on the particular pimple, some larger ones can take as long as six weeks to go away, compared to smaller pimples which can take 2-3 days to go. No matter the size there are a few things you need to avoid, such as keeping your fingers off your skin as this will reduce the amount of bacteria being transferred onto the surface. It is also vital to not squeeze or pop any active pimples, as satisfying as it may feel to rid yourself of those pimples by squeezing them the amount of skin damage and increase risk in spreading bacteria around the skin is not worth the act of popping your pimples. Let your skincare routine containing potent ingredients put in all the hard work and reduce the appearance of pimples and give your skin back some clarity.
Should you pop pimples?
Absolutely not, as you probably guessed by now, I have strong opinion on popping pimples and how much of a terrible idea it is. It may seem like the best idea to quickly rid the skin, but in the long run squeezing pimples won’t necessarily rid you of the problem completely. When you squeeze a spot you actually end up pushing pus and bacteria deeper into the pores that can result in swelling and redness. Once you have caused damage to the skin surface it will lead to a scab which often has the result of a permanent pit or scar giving you uneven texture and other skin concerns, all of which can be avoided by leaving your pimples and not giving into the temptation of popping them.
Is there a permanent cure for pimples? Sadly, there is no magic cure to permanently cure pimples but there are some habits to maintain to keep your skin healthy and clear. Finding and maintaining a good and well formulated skincare routine containing beneficial ingredients, such as salicylic acid, benezoyl peroxide and retinol to name a few. Keeping an eye on your diet, by this I mean understanding if you do eat some extra sweets or treat yourself to a take away be prepared for a potential flare-up. Taking daily probiotics will help keep your skin healthy as looking after your gut health will have an overall improvement on the skin Consult with a doctor or dermatologist when you have exhausted every other avenue, especially if there are signs of cystic and severe acne, they will be able to prescribe you the best medical standard products to introduce into your routine. There you have some answers to the very popular pimple questions we have seen recently, hope you found this post helpful and please don’t forget to join us over on our Instagram.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
