If a pimple shows up just before a big even in your life. Here’s how to get rid of it quickly and safely:

1. Pinching, Squeezing or Picking?: You might have heard that popping a pimple is the quickest way to make it go away. Don’t ever pinch, squeeze or pick at a pimple. It is absolutely the wrong approach. Picking or popping them can cause germs to further penetrate your skin resulting in more redness, pain and at times infection. Keep in mind popping pimples can lead to scarring. It can also lead to scars.  

2. Appying Ice: Apply an ice pack to the pimple and hold it there for about 2 minutes. Repeat the process every half an hour. This will decrease the swelling and redness and help shrink the inflammation and pain that sometimes comes along with it.

3. Cleansing/Scrubbing: Cleanse your skin 2-3 times a day with mild, unscented soap or a specialized acne cleanser that has no harsh chemicals. Scrub skin gently with an exfoliating pad or washcloth, but don’t rub too hard, otherwise you’ll sap your skin of its own natural oils, which help to repel buildup naturally.

4. Benzyl peroxide or Salicylic acid: Apply a cream or ointment containing benzyl peroxide or salicylic acid (many over-the-counter acne medicines contain these ingredients) to the blemish or around the entire facial area. Note that these ingredients both have a tendency to dry out skin if used too much and are not recommended if you have sensitive skin. e.g of OTC remedies with Benzyl peroxide or Salicylic acid are: Neutrogena On-the-Spot, Clearasil and Oxy-10.

5. Make up: Wear oil-free makeup whenever possible. These types have less of a tendency to cause the pore buildup that results in blemishes. Remove your makeup nightly and cleanse with an acne-fighting medicine to remove dirt, oil and makeup from deep within the skin. Click here to see detailed acne cover up tips

If you follow these tips, chances are you’ll notice a significant difference rather quickly – often within a day or two. If pimples become a recurring problem or worsen, contact Dr. Rapaport who can suggest a daily skin cleansing routine that will suit your skin type. Other long-term remedies, such as facial masks, diet adjustments and increasing the amount of water you drink can also help combat outbreaks. If you already have some acne related scars there are now revolutionary treatments to get rid of them.

Call now to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Rapaport for acne free, healthy, younger-looking skin. Tel: (201) 227-1555. You can also ask questions by clicking on Ask Questions