How to Treat Pimples

Introduction

Although many people suffer from this condition only during the teenage years, pimples can occur throughout adulthood, depending on your hormonal activity, heredity and hygiene. 

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy 

Steps

1

Step One

Resist the urge to attack when these plugged sebaceous glands pop up. In other words, don't pop your pimples'this can cause infections and even scarring. 

2

Step Two

Keep in mind that a combination of hormonal activity, a buildup of bacteria and the shedding of dead skin cells causes pimples. Do what you can to prevent a breakout by establishing a skin-care routine appropriate for your skin type. 

3

Step Three

Have patience. It could take up to one month for a blemish to disappear completely. The less you poke at it, the better. 

4

Step Four

Buy an antibacterial, oil-free concealer that can blend the redness of the pimple into your own skin color. Green shades tend to offset redness the best. (This might not be an option for those who don't wear makeup.) 

5

Step Five

Try a facial mud mask. This may shrink a pimple. 

6

Step Six

Realize that despite the happy teens in the commercials, 'zit zapping' solutions'medications you apply directly to pimples'don't do much more than dry out the top layer of skin covering the pimples. These medications don't provide a long-term cure. 

7

Step Seven

If you are going to break the rules by "extracting the blemish,"aesthetician-speak for popping your pimple, wash your hands, then lightly squeeze the top of the pimple with a tissue or cotton swab. Clean the area thoroughly when you're done. If nothing happens, leave the pimple alone until it's ready to pop. 

8

Step Eight

Apply a benzol peroxide acne medication to the pimple and avoid applying medication to the surrounding area. 

Tips & Warnings

· If you're desperate (you get an unsightly blemish two days before your wedding, perhaps), consult a dermatologist about receiving a shot of cortisone to eliminate a pimple. 

· Pimples can indicate the presence of acne, a chronic skin disease. If you have recurring pimples, talk to a dermatologist about acne medication. Your dermatologist may prescribe antibiotics, certain brands of birth control pills, or even Accutane for severe acne. 

· Consider carefully before using Accutane. Although this is the only truly long-term solution for severe acne, it can have serious side effects and is known to cause serious birth defects when taken during pregnancy. Sexually active women who use Accutane should use two forms of birth control.