Banish the Blemish
Don't panic! Little skin flare-ups can be prevented, cured and concealed following this easy-to-follow advice for a variety of common pimple problems. There's lots of good over-the-counter help and other safe solutions to try. Consult our guide for the best ways to keep your complexion clean and clear.
Here is what we have for a whitehead:
Cure it:
Whiteheads are closed comedones (the official word for blackheads) and
should be extracted only by an experienced beautician or dermatologist.
If you try it yourself, you may risk infection, making the situation
worse and even causing scarring. As an alternative, try applying a gel
or cream containing salicylic acid, which may help you to unplug the
pores.
conceal it Using a cotton bud or small,
pointed concealer brush, apply a dot of thick concealer to the centre
of the blemish, then lightly spread it to cover. Brush over with
translucent powder.
prevent it
Regular
facials can help prevent whiteheads because they will keep your pores
clean. Dermatologists often prescribe a topical drug, either antibiotic
creams or retinoids (like Retinova, Retin-A or Differin) to prevent
whiteheads. You may also keep them at bay by washing with a mild
cleanser that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic and glycolic acids.
Here is what we have for a blackhead:
Cure it:
You
may try using Pond's or Biore Pore Strips to lift some blackheads. If
you attempt to extract them yourself, be really careful. First, apply a
hot (but not too hot) compress to soften the pores. With a tissue
around your two fingers, gently squeeze the pore. If the oil plug isn't
released, stop squeezing. Never squeeze facial skin hard enough to
leave an imprint.
Conceal it:
Use a
liquid spot-touch concealer. Dot the concealer on the area and blend
with your fingers. If your skin is shiny, dust the area with powder.
Prevent it:
It's
almost impossible to prevent blackheads. Once a week, steam your face
to soften the oils that clog the pores and cleanse skin deep down using
a mask. Use products that include salicylic or glycolic acids to keep
pores clean. You might want to consider getting a facial every month to
deep-clean pores.
Here is what we have for a red/inflamed blemish:
Cure it:
Squeezing
is a definite no-no. You can apply a good, topical benzoyl peroxide
from Oxy or Neutrogena. A clay mask or drying lotion will also help
draw out any impurities.
Conceal it It's
difficult to cover an inflamed blemish, so you need a concealer that
stays put. Dermablend is a good one to try because it has a thick
consistency and is packed with pigment so it covers well. Always start
with the smallest amount of concealer, and then build. Dab the
concealer to the blemish with a small concealer brush or cotton bud,
then gently cover. Clean the brush well after use to avoid re-infection.
Prevent it
If red and inflamed pimples plague you it's time to see a dermatologist
for a course of oral and topical treatments to prevent the condition.
Once your acne is under control you can often prevent recurrences using
over-the-counter products containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic or
glycolic acids. But a doctor can help you get to that point.
Here is what we have for erupting blemishes
Cure it
Cystic acne has the potential to leave deep scars and should never be
squeezed. If it's an open pimple, apply an acne drying gel or lotion
and let it run its course. If you have frequent outbreaks, visit a
dermatologist for appropriate treatment.
Conceal it
Sorry,
you must not touch an erupting spot. Keep it clean with an astringent,
but leave it alone until it dries out. If it is dry, apply a dab of a
heavy concealer to the blemish with a cotton bud or a small
acrylic-tipped brush.
Prevent it An occasional
eruption can't be avoided. Dermatologists advise you to let it drain,
keeping it covered with a benzoyl peroxide cream (or antibiotic like
Neosporin). Never, never squeeze it. It will not make it go away or
prevent future outbreaks. If you squeeze you are likely to break the
swollen pore under the skin, causing a worse eruption. If they are
common occurrences for you, you may have cystic acne; so make an
appointment with a doctor. A dermatologist can prescribe antibiotics or
give you other ways in which to control it.
Here is what we have for a small blemish:
Cure it
Don't touch it. Wash the area gently and try a homeopathic acne cream.
Conceal it
Cover the blemish with a dab of liquid foundation using a small concealer brush. Brush lightly with translucent powder to hold.
Prevent it
It's
bound to happen once in a while no matter what you do. Keep your skin
clean and use non-comedogenic moisturisers and sunscreen (this means
that they are tested to ensure they will not clog the pores). Make sure
all your make-up is oil-free. Wash make-up brushes frequently and keep
your hands away from your face.
Here is what we have for a feel-it-coming blemish:
Cure it
Ask your GP if an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug might help
ease the swelling. Sometimes applying ice to the area, whenever you
feel like touching it, helps. Other than that, keep your hands off.
Conceal it
Cover with a lightweight concealer cream or liquid foundation: dab the cream on the area, blend with finger.
Prevent it
Use cleansers and moisturisers designed to prevent acne. And always
remember to keep your hands away from your face. If what you feel
coming is a large deep blemish that occurs frequently, it's time to see
a dermatologist. These kinds of pimples can leave a scar. A
dermatologist will recommend drugs that keep infections that cause acne
from happening.
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