The Dos and Don’ts of Making Pimples Go Away
More than 50 million Americans are suffering with acne. It’s not just a physical condition: Acne and pimples are highly emotional, causing self-confidence issues and emotional stress (which, unfortunately, can make pimples worse). While it may be hard to get rid of pimples overnight, finding the right acne skin treatment can help them go away and sometimes even prevent them in the first place. To help you start seeing clearer skin, here’s our top advice on how to make pimples go away.
Do treat before you see pimples. Don’t pick or pop. Acne spot treatments are powerful and effective but treating the pimples you see will never lead to clearer skin. At any given time, a pore can become clogged with oil and debris and turn into a pimple. A consistent, 4-step morning and night skincare (cleanse, tone, treat, moisturize) regimen using acne skin care products, such as an acne cleanser can help keep skin clear for the long term. You may even want to add an acne serum into your routine to help keep acne away.
You already know, but it bears repeating, don’t pick, pop, or poke at your pimples. The result could be more pimples stemming from transfer of oil and bacteria and post-acne scarring.
Do prevent clogged pores. Don’t touch your face.
All breakouts start with a clogged pore or hair follicle that traps excess oil and skin cells and allows acne causing bacteria to form. Regardless of the cause, the solution is the same: exfoliation. This sloughs away dead skin cells that can cause blockage both on the skin’s surface and below it. Look for an exfoliating cleanser that contains AHAs and BHAs (alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids) to remove the dead skin cells and expose the new, healthy cells beneath. You can even use an acne body wash with AHAs or BHAs to help prevent back and chest breakouts. Proper exfoliation also helps pimple-fighting ingredients to work more effectively.
And this leads to touching your face. One study revealed we touch our faces an average of 23 times per hour! Whether you're picking at an acne breakout or blackheads, this can transfer dirt, oil, and bacteria to your skin. So, in short, be mindful of your hands and try not to touch your face.
Do eat right. Don't skip rest.
When it comes to figuring out how to make pimples go away, very few know to look beyond the surface of their skin. You may be trying to apply a pimple patch or a spot treatment that can help get rid of the breakout, but you also need to look beneath the surface. Dermatologist and pharmacist Dr. Howard Murad has treated more than 50,000 patients in his Los Angeles-based practice with his inside-out approach to healthier skin. "Treating acne demands a more holistic approach that includes lifestyle, nutrition, and advances in topical skincare.” Why? Because our skin is a direct reflection of our health and habits.
Do hydrate your skin. Don't dry it out. Contrary to popular belief, drying your skin out to get rid of an acne breakout isn't always the way to getting clear skin. Healthy, pimple-free skin is hydrated skin. But drinking eight glasses of water a day isn’t the only way to get your fill. Dr. Murad recommends “eating” your water through water-rich fruits and vegetables. The cellular structure of water in fruits and vegetables will keep you hydrated longer and is easier for your body to absorb.
Hydrating skincare ingredients that don't clog your pores can also be beneficial for your acne. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalene can provide the hydration your skin needs, allowing your skin barrier of the affected area to heal, leading to clear skin.
And what about rest? Getting good quality rest every night can help cut down on stress and give your skin the time it needs to recover from the day.
Clearer-looking skin with Murad It’s clear that the path to clearer-looking skin won’t stem from one step. But, following these practices for clearer skin from the inside out can be the answer to how to make pimples go away. Shop our clinically proven products for clearer skin at Murad.
