Stage 1: You Feel it Coming on:
You just know when there’s a blemish brewing beneath the surface. It’s not a good feeling–but the good news is if you treat it properly at this stage, beating it can be a breeze. “Apply an over the counter benzoyl peroxide containing gel to help kill acne-causing bacteria and prevent it from getting bigger.” we Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment to stop a pimple right in its tracks.
Stage 2: It’s Still Early
Once the uninvited guest has officially arrived, Finding the best plan of attack is to dry it out with some salicylic acid in addition to the benzoyl peroxide. Your best bets are the dual action acne treatments La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo and Kiehl’s Acne Blemish Control Daily Skin-Clearing Treatment.
Stage 3: The Peak
The number one piece of advice at this stage (and every stage) is to fight the urge to pick! Popping a pimple will nearly always make it worse. Instead, we recommend you add an over the counter hydrocortisone 1% cream to your current arsenal of blemish-battling treatments. If you need a quick fix, see your dermatologist for a cortisone shot.
Stage 4: It’s Healing
When a breakout is on its way out it’s important to keep the skin moisturized while continuing to treat the area with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. “There is some data showing that when the pimple goes away, the mark that is left still shows some inflammation,”. So continuing to treat can help speed up the healing process. “But don’t overdo it. You do not want to cause skin irritation!” Try moisturizing in the a.m. with a gentle lotion like CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM SPF 30, and continue the healing at night with The Body Shop Tea Tree Blemish Fade Night Lotion.
Now you’re armed with the know-how to send any pimple packing!
