How to Get Rid of Pimples and Blemishes

Pimples, blemishes and acne are the most universal skin care complaints and can be a huge source of embarrassment. Contrary to common belief, this problem is not exclusive to teens and adolescents. Adults often experience acne problems after years of clear skin.

Treatment of pimples is somewhat tricky. While there's no quick cure for those unsightly blemishes, putting a stop to major breakouts will greatly reduce your discomfort and chance of scarring.

Pimple Preventive Maintenance

Keep your face clean and don't overscrub it. This will only irritate your skin and make you more prone to breakouts. Wash your face twice a day with antibacterial soap, three times a day for acne prone skin. To avoid aggravating pimples, stay away from harsh soaps and fragrances.

To avoid transferring bacteria and germs, clean your pillowcase, washcloths, towels, make-up brushes and applicators frequently. Try washing your make-up applicators in antibacterial soap or clarifying shampoo. Keep your hair clean and out of your face. Along the same line, keep your phone mouthpiece and writing instruments away from your chin and clean them often.

Avoid wearing heavy make-up and always wash it off before going to bed. Buy make-up specifically designed for your skin type and throw it away after it's expiration date.

Wash your hands frequently and make a conscious effort to avoid touching your face during the daytime hours. This is when you're most likely to do it and you may not realize that it's a habit.

Any correlation to diet and blemishes is a myth. There is no proof that greasy food and sugar will cause your skin to break out, however too much junk food can lead to health problems down the road -- so keep your diet healthy.

It's best to keep your anxiety level down and get your beauty rest. When you're under stress, do not neglect your skin care routine. Take the time for preventive maintenance or your pimples will return with a vengeance.

Stop Pimples and Blemishes

Acne prone people are still going to experience pimples and blemishes, even after the best skin care routine. After they appear, knowing how to get rid of them quickly and sensibly reduces your chance of scarring.

Use the preventive maintenance above, along with some pimple drying techniques to shorten the life of your blemishes and breakouts.

If your skin is oily, use an over the counter cleanser that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to start the drying process. If you're experiencing one of those painful "under the skin, cystic" pimples, put a warm compress on it to drain it first, then dry it up with benzoyl peroxide. Sometimes putting a small piece of tape on your blemish overnight will help draw out the fluid and infection.

Another overnight home remedy for zapping a zit is to put a dab of toothpaste on it to help dry it out. You may need to test this on a short-term basis to make sure it doesn't irritate your pimple. Calamine lotion will have the same drying effect.

It's not recommended to squeeze a pimple, but the jury is still out. While doing this makes you more prone to scarring and skin discolorations, sometimes it's the only fast way to drain it. If you're at the point where you feel the need to squeeze, consult your dermatologist for treatment.

If blemishes persist, scarring needs to be prevented and there are many useful products to put a stop to recurring acne and pimples. If your blemish is gone and you have some discoloration but no scar, don't fret. Chances are, it will fade with time.

Reduce the Appearance of Blemishes & Spots

Quick-fixes to reduce the appearance and redness of your pimples can get you through the day. To lessen the swelling, some people swear that hemorrhoid cream will do the trick overnight. Or, try putting an ice cube on the spot for a couple of minutes before applying your make-up in the morning.

To get rid of the redness, use eye drops specifically made to reduce the redness in your eyes, (like Visene.) Give it some time so work and cover your blemish with a concealer stick and a dab of pressed powder.

If your attending an important event such as a wedding, your dermatologist can give you a cortisone injection 24 hours before the event to quick-start the healing process.

Treating Acne and Pimples on your Back

While all of the above home remedies are affective for pimples, there's no doubt, the back is difficult to treat without some help. Invest in a good back-scrubber to get to the areas you can't reach in the shower and always use clean, dry towels.

Ask for some help to apply some astringent to your back with cotton balls after every bath and shower. Keep your bed sheets and mattress pad clean. If you have discoloration but no scars, these too will probably fade as time passes.