Go back to school in style with a clear, glowing complexion.
You’re stocking up on school supplies and buying the perfect back to school outfit, but what about your skin? A pimple is the last accessory you want to tote around on your first day back.
STEP #1: Wash Your Face
Your hormones are in overdrive and your skin is overproducing oil called sebum. (Sebum is the oil that clogs your pores and causes pimples.) You may notice that you get pimples mostly on your forehead, nose and chin (the “T-zone”). That’s where most of the oil-producing glands on your face are and, as a result, where you’re most likely to breakout.
Wash your face regularly (that means twice a day) with warm water and a mild soap in circular motions. If your skin is particularly oily, dry, or acne-prone, look for a cleanser made for your skin type.
From left to right: Neutrogena Deep Clean is a great choice for oily skin types; Dove Beauty Moisture Foaming Facial Cleanser is prefect for dry and sensitive skin, and Spectro Jel has a full range of Skin Cleansers, including this great one for blemish-prone skin.
STEP #2: Apply Lotion
After cleansing, some dermatologists recommend applying an over-the-counter (no prescription needed) lotion containing benzoyl peroxide. This will decrease oil and bacteria. This is optional, but what’s key is to keep your skin hydrated because dry skin can block pores and increase the chance of getting pimples, so be sure to moisturize post-cleanse. We’re lovin’ oil-free Clean & Clear Morning Burst Shine Control Moisturizer, $6.
STEP #3: Dab On Spot Treatment
No matter how clean your skin is, you’re bound to get a pimple or two every now and again. When you do, there are lots of spot treatment products you can try to get rid of pimples fast! Try Aveda Outer Peace Acne Spot Relief. It will kill bacteria and prevent further breakouts while treating your problem spots, plus it reduces redness and swelling. Brilliant!
Here are some other tips to help prevent breakouts and banish those pimples that do burst through:
- Don't pop pimples. Popping pimples can push infected material further into the skin, leading to more swelling and redness, and even scarring. If you notice a pimple coming, a dermatologist can often treat it for you with less risk of scarring or infection.
- Avoid touching your face. Fingers and other free-touching objects (like your cell phone) collect sebum and skin residue, both of which can spread the bacteria and cause pores to become inflamed and irritated. To keep bacteria at bay, wash your hands before applying anything to your face and clean your phone regularly.
- Remove your makeup before you go to sleep.
- When buying makeup, make sure you choose brands that say "non-comedogenic" or "non-acnegenic" on the label.
- Throw away old makeup that smells or looks different from when you first bought it.
