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The only thing as bad as having a small planet on your face is knowing a pimple is on its way—ready to make its red, swollen debut any minute now. Even worse? When you have something big coming up, like your sister’s wedding, a meeting with your boss’s boss, or a promising second date.
You don't have to sit around and wait for it, though. Treating it ASAP means it’ll resolve itself faster, so you can go back to clear skin, stat. Here's what to do.
Before you do anything, wash your face. It’ll keep errant bacteria, makeup, and other grime from worsening the situation. (Your face is beautiful, but also kind of a cesspool, TBH.)
Get into a routine of lathering up with a cleanser that contains salicylic acid, the OG acne-fighting ingredient that gently sloughs away dead skin cells. This one has that—plus a fresh, citrusy scent that may help you feel a little more zen about your zit.
If you have one of those under-the-skin bumps that feels sore, a) wooooof, and b) ice it. Cold temperatures help reduce signs of inflammation associated with acne, including swelling and pain, by constricting the blood vessels around it.
Apply this cute ice pack to the offender in question for five to 10 minutes. Take a 10-minute break, then repeat two more times.
Along with dead skin cells and excess oil, bacteria is yet another factor in sudden breakouts. Target those bad boys with benzoyl peroxide, an antibacterial ingredient capable of taking them down quickly. This spot treatment contains a low enough dosage to minimize irritation, and sinks in fast so you can wear it during the day.
Picking or popping a zit might be crazy-satisfying in the moment, but there’s actually nothing worse for irritation, inflammation, and scarring. A hydrocolloid patch, made of a material often used in wound-healing, will keep your new "friend" safe from your fingers if you’re tempted. Plus, it creates a moist, clean environment—a.k.a. the ideal conditions for healing.
If you tend to PTFO with your makeup on at night, that’s only going to make your new zit stick around longer. Ummm, no thanks. Thoroughly cleansing your face of makeup, grime, and oil is essential for keeping skin clear and breakouts at bay, and these handy wipes get it done in seconds.
Most importantly, the small wipes are absolutely *perfect* for bringing with you on-the-go—which gives you zero excuse not to remove that waterproof mascara before bed.
While you’re throwing all you’ve got at the pimple, it’s important not to wreck your skin barrier in the process. Use an oil-free moisturizer that contains ceramides, which help keep that protective moisture barrier intact
You could go to the derm for a cortisone shot, but an easier (and way more realistic) option is to dab on an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream. Even its low dose of steroids is super effective for both calming redness and shrinking zits.
You could use all your concealer trying to disguise your zit—or you could outsmart it with a color-corrector. A green-hued primer neutralizes the appearance of any redness on your face, so your skin looks even and the breakout requires less makeup to hide
Your usual tinted moisturizer might work day-to-day, but when you’ve got Mount Vesuvius chilling on your face, a little more coverage may give you a smidge more confidence. If that’s the case, opt for a medium- or full-coverage foundation—and bonus points if it contains moisturizing ingredients as this one does.
Deanna Pai is a freelance beauty writer and editor currently based in New York. She has more than 10 years of experience writing about beauty and wellness.
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