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Acne Basics

Aftershave And Pimples

Acne

How do you take care of that pimple that has popped up overnight? Are there quick fixes that will allow you to get on with your day? Sorry to tell you, but there isn't any magic creams that will make it disappear.

First, you must know that almost everyone gets zits or pimples whatever term you want to use. Have you walked down your school hall and actually looked at someone's face to see if they have pimples? Probably you don't. As an adult, I don't look at strangers' faces to see if they have a red spot, pimple, or blackhead and think negative thoughts of them. Keep your hands off your face, don't be tempted to pick, squeeze or scrape, leave it alone. It really won't ruin your day unless you let it. If you feel you must do something, then go to your local drugstore and look for a cream that will temporarily cover up a pimple and aid in the healing. I grew up with Clearasil; it was necessary have for me and all my friends. It not only helped to make the pimple less noticeable, it also helped in the healing process.

Before you go and buy an acne product, there are certain things that you need to take into consideration. Know your skin type. If you have oily skin, choose a gel-based product. If you have dry skin, you should choose a cream. If you have combination skin like most people, then buy the product that will treat your acne in whatever zone your pimples are. If they are in the oily area, use gel based, if they are appearing in the dry area, then use a cream.

Your skin can be sensitive so choose a product that is not harsh as this could make your acne problem worse. It can over dry your skin or cause it to produce even more oil and therefore cause even more pimples. Read the labels carefully and if your skin is sensitive choose the mildest cream or ointment you can find.

You can use some creams as preventive measures but most are too harsh to use unless there are pimples present on your skin. Medicated products contain a chemical that dries up the pimple and acts to defoliate. The two most commonly used are salycic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Some pimples or extreme outbreaks of acne may not respond to over the counter medications. Extreme cases can and should be treated by a professional such as a doctor or a dermatologist.

To get you through the day, try putting a light dusting of face powder in the area where the pimple is. Don't make it worse by adding heavy make-up. Don't be tempted to squeeze it because that will only make it redder and more irritated. That can also spread the infection to other parts of your face and increase the problem.

There are several common brands of acne over the counter medication. These brand names are just being used as examples and not meant as recommendations for your skin. Products that have benzoyl peroxide come in cream gels, lotions, or soap. Those products are Clearasil, Dryox, Persa-Gel, and Fostex.

Products that have salicylic acid are, Stridex, Oxy Night Watch, Clearasil Clearstick Maximum Strength, and PROPApH.

Sulfur is another medication used in some over the counter acne treatments. Some products that include sulfur are, Liquimat, Therac Lotion, Sulmasque, and Sulpho-Lac Acne Medication.

Those medications that have a combination of benzoyl peroxide and sulfur include, Dryox 10S, Dryox 20S and Sulfoxyl.

Maybe there aren't any quick fixes if you wake up the morning of your first date, prom or your wedding day to find a pimple. The most important thing to remember is to keep your hands off your face! Chances are, your pimples look bigger and worse to you than to anyone that is looking at you. Square your shoulders, lift your chin, and determine that you won't let an acne outbreak ruin your life. Go on with your day, remember the basics of taking care of acne and be extra vigilant about keeping your hands away from your face