Get Rid of Pimples
Pimples No More
When you have acne-prone skin, it can feel like a daily battle when trying to get rid of pimples. Those that suffer from acne sometimes make mistakes when it comes to daily skin care and anti-acne treatments. When you want clear, blemish-free skin, there are some simple rules to follow and some professional treatments that will help do the job.
A Healthy Diet May Eliminate Pimples
It sounds confusing, but what you eat may actually play a role in whether or not you develop zits. The thinking that food plays a role in acne breakouts was chalked up as a myth, but new research in this area is actually showing some evidence that is to the contrary. A high-glycemic diet, which means complex carbohydrates and sugary foods, may in fact lead to acne breakouts. Foods that rate high on the glycemic scale, which includes white bread, white rice, candy bars, cakes, cookies and donuts, may increase the insulin in your body and cause hormones to surge, leading to inflammation and pimples. So if you want to get rid of acne, be on the safe side and stick to a diet filled with whole grains, protein, and leafy greens.
Pimple Myths Debunked
Have you ever heard of someone putting toothpaste on their zit? It’s one of the most common acne myths, right up there with sun exposure being beneficial in clearing up acne. It’s important to know what’s the truth and what’s false when it comes to clearing up your skin. Many patients believe that their acne is improved when they have a suntan, so it is difficult for them to understand when we tell them the real answer that a suntan will not help your acne in the long term. While a tan may temporarily camouflage discoloration from old acne breakouts and can sometimes dry up excess oil on the skin, these effects are only temporary and the risk of direct sun exposure outweighs the benefits of a temporary suntan. For patients who think their skin gets clearer in the summer, an in-office or at home blue light therapy may be a great choice. Toothpaste, while it’s great at fighting cavities, is not so great at fighting pimples. In fact, toothpaste contains many ingredients that might worsen your acne. The best spot treatments to use on active acne breakouts are products containing salicylic acid or sulfur.
Adult Acne Versus Teenage Pimples
While the same causative agents that lead to acne formation form both adult acne and teenage acne, the treatment plans can differ greatly. Teens with acne tend to have oilier skin overall, whereas adult skin is typically drier. For that reason, it is best to avoid treating pimples with high percentages of benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Adult acne sufferers do well with retinoids, as they fight acne and wrinkles at the same time. Teenage acne sufferers can tolerate prescription medications better and will sometimes go on Accutane.
Hiding Pimples with Makeup
You may be tempted to cake on the concealer when trying to cover up an acne lesion, but less is more when it concealing a pimple. The first order of business is covering up any redness by gently dabbing concealer over the red area, being careful not to cover the raised area. You will want to use a clean finger to gently press the concealer into the pimple. Do not use a brush or sponge, as this will only wipe off the concealer. The next step is lightly pressing on powder to set the concealer. Using makeup to conceal and get rid of pimples—or at least their appearance—will help you feel better about yourself.
