Beauty> Tackling the Pimple Menace

Text by: Tanya Munshi
Pimples have a notorious habit of showing up just before that special date or a much awaited party. It doesn’t matter how great your date is or how lovely the party is, you constantly feel that all eyes are on your face, with a pimple spoiling the show.
1
Tone, Wash And Moisturize
Wash your face with an anti-bacterial face wash. Usually your dermatologist will recommend a safe product to use. Acne is mainly caused by bacteria built up, so it’s best to use an anti-bacterial face wash. Better still, fragrance free face wash that is free of any oils.
Apply an oil free, vitamin E enriched cream that is useful to heal pimple prone and ruptured skin. You need to remove the impurities from your face to allow it to breathe. Never forget to use a toner and a face wash daily after returning from outside. An alcohol free toner is best for your skin that will keep a check on the bacteria on the skin. Use an oil free sunscreen for your face. But remember, you need very little of it, else the sweat and your oily skin will lead to more pimples.

When A Pimple Strikes
Rule of thumb, never squeeze a pimple as this may cause scaring and cause an infection. Squeezing a pimple reddens the area, causing the bacteria to spread.
Every half an hour, apply a cold compress on the pimple. Even if it gives you the chills, hold the ice on the affected area for a couple of minutes. Cold compress does wonders in reducing redness, swelling and pain. Wash your face at least three times a day with a special anti-acne soap. Follow it up with an anti-acne cream the ones containing benzyl peroxide. Seek a doctor’s advice before purchasing and applying as overuse of such creams can cause excessive drying of skin.
2
Hide It
Always go for water based products as they are lighter on oily skin. Preferably choose a medicated concealer with anti-acne properties. First dab some toner with a cotton wool on the pimples. The toner will dry up the excess oil, and then use the concealer. Remember, concealers can be creamy, so use them sparingly. You can spread the concealer with your finger tips, brush or cotton wool. Once you have applied the concealer, allow it to dry and use a powder brush to set it. Once done, apply oil free foundation and compact to complete the picture. Ensure the foundation has a yellow base, to reduce the redness of the pimples.

Published in Tips4me.com, on August 6, 2007