We’ve all been there: You wake up with a pimple on your face just days before a big or important event and you need to learn how to get rid of pimples fast. Before you get carried away with home remedies or, even worse, picking at your pimples, there are some things you need to know about dealing with acne. Keep reading to learn what works and what doesn’t when it comes to clearing up your pimples.
Papule vs. pustule
The first step in learning how to get rid of pimples fast is figuring out what type of pimple you have. Is it a pustule? Or are you dealing with papules? While it may be tempting to treat all pimples and blemishes the same, it’s important to know what you’re dealing with first so that you can get rid of pimples fast. A papule is essentially a skin lesion or a small raised area of skin tissue that’s less than one centimetre around. Common examples of papules are contact dermatitis, eczema and warts. A pustule, on the other hand, is a small fluid- or pus-filled bump that’s often surrounded by red, inflamed skin. These are commonly found on the back, chest or face. This common skin condition can be caused by hormonal imbalances that lead to an increase in sebum (or oil). Pustules develop when the pores of your skin become clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells.
How to get rid of pimples as fast as possible
Now that you’ve determined the type of blemish you have, you can start treating it. You’ll no doubt want to get rid of pimples fast, but unfortunately there is no magic solution that allows you to see results in a snap—not without causing damage to your skin, that is. However, there are things you can do to help prevent acne. These include not touching or picking at your skin, washing your face twice a day to get rid of excess oil, dirt, makeup and debris and choosing non-comedogenic makeup that won’t clog your pores, such as La Roche-Posay Flawless Creator Lightweight Foundation. For more information, watch our DERMCLASS video on how to get rid of acne overnight.
How does salicylic acid work?
If you’re looking into ways to care for acne-prone skin fast, then you’ve probably heard of salicylic acid, the beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that works by penetrating the skin and dissolving the dead skin cells that clog pores and often lead to pimples. Face serums like La Roche-Posay Effaclar Ultra Concentrated Serum, salicylic acid cleansers and moisturizers containing the acne-fighting ingredient, like La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Global Acne Treatment, are all excellent ways to use salicylic acid to care for oily and acne-prone skin. Read on for more on salicylic acid.
Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties
Another great option for caring for acne-prone skin is zinc. Zinc supplements for acne, as well as for conditions such as rosacea, eczema and seborrheic dermatitis, have been proven to be effective, thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties. Zinc may help target some of the redness and irritation associated with moderate-to-severe acne and even help reduce the appearance of scars from past acne breakouts. If you’d rather take the topical approach than try zinc supplements for acne, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel and La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Gel are both formulated with zinc to help balance skin’s oil production, reduce inflammation and keep skin nourished and soothed, all while caring for acne-prone skin.
The importance of having a skincare routine for oily to acne-prone skin
Building a consistent skincare routine that’s specifically designed for oily or acne-prone skin is important. The journey toward clear skin is a slow and steady one, but if you follow the routine below, your complexion will thank you.
- Cleanser for acne-prone skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel
- Toner for acne-prone skin: La Roche-Posay Astringent Lotion
- Moisturizer for acne-prone skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Global Acne Treatment
- Sun protection for acne-prone skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Fluid SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen
What about homemade remedies?
Tempted to try some old home remedies to treat your pimples? For years, ingredients like vinegar and toothpaste have been touted as quick and inexpensive treatments for acne, but just because these old wives’ tales have been around for a long time doesn’t mean they work. In fact, applying these items to your pimples will actually aggravate your skin even more. This is because many of these household items contain ingredients like baking soda or alcohol, which often have a drying effect that can irritate skin.
