There is nothing like waking up with a new giant zit! It probably popped up on the day of your wedding, or a job interview or when you are meeting your boyfriend’s parents for the first time! It never fails. Well, I hate to tell you but that pimple has been brewing for a while. Your skin cycles like your hormones. The life cycle of skin cells is about three months. When you don’t exfoliate or peel it, the dead skin can build up and cause clogged pores, bacterial overgrowth and an imbalance of oil production.

If that zit is getting in the way of your social life and you want to get rid of it, try these simple dos and don’ts.

More is not better! Don’t over wash your face. Twice a day is sufficient to remove acne-causing bacteria. Washing more than that can strip your skin of its natural, healthy oils. Over washing will only cause more redness and irritation.

Resist the need to squeeze! Popping pimples can lead to an infection and cause discoloration or scaring. You should never “operate” on your own deep seeded acne cysts. It is best to leave them alone or seek professional help where the cyst can be extracted or injected. Start by getting a free consultation from a skin expert!

Put down the windex! Instead, reach for the Acid.

Salicylic acid helps speed the rate of your skin call turnover preventing your pores from clogging and causing breakouts. It also penetrates the skin and helps to dissolves them. You can buy over the counter Salicylic acid in low strengths. If your skin gets really dry, red and flaky you using too much too often. Slow and steady stops the zit.

Cover that thing! Don’t go crazy with trying to layer the make up on it. Put a small layer of concealer on it followed by a tiny dab of perfecting powder. Try drawing attention away from it by playing up your eyes and lips with bright colors.

Stay calm! Remember that not everyone has the eye for every detail that I do. Believe me when I tell you that most people do not notice the minute details. The other thing is that acne happens to the best of us and this too shall pass.

You can also find more skin care tips at Healthy Voices.

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Kati Midgley