3 replies to this topic

[veronicamar11]

I'm 30 years old and I've battled mild acne since I was 15. I am a research queen. Here's a few things that have helped me.

--I'm a picker. I can't stand to see a pimple and not pop it. I do know this is bad. It's best to NOT touch your face at all. For those of you that just can't help yourselves, I would at least suggest following these steps:

1. Wash you hands very well.

2. Steam your face to open the pores. If you have time, I'd recommend steaming with camomile tea.

3. Wash your face with an exfoliant. My doctor gave me this anti-acne scrub and it's the best thing I've used. I gently scrub my face with this 3 times a week and leave on the treatment for 15 minutes. I have tried so many products. It's pricey, but so worth it! When you find the right product, it's such a relief. (I wouldn't suggest the Anti-Acne Wash, just the scrub). You can find it here: Anti Acne Scrub salicylic by RashtiMD on Etsy

4. Dry your face. Wipe the affected area with toner/lemon (using a q-tip), squeeze the pimple (gently!) using a piece of toilet paper over your two fingers, squeeze down/in/and up. Some websites suggest using a sterile needle to create a small opening in the pimple before you pop it, but that didn't work well for me. My pimples come out very easily (unless they are cysts--which I'd suggest going to the derm for). When I've used a needed, it's created more confusion as to where the zit wants to explode (so gross, I know).

5. When it's done, wipe the affected area again with toner/lemon. It's also good to add a product that contains benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. My Dr. gave me one of those too. It helps prevent new break outs and dry up existing ones. Here it is: http://www.etsy.com/...enzoyl-peroxide

6. Apply ozonated olive oil to the affected area serveral times a day. This has helped my acne heal faster than anything else. Look it up here: http://ozonatedoliveoil.com/

7. It's also great to add Vitamin E oil when the healing process begins (depending on how your skin reacts). This will help to reduce scars and hyper-pigmentation.

[veronicamar11]

Does anyone have a better way? What about blackheads? Are we supposed to not squeeze out the disgusting dirt and bacteria?

[WilliamRickard]

I usually just squeeze them to be honest, or get them professionally done, my step mom is a beautician and she uses High-frequency them machines are amazing.

[veronicamar11]

You are very lucky to have your Mom! If I have a really bad one, my dermatologist injects something into it and it clears within a day or so. I've only needed to do that once.