Acne Relief

Posts Tagged ‘popping-pimples’

In the past I used to wake up in the morning with the fear of going to the mirror and discovering a new pimple. Today, while my acne is under control for the most part, I wake up and discover some new development in technology has just set me back two steps even though I gained a step yesterday. If you are confused let me try to explain.

When I was young, if apples and acne were mentioned in the same breath, it would have immediately brought to mind an image of the apple cider vinegar bottle that was the main ingredient in my number one treatment for bacne. Unfortunately, vinegar having the acidic content that it does, made it too harsh for my facial acne. Oh, sure I could have diluted it with water down to a 9 to 1 solution but at that cut it was just ineffective for me.

As I got a bit older and began to understand that my acne is really the result of an imbalance that is taking place within my body. I started to learn what foods to avoid and more importantly those foods that were beneficial in my acne fight. The lowly apple came to my attention for its content of vitamins and minerals and especially the natural antioxidants that are packed in its peel.

Then the other day, I stumble upon an NYT article that professes a new apple acne cure in the form an Apple i Phone app. That’s right, you heard me. No need to continue popping pimples or spending tons of cash for some over the counter acne treatment. For $1.99 you can get rid of your acne while talking on the phone. According to the AcneApp description you can use the antibacterial blue light and or the anti-inflammatory red light to cure your acne. Of course not everyone is jumping on the bandwagon, according to Dr. Alexiades-Armenakas “In studies we’ve done, data has shown that both blue and red light have a low efficacy range in acne treatment,” I tend to agree, but as always will keep an open mind and would love to hear your comments on Apple’s AcneApps.

You know that getting rid of pimples by popping them is a no no. Everything you know goes against that urge. But you have it in your head that that pimple has to go and you are going to take it upon yourself to pop that bad boy.

Well let me take a stab at changing your mind. Why not head over to the dermatologists’ office and let him/her have a wack at popping the pimples for you. Those guys have the experience and proper tools to do those zits justice. Most important, they know which pimples to leave alone when popping. I mean how expensive can it be. When you are talking about permanent acne scaring. When it comes to getting rid of pimples, these guys are professional pimple poppers.

Ok. So you are still determined to pop you pimples. Please keep these common sense tips in mind.

If the pimple hasn’t made it to your skins surface and have a “head” leave it alone. Whiteheads and pustules are candidates for self popping but papules should are in a category all by themselves and self popping should not be attempted.

If you are going to squeeze be clean. Get rid of the dirt and makeup on your skin with a good wash before you go to town. Make sure your hands and any instruments are clean and disinfected.

Never use your fingernails or just your fingers alone. Use a Kleenex or better yet gauze pads to apply gentle pressure on the pimple and to remove the pus from a successful squeeze. If the gentle pressure doesn’t get the pimple to pop it’s probably too imbedded in your skin. Squeezing should be discontinued as this is a high risk candidate for acne scarring. You can try mixing a salt water solution (½ tsp salt per ½ cup water) apply to the area and leave on for about 10 minutes then wash off. You can reattempt another round of gentle pressure in a couple of days.

I n closing, popping pimples is not a recommended course of action to getting rid of your pimples but I fully understand the desire and urges to do so. If you decide it’s a course you want to pursue please err on the side of caution and use gentle pressure and no more. Good luck

It seems everywhere I turn someone is always imparting their idea of what are great tips for getting rid of acne. I guess around the neighborhood I am becoming known as the Acne Pro and get stopped to discuss the topic no matter where I am. Well after watching Letterman last night I have decided it’s time for me to add my 2 cents and do my own top ten list. So without further adu allow me to present my Top 10 List: Tips for Getting Rid of Acne

10.) Wear loose fitting cloth that allows your skin to breath.

9.) Avoid wearing makeup whenever possible and when you do try to stay away from oil based cosmetics. They are more prone to clogging pores.

8.) Get enough Zinc in your diet. Zinc is an effective antibiotic for preventing acne and a necessary element for the proper functioning of the sebaceous glands of the skin. Low levels of zinc can actually account for acne breakouts.

7.) Have a carrot. Carrots are great for your well being. You can add it to your diet raw, cooked or juiced and even use it as a facial mask for your complexion. They are high in vitamin A which is necessary for your skin but also an excellent antibiotic to help fight off acne.

6.) Use clean towels every day and change your pillow case every other day. Ok you caught me, this is really 2 tips for getting rid of acne in 1. But the point should be fairly obvious. Anything that comes in contact with you face should be clean. Reapplying yesterday’s bacteria by drying you freshly washed face with a soiled towel doesn’t make a lot of sense, nor does resting that face on a pillow case that hasn’t been laundered in days.

5.) Don’t over wash. The point of washing up is to remove the dirt, bacteria and grime of the day off your skin. Using harsh detergents and too much cleansing, does nothing more than dry out your skin, stripping your complexion of necessary oils and moisture which makes your condition worse.

4.) Properly exfoliate. It’s imperative to remove the dead skin cells from your skin so as not to allow a condition where the pores become clogged and bacteria is allowed to fester. But like tip number 5 for getting rid of acne, moderation is the key, once maybe twice a week.

3.) Keep your hair clean.

2.) Drink more water. This liquid is the secret fountain of youth.

And the number one tip for getting rid of acne is?

1.) Don’t pop your pimples. There really isn’t any good that can come from this practice so why indulge. For a little refresher see popping pimples.

Well there you have it kids, my top ten tips for getting rid of acne.