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The Battle Against Last-Minute Acne: Separating Fact from Fiction

The Annoying Truth About Acne

Acne always seems to strike at the worst possible moment. Whether you’re heading out to an event or meeting someone new, a pesky pimple can quickly ruin your plans. Desperation often leads people to try questionable remedies, including using toothpaste as a makeshift acne spot treatment. But does it really work?

The Myth of Toothpaste as an Acne Treatment

Toothpaste contains ingredients like baking soda and alcohol, which can dry out a pimple and make it less noticeable. However, these same ingredients can also irritate your skin, causing redness and peeling. According to Dr. Marie Hayag, a New York-based board-certified dermatologist, “Toothpaste can dry out a pimple, but it can also do more harm than good.”

7 Effective Alternatives to Toothpaste

Don’t reach for the toothpaste just yet! Instead, stock up on these dermatologist-recommended acne treatments:

• Acne Spot Treatments: Look for products containing ingredients like sulfur cream, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and drying lotion. Dr. Hayag recommends Peter Thomas Roth Acne Spot and Area Treatment, Boscia Charcoal Spot Corrector, and La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment.
• Zit Patches: These targeted treatments are less messy than spot treatments. Dr. Deanne Robinson, a Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist, swears by ZitStickas.
• Sulfur Mask: Sulfur is a natural antimicrobial that can dry out a zit and help skin absorb excess oil. Look for products containing sulfur, like Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Mask Acne Treatment Mask.
• Tea Tree Oil: Research suggests that tea tree oil can be effective in reducing acne. Dr. Hayag recommends dropping a few drops of the oil onto a wet cotton swab and dabbing it on pimples as a natural spot treatment.
• Green Tea: Applying green tea topically can help get rid of acne. Mix green tea leaves with aloe vera gel and apply the mixture to pimples for 15 minutes.
• Witch Hazel: This anti-inflammatory can help reduce redness caused by acne or skin irritation. Apply a small dab of witch hazel to the affected area as a natural spot treatment.
• Aloe Vera Gel: Studies consistently show that aloe vera is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and great for sensitive skin. Look for products with at least 10% aloe vera.

To Pop or Not to Pop?

We know we’re not supposed to pop pimples, but sometimes it’s hard to resist. According to Dr. Hayag, “I always tell people not to pick or pop their pimples because of concern of overdoing it and causing more harm.” Popping a pimple can increase your risk for scarring and infection, and delay your body’s natural healing methods.

How to Know If Your Zit Is Ready to Pop

If your pimple has a clear point to it, a white pointed center, then you can safely give it some relief. Look for specific types of pimples, like blackheads and superficial whiteheads, which can be gently squeezed with gentle pressure.

How to Pop It the Right Way

Wash your hands, clean the area with alcohol, and use two Q-tips or clean tissue wrapped around two fingers to apply pressure downward and inward until the material surfaces. Don’t overdo it – if you can’t get it out after one or two tries, leave it alone.

What to Do When You’re Done Popping

If your efforts were successful, clean the area again and leave it alone. You can also apply another acne treatment when you’re done. Dr. Hayag recommends applying a spot treatment to the area after popping the pimple.

Hiding Persistent Acne

Sometimes, acne treatments don’t work quickly enough. In these cases, a combination of treatment and coverage is the answer.

• Choose the Right Products: Look for products formulated with ingredients that won’t irritate skin. Avoid heavy creams and moisturizers, and opt for concealers containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
• Start with a Clean Face: Always start with a clean, dry face that is properly moisturized and protected with SPF.
• Follow Up with a Primer: Apply a primer to create a smoother canvas for makeup products.
• Cover Up with Concealer: Concealer is your best bet for hiding a pimple. Opt for a green-tinted concealer for redness, a thick, “spackle-like” concealer for pustules, and a tinted moisturizer for inflamed cysts.