The Skin Nerd: Four things I do to get rid of pimples as fast as possible

Spots, we all get them. Here is how to get rid of those unwanted guests.

Pic: iStock

It could be the day before a work presentation, the morning of a first date, or the night after your last exam, spots sure pick their timing!

Whilst I can be jovial about it now, anyone in the throes of a breakout knows that it’s really no laughing matter as our thoughts become consumed by getting rid of the pimple as fast as humanly possible.

Take comfort in the fact that we have all been there, and take note of the spot-zapping tips I have picked up along the way.

If even one works for you, I want to know about it!

A quick fix...

Understandably, many people work on a spot-by-spot basis — prioritising extinguishing each pesky spot as soon as possible from the moment they arrive.

When it comes to skincare, I don’t recommend relying on quick fixes in general.

However, in skin-mergencies (and if this is more of an occasional occurrence than a long-term situation), this is fine.

If you regularly get spots and have blemish-prone skin, the best course of action will always be to start and stick to a consistent skincare routine that tackles congestion and balances oil levels.

In the short-term, however, there are some things you can do depending on what type of spot you are dealing with.

If it is a small whitehead, aim to dry out the tip overnight with a drying agent, like salicylic acid or sulphur, and then follow by applying some hyaluronic acid directly onto it to rehydrate.

If you are looking at red, angry spots, please do not pick them!

Instead, apply a cleanser that includes at least 2% salicylic acid directly to the spot, leave for three minutes, and then wash off. This should help to deep cleanse and calm any inflammation, and will address redness.

Get an expert opinion to decide if it is acne or spots. I always recommend that you seek guidance from your GP if you think you might have acne.

A few pimples that crop up around your period and in times of stress are completely normal, but it’s worth booking an appointment with your GP if you’re experiencing regular breakouts.

Acne is an ultra-common skin condition that affects one in 10 people — so remember that you’re not alone with your concerns.

Mind your diet

Although lots of studies have attempted to link fatty foods, dairy products, and chocolate to an increase in acne, direct correlations are yet to be found.

Despite the jury being out, we know a healthy diet is vital to skin health and it’s all about balance and eating a variety of foods in moderation.

I swear by an inside, outside, and on top approach to skincare, which is why I take care to feed my skin from within through a healthy diet and nourishing supplements.

Less is more

Take time to ensure that your routine is simple and suitable — don’t overstress the skin with too many steps and products.

You might be trying to do your skin a favour by applying layers of skincare products, but this can lead to irritation, sensitisation, or an increase in spots.

Keep your routine streamlined with a salicylic acid cleanser that regulates sebum production and gets rid of dead skin cells to prevent further breakouts.

The award-winning Skingredients Sally Cleanse 2% Salicylic Acid Oil Control Cleanser utilises 2% salicylic acid and can be used as an active cleanse (every third night), a micro-mask (apply to skin for two minutes), and a spot-zapper (apply to the spot for three minutes).

I also recommend a vitamin A serum to help address any post spot scarring. Vitamin A is a hero ingredient for blemish-prone skin, as it speeds up cell renewal rates for smoother and more even skin, and helps to balance sebum production.

As salicylic acid can make the skin more susceptible to sun damage, it’s even more crucial to apply your daily SPF.

Those with blemish-prone skin should opt for a non-comedogenic, oil-free formula.

What mistakes do those suffering from acne make?

Over-stripping the skin is a common mistake made by people with acne.

The skin requires a certain amount of oil, so this can irritate your skin and lead to inflammation. This is more commonly true for anyone going through hormonal changes like puberty or pregnancy, so remember to be gentle with the skin.

Another mistake is when people don’t seek medical help after suffering for a long time, meaning that scarring can then become more of an issue.

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