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Continue With Google 3 Blemish Treatments for Last-Minute Zits
Pimples pop up at the most inconvenient times. If you’ve got a special event coming up and you’re frustrated by that angry red zit protruding from your chin, forehead, or chest, there are a few quick fixes to blast away that stubborn blemish.
Of course, the best way to keep your skin clear in the first place is by following a daily acne-fighting skincare routine. This way, you’ll prevent the pores from getting clogged and ultimately leading to breakouts.
Too late? Here’s a little background info on breakouts and the best three treatments for getting rid of last-minute zits.
Why are You Breaking Out?
Most breakouts are generally the result of hormones and excess oil production. Your body’s androgens (aka, your sex hormones) instruct the oil glands to overproduce sebum, which can clog the pores and lead to everything from blackheads to whiteheads to angry red zits.
But there are so many other reasons for those last-minute pimples. For starters, your skincare products could be too irritating, causing skin to dry out and compensate by producing more oil — leading to clogged pores and then breakouts. Keep an eye on your daily cleanser and moisturizer, as these could be triggering blemishes.
Some other possible culprits include stress, lack of sleep, and sweaty workouts.
3 Best Acne Treatments for Last-Minute Zits
Here are some of our fave topical acne spot treatments for getting you clear — ASAP.
#1: Clear Blemish Patches
Pimple patches are a clean and convenient way to address active breakouts while keeping picking fingers away — and dirt and oil out! Rainbow CLEAR Clarifying Blemish Patches are a pack of 36, cloud-shaped acne patches formulated with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide which work in tandem to shed dead skin cells and fight acne-causing bacteria to zap away zits.
While they won’t treat cystic acne or blackheads, these little clouds will clear those oozy pimples right up while preventing acne scars and hyperpigmentation.
They’re especially convenient if you’re prone to picking. Since picking your zits can lead to scarring, discoloration, and even infections, these cute little stickers work as the perfect shield to keep your paws off.
#2: Glow Face Mask
Buff away the buildup of sebum, impurities, and dead skin cells with Rainbow exfoliating Glow Mask. Made with resurfacing glycolic acid and brightening bakuchiol, these active ingredients unclog pores while fading discoloration for a clear and even complexion. Sure, the mask won’t work as quickly as the pimple patches, but it’s a great way to decongest the pores and prevent future breakout formation while buffing away active zits.
It’s especially effective for dull, oily, and acne-prone skin. Plus, it has the added benefit of containing a gentle retinoid alternative — bakuchiol — which offers all the same skin plumping benefits while staying sensitive skin friendly.
#3: Anti-Blemish Body Polish
Pimples appear beyond the face and neck. Occasionally, or quite often, you may see pimples popping up on your chest, back, and butt. Known as body acne, this type of acne is hard to treat since the skin on your body is thicker and oilier than that on your face. The best way to approach body acne is by regularly exfoliating with an acne-fighting scrub or polish.
Rainbow Anti-Blemish Body Polish is a regenerative, clarifying body polish powered by collagen-spurring vitamin C and pore-unclogging salicylic acid. In addition to the latter’s exfoliating power, the formula also relies on high-grade natural salt for a little extra buffing magic.
While salicylic acid can dry out excess oils, dislodge buildup, and promote clearer skin, vitamin C battles blemishes by boosting collagen output. The end result? Healthy, glowing skin!
Why You Should NEVER Pick Your Pimples
Picking your pimples certainly feels satisfying. However, there’s a reason dermatologists advise against doing it. For starters, your fingers carry a lot of germs. Once those germs come in contact with your skin, they can cause blemishes to spread while putting you at risk of an infection. Picking also creates trauma, which can lead to scarring. Unfortunately, picking doesn’t treat acne or make anything better. It only makes things worse for your skin.
Whether you’re dealing with blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, papules, or pustules, always keep your hands OFF! Doing so will allow your blemishes to heal faster.
How to Prevent Last-Minute Breakouts
Looking for ways to stop zits from forming in the first place? Here are some easy tips for preventing last minute breakouts.
1. Follow An Acne-Fighting Skincare Routine
There are plenty of over-the-counter acne products that you can use to keep your skin blemish-free. Look for products containing acne-fighting actives such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, and retinol. You’ll need a cleanser, serum, moisturizer, and possibly a drying lotion to dab on pesky pimples.
If you have a skin condition, seek recommendations from a board-certified derm. It’s important that you use products that not only tackle acne, but contain anti-inflammatories to soothe and prevent dryness and irritation.
2. Change Your Pillowcase Regularly
Since your face is pressed against a pillow for several hours a day, be sure you’re keeping your pillowcase clean to avoid bacteria buildup, which can trigger blemishes.
3. Use Non-Comedogenic Products
From your concealer to your lotion, always check the label to see if it’s non-comedogenic (it won’t clog your pores). Even some acne-fighting, antibacterial products can still be comedogenic, meaning they’ll clog your pores and possible worsen acne.
4. Keep Skin Hydrated
It might sound counterproductive but focusing on hydration prevents your sebaceous glands from producing excess oil to compensate for dryness. Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, aloe, and glycerin.
5. Stay Calm
Stress is a major contributor of acne, as stress increases cortisol which increases oil production in your skin glands. Even if you’re a dry skin type, stress can still leave you oily and clogged.
If you have a severe case of acne, speak to a dermatologist about acne medications and the side effects of taking them. You may also want to consider in-office treatments such as peels and laser therapy, which might be helpful in minimizing pores and preventing breakouts.
Instead of drugstore formulas, Amazon bestsellers, or DIY treatments, consider using Rainbow’s products (listed above) which are vegan, cruelty-free, and gentle on the skin.