Stressed Out About Breaking Out???

It happens to everyone, right? Just in time for a special occasion, a date or any other time when looking your best is imperative, you get a dreaded pimple. Fear not, functional chicklets, I have some tips for you!

First thing is first, DON'T STRESS ABOUT IT. It's a pimple for crying out loud, not the end of the world (although I know it may feel like it). Take a second to remember that you are much, MUCH more than your looks. And confidence is the sexiest thing you can have.

Now that that's out of the way, let's get down to the nitty gritty, shall we? Applying ice (for several minutes) to a pimple that is above the skin (you can see the white head) will help to take the redness and swelling down. Applying a warm wash cloth (for several minutes) to a pimple that is below the surface of the skin will help to bring moisture to the surface and thereby heal faster.

I DO NOT RECOMMEND YOU POP A PIMPLE. It can cause scarring and possible infections. However, if you do, make sure your hands are clean, you apply ice afterward and then also apply a small amount of acne medication with benzoyl peroxide.

Let's talk a little bit about benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid for a quick second. There IS a difference. Both are great for clearing up your skin, however, benzoyl peroxide is a lot safer to use repetitively. I recently learned from a Clinique consultant that salicylic acid can actually cause skin damage if used to often. It's a much harsher chemical on your skin, especially if you have a fair complexion or sensitive skin. So be careful and pay attention to the ingredients of your acne treatments.

Now that we've gone over a game plan for what happens when you get that awful, little swollen, red surprise, let's tackle the root of what's causing them.
The two biggest factors that cause breakouts are dehydration and high levels of caffeine. So, make sure you're staying hydrated throughout the day and that you keep the sodas and multiple cups of coffee to a minimum.

Another thing to remember is to keep yourself happy. My physician once told me that, "when you're happy, your body is happy."