So I got a lot of likes/responses/”thank you’s” from my 20 facts post about where pimples come from, and I figured that you guys might want to know about how to get rid of them or cover it up now.

1. Sleep

2. Ice…this will cool down some of the swelling. When it’s really ripe, you want to make sure it doesn’t stick out like Rudolph. Take some ice and hold it on the pimple for a good 20 to 30 seconds. It should take away some of the swelling

3. Use your toner and hold it on the pimple for a little longer. Let it soak up. The best thing to use is something with Witch Hazel in it. Witch Hazel is great for break outs. It acts as a toner and really helps with smoothing out those pimples.

4. Apply a completely water based cream (Best one ever is definitely Dr. Oasis Hydrating Magic Water) It will provide your skin with WATER and since most of the time the skin produces oils because it is dehydrated, and needs to come up with something to replenish your skin with. However, instead of water, its natural instinct is to flood that area with oils. 

4. Zit Zapping Treatments: Two types…

Dry Skin: Use something that is more gentle. Avoid using things with stuff higher concentrations of salicylic acid. Try stick to using stuff like witch hazel to help with your pimple… I have dry skin and I am really liking the Clarins Blemish control. It may seem like it’s not worth it since its almost $30 for two 5mL pens, but I can’t stop using it. It’s the only thing that works for me. Stuff with extra salicylic acid always tends to do nothing for me since my skin is so dry to begin with. What salicylic acid does, is it soaks up all of the bad oils and sebum and slowly but surely gets rid of the pimple. In my case, I get pimples because my skin is so dry it decides to replenish it with oils instead of water, so I get these really red, swollen pimples. The Clarins blemish control works well for me. I know its not for everyone, but I like it…

Oily Skin: Use something that’s kicking with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. It will seriously kill those pimples. Use it religiously, and don’t be cheap when you apply it. Use a Q-Tip to apply it though. You don’t need extra oils from your fingers to be on your face too…

5. Get it extracted by a professional. Don’t do it by yourself. After they extract it, use your typical acne treatment on it right away. You should get a stinging sensation. That means its working :)………..THIS IS THE EASIEST AND FASTEST WAY TO GET RID OF IT.

6. Eat healthy and drink your water

7. Wash your hands whenever you use anything oily/bacteria loaded. Sometimes Purell isn’t enough people…it kills bacteria, but doesn’t rinse off the dirt. You gotta stick with good old soap and water :)

8. Don’t pick at it. If you leave it alone, it will heal faster. 

9. To cover it up, after you apply your acne cream, use a primer and then use a green tinted concealer. The green will balance out the redness. Make a circle around it and then blend out the edges and softly blend it inwards. If you want something quicker, use a really liquid-y concealer pen. My favorite one is the Lancome Maquicomplet complete coverage concealer. Get a shade that is in your skin type. Dab it on and blend the edges away with a sponge or brush. I like using a sponge applicator because it’s faster and still gives a natural finish.

10. Let your pimple breathe. If you don’t go out in public one day, or maybe once you get home from school, remove the make up, wash your face, apply toner, moisturize and apply acne treatment again. Let it breathe as much as it can. If you cover it up, it’s not going to get better. Concealer is meant only for the purpose of looking pretty in public, but once that’s gone, you gotta let it breathe.