Learn how to get clear skin and get rid of a pimple in seven easy acne control tips.

Why Pimples Develop

There are a few reasons why pimples and blemishes develop, including hormonal imbalances, touching your face with dirty hands, receiving skin treatments and/or using skin care products that are inappropriate for your skin type.

Chronic acne requires the care of a dermatologist, aesthetician or skin care expert. However, if you only get the occasional blemish you can remedy it yourself by focusing on healing and calming your skin with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory treatments.

Do Not Touch or Pop the Pimple

No matter how much you may be tempted, do not under any circumstances touch, squeeze or pop the pimple. Touching or applying any kind of pressure to a pimple can make the blemish more unsightly and increase the risk of infection and long-term scarring.

Keep Your Hands Clean

Before washing your face be sure to give your hands a thorough scrub to remove any dirt, excess oils, or bacteria.

Wash Your Face Gently

Use lukewarm water — not steaming hot water — to cleanse your face along with a mild, medicated soap. Do not use a facecloth and do not scrub; this could spread bacteria from the blemish to other parts of your face, leading to other nasty pimples. Wash thoroughly with your hands for roughly 30 seconds. Lightly pat your skin dry with a towel.

Treat the Pimple with a Topical Treatment

Apply a salicylic acid topical ointment or cream directly to the pimple. For pimples that are beneath the skin’s surface and hurt when touched, apply a benzol peroxide solution instead.

Moisturize Your Skin

Once the topical treatment has dried, apply a hypo-allergenic, fragrance free, oi free moisturizer. Moisturizing your skin prevents dryness, irritation and flakiness which can cause the pimple to become more inflamed and more obvious.

Get Rid of Pimples Over Night

Put face cleanser on a tissue or cotton ball and tape it to the pimple — now go to bed. The following evening, repeat, except substitute toothpaste for cleanser.

Conceal & Heal

While you’re working on ridding yourself of an unsightly blemish, you may wish to use a medicated concealer to cover the spot during the day.