Stop Squeezing Your Pimples - 7 Safe Ways to Get Rid of Pimples

It's everyone's worst nightmare. Waking up the day before aspecial event to discover a big, red pimple baring itself for allto see right on your face!

Here's how to get rid of it quickly and safely:

1. Don't ever pinch, squeeze or pick at a pimple. This onlycauses it to become more red and inflamed, and will spread thebacteria and oils that caused it in the first place, to otherparts of your face! It can also lead to scars.

2. Every 30 minutes, apply an ice pack to the pimple and hold itthere for about 2 minutes. This will decrease the swelling andredness and help shrink the inflammation and pain that sometimescomes along with it.

3. They don't call it concealer for nothing! Covering the pimplewith a light dose of flesh-tinted concealer can help mask it whenyou're in a hurry. It also helps cover up that oily shine.

4. Cleanse your skin 2-3 times a day with mild, unscented soap ora specialized acne cleanser that has no harsh chemicals (such aslye). Scrub skin gently with an exfoliating pad or washcloth, butdon't rub too hard, otherwise you'll sap your skin of its ownnatural oils, which help to repel buildup naturally.

5. Apply a cream or ointment containing benzyl peroxide orsalicylic acid (many over-the-counter acne medicines containthese ingredients) to the blemish or around the entire facialarea. Note that these ingredients both have a tendency to dryout skin if used too much and are not recommended if you havesensitive skin.

6. Wear oil-free makeup whenever possible. These types have lessof a tendency to cause the pore buildup that results inblemishes. Remove your makeup nightly and cleanse with anacne-fighting medicine to remove dirt, oil and makeup from deepwithin the skin.

7. If you're in need of a quick fix, a dab of toothpaste on theaffected area right before bed can help soothe irritation andreduce redness. Pressing and holding a wet tea bag or a cottonball with a dab of lemon juice against the blemish for fiveminutes can also reduce swelling and redness.

If you follow these tips, chances are you'll notice a significantdifference rather quickly ? often within a day or two. Ifpimples become a recurring problem or worsen, your doctor ordermatologist can suggest a daily skin cleansing routine thatwill suit your skin type. Other long-term remedies, such asfacial masks, diet adjustments and increasing the amount of wateryou drink can also help combat outbreaks.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.