The Pimple Killers
Back then, if I wake up with a pimple, my first reaction is KILL IT WITH FIRE. KILL KILL KILL. I would want to get rid of it asap, so while it’s gross and everybody says I shouldn’t, I prick it. My logic? I’m going to wear makeup later anyway. I can cover up redness but not an obvious bump.
It is only after I prick the pimple that I apply a topical treatment, usually something aggressive like tretinoin or salicylic acid. It's a vicious, sick cycle. That's how I got so many blemishes before! I antagonize my pimples but touching them, pricking them, and then irritating them even more with concentrated treatments. They took longer to heal!
Now I've found a better way to deal with acne. When one pops up I just apply a gel that disinfects and calms it, and maybe speed up the drying process. I don't touch the pimple otherwise. I allow it to run its course - typically 2-3 days, which isn't too long anyway. When it's about to burst (yuck), that's when I pop it, then I disinfect and calm it again with the acne gel.
This technique leaves lighter blemishes on my face, if any. It's the fastest way to heal pimples (barring cystic ones) that I've found. ^_^ Here are the products I use to shorten the life span of my zits!
VMV Hypoallergenics ID Monolaurin Gel (P710/200ml). This is a disinfectant that soothes most skin irritations. It's great for acne but I also use it for rashes, insect bites, and chicken skin. Such a handy product!
Etude House AC Clinic Intense Pink Powder Spot (~P300). I swear, this smells like calamine lotion. It feels and looks like calamine lotion, too. I wouldn't be surprised if it is what it seems to be! It's pretty effective though. It takes down redness and swelling quickly, while sorta drawing out the pus inside the pimple. I use this after I've popped a ripe 'un to keep the swelling down.
The Etude House AC Clinic is an affordable yet thorough line of zit-fighting products. Love the Red Spot Balm too!
Estee Lauder Clear Difference Blemish Treatment. I don't know the exact price of this one but I'm sure it's expensive. Totally worth it though! This dries pimples super fast since it has salicylic acid. It can also be used under makeup since it dries completely and invisibly. This is my favorite out of all the stuff I featured here.
Sebamed Clear Face Anti-Pimple Gel (P300). Mild and non-stinging, this should disinfect your pimples without the discomfort. It also has drying ingredients but nothing too dramatic. This is good to use if you have dry skin! Because yes, dry skin gets acne too. You don't want to torch it with intense ingredients.
And that is that. Would love to know your favorite pimple killers as well! ^_^
