BY: HOLLY BARTTER
Breakouts have a real knack for announcing themselves on your face at the least convenient times. Perhaps it’s the week before a friend’s wedding (or your own!) the night before a first date, or the day before you head off for a tropical getaway – the last place you want to be fiddling around with concealer.
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Time is always of the essence when it comes to clear a breakout, but it’s more than likely that you’ve already heard multiple conflicting tips and tricks that all claim to be the holy grail of breakout banishment. Do away with the confusion, because in this article we’re busting myths and setting the record straight!
Here are the foolproof ways to clear a breakout fast, (with the things you need to avoid):
1. Cleansing
#Myth: Squeaky clean means less pimples!
For some reason, we all feel compelled to pull out the most soapy, foamy and drying cleansers when we see a pimple forming. These kinds of products do not assist in reducing the inflammation at the root of your breakout, and instead can weaken your skin’s natural barriers. This can often increase the time taken to clear a breakout with post-inflammatory pigmentation becoming more pronounced.
#Truth: Gentle is always best.
To clear a breakout fast, opt for a gel-based cleanser that contains minimal fragrance and foam, and only wash your skin morning and night. Don’t be afraid of the natural oils that form on your face, they are also working hard to soothe your skin.
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#2 Targeted treatments
#Myth: Toothpaste, apple cider vinegar and nappy rash cream are a YES.
If you can name the kitchen cabinet item, you’re likely to find someone who recommends it for clearing breakouts, but almost all of this is just hearsay. More often than not these hokey home remedies dry out the top layers of your blemish and irritate them further, making them harder to conceal, which means more work for you.
#Truth: Choose science over anecdotes.
Products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid (also known as beta-hydroxy acid) are your best choice to clear a breakout fast, and these are both backed by extensive scientific evidence. Benzoyl peroxide pushes oxygen into the skin, quickly reducing bacteria, while salicylic acid will work through oil to clear stubborn clogs. Use these products sparingly only on the affected area, twice a day at most.
3. Diet
#Myth: Chocolate and oily food are the culprit.
While chocolatey treats and fried food aren’t recommended on a daily basis, there is no hard evidence to suggest that either have any direct correlation with breakout frequency. In fact, the antioxidants in dark chocolate (think 70% cocoa or more) can benefit skin health.
#Truth: Keep your nutrient levels topped up.
To speed up your breakout recovery time, fill your plate with fresh fruits and vegetables at every meal and limit your red meat and dairy (both contain hormones that can wreak havoc with skin.) If you’re really looking to bolster your routine to fight future breakouts, then consider supplementing with zinc oxide tablets. And don’t forget plenty of water!
So there you have it, gentle cleansing with a mild face wash, specialised acne-fighting products and a nutrient rich diet are our top tips to clear a breakout in record time. Oh, and it goes without saying – never pick your blemishes!
What have you tried in your attempts to clear a breakout quickly? We would love to hear about it in the comments!
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