There’s nothing more exciting than preparing for a big first date, but there’s nothing more depressing than finding a zit on the tip of your nose. Why now? The timing couldn’t be worse! You’re probably tempted to rack your brain for excuses to get out of the date, but that’s never a good solution.
On the other hand, you’re overwhelmed with a sense of dread at the thought of sitting through an entire date with a huge visible pimple. It’s a no-win situation, unless you know how to handle it properly. Here are some tips to deal with your acne so that you can enjoy your date worry-free.
Ice It
One of the reasons why your pimple is so red is inner inflammation. Just like with any other part of your body, a bit of ice can help to calm things down. Wrap an ice cube with some tissue and gently apply it next to your skin. Just make sure that you don’t do it right before your date because the ice will make it more noticeable for the next little while.
Wash Carefully
A lot of people make the big mistake of washing the area profusely in hopes of getting rid of pimples quickly. But once a pimple has already formed, no amount of washing is going to get rid of it on the spot. Regular washing only comes in handy for preventing future outbreaks. While you should still keep the area clean, don’t be tempted to scrub the problem away because it won’t work.
Should You Pop It?
Now it’s time to face the biggest question of all, should you just pop the zit? Let’s establish right off the bat that popping is generally not a good idea. It’s only a temporary solution, and it can provoke future outbreaks or even lead to scarring if you do it too much. But we’re talking about an emergency situation here so you have to weigh the pros and cons.
As long as you understand the consequences, there might be some situations where you choose to pop your zit before a big event. If you’re going to do it, make sure the process is as hygienic as possible. Clean your hands and try to do it as gently as you can to prevent the spread of bacteria.
The Zeno Device
This is a handy little handheld device that offers a great alternative to popping your pimples. It doesn’t involve breaking the surface of your skin because it delivers heat right to the center of your pimple. All you have to do is use it for 2-minute bursts 3 times a day, and you should see an improvement the next day.
Acne Cream
Just like washing, acne creams don’t really work on the pimples you already have. But when applied properly, they can help to kill bacteria living inside. Just make sure not to use them o liberally because they tend to dry skin and make matters worse. It’s far better to find a gentle product you can use regularly for a preventative approach.
Time To Conceal
If you’ve taken these steps and you’ve still got a noticeable blemishes, then it’s time to cover it up! There are lots of great acne concealers you can apply to hide the situation underneath. One of the best comes from Murad if you want something that has a bit of extra medicine to calm your pimple down. There are also other options from Neutrogena, and of course you can use regular mineral makeup as well. When applying your concealer or foundation, make sure to do it evenly without going overboard because otherwise it can clog your pores even more.
Always ensure you use great care when dealing with your acne. Your actions today can have consequences down the line, and you don’t want to inadvertently aggravate your skin. Of course the best way to deal with pimples is to prevent them, and that means taking a comprehensive approach with good daily healthy habits.
