It’s somehow still under-discussed how upending, and panic-inducing stubborn pimples are, especially when it feels like they will never go away.
WATCH: We try: the concealer that covers pimples and treats them at the same time.
For acne sufferers, this can come at a significant cost to their mental health.
As more time passes and without the skin clearing up, the hit to or confidence can seep into every aspect of our lives, which ultimately makes it difficult to face things that should be easy and normal.
Looking in the mirror can induce anxiety, and it can take some time to hype yourself up to see your reflection.
Pimples can take the joy out of makeup because it feels like a chore rather than an act of self-expression.
The joy is taken out of sleepovers because of the fear of not being able to cover your pimples up, then at its worst, leaving the house can feel daunting, and it can be hard to match people’s eye contact because of feeling insecure that they are judging your skin.
There is nothing vapid about feeling self-conscious about your skin because our face is how we communicate and express ourselves with others. Therefore it is a personal right to be concerned about things that others may feel is superficial – deserve to feel confident.
But remember, people really are not concerned with your skin – even though that can be hard to believe at times.
It can take time to realise this is true – only hindsight and becoming aware of how little you notice other people’s imperfections (once you have moved past feeling obsessive about pimples, which is normal) that will allow you to accept it.
Luckily, skincare has reached new heights, and there are pimple fighting products that can support you on your journey.
Here are some of the best treatments to see results.
Tea Tree Oil
This natural treatment has been tried and tested for probably hundreds of years.
Because of its super drying effects, it’s best to apply it with a cotton swab onto the pimple and try not to overdo it because it may irritate the area.
TIP: Dilute the formula with a little bit of water to avoid irritation.
BOSISTO’S Tea Tree Oil, $6.99 from Priceline.
Thursday Plantation 100% Pure Tea Tree Oil, $7.19 from Priceline.
Tea Tree Oil, $9.00 from The Body Shop.
Drying Treatments
If tea tree oil isn’t your thing, then drying treatments are a more advanced and systematised version of the treatment.
They should also be applied to a pimple with a cotton swab, and its fast-acting ingredients will dry the pimple and calm down any inflammation.
It’s best to use the product when you can feel a pimple coming up rather than when it has come through.
Some By Mi BHA PHA 14 Days Super Miracle Spot All Kill Cream, $29.00 from Adore Beauty.
Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment, $40.00 from Mecca.
Origins Super Spot Remover Blemish Treatment Gel, $29.00 from Mecca.
Salicylic or Lactic Acid Exfoliants
Throw out your cream exfoliants! We do not want to cause micro-tears on our skin by using apricot scrubs.
A salicylic or lactic acid-based exfoliant is the best investment for your skin because it will remove the dead skin cells with ease and without hurting the surface.
It will help dry out pimples and help bring stubborn ones out from blocked pores, and even though that may cause some small breakouts, they are necessary to clear congested skin.
A purging process may follow, but it won’t last long.
Go-To Exfoliating Swipeys, $46.00 from Mecca.
The Inky List Beta Hydroxy Acid Exfoliant, $17.00 from Sephora.
Mecca Cosmetica Glow-Giver Exfoliating solution, $42.00 from Mecca.
Pimple Patches
These are great for surface level acne like blackheads and pimples with pus, but less so for acne.
However, they are nifty little things for tackling a nasty breakout that HAD to show up on the morning of your formal.
Mecca Max Spot Dots Blemish Busting Patches, $10.00 from Mecca.
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch, $7.90 from Adore Beauty.
COSRX Clear Fit Master Patch, $7.90 from Adore Beauty.
Microdermabrasion
You will need to see a facialist for this treatment, and it’s a little costly, but the results are pretty darn worth it.
The lightly invasive treatment renews the skin by gently removing the outer layer of the skin, and it doesn’t just combat pimples but also scarring and tissue irregularities.
Clay Mask
Of course, we all know a good clay mask is important to do once a week for the vitality of your skin.
But did you know that you can use it as a spot treatment as pimples arise? It’s an easy hack to implement when you don’t want to put it all over your face.
Caudalie Instant Detox Mask, $46.00 from Sephora.
Origins Original Skin Rose Clay Mask, $41.00 from Mecca.
Dr. Roebucks Uluru Purifying Mask, $24.50 from Sephora.
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