How to Lose a Blemish in 3 days

Some of my friends so affectionately refer to me as the "Skin Guru".  While I am diligent with my skin regimen, even I have the occasional blemish.  Of course they are so rare that when one starts to appear it is pretty knarly. 

You know what I'm talking about, right? 

Those under the skin bumps like papules or those "painful just to look at" ones (cystic).  The occasional black head or white head doesn't really scare me but I pause for pimples that look worse under makeup.

I felt a bump or a lump start to rise up in my forehead a few days ago.  I'm blaming it on my sister who got me thinking it might be a good idea to start running.  :)  I am beyond impressed with her ability to run 8 miles in the sweltering heat.... but I'm sticking to the air condition.  Despite washing all my makeup off and wearing a headband I still started to breakout... I'm assuming from the sweat and SPF.  (Never leave home without SPF!)

Lose a Blemish in 3 days... and don't scar your face!
Step 1:  Drink a whole lot of water and try to eat a bit more fruits and veggies.  I try to maintain some exercise too.

Step 2: Wash the affected area with an acne cleanser.  My favorites are Murad Clarifying Cleanser and Mario Badescu Acne Cleansing Wash.  I say affected area because there is no need to dry out the rest of your face.

Step 3: Use a mild exfoliating mask.  I like Exuviance Glycolic at home peels.  Use the mask and wash again.

Step 3: In your night time routine be sure to tone the area.  I recommend Mario Badescu Special Cleansing Lotion.

Step 4:  TREAT the pimple.  Never squeeze the pimple...ever.  You will only spread it.  If there is no visible opening I lightly puncture the area with a lancet so the medication actually gets deeper.  My favorite medication to use for mild blemishes is the basic Clearasil drying treatment.  It really works.  If I'm in serious trouble I like to use Dermologica Acne Clearing Gel overnight or Abreva.  Abreva has some serious drying power which is all you need.  Plus Abreva does help speed up healing.

Step 5: I don't apply anything on it the first morning to speed up the drying.  I do use an oil free moisturizer on those days.

Keep this up for 3 days and it should be gone!

Additional Tips:
Cover Up: When you do add makeup make sure to skip that area.  I know you might want to cover it, but save that for last.  Whether you use a brush, sponge or hands you do not want to spread blemishes all over your face.  I prefer a foundation brush.  I skip the area until last and then wash the brush immediately.  I keep an separate concealer brush on hand just for any blemish cover ups because I don't want any of my eye cream to get on an irritated pimple.  Remember that eye cream is generally pretty thick and you don't want more oil in the area.

For redness: Add a little Visine on a q-tip and apply pressure.

ALWAYS wear SPF because the skin will be very delicate and you don't want it to leave a scar once the blemish is actually gone.

You've done everything right but you notice you're starting to get a scar or dry area..... I add a little aloe vera gel on the spot and rub in a circular motion for a few minutes.

Bye Bye Blemish