Most people get zits from time to time. Some of us get them more than others. Stress, diet, hormones, or overly productive sebaceous glands are usually the culprits. Sebaceous glands are glands in the skin and scalp that produce oils and are necessary and vital to your skin.
It's hard to alleviate stress and anxiety but there are a few simple things you can do to get rid of unsightly blemishes. Pimples and blackheads are two different bears. They are both bothersome but need to be handled differently.
Used lightly
'steroid creams'
help dry up
zits REALLY
fast!!!
There used to be an instrument to help 'surface' blackheads but I haven't seen them in years. Then the other day I was surfing around the web and found Tweezerman Skin Care Tool. I couldn't believe that they are making them again! Its a little different design than the one I used many years ago, but basically it's the same tool. This product has pretty good reviews, so try it!
First Lets Talk Blackheads
Blackheads should be removed by gently squeezing them from either side. I find it useful to open pores FIRST using warm water compresses or steam.
When you squeeze the area, a hard tubular oil strand with a black head will emerge. If it doesn't, DON'T keep squeezing it.
Try the warm compress again but if you still can't get it out, leave it alone for another day or try again later. If it doesn't emerge, its just not ready yet. You definitely don't want to scar your skin so leave it alone!!!
Wash the skin afterward or simply use a toner after expelling them.
Some people swear by Biore Cleansing Pore Strips. I tried them and they didn't work for me, but that doesn't mean they won't work for you:o) They actually work well for many people!
These scrubs have granules in them and help to remove blackheads on or around the nose and on the chin. You can safely scrub these areas with moderate pressure.
They really help take care of those blackheads that are in 'hard to get' areas. Be sure to use a good toner afterwards and clean the area thoroughly.
Now Lets Talk Pimples
Getting rid of pimples is a bit harder and may take a little longer. Pimples usually contain pus in them thats full of bacteria. Because of this, they can take longer to dry up and go away.
If you don't see improvement, some people NEVER suggest popping pimples because there is a chance of spreading bacteria and causing more pimples. You can also scar your skin if you do this often enough. However, if your pimple is causing you a lot of grief, you may consider doing this.
If you do decide to pop them, use the sharp end of sterilized tweezers. (the kind that are slanted~) After you pop them, apply a small piece of tissue to the area to soak up oils and bacteria that are expelled. Then wait patiently until it stops oozing. Then remove the tissue. If you remove the tissue before it stops oozing, you will need to reapply another piece of tissue or you'll spread bacteria.
(Sounds gross but it's part of the human body and really isn't...)
After that apply a bit of regular Hydrogen Peroxide to start drying it up and then apply a steroid cream to the area.
This combination really works fast!
If you get pimples on a regular basis, you should stay away from milk, sugar products, and soda. These will exacerbate pimples and make them worse.
Instead drink plenty of fresh water to flush out impurities from your body and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
To get rid of pimples, you can also buy an OTC such as a 10% cortisone cream. If you need something stronger you can get one prescribed to you. Any physician can prescribe a higher percentage steroid cream. If you ask for a generic brand they'll be cheaper~
Any steroid cream thins your skin. This includes 10% Cortisone Cream. It is not as strong as prescriptions steroid creams are but it's still pretty strong. They should be used only occasionally and you only apply very thin layer. (It doesn't take much!~)
But that is exactly why they work so great. They thin the skin and that's what dries up zits so fast!
More Tips to Get Rid of Zits
Keep your hands off your face. Its amazing how many times we touch our faces throughout the day. Try and remind yourself to be aware when you do it and stop yourself. Your hands transfer oils and other unwanted environmental germs and bacteria to your face. Germs/bacteria cause zits. That's a fact!
Remember that money is DIRTY! Do not handle money then touch your face. You'd be surprised at how many germs are found on money alone. Always wash your hands after you handle money. (or use antibacterial gels)
Don't over clean your face. Cleaning your face too often makes it oil free but then your cells notice that. If they notice you don't have any oils at all on your face, they will work hard to produce more. This defeats the purpose. There is a fine balance that needs to be maintained, so don't mess it up cleaning too much!
Don't use oily products, such as hair pomades, heavy oil-based facial moisturizers, or oily cleansers.
Use water-based make-up foundation or mineral makeup.
Watch out for iodine, which can be found in multiple vitamins (which I detest) and iodized salt. Some doctors believe iodine may encourage acne.
Two more great products to try are 'toothpaste' and 'vicks vapor rub'. That might sound a bit strange, but some people swear by them. Just apply any toothpaste or vicks to zits and leave overnight. By morning your face should be much clearer and you'll be amazed!
I recently read that taking Garlic supplements and/or eating lots of garlic will help clear up pimples. It was suggested by a Dermatologist so there must be something to it. It can't hurt and is worth a go if you have a bad case of it. Makes sense though, as garlic has antibacterial properties!
Your face will clear up fast, your zits will disappear, and you will look great!
If this simple technique just doesn't work for you or you just can't seem to get your face clear, I suggest this ebook to you. It is packed with a lot of great information about clearing up your skin and zits for good! Clear Skin Guidebook
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. I couldn't believe that they are making them again! Its a little different design than the one I used many years ago, but basically it's the same tool. This product has pretty good reviews, so try it!
. I tried them and they didn't work for me, but that doesn't mean they won't work for you:o) They actually work well for many people! 
or 
, which are the standards but work very well! Other brands that have really good reviews too, are 
, Skin Milk Facial Scrub, Exfoliate, and 
. Oatmeal, pineapple, apricot, and milk are all great exfoliators and contain active enzymes. Use them to scrub around problem areas, such as the nose or the chin. These work well and are inexpensive to buy. They really help. Of course, if you want to save money, you can make your own recipes for homemade facial masks here:
, 
, or choose your own 
products. All benzoyl peroxide products work about the same. You can also use on the spot treatments like 
to zap large pimples that have gotten out of control! Of course, many people swear by 
