Pimple action plan

Women of all ages suffer from spots, and there really is no guaranteed method of prevention. So when you do get a pimple, what should you do about it? Here are some helpful points to remember...

Don't pop
Popping your pimples can cause infections and even permanent skin scarring. So unless you really have no choice, try to resist the urge to squeeze, pick, prod or poke.

Have patience
Unfortunately, most spots or pimples don't disappear quickly. Sometimes the little blighters can take several weeks to fully leave your face. However, you must have patience. Remember, every time to poke or prod them, the longer they'll take to hit the road.

Use concealer
An oil-free, antibacterial concealer can help blend the redness of the pimple into your own skin color.

Be Realistic About Spot Cream
Despite what the adverts say, spot creams don't really do much other than dry out your skin. They won't make your pimple magically disappear and it's debatable whether it's even worth using them at all.

If you're going to pop, pop right
Sometimes, it's just not possible to leave a pimple alone. You may have a huge whitehead on your nose the day before a job interview. Despite the risks of leaving a permanent scar, popping really is the only option. So if you are going to pop, make sure you pop right. Thoroughly wash your hands and then lightly squeeze the top of the pimple with a tissue or cotton swab. And remember to gently clean the area when you're done.