How Can I Treat Sudden Pimples or Breakouts?

There are multiple ways to treat breakouts. If you have breakouts all the time, the treatment has to involve a retinoid (to help prevent this). Oral antibiotics or acutane may be needed. If you breakout with a couple pimples per month, using a benzoyl peroxide can help.

I recommend you wash your face thoroughly after your stage performance. Choices of cleansers are Purpose by J&J and neutrogena foaming wash. Also, to keep your skin looking smooth, but to prevent acne flares, you may apply nightly a thin layer of a retinoid cream (differin, retin A, Tazorac). If a pimple does happen, the best treatment for a quick resolution is to have a very low dose of cortisone injected into it conservatively by a dermatologist. However, successful treatment at home... more

I am sure you you have heard this before, but prevention is the best medicine.  There are many over the counter products which could help with this.  You will likely want to use some products, perhaps cleansers, toners or lotions, that contain salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide and even sulfer (providing you are not allergic).  You can spot treat with any of these as well.  There is not one best treatment for pimples, once you have them.  If you... more

Acne treatment takes into consideration many variables: type of skin (oily vs dry), number of acne lesions, type of acne lesions (ie pustules, blackheads, whiteheads, nodules, cysts), age, sex (female has different issues vs. male)- so in short there is not a canned response. However, there are many great treatments now available by prescription that were not available even 2 years ago. I would recommend seeing a dermatologist and getting a prescription that you can use daily to minimize... more