"Haha! Nicole, is that a zit right there? *Points to teenie tiny bump on chin*"
Zits. Everyone hates them. I doubt anyone can think of one reason to like them. Many people buy expensive products to get rid of them quickly . . . but what about long term solutions? What about simple changes to your eating habits or hygiene habits you could make that would make it less likely for those blemishes ever to appear? Plus, who needs expensive products? There are plenty of remedies right in your pantry.
Before we take a look at how to get rid of and prevent zits, let's find out a bit about what they really are. When oil glands in your skin get clogged, zits appear. That stuff that comes out when you pop them? That's pus (yes, it has a name). There are many other reasons behind zits like stress. The reason we teenagers and preteens get them is because our body starts producing more oil.
It may seem like the end of the world to us youngsters when one of those unsightly bumps appears on our face, but please don't pop one! Everyone gets pimples, you're not alone. RELAX. Aside from not popping them, don't pick at them or touch them either. Skin is fragile and if you break it (as with popping a pimple) you can cause permanent damage.
Prior to me introducing ways for you to remedy zits if they're already on your face, let's talk about things you can do to just prevent them all together (ahh, wouldn't that be nice?)
1) Many people say to wash your face frequently, which is very good advice . . . but did you know OVER cleaning can actually cause zits? Only wash your face 2-3 times a day.
2) This one is a no brainer . . . don't wear makeup to bed! Makeup is bad enough already as far as zits are concerned. Be sure to always remember to take off all your makeup before going sleepy-bye.
3) Drink water! Not only does it help your overall help, but it aids in keeping your skin hydrated and flushing toxins out of your body.
4) Don't touch your face, PLEASE. Your hands are swimming pools for bacteria and germs and all sorts of disgusting things.
5) Same thing with your hair . . . only it's worse. Hair can be oily and dirty (even if not so in appearance).
6) Changing your pillowcase regularly might be irksome, but it helps! Skin cells and bacteria can build up on that thing and get all over your face.
7) Eat healthy! Simple. Don't overindulge on sweets, get your daily fruits and veggies, etc. and you'll be fine.
Sometimes, despite all we do, zits just happen. Here are some tips on getting rid of them once they're visible . . .
1) Put toothpaste on them! Be sure it's WHITE TOOTHPASTE. Blue toothpaste will not make them worse, but they do become more visible. I have tested this one myself and it works. Just put a pea sized amount of white toothpaste on your zit and let it dry (it takes about 15 minutes. It's like nail polish, even though it feels dry to the touch, it isn't always completely dried through). Then wash it off. The next day (if not completely gone) your little problem will be less visible.
2) A mask of grated apple mixed with a little honey is an excellent remedy for pimples. Most facial masks can be applied to the skin for 15-20 minutes then washed off with warm water, followed by a cold rinse.
If your acne is truly out of hand, please go see a dermatologist . . . not everything can be fixed with such simple ideas.
This is x3Tacos, hoping you're feeling a bit more confident about those horrible zits.