How to Manage Pimples and Still Be Beautiful

Co-authored by Paul Friedman, MD and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References Approved

When you struggle with blemishes, you're not just dealing with pimples—acne can affect your self-esteem, too. However, it doesn't have to! Once you take steps to get your breakouts under control, you can develop a positive mindset. After all, acne shouldn't define who you are. If you appreciate yourself, others can see you for the beautiful person you are!

1

Wash your face twice a day.

Use a product that has benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Splash cool water on your face and gently massage an acne face cleanser onto your skin. Once the product foams, use your fingers to rinse off your face with cool water.^{[1]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- It's also a good idea to wash your face after workouts or whenever you sweat a lot. This prevents oil from clogging your pores.
- Avoid using harsh cleansers or products like astringents and toners since these usually have alcohol and can dry out your skin. You should also avoid skincare products that have fragrances, which can bother your sensitive skin.

2

Protect your skin from irritation.

Skip washcloths and exfoliants since these can damage your skin. If your pimples are red and painful, you'll probably find that even touching them can hurt! When you wash your face, don't use a washcloth or mesh sponge and avoid scrubbing your skin. When you scrub, you might accidentally pop the pimples, which can lead to scarring.^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Remember, if you have acne, treat your skin as though it's sensitive. You don't want to irritate your skin even more.

3

Keep your skin hydrated.

Most acne products dry out your skin so it looks red and irritated. This is why a daily moisturizer is so important! Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer after you wash your face to help lock in moisture.^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Choose a moisturizer that's oil-free and non-comedogenic so it doesn't clog your pores.
- Use moisturizer at least once a day or whenever your skin feels dry.

4

Apply over-the-counter acne spot-treatment.

Resist the urge to pop your pimples! Instead, reach for a spot treatment that has benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids, or sulfur. These can get rid of pimples by killing the bacteria that cause them.^{[4]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Wash and dry your face before you apply an acne spot treatment.
- Read the manufacturer's instructions to see how many times a day you're supposed to apply the product.

5

Work with a dermatologist.

Create a treatment plan if OTC products aren't working. If you're feeling totally frustrated that acne products aren't clearing up your skin, it might just be because you need prescription treatment. Talk with a dermatologist about what you've tried, what triggers your acne, and how it's affecting your life. Don't forget to discuss how long the treatment plan will be so you know it will work for you.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Paul Friedman, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology
Expert Interview. 8 April 2020.}
- For example, you might come up with a short-term plan to treat a current breakout, but they'll also create a long-term acne management plan that can prevent scarring.
- Let your dermatologist know about what OTC products you've tried and whether or not they were effective.

6

Apply oil-free makeup to cover pimples.

Skip the heavy foundation and go with sheer foundation. You might feel like you have to mask pimples, but heavy makeup can cake and look noticeable. Instead, mix a little sheer foundation with a liquid illuminator and apply it to your face. This gives your skin a healthy glow and covers the pimples. If you like a more matte appearance, brush a blemish powder to finish.^{[6]
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- If you have a really red blemish that you're trying to hide, dab a little green color correcting concealer on the reddest area. Then, spread a little yellow-based concealer around the edges before you cover your skin with powder.
- Check all of your makeup and only use products that are non-comedogenic so they don't clog your pores.
- Use oil-free makeup and skincare products to prevent oily buildup that can cause pimples.

7

Go makeup-free.

You don't have to cover your pimples with makeup to be beautiful! It can feel like a lot of work to apply makeup and remove it every day. Give your skin a break and enjoy going makeup-less for a while. If you want to, you could brush your brows, curl your eyelashes, or put on a tinted lip balm to emphasize your eyes and lips.^{[7]
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- A great smile is an easy way to brighten your appearance and studies show that people who are smiling as seen as more attractive.^{[8]
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  Research source}

8

Emphasize your favorite features.

Accentuate the physical features that you're proud of. You've probably been so focused on your pimples, that you're overlooking what makes you beautiful! If you love your eyes, do your eye makeup to really play them up. Love your hair? Spend time styling your hair so you feel great. Focus on what you love about yourself and pay less attention to the acne.
- If you love your sense of style, play around with putting together new outfits. Sometimes, wearing clothes that makes you feel great will improve your confidence so you care less about your pimples.

9

Wear clothes that make you feel confident.

What you wear affects how you feel and how others see you. Choose clothing that flatters you and that you feel beautiful in. This might mean that you wear relaxed jeans and your favorite top, or you might spend time dressing up a little. The point is that the clothes can make you feel confident and beautiful.^{[9]
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- Remember, it's not about wearing outfits that match everyone else—you should wear clothes that make you feel great.

10

Manage your anxiety.

Come up with relaxation techniques to help you deal with stress. Whether you're worried about school, your job, or just life, the stress can actually cause acne or make it worse.^{[10]
X
Research source} It can be hard to tell yourself to stop worrying about your skin, but it can help to develop a few coping strategies, such as:^{[11]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Exercising
- Journaling
- Meditating
- Yoga
- Deep breathing

11

Practice positive self-talk

Don't put yourself down! You're probably way more critical of your appearance than anyone else. Think about how you view yourself. Are constantly criticizing your looks? Do you mostly say negative things about yourself? Stop the negative thoughts and replace them with positive statements.^{[12]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- For example, instead of saying, "This pimple is huge. I'm so gross," tell yourself, "My face is clean and my eyes are looking really beautiful today."
- It will probably take some time before you automatically get into a positive mindset. Just keep practicing!

12

Avoid comparing yourself to others.

Take a break from social media or constantly checking your reflection. Does your acne anxiety go up after popping onto Instagram? Take care of your emotional well-being by not comparing yourself to the "perfect" people you see on social media. If you also find yourself glancing in the mirror to check on your skin, break the habit. The stress may be making your skin worse.^{[13]
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- It can be hard to break habits—try setting a goal of only getting onto social media once a day or just look in the mirror when you're getting ready for the day and right before bed.

13

Pamper yourself and get emotional support.

Make time for your own needs! You might be so focused on your skin, your confidence, and how others perceive you that you just need to take a break. Do activities that you enjoy or find relaxing. These can clear your head and help you cope. Still struggling? It's totally fine to reach out to a counselor or therapist who can support you.^{[14]
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- Check if your insurance covers counseling or therapy. You may have to choose from a provider that's in your network.