While the memory of acne and pimples may be linked to your teenaged days, the occasional hormonal zit is just as unwelcome. If you get the feeling that something “spotty” is forming below the surface, whip out your blemish-busting balms pronto. Thereafter, try these two preemptive steps to zap unwelcome blemishes. 

Dab on a dollop of Innisfree’s Bija Trouble Spot Essence at the first sign of bumpiness.

Shot Through The Heart

The area that’s about to bust out in a blemish will be pulsing painfully (and look the part, too!). That means the first order of business is to squelch the swelling that makes pimples so unpleasantly prominent.

Take it from our go-to skin doc: “An anti-inflammatory cortisone shot is the quickest way of treating new pimples,” advises Dr Karen Soh, medical director of Prive Clinic.

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IDS’s Acne Spot Treatment has a tinted formula for virtually instant “erasing” imperfections.

If injectables aren’t your thing, consider off-the-counter cortisone creams or targeted treatments like the blemish buster from IDS instead – any respectable pharmacy or cosmetics counter ought to stock what you’re looking for. Simply slap on a generous glob onto the affected area and gently pat it in, wiping off any excess.

Ice, Ice Baby

Next, reduce any residual ruddiness by cooling the “hotspot” as if you were icing an injured knee. Create a quick-and-dirty cold compress by bundling a couple of ice cubes in a wash towel.

Hold it against the blemish for about 30 seconds, then pat dry. The dip in temperature shrinks the skin’s blood vessels (say “vasoconstriction” if you want to impress your dermatologist), dialling back the blotchiness of the blemish. Bonus: This cool trick also takes care of puffiness, pores and such – essentially any and every cosmetic concern.

Sisley’s Mattifying Moisturizing Skin Care with tropical resins helps soothe stressed-out skin.

All that’s left to do is to follow up with a mattifying moisturiser to comfort your complexion and squelch shine through the day. And you’re done! All ready to “face” the world in less than a minute, thereabouts. Sending all of you good skin vibes!

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Text: Eugene Quek, Her World Plus / Additional text: Cheryl Lim
Feature Image: Pexel