Spots - How to deal with the beast!

I'm not talking about Acne, that's a whole different topic. No I'm talking about the average spot that pops up. You can often feel it brewing, then it gets red

and hurts a bit more. Then what do we do? Pop it, stab it, squeeze it, some people even put toothpaste on it (really? no leave that for your teeth).The next time you get a spot and really can't leave it alone, if it has a visible white pus area showing, try this method.

Preferably do this when you don't have to go out to work etc, because you want to give the skin time to calm down and not have make up applied to it for a few hours.

First cleanse your face, wash your hands really well. Get a clean tissue, rip in half and wrap it around your forefingers. Then either side of the spot, not too close or you'll just press it into the skin and make it worse, put pressure from either side bringing your fingertips together, (not using your nails) at a 90 degree angle towards the bottom of the spot push downwards. Once it pops, stop the moment you see any pink. This is blood and if you carry on your at risk of causing scarring, so STOP.

Next quickly get a cotton ball soaked in acid toner (acid toner is the type used for exfoliating the skin and can be bought in every high street), press it firmly on top of the spot and hold down for a few seconds keep it on till any bleeding stops. It might sting a bit but the acid in the toner is really helping to kill off any bacteria and therefore will heal quicker.

If your spot isn't ready to pop or you'd rather not pop it you could apply a little spot cream, look for one containing Benzoyl Peroxide (Boots sell one called Acnecide) or Sulpur these can penetrate the pore and help kill of the bacteria, but they are very drying so keep it on the spot. Or you could use a different method and apply a little facial oil this will swell up the spot and bring it to a head quicker.

We all get the occasional spot, that's life. They can be hormonal spots (bottom of the cheeks and jawline) that pop up around the "time of the month", not a lot the can be done about that, but to reduce outbreaks always have a good skincare routine. Every day morning and night cleanse, tone, moisturizer, and once or twice a week (depending on age and skin type) exfoliate to keep those pores clean and unclogged. If your pores aren't blocked then the chances of a spot popping up are much less.