Bye-bye, blemishes. Hello, fierce faces!
Breakouts are big-time bummers. It never fails ... big night, bad skin. The prom, weddings, anniversary celebrations, hot dates -- all reasons for acne to launch a full-on war (or a complete sneak attack!) on that pretty face of yours. So we asked dermotolgists for their five fave complexion fixes.
1. Eat all the pizza you want!
While junk food may not be good for your waistline, pigging out has nothing to do with breaking out. More myth busters? Acne outbreaks aren't caused by stress or half-hearted hygiene either. While it's generally good to stay calm and clean, washing your face too often or too vigorously will irritate your skin. So step away from the loofah, ladies! For more myths, check out AcneNet.
2. Oil? Uh-uh.
Chose cosmetics that are oil-free and "noncomedogenic" -- a fancy way of saying these products won't clog your pores. Because, as we all know, clogs are for feet, not faces!
3. Over-the-counter ... a definite do.
For mild acne, try an over-the-counter product. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the best meds contain either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. You'll need to give the products time to work -- they can take four to six weeks to kick in. And be sure to protect your pretty mug with sunscreen because these drugs can put you at greater risk for UV exposure.
4. Squeezing is for sweethearts, not pimples!
When you pop your pimples, you risk scary scarring. We know it's hard to resist picking at those pesky pop-ups. So just imagine a huge "Do Not Touch" sign over your face. (Don't worry, it looks good on you!) If your acne doesn't clear up with over-the-counter meds, make an appointment with your dermo instead of picking.
5. What's up, doc?
For severe or stubborn acne, it's best to get help from a professional. Because 85 percent of Americans deal with acne at some point in their lives, these docs have logged plenty of practice. They can recommend prescription drugs, laser treatments or chemical peels, depending on what your fab face needs.






























