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Call your dermatologist for a quick-fix cortisone shot. Clean your face thoroughly with an acne wash. Pop pimples with “heads” at your own risk. Apply benzoyl peroxide as one astringent option. Use salicylic acid as an alternative astringent. Apply a Jessner peel to the pimple. Use a green clay mask. Be realistic when trying “quick fix” gels or lotions. Apply wrapped ice cubes to the inflamed acne. Use a concealer or color-correcting makeup.

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When celebrities get breakouts before a big event, they head straight to their dermatologists for this fast treatment. A needle is used to inject cortisone directly into the offending pimple(s), and it can substantially reduce or even eliminate blemishes within a day.  That said, you probably don’t have your dermatologist on speed-dial and likely don’t want to pay big bucks for last-minute appointments and regular injections.  If cortisone isn’t in the cards for you, move on to an at-home plan of attack on your acne. In order to clear up acne, you need to start by giving your face a nice wash.  Acne consists of bacteria that have invaded your pores, and the first step is to fight back with a gentle but effective acne wash.  Some people use a washcloth, but your hands are just as effective. Mix the directed amount of acne wash with warm water, and gently rub it into your face in a circular motion. Rinse your face with warm water, then pat it dry gently. Some experts say never to pop a pimple, while others think it’s okay to properly “extract” whitehead pimples when necessary. If you try to pop a pimple without a whitehead, you’ll almost certainly make it more noticeable.  You can pop the whitehead with your fingers, a towel, or a pin, but make sure the tool, your hands, and your pimple have been sterilized with rubbing alcohol first. You can also shop online for a dedicated pimple “extraction tool” that pierces and lifts away whiteheads, but these may or may not work any better than a regular pin. If you do use one, follow the instructions and make sure to sterilize it. Benzoyl peroxide is used to kill the bacteria that contribute to acne. It also helps peel away layers of dead skin, leaving brighter, more rejuvenated skin in its place.  You can find OTC benzoyl peroxide in different concentrations at any pharmacy, but a 2.5% concentration may be just as effective as 5% or 10% solutions, and less irritating to your skin. Typically, you’ll apply a small amount of the product, leave it on for several hours, rinse it away, and then possibly repeat the process later in the day. But follow the product instructions. Like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid kills bacteria responsible for pimple growth. It also causes skin cells to shed more rapidly, promoting the growth of new skin.  Put small amounts of salicylic acid onto the affected areas after you have washed your face. Use the product instructions for specific details. Salicylic acid is available over-the-counter at any drugstore, but it isn’t recommended for darker skin tones, nor for people who shouldn’t use aspirin. A Jessner peel is a chemical peel that contains salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol. Dip a cotton swab into the solution and dab it directly onto your acne. Leave it on your face for as long as the package states.  Don't use this peel if you are currently using Retin-A. Stop using Retin-A a week before the peel. If you have severe acne, your dermatologist can apply the peel to your whole face. Green clay masks reduce redness and inflammation. Apply the mask directly to your acne. Leave the mask on for the length of time specified on the label, usually about 15-20 minutes. Rinse it off afterwards. Anyone who’s had an untimely acne breakout has wished for a miracle cure, and there are plenty of products on the market that claim to provide just that. Ask your doctor or dermatologist for recommendations rather than relying on celebrity endorsements or online testimonials. It’s usually a good sign if the product contains an astringent like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, but it may not work any better than one of those astringents alone (while costing much more). Wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth or paper towel, then gently rub it over your acne. Keep it there until the area just starts to feel numb. Remove the ice until your face warms again, then reapply the ice a few more times if desired.  Ice helps diminish the size of your pores by constricting the blood vessels underneath the skin. If your acne is painful, it should also help ease the pain. You can damage your skin if you apply ice directly to it, or leave wrapped ice in place for too long. There’s a good chance your acne won’t vanish within 24 hours, so you may want to cover up what remains by applying a concealer. Apply the lightest effective coat possible and blend it carefully into your surrounding skin.  If your acne is very red, try a color-correcting makeup in a shade of green or yellow. These shades will help counter the redness. Don’t rely on makeup as an ongoing acne solution, as it will clog your pores and make the problem worse over time.