Most recently updated 1/20/21

So you woke up with a breakout — what’s next? Even if you’re not dealing with a full-blown case of adult acne, zits can still happen. 

In addition to the usual suspects, such as hormones and excess oil, things like stress and sugar (both of which are especially plentiful during the holidays) can contribute to the formation of acne. And if you have a breakout in the works — meaning it may be too late to rely on preventative measures — then the next best thing is to troubleshoot it with skin expert-approved advice.

The first thing to know? Don’t throw everything at it and hope something works. “Be patient with yourself and your breakout,” says NakedPoppy skin specialist Tara Parenti. “Try not to stress as this can impact hormones and could contribute to delayed healing and an increase in blemishes.” 

Instead, take a deep breath and follow the easy steps below.

Your breakout blueprint:

  • Try to keep your hands off — no picking or popping, please.
  • Massage in a gentle cleanser instead of trying to scrub acne away.
  • Hold ice on the blemish in question for a few minutes.
  • Moisturize with humectants or skin-balancing botanical oils.
  • Apply a non-drying spot treatment before makeup.

Don’t pop it yourself

You’ve heard this before, but resist the urge to squeeze your pimple into oblivion! In fact, just try not to touch your face at all, since your fingers can transfer acne-causing bacteria from the zit and spread it elsewhere. 

Plus, “when you attempt to pop an inflammatory breakout it can create a high break in the follicle wall, causing dead skin cells, excess oil, and bacteria to bleed out into the dermis,” says Parenti. The dermis is supposed to be a sterile environment, so when all of that gunk spills into it, it can result in a longer healing time — not to mention potential for scarring, infection, or even a cyst.

Be gentle (with yourself and your breakout)

Those with acne are more likely to over-cleanse, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, thanks to the (incorrect!) assumption that breakouts are a matter of hygiene. However, using harsh cleansers or scrubbing skin intensely “can compromise the barrier — resulting in an increase in inflammation to an already inflamed breakout,” says Parenti. That means it ultimately does more harm than good for skin. 

Opt for a gentle cleanser like NakedPoppy Refresh Foaming Cleanser instead; it whisks away grime and dead skin cells while supporting the skin’s moisture barrier.

Ice it out

Going somewhere? For a fast-acting (and safe!) fix, try icing it. “Ice is a great way to help reduce swelling and inflammation,” says Parenti. “Just be sure to not overdo it.” 

Ice works by constricting the blood vessels; by limiting the circulation in the area, it can reduce redness and swelling. Wrap an ice pack in a washcloth and hold it against your skin for one-minute intervals for instant calming.

Slather on your moisture

Even worse than a breakout: A breakout covered with peeling or flaking skin. Dryness can often make a blemish look worse, and it doesn’t exactly aid the healing process. So, “to avoid over-drying, topical humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid will help to replenish water and help to prevent dehydration,” says Parenti. 

Moisturize with your usual moisturizer, or try NakedPoppy Revitalize Organic Facial Oil, which contains skin-balancing jojoba oil along with nourishing rosehip seed oil. 

Dab on a spot-treatment

Whether or not you plan to apply a concealer to hide your blemish, treat it 24/7 by applying a spot treatment first. 

Not only do its ingredients target acne, but “an effective spot treatment can reduce the urge to pick,” says Parenti. “Look for ingredients that target all four contributing factors of blemishes: excess oil production, proliferation of dead skin cells, inflammation and bacteria.” She recommends salicylic acid, azelaic acid, and sulfur, which, she says, “will provide exfoliating, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.” 

Indie Lee Banish Stick contains salicylic acid along with soothing botanicals to minimize dryness; plus, it goes on clear so you can wear it wherever, whenever.

Have a question about breakouts? Leave it in the comments and our skin specialist Tara will answer it for you.

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