It’s important to wash your face before treating any pimples to rid the area of germs and bacteria.

You might notice your pimple turning white, which is a good sign! That means the pus is rising to the surface of the pimple, making it easier to pop.

If your pimple was ready to pop, it should only take a few tries for the white pus to come out. If your pimple isn’t ready to pop yet, you may have to wait and try again tomorrow. Do not pop the pimples unless you have appropriate training to do it. [6] X Expert Source Alicia RamosSkincare Professional Expert Interview. 12 June 2019. If you press in the wrong way, the pimple may break and go in the opposite way underneath the skin. It can make your acne worse. [7] X Expert Source Alicia RamosSkincare Professional Expert Interview. 12 June 2019.

Acne creams are usually less irritating than gels or ointments. Some of these medications may cause side effects like redness or dryness, but they usually go away after about 1 month of use.

Use gentle, circular motions when you wash your face. If you scrub too hard, you could cause irritation which can lead to breakouts.

Chemical exfoliants are better than physical exfoliants, especially if you’re prone to acne. Chemical exfoliants are gentler and won’t irritate your skin as much.

You could also practice self-care to reduce your stress levels.

If you have trouble falling asleep, try to turn your electronics off 30 minutes before you go to bed.

If you have long hair or bangs, try to clip it back to keep your hair out of your face.

Oral contraceptives such as birth control are sometimes used to treat acne. Birth control regulates the hormones produced by the body, cutting down on breakouts. Other oral antibiotics attack the bacteria that cause acne. They can assist in reducing the number of breakouts, as well as in fighting inflammation. Patients are usually given a higher dosage earlier on before being moved to a lower dosage. For severe cases, isotretinoin, or Accutane, is available through a prescription. Isotretinoin is a vitamin-A derivative that shrinks the glands that produce sebum. It comes with various risks and side effects, which you should fully understand before embarking on a course of treatment.