Acne Having An AfterParty? Make Post-Pimple Marks Disappear

Breakouts are bad enough, but the red marks they leave long after they're gone? Even more of a beauty bummer.

- BY LISA DESANTIS

Time to send those lingering spots packing, so you can start the new school year with a clear complexion.

STOP THE POP

A zit appears out of nowhere and all you want to do is pop it and make it go away. We get it, but trust us on this: All squeezing does is make things worse, leaving you with red, irritated skin (which can lead to infection and even a scar-eek).

“Using a zit sticker can be a gentle reminder to keep your hands off, especially if the spots are open or scabbing,” says dermatologist Dr. Alexandra Bowles.

Look for a patch that not only absorbs the gunk within your blemish but also delivers acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid straight to the source. “It’s a great chemical exfoliant that targets both bacteria and inflammation,” explains nurse practitioner Natalie Copeland.

Already popped it? It's all about damage control now (as in keeping the affected area clean), so the hands-off instruction still stands. And adding a zit sticker is still a good call—it'll prevent additional bacteria from creeping in.