Reserve this technique only for pimples that are absolutely begging to be popped 

• Disinfect a needle with rubbing alcohol. A basic sharp sewing needle is a good choice.
• Gently prick the pimple’s surface.
• Take two tissues and wrap your index fingers with them.
• Squeeze from the sides, confidently but gently, using a down-and-in motion. Don’t force it. If the pimple is ready, it’ll pop. If it doesn’t, leave it be. Be sure to stop if clear fluid or blood starts to come out. 
• Continuing to work at a lesion that is not ready to be popped will most definitely introduce unnecessary irritation, and can also increase the chance of scarring. Walk away from the mirror!

*Source - Acne.org

Ever had a pimple you wish you could pop, but it just wasn’t ready yet?

I know, I know, doctors say to never pop your pimples, but who wants to walk around with a bulging white zit on their face? I’m certainly not doing it! So my wife suggested that I rub a little tea tree oil on the area before bed, and it should be ready for the plucking in the morning. Reluctantly, I tried it…

And would you believe it worked!? In less than a 24 hours, it was ready to be popped. And the best part, it left no scar!  So of course I had to find out why this simple remedy worked so well…

“Tea tree oil is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia plant, native to Austrialia. It is purported to have antiseptic properties and has been used traditionally to prevent and treat infections like - Athlete’s foot, dandruff and eczema. When applied on acne, tea tree oil helps the immune system to kill the bacteria and consequently reduce the inflammation.”

Although greater studies are still determining the effectiveness on all acne types, it certainly worked for me. So overall it’s not the end-all cure, but it’s certainly a great option!

1. Steer clear of overeating sushi (I know, I know…); because it’s raw, it can contain higher levels of bacteria.
2. Sweat toxins out of your skin regularly in a sauna.
3. Wash your pillow (as well as pillowcase) every few weeks. Microscopic bacteria love to settle in the pillow and can easily become trapped in the pores.
4. Exfoliate. (Read post: Exfoliate?… Should I?)

Of course you know how to open your pores, right? Warm water… Steam…? The purpose is to soften beard hair, allow easier skin manipulation while shaving, and it also makes cleansing the skin’s surface more effective!

So what’s the big deal with closing your pores?

Well closing, or the tightening of the skin’s pores, reduces the chances of them getting clogged with dirt or debris.  The most common condition produced by clogged pores is acne.

So after you’ve finished shaving or taking a shower, and before you apply an aftershave or body moisturizer, try a cold splash of water (See Post: Cold Water), a skin toner, or even witch hazel to tighten the pores. If you do these things out of that order, not only could these items possibly clog your skin’s pores, but they also have the ability to irritate the skin if they penetrate the skin too deeply.

One other benefit of tighter pores… a more even skin tone that brightens your overall appearance!

What do you do when you feel a pain?  Or, when you notice something unusual on your skin?

Rosacea… Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that affects adults.  It causes redness in your face and produces small, red, pus-filled bumps or pustules.

Symptoms: Spider-like blood vessels; a red, bulbous nose; Irritated, bloodshot, watery eyes; A tendency to flush or blush easily.

• These breakouts are usually limited to the cheeks, chin, and nose.
• Rosacea tends to affect adult women more frequently than men, however, men with the condition are usually more severely affected.

Acne… “Acne is not associated with red, flushed skin, and breakouts can occur anywhere on the face.  Acne is also connected to blackheads and whiteheads.” Quoted from Dr. Hevia

So there you have it!  Now you can seek out a more appropriate solution to your problem.  I know, I know, if there really was one, right?  Good Luck!

Here are some answers!

The Reason:

• Cocoa Butter
• Pigments and Dyes (Red in particular)
• Lanolin

But, if you’re like me… you would want a simpler way to identify “what not” to use.  So here it is!  

Try your best to stick with non-comedogenic ingredients.  Huh?… is right!  But let me explain. 

These products are recommended by dermatologists and medical professionals for people who have oily or acne-prone skin, but all men should use non-comedogenic products to keep pores clear of acne causing bacteria and their skin blemish free.

Examples:

1. Moisturizers – Look for products that are described as oil-free and lightweight. Once the product is applied, it should absorb quickly into the skin and not feel like it is layered on the surface.
2. Cleansers- Your daily cleanser should be pore-clearing and contain deep cleaning ingredients such as salicylic and/or glycolic acid, which help control acne.
3. Shaving- Choose products that contain soothing, lubricating, water-based (not alcohol-based) ingredients such as aloe, tea tree extract and glycerin.

Source: Pimple Facts

One way is to pay a visit to an esthetician (a person who specializes in the beautification of the skin).  He/she will evaluate your skin and apply a series of treatments, ranging from facials to peels to microdermabrasion, and even laser treatments if necessary.  But, there is a simpler solution you should try first, Vitamin E.  Available in many forms (vitamins, creams and oils), vitamin E has been proven to work wonders on reducing red spots and acne scars.  I find that the gel caps work the best!   

Vitamin E Gel Caps

Just prick open the gel tab with a pin and squeeze a little on your finger and apply.  A word of warning, it is rather sticky so you will want to blot the excess off with a moist tissue. Do this every night after you have washed your face. If your skin is oily don’t worry – this will not make it worse. Oily skin is actually the result of dehydrated skin that is producing extra oils to compensate, so this can help that situation as well.

If you are hesitant to put the gel directly on your face because you think it is too sticky, you can mix it in with your daily moisturizer. It’s a cost-effective chemical-free treatment. Give it a shot!

Give it a try, below are a few of my favorites.  Keep in mind a little goes a long way!

Drop a note and tell me what you think about the one you chose.

Anthony Logistics – Facial Scrub

Menscience – Microfine Face Scrub

LAB Series – Invigorating Face Scrub

Jack Black – Face Buff Energizing Scrub

Dermalogica – Skin Prep Scrub

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