HEALTH

Yes, it's possible to have clearer skin by the morning, even if you currently have an angry-looking spot right in the middle of your face. Here's our no-stress guide to making even the biggest zits shrink in no time. Oh and remember: NO POPPING.

Step 1: Cleanse
Everyone knows it's key to wash your face before going to bed, but it's easy to get focused on just the zit and forget the rest of your routine. You might be tempted to bust out a serious exfoliant right now, but resist the urge. Use warm water and suds up with a cleanser like Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser, to ensure your face is nice and fresh before you head to bed.

Step 2: Moisturize
Breakout-prone skin needs hydration, too, so use a gentle facial moisturizer after you cleanse. 

Step 3: Spot Treatment
For drying out pimples overnight, we love the calming-yet-powerful Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. Sure, it's a little pricier than some products, but the small bottle surprisingly lasts a long and it really works. It's a combination of calamine (aka, what you use on anything itchy, like bug bites or poison ivy) and salicylic acid, which is a proven zit-fighter. Use a Q-tip to apply it right on the spot, and nowhere else. It'll dry quickly and work while you sleep. 

Step 4: Keeps your hands OFF
You're going to be tempted to touch that spot, but it's key to keep your hands off. Popping zits can lead to scarring and infection, two things you do not want anywhere, especially on your face.

Breathe deep, drink some water and ignore it, OK? You're on the right path, we promise.

by Emily LoSasso | 7/15/2018