How to get rid of pimples and prevent them from coming back

1. Change your pillowcases

We spend hours and hours every night with our faces pressed up against our pillowcases. So if they’re dirty you’re way more likely to experience bacteria-based breakouts. This is especially true if you wear night cream or use hair products, as these can build up a film on your pillowcase and attract bacteria.

If you’re experiencing breakouts and pimples, try changing your pillowcases more often – at least once a week – and see if it helps.

In need of some more? Head straight on over to Sheridan.

2. Clean your phone

We’ve all read the stats that show that the surface of a smartphone can be dirtier than a toilet seat. And if you’re a fan of phone calls, you’re rubbing this bacteria-covered device all over your face every day. Try cleaning your phone screen with alcohol wipes frequently. This should lessen the amount of pimple-causing bacteria your face is exposed to.

You can bulk buy alcohol wipes from stores like Catch and Kogan.

3. Clean your makeup brushes

If you’re not cleaning your makeup brushes, you 100% need to be. Not only can dirty makeup brushes give you pimples but they can cause eye infections too. Makeup brushes trap excess makeup and the oils from your face within their bristles and this sits on the brush attracting bacteria until you clean it!

You don’t need to splash out on expensive brush cleaners either. A bit of baby shampoo from Chemist Warehouse, with warm water in a plastic bowl will do.

4. Exfoliate

When dead skin cells and dirt get inside your pores and block them up, you can get spots. One of best ways to get rid of pimples and stop them from happening is to make sure you’re exfoliating regularly.

Once every two days is ideal. If you have sensitive skin, every two days might be too much, so try and exfoliate at least once a week.

If you're after something affordable, check out what's available at Chemist Warehouse. But if you're in the mood to splurge, Adore Beauty has some great options.

5. Make sure you’re not drying your skin out

Whether you have dry or oily skin, you need to keep it moisturised.

Dry skin can overcompensate by producing tonnes of extra oil and sebum, which can cause blocked pores and lead to pimples.

Click here to see where you can buy moisturiser online.

6. Don’t over wash

Cleansing your face multiple times a day or using very drying cleansers can run the risk of irritating your skin and triggering excess oil production. Try to only cleanse once in the morning and once before bed. And make sure you pick a cleanser that is kind to your skin.

7. Drink water

You’ve probably heard this one before and it’s probably one of the best cures. Staying hydrated allows your body to better flush any toxins from your system, the same toxins that can come through your skin and cause spots. Drinking water also keeps the water levels in your skin high, which stops your skin from over producing oil to stay moist.

8. If you have long hair, be careful which hair products you’re using

This is especially true if you often wear your hair down. If your hair is constantly brushing up against your face, your spots and pimples could be caused by the hair products you’re using. Make sure you always read the label in case there are some skin-inflaming ingredients in your hair products.

Also, try not to let your hair get too dirty. You don’t want the dirt and oil from your hair rubbing up against your cheeks.

9. When you do cleanse, do it properly

Using a makeup wipe is just not enough. All these wipes do is move the oil and makeup around your face and push it into your pores. You need to wash your face properly with water and a cleansing wash, especially if you have makeup on.

In fact, if you’re wearing makeup, consider cleansing twice each session to ensure you’ve removed all traces.

You’ve probably heard that sleeping in your makeup is really bad, so if you’re going to the effort of taking it off, why not take it off properly? Your blemish-free skin will thank you.