K writes:

Hi Jolie! I love your blog. I have a question - why can’t I pop my pimples? When I get facials, they pop them and it doesn’t scar, unlike when I try it. Thanks! 

Hi K.!Technically, you’re not supposed to pop your own zits—it’s true that it does very easily lead to scarring, hyperpigmentation, bleeding, and unnecessary face-touching, mirror-staring and “Why didn’t I just leave it alone?!” moaning. The truth, however, is that (shh) it is possible to pop your own blemishes, just like you’ve always suspected. Now, I’m not saying it’s recommended, and when done improperly, you could wreck some serious havoc on your complexion. But let’s be real here. You want to do it. You’re going to do it. So, at least do it right. First of all, never squeeze cysts—go for the white suckers just under the skin that are begging to be put out of their misery. Remove all makeup and wash your face and hands, to get rid of bacteria that might get into the open skin and cause an infection. (Optional steps: apply a warm washcloth to the skin for a few minutes, or sterilize a tiny needle with boiling water and rubbing alcohol and prick the surface of the skin ever so slightly. Personally, I never, ever go the needle route—I know people who have gotten infections this way. But I feel the need to mention that, if you are going to do it, then for the love God, sterilize it and be gentle.) Next take two cotton swabs or pieces of gauze and very (very!) gently press around the pimple until the white stuff surfaces and comes out, or when you see clear fluid. Don’t press too hard—and never until you bleed!—because you could force the bacteria further into your skin, which will just cause a bigger, badder pimple down the road. (As for me, if I’m going somewhere soon after my minor bathroom-sink surgery, I dab on a tiny bit of Hydrocortisone cream, to help the irritation and redness go down faster, then follow with a dab of medicated concealer.)

Beauty Question= “Help Me Fight Blemishes!”

Wednesday, August 24th, 2005

J. writes,

Hi Jolie! (or Nadine, whichever you prefer:-) )I need help! I’m a redhead with fair, freckled skin that’s ridiculously sensitive. I’m kind of weird in that I actually do have theability to tan a little bit but I try to avoid that. In any case, my skin is really sensitive and I find myself breaking out all the time. I’m 24 years old and still in school so I avoid makeup, especially foundation, most of the time but I put on a tinted moisturizer for a job interview the other day and within 24 hours my skin had completely broken out. I thought I found a great face wash (I’m currently using Aveeno) but everytime I try something new, it works for a couple of weeks and then starts failing on me. Any suggestions? Thanks! 

J., I think you and I are secretly twins, since your description and issues sound exactly like me! (Yes, my hair is naturally reddish…I think…it’s been so long!) My skin is especially sensitive and keeping breakouts at bay is a daily struggle, but I’ve finally found a regimen that works for me (and will work for you, too, I hope!). One of the only cleansers that consistently works for me is Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash. I’m in love with it, and using it twice a day keeps my skin clear. (It has 2% salicylic acid, so you might need to alternate with another cleanser for a week or two. Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash is an excellent choice—although it doesn’t fight acne, it’s extremely gentle, doesn’t leave any residue and even helps get rid of eye makeup.) I then follow with Purpose Dual-Treatment Moisture Lotion SPF 15 (dermatologists love this line because it’s non-irritating), my beloved OC8 (to sop up oil) and, finally, Bare Escentuals makeup. (This is the point where you’re thinking, “Why won’t she shut up about Bare Escentuals?” And my response: Because it just really is that good.) It is theonly foundation I’ve found that won’t clog my pores, feels weightless—so doesn’t leave you with that nasty “I have a face full of makeup” feeling—and completely covers redness and pigmentation. (It goes without saying: whatever foundation you choose, make sure it’s oil-free!!) Give yourself about three weeks on the new regimen to let your skin get used to it and, of course, be religious about washing your face twice daily. I hope it works for you as well as it’s worked for me!

Relate magazine interviewed me recently, posing some vital questions like, “Let’s say I have a hot date tonight, but wake up with a huge pimple.  What should I do (other than panic) to minimize it?”  My answers, here!