Tips & Tricks Tuesday | Quick Solutions for Sudden Breakouts

We've all been there. Our skin can be flawless for days, weeks, even months at at time, but every now and then, we get that pesky pimple. It can be frustrating, especially when you think you've finally nailed a skincare routine that works for you. However, there's always a solution. Here are a few tips you can try if you're faced (no pun intended) with a sudden breakout.

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• Break your routine | If you've been exfoliating more frequently, take a break and try a more gentle cleanser. The same goes for if you've been using a simple face wash, try exfoliating a couple days out of the week. Sometimes our skin, much like us, can settle into a routine and get a bit too comfortable. By changing your routine, you're giving your skin a little wake up call to start rejuvenating itself again. 
• Go back to an old favorite | An old, trusted product is old and trusted for a reason. It's that product that you always seem to repurchase. Though you may not use it everyday, when you do, it always comes through. If you're someone who constantly likes to try new things (i.e. a skincare junkie), take a break from experimenting and go back to a product that you know works well with your skin. I'm sure it would appreciate a visit from an old friend. 
• Treat the problem, and only the problem | If you're only battling one spot as opposed to a major breakout, focus your energy (and products) solely on that area. Many acne treatments can be quite drying to the skin, so using it all over the face can actually end up doing more harm than good in the long run. Sure, the problem area will disappear, but the "good skin" can end up extremely dried out. Then you'll have another battle on your hands: flaky skin. That's never cute.

Now, if you're experiencing sudden breakouts because it's that wonderful time of the month, unfortunately, you may just have to wait it out. You can try all of the tips above, but period acne is caused by internal hormonal changes. External treatments can subdue breakouts, but won't eliminate them completely. Drink plenty of water, eat chocolate whenever you want, and just be patient. It'll all be over soon.

Hope you found this helpful! If you have any other breakout treatment related questions, you're always welcome to ask in the comments section below or chat with me on Twitter!