When an acne pimple erupts and threatens to ruin your date, don't panic.

"Some think drastic measures are called for," says SLUCare dermatologist Alanna F. Bree, M.D., "But many of the zealous measures people take can make the acne blemishes worse. Being overly aggressive with acne is not the way to go."

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Whether you're an adolescent or an adult, the basic cause of acne remains the same: plugging of the hair follicle. Hormones are the primary trigger of acne, and stress is another acne precipitant.

Here are some recommendations for quickly diminishing acne pimples:

1) Leave your acne pimples alone. Resist the temptation to squeeze or pick at pimples. Squeezing a pimple forces some of the bacteria deeper into the skin which can result in an inflamed or infected pimple. Squeezing also can leave scarring. "It's best to keep your bacteria-laden hands away from your skin," Bree says.

2) Be gentle with new acne pimples. Don't use astringents to clean your face. Astringents and aggressive washing tend to dry your skin. Your skin feels stripped of oil so the oil glands step up production and you wind up worse off than before. The rebound oiliness can exacerbate breakouts. Bree recommends a gentle, antibacterial, oil-free bar soap for cleansing your face. Use warm, not hot, water.

3) A little dab will work better with acne pimples. Among the best topical treatments are the vitamin A derivatives (Retin-A and Differin, among others) that help unclog pores. "You have to be patient with topical retinoids, though," Bree cautions. To spot treat a pimple, sparing use of an over-the-counter acne product with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can be helpful but be careful not to over do it.

4) Pick your cosmetics wisely if you are prone to acne. Look for the word "non-comedogenic" on the label. Heavier cosmetics, and even those labeled "oil-free," can contribute to clogging the pores. Bree suggests finding a concealer that can blend the redness of acne pimples into your own skin color. Green shades tend to offset redness the best.

5) Stay out of the sun. It's true a suntan/burn might camouflage acne temporarily but the sun will not clean acne pimples. You also run the risk of skin cancer and premature aging of the skin.

6) Calm down. Stress can affect your skin. Place a warm compress over the pimple to reduce the redness and slow down. Take a walk or warm bath to ease tensions.

7) Pull out the big guns. If you're desperate (and in a huge rush), consult a dermatologist about receiving a shot of cortisone to shrink acne pimples. The injection can decrease the inflammation and help speed acne healung.

Bree said optimal acne treatment takes up to three months to work, so she advises people to head off potential troubles early. "If you're acne-prone and you have a big event on the horizon, see a dermatologist sooner rather than later," Bree says. "This will improve your success and help ensure an acne-free special day." 

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