How bad is it really to sleep in my makeup?

It’s not the end of the world if you are too tired to wash your face before bed – it happens to all of us every once in a while. However, it is important to remember that makeup and pollutants from the day can cause inflammation and increased free radicals. This can result in dull skin, discolouration, and collagen breakdown. Also, sleeping in mascara and eye makeup can lead to infections around the eye, such as a stye. Our suggestion is to put a pack of makeup wipes (preferably biodegradable) on your nightstand to encourage yourself to at least wipe off the makeup and impurities before zonking out.

What should I do if I feel a pimple coming on?

The most important thing to do if you feel a pimple coming is to not pop it! Using a spot treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or topical sulfur can be helpful in decreasing the inflammation, pain, or redness associated with pimples. If this happens frequently, it's important to get connected with a board-certified dermatologist, who can prescribe preventative topical retinoids.

Is it really bad to pop your pimples? (And what should I do if I already popped one?)

Popping pimples can cause more inflammation, scarring, bacteria, and can even create more acne. The only time we would recommend popping one is when there is a very loose whitehead. We recommend doing this after the shower when the skin is clean and the white head is soft. First, we suggest using a warm compress, then using two little Q-tips to gently apply pressure. If the top of the white head doesn’t come off after two tries, it's not ready. You also shouldn’t see blood, because that means too much pressure has been applied and has broken through the deeper skin layer – this causes scarring! And if you pick a pimple and the skin is inflamed, apply an antibiotic ointment, like an over-the-counter bacitracin. If you have a tender pimple or a pus bump, you can apply a hydrocolloid dressing to help dry it out and allow it to heal.

Cystic acne started appearing on my skin out of nowhere. Why might that be happening?

Cystic acne is usually the result of hormonal fluctuations. If you’re developing any painful and underground cysts, it’s important to visit a dermatologist for professional help.