How to Get Rid of Black Spot Under Fingernail
It's the one beauty problem that unites almost all of us: how can we get rid of spots quickly?
Why is it that whenever we have an important date or fancy function, a spot decides to spring up on our face, as if to say, 'hey girl, I'm coming to the party too right?'
And while we know that the best way to avoid pimples is to keep our pores de-clogged, sometimes you need an SOS treatment to shrink those spots away fast.
Well... we might have found the solution.
How do you get rid of spots quickly?
Celebrity facialist Michaella Bolder explains how she deals with spots when they crop up last minute:
'The first step is to try and reduce inflammation. You can do this simply by applying something very cold to the affected area. Try popping a teaspoon into the freezer for a good 10 minutes until it is pretty much frozen.
'In the meantime, give your skin a good cleanse. I like to use Votary Cleansing Oil, but avoid massaging over the unwanted spot as this will bring too much blood to the surface [making it appear even more inflamed].
Votary Cleansing Oil - Rose Geranium & Apricot
'Next, take a cotton bud and soak it with The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2%, then apply directly to the spot by turning the cotton bud and emptying the product onto the skin.'
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution 30ml
'Now, take your spoon out of the freezer and place directly over the spot and hold on the area until it cools down. The aim of doing this is to shrink the blood vessels behind the spot and push the blood away from the surface relieving the area of any swelling and discomfort.'
'If the spot has a head on the surface and looks ready to go, before using the spoon trick but after your cotton bud application, gently roll the skin using two fingers around the spot with a tissue to push out any unwanted bacteria.
'Finally, apply a tiny amount of Savlon to the spot (its antibacterial properties will get to work immediately) and leave the area alone for an hour if possible. You can then repeat the spoon and Savlon application again, if needed.'
Savlon Antiseptic Cream - 30g
How do you get rid of spots in one day?
It depends on the type of spot, says Consultant Dermatologist, Natalia Spierings. 'If you have a red deep-seated nodule (the ones that look like lumps under the skin), then you can have an injection of a 'intralesional' steroid, which has to be administered by a consultant dermatologist. But this does NOT work for not-painful pus-filled spots.'
'A steroid injection is literally magic and can shrink one of those horrible, painful under the skin type acne cysts in a few hours. But it has to be done correctly by someone who knows how to do it - too much steroid can cause ulceration (breakdown) of the skin and it should not be injected directly into the spot.'
'Other than that, applying a dab of high strength benzoyl peroxide (like 5-10%) once or twice a day can also help dry it up but probably not overnight.'
Acnecide 5% Gel Benzoyl Peroxide 30g
'Try to refrain from picking or squeezing one of those deep cysts, you will just end up with an open wound and bad scarring.' You have been warned.
Is toothpaste good for getting rid of spots?
'Absolutely not,' says Dr. Spierings, 'This is an old wives' tale. Toothpaste is not the best acne treatment and has no special properties making it suitable for acne. In fact, toothpaste has bunch of chemicals in it that can be irritating to the skin, so it is best avoided.'
Can Sudocrem get rid of spots?
While there are multiple Sudrocrem uses. Can the infamous nappy rash cream help with our acne? 'I'm afraid not says,' Consultant Dermatologist, Natalia Spierings, 'Sudocrem is an antiseptic barrier cream made of lanolin, benzyl alcohol and zinc oxide. Where you might have heard that zinc is good for acne spots, this usually refers to Zineryt, which is a roll on combination of zinc acetate and erythromycin.'
'Zinc oxide is not the same thing and is actually a physical sunscreen. Though in theory it may have some sort of beneficial effect on acne lesions, it is extremely unlikely as mineral sunscreens, like zinc oxide, do not penetrate the skin, they just sit on top of it.'
What is the best treatment for spots?
Want to know the best acne treatment? Dr. Spierings says, 'There are a myriad of options available at your local department store or pharmacy claiming to be able to treat your acne but your best bet is to first and foremost see a Consultant Dermatologist to get an accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment plan so you don't waste your time and money.'
Wouldn't know where to start when it comes to finding a dermatologist? Why not try Dermatica? It's an online dermatology service that brings skin experts to your inbox. All you have to do is answer a few questions about your complexion and your lifestyle, and then you will receive all the advice and treatments you need.
Are spots related to my diet?
'Although the total number of studies carried out over the last 40 years are relatively small, there appears to be growing support for the idea that certain foods aggravate acne,' says Anjali Mahto, 'Emerging data suggests that glycaemic index diets may have a role to play in how acne develops. There is also limited evidence that some dairy (in particular skimmed milk) may also have some influence.'
Achieving a healthy, well-balanced diet is a significant first step to take. Start by cutting out high GI foods (sugary or fatty foods like pizza and white bread), which raise blood sugar levels and sebum production.
Look for foods that are low in sugar and have a low glycaemic index (the rating for carbohydrates in food), such as vegetables and fresh fruit like blueberries or watermelon.
Also, try to include Omega-3 via oily fish or nuts, as these can help to regulate hormones and support your body's inflammatory response to acne.
Look for skincare that includes the following ingredients:
Salicylic acid helps to dissolve dead skin cells, plus it's oil-soluble so it can dissolve potentially pore-blocking sebum.
Paula's Choice Clear Regular Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution with 2% Salicylic Acid - Trial Size (30ml)
Glycolic acid naturally exfoliates the skin and de-clogs pores.
Alpha-H Liquid Gold Renewal Wash
Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory benefits that relieve redness and swelling.
ESPA Purifying Tea Tree Gel 50ml
Niacinamide, aka vitamin B3, diminishes the appearance of large pores and calms inflamed skin.
Paula's Choice Resist 10% Niacinamide Booster (20ml)
Lactobionic acid has similar properties to glycolic acid but is suited to more sensitive complexions, as it is known to cause less irritation.
Exuviance Vespera Bionic Serum - 30ml
Retinoids are comedolytic (a destroyer of blocked pores and pimples) and also have significant anti-inflammatory properties.
NeoStrata Skin Active Retinol + NAG Complex - 30ml
Benzoyl peroxide has comedolytic qualities that reduce acne-causing bacteria and keep pores free from blockages.
Replenix Acne Solutions Benzoyl Peroxide 5% Acne Gel
Keep getting jawline acne? Find out why, here.
Lydia House Beauty Contributor All about beauty, Lydia House has been writing about creams and complexions for over a decade.
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How to Get Rid of Black Spot Under Fingernail
Source: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/beauty/skin/a28209723/get-rid-of-spots-quickly/