There’s really nothing like a skin care emergency, especially when they all seem so well timed with large events in your life, like a date, a job interview or something where, you know, your face has to just serve. This usually causes a day-long freakout. Honestly, why can’t skin just behave?
Pause: there’s no reason to panic. Most skin issues can be solved at home in a short matter of time. We asked Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, New York City board-certified dermatologist and founder of Entiere Dermatology, to give quick solutions to some of the most common skin emergencies that only require a few supplies you can get from your local drugstore and some solid advice. Save this list somewhere and remain calm: help is right this way…
Image via Imaxtree
You wake up with a planet-sized zit (or a whole solar system) in the morning
Sometimes a little ice can take down the swelling, but Levin’s got a better solution. “It’s called the Triple Mask: 1% OTC cortisone mixed in equal parts benzoyl peroxide (I prefer 2.5%) and a 1-2% salicylic acid. It makes a little mask for the pimple. Put it on top and you’re good to go.”
The mask works in three ways: hydrocortisone calms the inflammation (it acts sort of like the cortisone shot you’d get if you saw your derm in the office with a giant pimple), the benzoyl peroxide works as an anti-inflammatory for the bacteria responsible for causing the pimple and the salicylic acid loosens up the dead skin cells clogging up that pore.
Making the mask is simple: 1% hydrocortisone cream can be purchased at any drugstore and Neutrogena has you covered: Neutrogena On the Spot Acne Treatment cream is a great 2.5% benzoyl peroxide solution and Neutrogena Acne Proofing Gel Cleanser contains 2.5% salicylic acid. Mix these three in equal parts, apply the mask to the affected area for up to 10 minutes (or leave on all day if it’s not obtrusive) rinse clean, move on.
A sudden outbreak of eczema or psoriasis
These skin conditions are no joke but they don’t have to ruin your day. “Typically, in the office we would prescribe a topical steroid, so I would recommend getting an over-the-counter steroid, which is 1% cortisone cream, and then moisturizing with a cream or a greasy ointment.” Levin recommends CeraVe Healing Ointment, $8.99, as a favorite solution.
Also, if you’re dealing with an outbreak of an inflammatory skin condition like this, it makes sense to avoid things that are irritating. Levin also recommends staying away from common skin irritants like fragrances and anything that can be harsh on the skin, including scratchy fabrics. “Wool is a big trigger for a lot of eczema,” she cautions. “I recommend 100% cotton, something that’s breathable, don’t wear super tight clothing. “
Flaking, peeling, dry skin
Super dry skin is flaking, irritated skin, so the solution is, well, moisture. “Most people don’t moisturize; it’s really surprising,” Levin says. “But that will help with dry skin. Some moisturizers, in addition to having moisturizing ingredients like glycerin and ceramides, contain ingredients called keratalytics, which break up dead skin cells.” Crazy itching, flaking and cracking can be solved with moisturizers with these keralytic ingredients, like urea, ammonium lactate, salicylic acid.
For the body, lotions like AmLactin Moisturizing Body Lotion, $21.41, can really help, but the face is a different story. “Avoid using ammonium lactate for the face,” she cautions. Levin recommends moisturizing creams from brands like CeraVe, LaRoche and Eau Thermale Avene Antirougeurs Day Redness Relief Soothing Cream SPF 25, $37, all of which have excellent solutions for super dry skin.
Redness that won't go away
This is a hard one because there can be many causes of redness on the face, but short of getting to a doctor to identify the cause of the redness (which is advised), you’ll want to calm the redness right way. Levin recommends using products with calming ingredients that won’t inflame the skin, like Cetaphil Redness Relieving Night Moisturizer, $9.69, before bed and be sure to use a sunscreen when out and about during the day. She also recommends using products containing niacinamide, a Vitamin B3 with excellent calming properties.
