Anytime a pimple pops up out of nowhere, it totally ruins your day especially if it's right before a big date. Want clear skin 24/7? (Who doesn't?!)

Here, a top dermatologist tells you how to keep your complexion looking its best 365 days a year.


1) SUDS UP

Since acne is caused by oil and bacteria that you need to keep from brewing into a blemish, prevention is key.

On a daily basis, use an oil-free face wash that contains salicylic acid.

"Salicylic acid is anti-bacterial and helps exfoliate away dead skin cells, which can clog your pores," says Gervaise Gerstner, MD, a dermatologist in New York City.


2) USE A FACIAL BRUSH

Handheld facial brushes can also degrease skin, leaving less oil and bacteria behind, says Gerstner.

The rotating brush head on this one also helps loosen up clogged pores.


3) APPLY AN OIL-FREE SPF

Slather on an oil-free SPF, since oil can further clog pores and scented products can irritate your skin and lead to breakouts.


4) REACH FOR THE RIGHT FOUNDATION

Pick up a foundation that's oil-free and contains salicylic acid, like Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Makeup, to keep your base makeup from contributing to new pimples.


5) MEDICATE CORRECTLY

When new pimples pop up, hit them with a spot treatment ASAP.

The quicker you get to them with anti-inflammatory ingredient that blasts blemishes, the faster the zit will vanish.


6) GET THE RED OUT

If you're dealing with a bright red blemish, turn to a hydrocortisone cream, which helps relieve redness and inflammation.

After you top your zit with benzoyl peroxide, apply this over top to bring down the swelling and redness.

"You can also bring down the swelling by holding an ice pack against the trouble spot," notes Gerstner, "then continue with the hydrocortisone cream."



7) TOP YOUR ZIT WITH TOOTHPASTE

In a pinch, top your blemish with a white opaque toothpaste, The formula helps dry out zits by morning.



8) CORRECT YOUR MISTAKES

What's worse than acne? An acne scar.

First things first: Don't pick your face when you have a pimple! It will only result in a scar that you'll later have to lighten with a bleaching agent or get zapped with a laser to remove it.

If the damage has been done though and you already have a blemish battle wound, apply a hydroquinone-based cream to the area to help lighten the spot, says Gerstner.