We all have that one pesky pimple that comes back like clockwork. As soon as it starts to heal, you can already feel that awful little bump appearing again—and in the same spot! Luckily, there are ways you can prevent those annoying pimples from coming back. We’re here to break down what actions you can take when you feel a pimple coming on!

Problem: Dirty hands

Our hands constantly touch things every day, including doorknobs, keyboards and phones, which are covered in bacteria. So if you are repeatedly touching your face in the same area, bacteria from your hands transfer to your face and clogs your pores with dirt and oil. This is how pimples can form and why you may see them appear in the same spots every few weeks.

Prevention: Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and lukewarm water for 20 seconds before touching your face, including before washing and moisturizing your skin. And if you have an itch on your face that needs scratching, grab a tissue and cover your finger to take care of that itch.

Problem: Popping your pimples

We’ve all been there. We look in the mirror and the pimple in the mirror is urging you to squeeze it. And you really want to get rid of it. It always seems like a good idea at the time to pop your pimples. Unfortunately, when you get your two forefingers in to squeeze out your pimple, you run the risk of scarring the area and then infecting nearby open pores on the skin.

Prevention: Curb that impulse urging you to squeeze your pimple. The best advice is just to let a pimple run its course. When a blemish is left alone, it will heal naturally in three to seven days. If it is popped improperly, prodding and pricking a pimple can cause it to become more inflamed and infected, which can lead to permanent scarring. And as mentioned earlier, keeping your hands off your face reduces the chance of your skin collecting more bacteria and dirt.

Problem: Picking your scabs

As tempting as it can be to pick off a scab, this disrupts the entire healing process. It’s important to understand the function of a scab. A scab’s role is to protect and cover injured skin. So when you pick off a scab, the freshly healed skin becomes exposed to the outside world and can’t protect a blemish from the bacteria and dirt that it comes into contact with. Picking a scab usually just leads to an angrier blemish and why you find yourself frustrated with that stubborn pimple that won’t go away. Better yet, keep your hands off as letting your skin scab over can easily lead to scarring!

Prevention: It’s easier said than done – but don’t pick your scab. Stop looking in the mirror. Do whatever you need to do to keep your hands away from the scab. Your skin is a natural healer, and if left alone, your scab will heal in a few days to a few weeks. If you pick at scab while it is healing, there is a snowball effect that can happen:

• A thickened scar

• Hyperpigmentation, where patches of the skin become discolored and darker than your natural skin tone

• Depigmentation, the loss of pigmentation, which lightens areas of the skin

• Indentations or pits in the skin

As you’re starting to see, the main culprit of these frustrating breakouts is your hands. Think of your hands as a toxic chemical to your face. We know it’s hard but retraining yourself from touching your face will give you so much more satisfaction than that quick impulse to pick at your face!

What to do when you feel a pimple coming

1) LovelySkin LUXE Clarifying Gel Cleanser

This cleanser will help you with all your acne-fighting battles. Carefully formulated by Dr. Schlessinger, this lightweight cleanser contains 2% salicylic acid to unclog pores and 2% glycolic acid to exfoliate and effectively remove dead skin cells.

Pro: Designed to minimize breakouts, this cleanser will provide a healthier and clearer complexion.

2) LovelySkin LUXE Acne Care Gel

Also formulated by Dr. Schlessinger, this acne treatment is the perfect remedy to spot treat blemishes. Unlike other acne treatments that can be drying on the skin, this gel contains 9% amino fruit acids to remove dead skin cells, oil and debris that clog pores and prevent acne bacteria from spreading.

Pro: Specially developed for acne-prone skin, this gel will be your go-to for treating and healing blemishes.

3) Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel

This two-step facial peel is formulated to minimize enlarged pores, even out skin tone and texture and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Step one contains salicylic acid and glycolic acid that gently exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. Step two is packed with antioxidants to nourish your skin and help you achieve a clear complexion.

Pro: Great for all skin types, it is gentle enough to use at home and only takes two minutes.

4) Jan Marini Age Intervention Duality

With its dual chamber, the cream contains active ingredients of 10% benzoyl peroxide in one chamber to fight acne, and 0.5% retinol, peptides, green tea extract and hyaluronic acid in the other chamber to minimize dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles. When both chambers are combined, this powerful formula can address even the most stubborn acne and improve your overall complexion.

Pro: It contains retinol, a vitamin A molecule that renews the skin, treats acne, minimizes the appearance of fine lines and reduces skin discoloration.

Do you have a question about what to do when you feel a pimple coming? Let us know in the comments below, or tell us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using #LovelySkin!