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Seventeen posted “14 Eyelash Serums That Actually Help Lashes Grow” in which Visha Skincare founder, Dr. Patel, explains that, while protaglandin (PGA) serums more quickly enhance lashes than products that don’t contain the lipids, we should soundly avoid products with essential oils or edible ingredients. Otherwise, we risk irritation and infection.

Consider these an assist in your quest for wispy lashes.

Lengthening mascaras and magnetic eyelashes help achieve the lash looks of your dreams, but the results are temporary. Lash extensions applied by a professional also only last a few weeks, and falsies can be tough to apply. Eyelash serums, on the other hand, help your lashes grow over time for consistently longer and stronger lashes. Infused with growth-enhancing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, collagen, and castor oil, eyelash serums work to improve the condition and length of eyelashes. Even better? Some of the best eyelash serums are available at the drugstore, without a prescription. There are so many options with impressive formulas that claim to give you crazy long, thick lashes, but are they too good to be true?

Yes, eyelashes serums do work, but it all depends on what your eyelashes need. Prostaglandin serums, like FDA-approved Latisse (which does require a prescription), promote lash growth, while non-PGA serums nourish, hydrate, and improve the condition of lashes. The best eyelash serums can be used on sensitive skin and are enriched with ingredients like “vitamins, collagen, and peptides to condition, strengthen, and promote growth,” according to Hilary Clark, licensed esthetician, founder, and president of holistic skincare brand Beauty HAC.

Dr. Purvisha Patel, board-certified dermatologist and Visha skincare founder, suggests that PGA serums can garner results in up to four weeks, while non-PGA serums can see results in 8 to 12 weeks. While eyelash serums improve the appearance and length of lashes, they can irritate sensitive skin, cause contact dermatitis, and increase the likelihood of eye infections. Eyelash serums can also cause contact dermatitis if they contain essential oils, Dr. Purvisha Patel explains. She also advises users to steer clear of serums with edible ingredients like coconut and olive oil as they can grow bacteria that can lead to eye infections and sites. As with any skincare, it’s important to do a trial run to ensure the products you love work well with your body chemistry. Irritations can make an appearance when exploring new products, so be sure to patch test to see how eyelash serums react on your skin.

Ready to get the lashes of your dreams? Here are the best eyelash serums.

Our Top Picks

1 Most Affordable

Healthy Lashes Lash Enhancer Serum

Neutrogena

2 Best Drugstore Option

Lash Sensational Boosting Eyelash Serum

Maybelline

3 Most Hydrating

Hydra-Strength Conditioning Lash Treatment

Equate

4 Best Applicator

Full Lash Serum

Shiseido

5 Derm and Expert-Approved

Eyelash Enhancing Serum

RapidLash

1 Most Affordable

Healthy Lashes Lash Enhancer Serum

Neutrogena

Pros

• Can also be used on sparse eyebrows
• Keeps lashes full and thick

Cons

• Results are not seen immediately

Use this drugstore staple twice daily for the ultimate lash boost. Biotin and peptides hydrate, condition, and improve the appearance of lashes.

Key Ingredients: Biotin, Peptides

Size: 0.08 ounce

Customer Review: “I’ve tried a few, and this one is the best. It takes a while, and if you stop using it, it stops working. But I don’t have to wear mascara anymore, and the missing part of my eyebrow is back. You have to give it at least three months before you really notice a difference.”

2 Best Drugstore Option

Lash Sensational Boosting Eyelash Serum

Maybelline

Pros

• Hydrates lashes
• Can be applied directly on to the eyelash

Cons

• Customer reviews express concerns about applicator

Eyelash shedding can be frustrating. Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Boosting Eyelash Serum conditions and revitalizes lashes, protecting against fallout.

Key Ingredients: Pro-Vitamin B5, Glycerin, Arginine

Size: 0.18

Customer Review: “I have been using this for about 4 months and I have seen results. I have never really had a problem with my eyelashes falling of course one or two normal but nothing exaggerating. This serum has made my eyelashes fuller and longer. I enjoy using it easy to apply twice a day.”

3 Most Hydrating

Hydra-Strength Conditioning Lash Treatment

Equate

Pros

• Strengthens lashes

Cons

• Hard to find in-store

Eyelashes undergo tons of wear and tear with very little notice. Constantly wiping your eyes, and pulling strands out with old, clumpy mascaras can result in dry, brittle lashes. Equate’s Hydra-Strength Conditioning Lash Treatment nourishes and revives lashes.

Key Ingredients: Peptide complex

Size: 0.13 ounce

Customer Review: “I found this during my holiday shopping and could not believe how well this stuff works! I put it on in the morning and evening. My lashes not only grew longer, but they became fuller too. [I] went back to the store and could not find it. I did find it online. Walmart, please keep this in stock. I ordered two more just in case.”

4 Best Applicator

Full Lash Serum

Shiseido

Pros

• User-friendly applicator
• Absorbant

Cons

• Customer reviews note stinging if it gets in the eyes

With 150 years under its belt, it’s safe to say that Shiseido knows a thing or two about beauty. This serum uses the antioxidant arginine to help protect and repair damaged lashes.

Key Ingredients: Arginine

Size: 0.21 ounces

Customer Review: “My new obsession! I swear this has made my lashes healthier and more visible without mascara! I love it”

5 Derm and Expert-Approved

Eyelash Enhancing Serum

RapidLash

Pros

• Encourages lash growth
• Safe for contact users

Cons

• Some customer reviews note breakage after extended use

This gem comes highly recommended by not one but two of our experts. Dr. Patel and Clark suggest this PGA-derived product because it conditions and encourages growth.

Key Ingredients: Polypeptide, Biotin, Panthenol, Amino Acids, Soybean Oil, Pumpkin Seed Extract

Size: 0.1 ounce

Customer Review: “It’s taken a while to see results but I’m thrilled with the fact this stuff has worked so well!!! I no longer wear strip lashes. Make sure to apply to the base of the lashes!!!”

6 Derm-Approved

Ultimate Eyelash Growth Serum

Talika

Pros

• Enhances curl

Cons

• Customer reviews noted eye irritation after application

This serum helps fill in sparse spots for a denser, longer, and stronger lash appearance. Clark suggests this plant-derived serum because it encourages growth and enhances lash curl and color.

Key Ingredients: Silk Proteins, Coleus Forskohliii

Size: 0.33 ounces

Customer Review: “I only noticed a small effect, if any. But mascara goes on nicely over this stuff. Not going to get Latisse lashes, that’s for sure.”

7 Editor’s Pick

Lash Enhancing Serum

GrandeLASH – MD

Pros

• A little goes a long way, so this product is longlasting

Cons

• Product stings if it gets into eyes

Frequent use of falsies and lash extensions can wreak havoc on natural lashes. This serum helps restore and revive brittle, dehydrated lashes.

Key Ingredients: L-Proline, Hyaluronic Acid, Botanical Extract Blend, Glycosaminoglycans

Size: 0.7 ounce

Customer Review: “This product has grown out my eyelashes a lot and my sister even asked if I was wearing mascara when I wasn’t. Sometimes the liquid gets in my eyes in stings though so one quick swipe on the lash line is all that you need.”

8 Best Two-in-One

Advanced Génifique Light-Pearl Eye Concentrate

Lancôme

Pros

• Allergy-tested
• Cooling and flexible applicator

Cons

• Sticky formula

We stan a multipurpose product. This brightening serum works double-time to improve dark circles and strengthen lashes.

Key Ingredients: Bifidus Prebiotic 10%, Caffeine, Vitamin E

Size: 0.67 ounce

Customer Reviews: “I bought this because it said [it] reduces puffy eyes, I have used it 2x a day for almost two months. The only thing I’ve noticed is it has made my eyelashes longer.”

9 Expert-Approved

PhytoMedic Eyelash Enhancer

LashFood

Clark suggests this clean serum because it’s enriched with antioxidants and fatty acids to help nourish and support hair strength.

Key Ingredients: Aloe Barbadenis Leaf Juice, Phyto-Medica Complex, Soy Protein, Arginine, Panax Ginseng Root Extract

Size: 0.1 ounce

Customer Review: “My eyelashes are definitely a little longer after using it for about a month. It doesn’t have as obvious results as the medical-grade options but I like the clean ingredients and it helps a little.”

10 Derm and Expert-Approved

GRO Volumizing Lash Serum

Vegamour

Pros

• Very hydrating

Cons

• Customer reviews note difficult applicator

Enriched with a plant-based formula, this vegan serum comes highly recommended by both Dr. Patel and Clark, and it strengthens the cells that make up the eyelash hair follicle to promote longer, thicker hairs.

Key Ingredients: Red Clover, Mung Bean, Amino Acid Peptide

Size: 0.1 ounce

Customer Review: “So, this is the third eye-lash serum I’ve tried and the most expensive one. It did work, even tho I forgot to use it daily. My lashes are longer! But – the other two serums were cheaper and worked just the same. For the price point I’m giving 4 starts. It’s nicely packed and all that, but I got the same lashes using twice less expensive and also neat looking product.”

11 Lashes to Die For Turbo Conditioning Lash Enhancer

Peter Thomas Roth

Pros

• Works on lashes and brows
• Makes lashes appear fuller

• Small size

Cons

• Customer reviews note recent change in applicator and impact it had on application

This lightweight serum improves the appearance of natural lash length and fullness while hydrating and softening lashes.

Key Ingredients: Biotin, Peptide Complex 11%, Tahitian Plankton Extract

Size: 0.16 ounce

Customer Review: “Works great. Really lengthens and thickens lashes, BUT the vial is so small–it lasts for about 2 weeks.”

12 Lash Enhancing Serum

neuLash

Pros

• No scent
• Longlasting

Cons

• A customer review noted uneven eyelash growth

Eyelash thinning is a common occurrence. This serum works specifically to nourish and strengthen weakened lashes for softer, thicker lashes.

Key Ingredients: Biotin, Pumpkin Seed Extract, Polypeptide-23

Size: 0.11 ounces

Customer Review: “My lashes are looking way longer and fuller. It takes a little bit of time, and you have to be consistent with application.”

13 RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner

RevitaLash

Pros

• Layers well with mascara

Cons

• Customer reviews notes that while this serum promotes length it doesn’t increase thickness

This hypoallergenic, non-irritating nourishing lash conditioner protects from brittleness and breakage.

Key Ingredients: BioPeptin Complex, Peptides, Botanicals

Size: 0.067 ounce

Customer Review: “So far, so good. Very easy to apply. The applicator is thin so it goes on smooth. Have only been using a few weeks so not seeing but minimal improvement at this point.”

14 FDA-Approved

Latiss

Pros

• Clinically proven to grow eyelashes

Coms

• Skin darkening

Latisse is the only FDA-approved eyelash serum that is clinically proven to promote lash growth. When deciding whether to use PGA formula eyelash serums, like Latisse, Dr. Patel suggests analyzing the risks because “serums that contain PGAs include possible discoloration of the skin and iris color as well as fat atrophy that can contribute to a sunken under eye look.”

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Allure posted “17 Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles That Address Crow’s Feet and Sagging Skin” In this product spotlight, a fellow dermatologist praises Visha Skincare founder, Dr. Patel‘s Visha Skincare Advanced Bright Eye Booster for its combination of moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and skin-evening properties.

These rich eye creams from RoC and SkinCeuticals target fine lines on your delicate eye area over time.

Wrinkles are a natural part of the skin’s process of maturing, and we’ll all have some fine lines and crow’s feet to some degree as we age. With that being said, if you’re on the hunt to find the best eye cream for wrinkles, we do know of some over-the-counter options to peruse. Though you shouldn’t expect any OTC skin-care product to completely erase fine lines and wrinkles, Canton, Michigan-based board-certified dermatologist Fatima Fahs, MD, says that the key to a great eye cream is what’s listed in its ingredient list.

One of the top ingredients for targeting fine lines is retinol, according to Dr. Fahs. In case you’re not familiar with this vitamin A-derivative, she says it increases collagen production to improve the look of fine lines while evening skin tone and reducing signs of hyperpigmentation. (Bye-bye, dark circles.) However, we will note that retinol is an intensive active ingredient that might irritate sensitive skin types, so always patch test new products before applying them to your entire face.

Another ingredient Dr. Fahs says is a skin-brightening essential is vitamin C, an antioxidant powerhouse that fights free radical damage and helps fade pigmentation concerns. Dehydration is also a wrinkle-causing issue, so if you notice you have dry skin, she suggests incorporating a hyaluronic acid-infused product into your skin-care regimen. “[Hyaluronic acid] is a humectant that plumps and hydrates the skin to improve the appearance of fine lines,” she says.

Few skin-care ingredients come close to the firming powers of peptides, according to Dr. Fahs. “They act as the building blocks of proteins like collagen and elastin to boost skin’s firmness and improve texture,” she says. Speaking of proteins, Dr. Fahs also says to look for growth factors, “signal proteins that promote the production of collagen and elastin.”

Now, it’s time to put all of this precious skin-care knowledge to practice. Below, take a look at some of the best eye treatments and creams to combat crow’s feet and crepiness on your delicate skin.

RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream

The RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream is a fragrance-free drugstore favorite that’s won multiple Allure Best of Beauty Awards (our highest accolade) for its intensive formula. Both Allure editors and Dr. Fahs are fans of this under-$30 retinol eye cream because its retinol-powered formula helps diminish the appearance of fine lines. Meanwhile, a mineral complex of zinc, copper, and magnesium provides antioxidant benefits to your eye skin and aid in collagen formation.

Neocutis Illuminating Eye Cream

Dr. Fahs says the Neocutis Illuminating Eye Cream is one of her favorite wrinkle-preventing eye creams, thanks to its potent blend of growth factors and caffeine “to hydrate and plump the skin while promoting collagen production.” This dermatologist-favorite eye cream also contains antioxidant vitamin E for its moisture-retaining properties and hyaluronic acid to replenish skin hydration. Its formula provides such line-reducing results that it’s even become a best-seller at Dermstore.

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex

SkinCeuticals is known for its impressive lineup of skin-enhancing essentials, and the A.G.E. Eye Complex lives up to this brand’s Best of Beauty-winning reputation. This rich, decadent cream provides gentle exfoliation courtesy of antioxidant-rich blueberry extract, which also protects skin from free radical damage and retains moisture.

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream

Neutrogena’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream is one of the best drugstore skin-care products for addressing signs of aging on the skin around your eyes. It’s infused with line-targeting retinol and hydrating hyaluronic acid, two skin-care powerhouses that attract water to the skin’s surface layers and boost cell turnover to minimize the appearance of crow’s feet.

Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Wrinkle Resist Eye Cream

The Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Wrinkle Resist Eye Cream is an Allure Best of Beauty winner that took our staffers’ breaths away when they witnessed its skin-firming properties firsthand. This ultra-rich cream contains 21 different peptide chains to boost elasticity, minimize puffiness, and reduce the look of crow’s feet and wrinkles.

Ren Skincare Vita Mineral Active 7 Eye Gel

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Hum Nutrition posted “Is Salt Water the Ultimate Low-Key Beauty Hack?” where Dr. Patel agrees that salt water can be a helpful skin exfoliant; however, because it also easily dehydrates skin and hair, we should still clean and moisturize/condition our skin and hair after every salt water dip. To better treat acne, try Visha Skincare Advanced Purifying Cleanser!

Is salt water good for your skin and hair? There are some beauty benefits to know about—but dermatologists caution against this trending claim. Here’s what you need to know.

There’s nothing quite like a vacation glow. Between the R&R and the sun, regardless of your skin tone, everyone comes back from a beachy vacation looking bronzed and balanced. You may notice that your hair and skin are absolutely thriving even after a quick getaway. After all, decreased stress can help hair growth and your skin’s overall appearance. And although you may be diligently applying your sunscreen, sun exposure can give you a subtle tan (which can also affect your complexion’s appearance). Plus, you may be skipping your typical daily makeup routine and heat styling. All of these factors can contribute to healthier-looking hair and skin.

Another factor? The ocean. Research shows being in the ocean is great for your mental health and proximity to the ocean can even improve your physical health (plus salt water is great to gargle with), but is it a lowkey beauty secret too? I’ve dealt with acne my whole life, and I’ve always been told that salt water can get rid of my pesky breakouts and give me super-soft beach waves. But is salt water actually good for your skin and hair? I spoke to board-certified dermatologists to find out.

IS SALT WATER GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN?

After decades of people telling me that salt water can dry up my pesky pimples, I wanted to know the truth: Does salt water help with acne? According to experts, it can. “Salt water can help to dry up breakouts, but is not recommended as a sole treatment for acne as there is not enough data to suggest its overall efficacy and there are other treatment options available including retinoids,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York. “It can also help to soothe inflammation as well as gently exfoliate, which can be helpful for those with acne.”

But as Dr. Garshick mentions, it’s not the ideal treatment long-term. As someone who suffers from extremely-dry, acne-prone skin and also spends a fair amount of time surfing, I can attest to the downsides of salt water for skin: dry and itchy skin, redness, white flakes, and irritation. “Too much salt water can contribute to skin dryness and irritation,” she says. “Salt water may be drying on the skin, so it is best to avoid prolonged or excessive exposure.”

If your skin spends too much time in the salt water, it can actually disrupt your skin barrier (the outermost layer of the skin that helps retain moisture and keep irritants out). “If the skin gets too dry, small cracks can happen on the surface of the skin, and this can result in increased inflammation,” explains Purvisha Patel, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Tennessee and founder of Visha Skincare. In some cases, Dr. Patel adds, this dryness can cause the oil glands to overcompensate and actually produce more oil—leading to even more breakouts.

So, does salt water help with acne? A little bit, which is a great vacation bonus, but there are better ways to regularly treat your acne. “Breakouts should be treated with an exfoliating cleanser to loosen the dead skin cells and kill the microbes and/or a retinol to help with exfoliation and to decrease oil production,” Dr. Patel says. “[Look for] cleansers with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, tea tree oil, and zinc to help with breakouts.” (She recommends the Visha Skincare Advanced Purifying Cleanser, which is formulated with all of these breakout-busting ingredients.)

If you’re not acne-prone or dealing with acne, the exfoliating effects of the salt water will leave you with a bright, beautiful glow. Still, all that seawater can be harsh on your skin. If you’ve spent the whole day soaking up the sun (and the salt water), the best thing you can do is wash your skin with regular water to dilute the effects of the salty solution on your skin. Then, use a moisturizing soap and a moisturizer right after you wash to ensure your skin stays hydrated.

IS SALT WATER GOOD FOR YOUR HAIR?

Wondering if salt water is good for your hair? Similar to salt water’s effect on skin, salt water for hair has mixed reviews. The good news? It does have some serious beauty benefits for your scalp and mane. “Because salt water is rich in minerals and vitamins, it can provide some added benefits to the hair,” says Dr. Garshick. So if you’re noticing some extra shine or softness after a dip in the ocean, it’s definitely not in your head.

The briny ocean water is also great for your scalp and works similarly to a scalp detox. “Salt is good for your scalp however, it is a good exfoliant for the dead skin cells on the scalp, and helps with dandruff by combatting the organism that causes it,” Dr. Patel says. It can also be helpful for people dealing with psoriasis on their scalp.

Dr. Garshick says the benefits don’t stop there. “Because salt water may also have some natural exfoliating properties, it may help to stimulate blood flow to the scalp to help stimulate circulation and overall hair and scalp health,” she says.

With these impressive pros come a few cons, though. Mainly—you guessed it—dryness. “When the hair cells, or keratin, get exposed to salt water, the salt creates osmosis and draws water out of the cells,” Dr. Patel says. “This dehydrates the hair shaft, creating dryer, more brittle hair.” When hair gets dry and brittle, it breaks at the shaft and can break unevenly. All of this dryness can also cause hair to look dull (the opposite of what you want in all those vacation Instas!).

That said, you can still reap the benefits of salt water for your hair without suffering the downsides? “Wash the hair soon after exposure to salt water, though other additional options include using a conditioning treatment before shampooing or using a leave-in conditioner or oil to help nourish the hairs,” Dr. Patel says. Another option? An overnight treatment, which your locks will soak up as you snooze.

THE TAKEAWAY

Is salt water good for your skin and hair? Yes and no. Ocean water can help exfoliate your skin and your scalp—leading to a brighter complexion and a healthier environment for your hair to grow. (Plus, clearing out any product buildup, sweat, and grime can help hair look more voluminous and shiny.) And the vitamins and minerals in the water can also give your locks a boost, making them look and feel better. And, yes, the salt water can potentially dry up your pesky breakouts, but it could also cause unwanted dryness, redness, and irritation.

If you want to soak up the beauty benefits of the ocean, enjoy your time in the water and rinse the salty solution off your hair and skin ASAP. (Don’t forget to moisturize and condition!) And if you’re worried about your skin getting too dry, pack HUM Nutrition’s Glow Sweet Glow gummies—which are made with hyaluronic acid to help hydrate your complexion from the inside out—in your suitcase. You’ll take your vacation glow to the next level.

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Elle posted “Here’s Exactly How to Get Rid of a Pimple Overnight” In this article featuring Visha Skincare founder, Dr. Patel‘s expert insight. While no product can actually erase acne overnight, regularly using products that dry follicle oil, exfoliate skin, and kill bacteria can help to significantly diminish the appearance of pimples.

When you wake up with a new (unwanted) pimple, it almost always appears on a day when you desperately don’t want to deal with it. Whether you’re heading to a job interview, wedding, or on a first date, an unexpected pimple is never welcomed. Googling quick remedies to minimize the pimple before popping it may give you some hope, but not as soon as you’d like.

The sad truth is that you can’t clear up a pimple in an hour, and even getting rid of one overnight can be a challenge. However, there’s no need to resort to popping. It’s possible to rid acne of its worst traits if you employ a diligent skincare regimen. “Pimples are small micro-infections of hair follicles,” explains Dr. Purvisha Patel, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare. “You may not be able to get ‘rid’ of a pimple overnight, but you can make it look a lot better, so it appears to be gone.”

Dr. Angela J. Lamb, director of the Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology Faculty Practice in New York City, adds that there are “no guarantees” when it comes to a bedtime miracle, but there are several steps you can follow to get your skin glowing just in time.

Read on for derm-approved tips to minimizing breakouts.

Make sure you’re using the right ingredients.

Stop staring at your pimple for a second and do a little research on it. Dr. Patel explains that pimples are commonly caused by four things: follicular occlusion, microbe growth, sebum production (or adding oil to your skin), and inflammation.

All these issues can be addressed when a pimple is in its early stage. “The most common way to address these issues is to use benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, tree oil, or salicylic acid products before you go to bed,” says Dr. Patel.

Benzoyl peroxide is a bleaching agent that kills microbes and dries up oil in the follicle.

Similar to benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil and sulfur also work by drying up the pimple. “Using these products can make the pimple look smaller in the morning, ” explains Dr. Patel.

Dr. Lamb also recommends using prescription topical products, if you happen to have any in your medicine cabinet. Gels that contain clindamycin—an antibiotic—or topical minocycline can quickly reduce the appearance of an angry zit.

However, if you prefer to use products that don’t require a doctor’s note, Dr. Patel and Dr. Lamb both recommend trying salicylic acid first. “Salicylic acid products not only dry up the pimple and kill any microbes, but also exfoliate the skin on top to let any accumulated puss out of the follicle,” says Dr. Patel. (Gross, but effective.)

Wash with a quality cleanser.

Spot treatments and pimple patches get all the hype for acne emergencies, but don’t ignore the power of a good cleanser. You can find one imbued with the ingredients mentioned above—such as the Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser, which has two percent salicylic acid—or invest in another good exfoliating wash.

“Exfoliating cleansers are perfect for acne, as they help unclog the pores to not only treat pimples, but also prevent them from occurring,” says Dr. Patel. This gel-to-oil cleanser from Tata Harper purges impurities from pollution, giving you renewed, fresh-looking skin. It’s made from ingredients like vitamin P, white turmeric, African oil palm, sunflower seed oil, and white willow bark to detox skin, dissolve build-up, and refine pores.

If you’re getting desperate, try hydrocortisone cream.

Yes, it’s for more than just mosquito bites!

Dr. Patel says over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can be a quick fix for redness, so long as you don’t use it for more than three nights in a row. Don’t layer it on too thick, either:

If you’re not careful, it may block your pores.

It’s best to find a hydrocortisone cream that is hyaluronic acid-based, as hyaluronic acid is a water-binding molecule that doesn’t clog pores

As you’re treating, stay away from edible ingredients.

Products formulated with coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil sound luxurious and healthy. When it comes to acne treatment, they’re only reinforcing the problem. Steer clear of edible ingredients if you’re in the midst of a pimple crisis.

“If we can eat the product, bacteria and fungus can eat the product,” Dr. Patel says, “and this could possibly make more pimples.”

Miracles can happen if you use a good spot treatment or pimple patch.

Dr. Lamb highly recommends putting a well-reviewed pimple patch on a problem area, as the treatment “usually cannot hurt.” Avoid overusing them, especially ones that contain acids or benzoyl peroxide, as they can create additional irritation.

When you’re in a bind, Dr. Patel prefers turning to spot treatments, which “work better for overnight fixes,” she says. “Blister bandages or hydrocolloid patches work by pulling the contents of a pimple out versus topicals that dry up the pimple.”

In case of an emergency, use cortisone injections.

If you have access to a dermatologist the day before your major event, it’s true you can get a cortisone injection to immediately treat your zit. But make sure you’re thinking seriously about the level of necessity.

“They are truly for a pimple emergency,” says Dr. Patel. “Think a day before your wedding or prom-level of emergency.” While steroid injections decrease inflammation of the pimple immediately, the side effects of steroid injections range from skin thinning to lightning to possible indentation at the injection site. They are NOT recommended as a regular pimple treatment.

If buying new products isn’t an option, try a DIY treatment.

It’s possible to stir up a great at-home acne treatment with a few ingredients in your kitchen. Try the following:

1. A small crushed-up aspirin paste to a pimple helps with drying up the spot and inflammation.
2. Toothpaste—the opaque kind, not gel—can be used to dry up pimples.
3. Ice to a red pimple gives immediate blood vessel constriction and helps with redness.
4. Conversely, you can use a warm compress to bring a pimple to a head faster, according to Dr. Lamb.

Believe it or not, popping can be an option. Just proceed with extreme caution.

If you’ve exhausted all your options, nothing has worked, and you’re hours away from walking down the aisle with a massive whitehead, it’s finally time to consider popping.

Dr. Lamb warns that squeezing a zit is normally a huge no-no. But if a pimple has a huge whitehead—and all its contents are visible at the top—you can use clean, gloved hands or cotton swabs to apply gentle pressure and pop. The problem, she explains, comes when you pop pimples that aren’t ready or squeeze with dirty fingers.

“Squeezing them with non-sterile fingernails can lead to spreading of the micro-infection, more inflammation, and scarring,” explains Dr. Patel. So, in most instances, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Finally, trust your concealer.

Makeup was made for times like these. It’s possible to make a zit look nonexistent—even if it hasn’t disappeared entirely—if you invest in a quality concealer. Dr. Lamb loves Make Up For Ever’s concealer, or you can try a green concealer, which counteracts the redness of acne and inflammation. Either way, you’ll end up looking stunning—pimple or not.

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Best Products posted “10 Bakuchiol Products for All the Benefits of Retinol Without the Burn” In article, Visha Skincare founder, Dr. Patel shares that, like retinol, bakuchiol is an exfoliant that stilumates the skin to produce more collagen. But unlike retinol, bakuchiol is non-irritating and can be used all over the body.

Harper’s Bazaar posted “15 Best Vitamin C Serums for Brighter, Healthier-Looking Skin” In article, Visha Skincare founder, Dr. Patel recommends adding serums containing the skin-brightening antioxidant to morning skincare routines before applying a minimum of SPF 30. Just make sure that whatever product you buy comes in nontransparent, sealed packaging.

News18 posted “Simple Ways You Can Curb Strong Body Odour During Summers” In article, Visha Skincare founder, Dr. Patel recommends washing regularly to decrease the number of microorganisms on the skin that, when fed by our sweat, cause body odor.

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Prevention posted “10 Best Lip Scrubs to Buy In 2022, According to a Dermatologist” featuring Dr. Purvisha Patel and Visha Skincare.

Since lips that go unexfoliated are more likely to dry out, Dr. Patel recommends gentle products with natural granules, like Visha Skincare Sugar Shrink Body Scrub. 

Glamour posted “10 Ways to Find Sunburn Relief Without Ruining Your Vacation ” In article, Visha Skincare founder, Dr. Patel urges cooling the skin with ice or a cold bath/shower as soon as possible to relieve sunburned skin. And to avoid damaging blistered skin, she advises applying a more substantial moisturizer over damaged skin after blisters have burst and drained themselves.

Several dermatologists weigh in on the best ways to get rid of a sunburn.