Trauma: "Every time I have an important event that requires me to look my best, I get a honking zit. What can I do the night before to shrink that bad boy down, and what can I do the day of to hide it altogether?"

On-Call Beauty Doctor: Stuart Kaplan, M.D.

Prescription: "The most important thing is DON'T PICK the pimple. Ideally, you should see your dermatologist so you can have the pimple properly drained. If you are not able to see your derm, then first, wash your face and apply warm compresses with even pressure to the pimple for 30 minutes. After the warm compress, apply an over-the-counter acne medication with at least 10% benzoyl peroxide. If you get frequent whiteheads and cysts, the best thing to do is visit your dermatologist early on, and get a prescription strength 20% benzoyl periode cream to keep on hand for emergencies like this.

If you pick the pimple, or try to 'scrub it off,' you will rip the top of the skin off, and it will create a scab. To avoid scarring if you have already ripped the top of the pimple off, you can see your dermatologist to get a prescription for Biafine, which speeds the skin healing process. If you cannot see a dermatologist, try an over-the-counter antibiotic cream, like Neosporin, to help speed up the healing process, then apply concealer."

Illustration by Emily Kowzan