An Uninvited Guest, Trouble First Aid Diary

Hello! I am posting on the general discussion board today to record my skin condition and to vent a bit because I’m feeling so upset. Honestly, starting a few days ago, big, pustular pimples that hurt a lot to the touch began popping up one by one around my chin and mouth. By this morning, my skin was such a complete mess that I didn't even want to look in the mirror. I usually don't get breakouts except during my period, so seeing this happen so suddenly has completely shattered my mental state and I'm so stressed out.

After thinking about it carefully, I realized that I've been so busy with a company project lately that I've been working overtime constantly. To relieve the stress, I stayed up late every night eating spicy and salty delivery food like mala tang or tteokbokki with a can of beer. It seems my skin has declared strike and expressed its rage as a result of abusing my body. ㅠㅠ I guess skin really is honest and never lies. I am painfully realizing that once my lifestyle habits fall apart, even expensive cosmetics that used to suit me are of no use. I have a get-together with friends and an important appointment this weekend, and I don't think even makeup will be able to cover this up, so I feel at a loss as to what to do. Haha.

First off today, as soon as I got off work, I carefully removed my makeup with a mild cleanser, and then chilled some soothing Houttuynia cordata pads from the refrigerator and placed them on the troubled areas for quite a while to cool down the heat. Also, I completely skipped the functional cosmetics I usually use for whitening and anti-wrinkle care (like Vitamin C or retinol ampoules!) because I was worried they might cause irritation.

I applied only a soothing ampoule containing only madecassoside and centella extract, along with a Cica moisturizing cream, very thinly about twice. I held back from trying to squeeze the pimples with my hands, fearing it would definitely leave scars or worsen the condition. Instead, I lightly dabbed a cotton swab with tea tree oil just on the blemishes to finish my emergency skincare routine.

I just hope the redness has subsided a little when I wake up tomorrow morning. If it remains just as red and painful tomorrow, I am seriously considering skipping lunch, taking a moment to rush to Maypure, and getting an anti-inflammatory injection. I've had one before, and I've found that big, hard pimples usually go away quickly within a day or two after getting an injection.

Do any of you members have any special first aid methods you use at home when your skin suddenly breaks out like this, unlike usual? I know going to a dermatologist to get a prescription and injections would be the surefire way to go, but please share any great tips you can use right away at home!! For the time being, I'm going to absolutely cut out late-night snacks, consciously drink plenty of water, and focus on soothing my skin ㅠㅠ Please don't regret it later like I did; make sure to get enough sleep and maintain healthy eating habits in advance!!