Have you ever noticed how whiteheads tend to crop up at the worst possible moments? The day before prom or right before a big date? WHY?

These sudden acne breakouts are probably related to stress and hormones. While scientists aren’t completely certain why this happens, they know that acne is worsened during times of heightened anxiety.

Whatever the cause, you usually want to get rid of whiteheads right away. Here’s how:

Don’t touch your face. Seriously. No picking, popping, or squeezing. I’ve noticed that people who approve of whitehead-popping usually say the same thing: “It’s fine, I always do this.”

They’re always doing it because picking at your skin, and squeezing at whiteheads, often causes the problem to multiply. The act of popping a whitehead opens your skin to infection and drives dirt, oil, and bacteria deeper in. This is one of the reasons that acne breakouts tend to occur in the same spot, over and over.

Prevent Breakouts. If your skin is breaking out with some regularity, you may need to revisit your skin care regimen. Or you may be missing some crucial step—like exfoliating—that could make all the difference. Preventive maintenance, such as using an anti-acne serum, may also be in order right before a very stressful or important event. You know, like your wedding.

Use a Spot Treatment. Your skin repairs itself while you sleep. Give it a boost (and put an end to your whitehead) with a spot treatment specifically designed to try up these types of acne breakouts.