The urge to pop a pimple is real, so congratulations on resisting thus far. But here’s an uncomfortable truth: It’s very rare that a pimple will go gently into that dark night.
“The fact is, it’s not going to get better really quickly,” Robert Brodell, MD, a tenured professor and chair of the department of dermatology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, tells SELF. Spoiler: That sucker will probably still be there in the morning.
It turns out the best “treatment” for pimples is being proactive about preventing them. “There are plenty of old wives’ tales and remedies, but the best way to clear a pimple fast is to have a good skin-care routine all the time,” Suzanne Friedler, MD, a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and a clinical instructor at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, tells SELF.
That said, you obviously can’t go back in time and perfect your skin-care ritual to prevent the breakout you’re worried about right now. So consider these dermatologist-approved tips on how to get rid of a pimple (and what you absolutely should not do) instead. These remedies won’t work instantaneously, but they will certainly help make that zit less noticeable as it heals.
First, it’s important to have a basic understanding of what causes pimples and how acne forms.
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Acne is a common skin condition that develops when your pores become clogged and inflamed, typically due to excess oil, dead skin cells, acne-causing bacteria, and impurities like dirt, makeup, and pollution, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
This can result in different types of acne, including pimples, which are small bumps with pus at the center (also known as pustules) or without that pus (also known as papules); whiteheads, which are clogged pores that look white or flesh-colored; blackheads, which are clogged pores that are open and exposed to air, causing the gunk inside to oxidize and appear black; and cysts and nodules, which are those large, painful lumps under the skin.
There are lots of things that can cause breakouts, and you’ll be relieved to learn that nearly all of them have nothing to do with having “dirty” skin. Hormonal changes are typically the driving force behind acne, both for teens and adults. Specifically, androgens—sex hormones that play a key role in reproductive health—get a boost during puberty. There are also hormonal fluctuations that happen throughout your menstrual cycle, which can coincide with the timing of your breakouts, per the Mayo Clinic. Stress, pore-clogging products, certain foods, some health conditions, and simply your genetics can also trigger or make you prone to more intense acne if you’re someone who is already susceptible to pimples.
Back to top
How to get rid of a pimple quickly (or at least make it less noticeable)
We can’t stress this enough: Don’t pop your pimples! “Most people’s acne is either just a red bump or a pustule. When you squeeze those, something may come out, and something may go deeper in,” Dr. Brodell explains, noting that you can make your acne much worse by poking and prodding at it. While it feels satisfying in the moment, you’ll only delay healing and boost your risk of scarring. Instead of popping your pimple, consider just letting the bump run its course—especially if it’s only one or two little pimples.
Another popular “remedy” to avoid? Save the toothpaste for your teeth. “Toothpaste will just irritate your skin and possibly cause dark spots in the area,” says Dr. Friedler.
The best acne-fighting ingredient for you will depend on the underlying cause of your breakout, as well as your skin type. “The key is to go gently,” says Dr. Friedler. If you’re too aggressive with your treatment, you can cause more irritation and even hyperpigmentation, especially if you have a darker skin tone or particularly sensitive skin. “If you irritate the pimple more, you’re going to end up leaving yourself with a dark spot,” she says. With that in mind, here are the best acne ingredients and remedies to try when you need some pimple-fighting power fast.
For a really bad bump, your best bet is a cortisone shot.
“The fastest way [to get rid of a pimple] is to go to your dermatologist and get a cortisone shot,” says Dr. Friedier. Most of the time, she says, this steroid injection, which goes straight into the lesion, brings down the inflammation, swelling, and pain from a gnarly pimple within 24 hours.
It is not possible to physically remove pimples or heal them overnight. However, home care can reduce swelling and pain, making pimples less noticeable.
In this article, we will discuss how people can treat pimples at home to reduce their appearance quickly, and more long-term options for acne treatment.
It is not possible to remove pimples overnight. Treatments for pimples and acne take time to work. Individual pimples may take a few days or a few weeks to completely heal.
The amount of time it takes for a blemish to go away can depend on how large or severe it is, and how a person treats it. For example, picking or popping the pimple may increase healing times.
Careful treatment at home can reduce swelling and pain.
To treat a new pimple at home, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommend:
- Gently washing the skin and patting dry with a clean towel.
- Wrapping ice cubes in a cloth and applying to the pimple for 5–10 minutes.
- Taking a break for 10 minutes, and then applying ice again for another 5–10 minutes.
- Applying a spot treatment that contains at least 2% benzoyl peroxide.
Following these steps before sleep may mean pimples look better by the morning.
Once a whitehead forms, a person can also apply a hot compress. To do this:
- Soak a clean washcloth in hot water.
- Apply to the pimple for 10–15 minutes.
- Repeat this 3–4 times daily.
For persistent acne, a person may wish to consider treatment from a doctor or dermatologist. There are numerous treatments people can try, including:
- salicylic acid
- benzoyl peroxide
- retinoids
- topical antibiotics
Topical treatments can reduce inflammation, unblock pores, and reduce the production of sebum. They can also inhibit the growth of bacteria. However, they take time to work.
According to the AAD, it can take up to 4 months before people see an improvement, especially in severe cases. They recommend sticking with new acne products for at least 6–8 weeks before moving onto something else.
If a person’s acne proves resistant to topical treatment, a doctor may prescribe oral treatment instead. Oral retinoids, antibiotics, or hormonal medications such as the birth control pill may help, depending on the cause of the acne.
Some people may wish to try alternatives to medical treatment.
There are many complementary therapies, supplements, and topical treatments people use for acne. However, not all of them are supported by evidence.
Some of the alternative remedies that may be effective in reducing acne include:
Green tea
According to a 2016 review, applying green tea topically may decrease the average amount of pimples and pustules in people with mild-to-moderate acne. One study found that green tea can significantly reduce inflammatory and non-inflammatory pimples over an 8-week period.
Green tea is an anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant, and an antimicrobial, so may work against acne in several ways. People may apply fresh green tea to the skin, use skincare products containing green tea, or drink green tea.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a popular home remedy for pimples. According to the 2016 review, several studies show this essential oil is antimicrobial, and that it can reduce the number of blemishes in people with mild-to-moderate acne.
Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil at a safe concentration before applying to the skin.
Copaiba oil
Copaiba oil-resin is a traditional antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. There is some evidence that copaiba oil topical gel is effective against mild acne.
In one double-blind study, participants used a copaiba gel for 21 days. The researchers found that the gel stopped new pimples from forming, and helped to heal existing pimples. The gel also reduced inflammation.
Minerals
Clays that are rich in minerals, such as kaolin, are often present in skin care products for acne. Studies on specific mineral clays and muds suggest that they may have antibacterial properties.
For example, laboratory studies indicate Dead Sea black mud can inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, a bacterium that can cause acne. However, scientists need to carry out more research to verify that minerals can treat acne in humans.
It is a popular myth that toothpaste helps to treat acne. One of the reasons for this is that toothpaste used to contain triclosan, which some studies claim prevents excessive sebum production.
However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of triclosan in products that people use with water before rinsing off, such as toothpaste. As a result, toothpastes no longer contain ingredients that could work to reduce acne.
The AAD do not recommend using toothpaste on pimples. They also advise against:
- Scrubbing: It is not possible to scrub acne away, and harsh scrubbing can make acne worse. Instead, dermatologists recommend gently washing the face.
- Tanning: Tanning does not reduce acne. Tanning also damages the skin, increasing the risk of people developing melanoma and other skin cancers.
- Popping: Popping pimples can make acne more noticeable, as it encourages irritation and inflammation. Popping acne can also lead to scarring or infection.
While acne remedies may help with existing pimples, it is also important to take steps to prevent new breakouts. The following guidelines from the AAD can help a person get started:
- Keep the skin clean: Cleanse the face twice per day with lukewarm water and a gentle, non-abrasive cleansing product. It is also a good idea to cleanse after sweating or wearing makeup.
- Use suitable skin products: After cleansing, use skin care and makeup products that are non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic. This means they will not clog pores or cause acne. A light, alcohol-free moisturizer and mineral-based SPF can keep skin hydrated and protected from UV damage.
- Maintain personal hygiene: Avoid touching the face, and wash things that come into contact with it — such as bed linens — at least once a week. Sheets and pillowcases can accumulate dead skin cells and bacteria, which can clog pores. People should also wash items like makeup brushes, face cloths, and face masks regularly.
Acne can have a variety of causes, and what works for one person may not work for another. If the tips below do not help, or acne is persistent or severe, it is best to consult a doctor.
People cannot remove pimples overnight, but home care can lessen swelling and may improve the appearance of pimples. Keeping the area clean, using ice, and hot compresses can help.
For persistent or recurring pimples, people may wish to try acne treatments. Trying simple preventative measures may be enough to reduce breakouts. Others may wish to seek advice from a dermatologist.