Pimples on face, the nasty bumps that form on the skin when pores get clogged with things like excess oil, bacteria and dead skin cells – sometimes pop up at the most inopportune times. The base of the lesion may be red due to inflammation, and the top may be white or yellow due to pus inside the lesion. It is meant to remove dirt quickly.
Dealing with pimples on face can be frustrating, especially when it pops up before an important event. Luckily, there are quick and effective ways to treat pimples and help reduce inflammation without causing harm to your skin.
Although it’s tempting to take matters into your own hands and get rid of acne, healthcare providers don’t recommend this DIY approach. That’s because squeezing pimples can make the situation worse.
Here’s what you need to know about why this manual approach doesn’t work and what you can do about it, like icing the area or using an anti-aging product.
How to Get Rid of a Pimple on Face?
Although popping pimples on face is not the solution to get rid of them, there are other remedies that can help.
1- Cleanse Gently but Thoroughly
Start by washing your face with a cleanser. This way, you clean the area of the bacteria that infects the acne and let the top product get in and do its job.
Avoid the need to scrub hard or use detergents. Instead, use a mild, unscented face wash. Wet your fingers with water and massage gently, then rinse with warm water and dry with a soft towel.
Using a product with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can help fight acne-causing bacteria and prevent the pimple from worsening.
Benzoyl peroxide is often recommended as a good product for the treatment of mild to moderate acne, including blackheads. Benzyl peroxide, available at your local drugstore, works by killing acne-causing bacteria. It is available in various forms, including oil, cream, skin, liquid or paste.
Benzoyl peroxide is a great skin care product for skin of color because it doesn’t irritate the skin like other products. Apply a thin layer of benzoyl peroxide to the acne twice a day to help it heal faster. However, it may take four to six weeks for the acne to disappear.
Keep in mind that benzoyl peroxide can sometimes irritate, dry, or peel the skin. Dryness and peeling can make acne worse, so start with a product that only contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. If the reaction is 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, reduce the use to daily.
2- Try Spot Treatments
Spot treatments do exactly what the name suggests: they treat the area where the pimples on face are. This means that this product is best for treating small pimples here and there rather than acne breakout with many pimples.
Spot treatments are designed to target pimples on face directly and speed up the healing process. Products containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or sulfur work well to dry out the pimple and reduce inflammation. You can also try tea tree oil, a natural remedy known for its antibacterial properties.
You can use acne patches as one of the spot treatment options, they are small sticky patches that apply to pimples on face. It is a hydrocolloid, a type of wound healing patch that not only provides a physical barrier to bacteria but also absorbs large amounts of water. Acne pads also protect the area by keeping your hands away from the pimple so you can pop it.
3- Apply Ice Pack
To quickly reduce swelling and redness, apply an ice pack or a clean, cool compress to the affected area. The cold helps to constrict blood vessels and minimize the size of the pimple. Be sure to wrap the ice in a cloth to avoid direct contact with your skin, which could cause irritation.
Like icing a sprained muscle or other injury, experts recommend applying ice to deep or stubborn acne to reduce pain and inflammation.
Try wrapping an ice block in a towel or bandage and applying it to the affected area for 10 minutes. Repeat twice, taking a 10-minute break between ice applications so your skin doesn’t get too cold.
For the most effective results, try this treatment when you notice breakouts.
How to Prevent Pimples
Skin care and lifestyle habits are important to help control pimples on face and prevent future breakouts. The key is to be prepared and patient. It may take up to four weeks to see results from your new acne treatment. Here are some acne prevention tips to consider:
- Wash your face twice a day
- Use a gentle cleanser with your fingers
- Avoid excessive swelling of the skin Wash with warm water
- Choose alcohol-free skin care products and products labeled “noncomedogenic” or “doesn’t clog pores.”
- Protect the hair from the face
- Be careful with tight hats or headgear
- Avoid using oily cosmetics
- Do not use tanning beds
Also, avoid touching your face. This includes touching, or popping pimples. Also, infection and scarring can occur and delay the healing process. It’s best to let your skin heal naturally with the help of acne products and ice, and try not to overstress, because stress can make acne worse.
A pimple on your face can feel like an emergency, but with the right steps, you can reduce its size, redness, and visibility in no time. By combining proper skincare, spot treatments, and professional advice, you’ll be well on your way to clearer, healthier skin.
What treatment do you go through when treating your pimples on face? Would you consider using the above steps?
J. Miles is a board-certified general medicine physician with over a decade of experience in delivering comprehensive care to individuals of all ages. With a focus on preventive medicine, holistic wellness, and chronic disease management.
