In this guide, we address your burning questions, offering insights and practical solutions for radiant, blemish-free skin. Let’s navigate the path to a confident, acne-free you!
1. Apply Ice to the Pimple:
The first step in calming down an angry, painful pimple is to apply ice. Wrap some ice in a cloth and press it against the inflamed area for 3 to 4 minutes at a time. If the ice melts too quickly, throw a few cubes in a plastic sandwich bag before wrapping in cloth. Repeat several times throughout the day to soothe the skin and reduce swelling.
2. Apply a paste of crushed aspirin to the pimples:
Aspirin contains salicylic acid, which is super effective at removing excess oil and dead skin. Crush one or two aspirin tablets and mix with several drops of water to form a paste. Then dab the paste directly onto the pimple. This should reduce swelling and redness and also make the pimple less painful. Leave the paste on for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
About this item:
- Acne Treatment: COSRX Salicylic Acid helps to treat acne by exfoliating the skin, unclogging pores, and reducing inflammation.
- Exfoliation: It gently removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, promoting cell turnover and improving skin texture.
- Oil Control: Salicylic acid helps to regulate oil production, reducing excess oiliness and preventing clogged pores.
- Blackhead and Whitehead Removal: It effectively targets and removes blackheads and whiteheads, keeping pores clear.
3. Use an Acne Spot Treatment:
When choosing a product off the shelf, you can narrow the choices by looking for two important ingredients found in many over-the-counter acne medications. Salicylic acid, mentioned above, is one of these. Another important ingredient to look for is benzoyl peroxide. In addition to reducing oil and removing dead skin cells, benzoyl peroxide also helps kill the bacteria that cause the pimples. While both these ingredients are safe and work in similar ways, which product you choose and how often you apply it depends on your skin’s own unique factors.
And, a word of caution: Both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide have a drying effect. Using too much of these products, or using them in combination with certain other products, can irritate the skin1. Only preparations containing 0.5 to 2% salicylic acid are recommended. Moreover, when using benzoyl peroxide, sun exposure should be limited. This means tanning beds, too. Go slowly when trying any new product, and avoid using more than is needed.
About this item:
- Gentle formula contains 4percent Benzoyl peroxide
- Daily antimicrobial wash kills acne-causing bacteria on contact and lifts dirt from pores for a fresher, clearer you.
- Ph balanced with 4 humectants and 3 emollients to increase hydration
- Cleans and unclogs pores on face, chest and back
- Clears existing acne fast and helps prevent new blemishes from forming
4. Use Makeup with Salicylic Acid to Conceal Pimples:
Don’t let pimples keep you indoors. Discover makeup that not only conceals but fights blemishes. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid for natural-looking coverage and acne prevention. Brands like Neutrogena, E.L.F., and Clinique offer these solutions. Sulfur and hyaluronic acid are also beneficial. Check for “noncomedogenic” on labels to ensure your makeup won’t clog pores. Explore hypoallergenic options for sensitive skin. Try clinically tested products for dermatologist-approved choices.
About this item:
- Lasting Coverage: Lightweight, full-coverage formula with a satin finish.
- Camouflage: Conceals blemishes, dark circles, redness, and more.
- Hydrating & Longwearing: Provides hydration and lasts all day without flaking.
- Application: Prep under eye area with moisturizer and primer, then apply with doe-foot applicator. Blend for desired coverage using brush, fingers, or blender sponge.
- Cruelty-Free & Vegan: Proudly 100% vegan and cruelty-free worldwide.
- Skin-Loving Ingredients: Made from skin-loving ingredients at affordable prices.
5. Apply a Face Mask for Acne:
There are a ton of face masks on the market these days, and many of them target pimples. Again, you’ll see ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, which treat the acne directly by unclogging pores and reducing inflammation. Another ingredient that works in a similar way is sulfur. Sulfur may bring to mind match heads, hot springs, and the strong smell of eggs, but it is also used to treat pimples, especially milder outbreaks, and is often found in face masks. Sulfur is gentler than salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide and may be a better choice if you have sensitive skin.
In choosing a face mask for acne, other key words to look for are “exfoliating” and anti-inflammatory.” Depending on your skin type, you can also choose among products that are “calming,” “hydrating,” “soothing,” or that “detox” your skin and have “antioxidant” or “antibacterial” properties. All face masks have different formulations that help to offset the drying effects of the acne-fighting ingredients and soothe the skin. Many use botanicals such as tea tree oil or green tea, both of which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Get a Cortisone Injection to Quickly Get Rid of a Pimple:
For massive, inflamed pimples, over-the-counter treatments may not pack enough punch. In that case, your best shot may be an injection of cortisone directly into the cyst. Performed with a very thin needle, a cortisone injection shrinks the swollen tissue in the pimple, easing inflammation and allowing the pimple to heal. A dermatologist can perform the procedure quickly and easily, and you’ll see visible improvement within 24 hours.
In short, we know how distressing pimples can be. Fortunately the immediate solutions we’ve discussed here can help us cope in the short term. In the longer term, remember that “bad skin” is an extremely common problem, one that has recently been recognized and destigmatized on social media through the acne positivity movement. It is nothing to be ashamed of.
Thank You!
