Given that acne is the most frequent skin complaint in the United States, it’s no wonder that pimple always seems to appear when it’s most inconvenient: the day before an extensive interview, the night before a party you’ve been looking forward to, pimple on tattoo days after the session, or the morning of the family portrait.
We can all relate to that feeling.
Even though there is more to pimples than we initially realized, we don’t have to wait for the red bumps to disappear. The best way to get rid of zits quickly is the subject of this article.
1. Try Putting Ice
Applying ice is the first step in soothing a red, painful pimple or abscess.
Apply ice packs to the sore spot for three or four minutes at a time by wrapping some ice in a towel.
Wrap it in a cloth first, then place a few chunks of ice into a plastic sandwich bag if it melts too rapidly.
As needed during the day, this can help calm the skin and bring down any swelling.
2. Cover the Pimple with a Paste Made From Crushed Aspirin
Salicylic acid, found in aspirin, effectively dissolves dead skin cells and cuts through oil.
Make a paste by combining the crushed aspirin with a few drops of water.
Then, dab the paste immediately onto the zit.
Hopefully, the pimple will be less uncomfortable, and the swelling will decrease after this.
Rinse the paste off thoroughly with warm water after letting it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Try a Spot Treatment for Acne That You Can Buy at a Drugstore
In order to reduce your options while selecting an acne treatment from the store’s shelves, it is helpful to know that many OTC treatments contain two key elements.
One of these is salicylic acid, which was just discussed.
Benzoyl peroxide is another component worth considering.
Benzoyl peroxide helps clear acne by killing the bacteria that thrive on oil and dead skin cells.
Both of these substances are benign and perform similarly in cosmetics, but the product you choose and the frequency you use will depend on your skin type and history.
Warning:
- Both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are very drying.
- Excessive use or use in conjunction with other products can cause skin irritation.
- Any product containing less than 2% salicylic acid is not advised.
- Sun protection is critical when using benzoyl peroxide. Yes, tanning beds fall under this category as well.
- When trying a new product, start with a small amount and build up if necessary.
4. Cover Acne with Salicylic Acid-Infused Makeup
We can’t just stay inside if we want to avoid further breakouts.
Fortunately, there are a variety of makeup options that can help us effectively conceal imperfections while also working to treat them.
A few keywords to look for in labeling products, like foundation, face powder, and concealers, can help determine if they suit your skin type and acne condition.
Makeup for acne-prone skin typically contains the same compounds used in over-the-counter treatments, the most common of which is salicylic acid.
Makeup containing salicylic acid can treat and prevent acne breakouts without altering the skin’s natural appearance.
Some well-known companies that produce these kinds of products are Neutrogena, E.L. F., and Clinique.
Hyaluronic acid counteracts the drying effect of other chemicals. It preserves moisture in the skin, and sulfur, which works similarly to salicylic acid by reducing oil and unclogging pores, is also frequently included.
However, just as with spot treatments, it is essential to consider your skin type while selecting a solution.
Look for items that will keep your pores clean without further drying out your skin if you have dry skin.
5. Use an Acne Face Mask
These days you can find a wide variety of face masks, many of which are designed to reduce the appearance of pimple. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, which work by killing bacteria and lowering inflammation, are common chemicals in acne treatments.
Sulfur is another component that achieves comparable results.
Although the thought of sulfur may conjure images of matchheads, steamy hot springs, and the pungent odor of eggs, it is also used to treat acne, particularly in cases with milder outbreaks, and is commonly found in face masks.
If you have sensitive skin, you might want to try sulfur instead of salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
The words “exfoliating” and “anti-inflammatory” are also essential to check for when selecting an acne face mask. You can also select items that are “detoxing,” “antioxidant,” or “antibacterial,” as well as those that are “calming,” “hydrating,” or “soothing,” depending on your skin type.
The acne-fighting components in any given face mask can be drying, so masks are formulated in various ways to counteract this.
Several people utilize green tea and tea tree oil because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
6. If You Need A Pimple Gone Fast, Get A Cortisone Injection
Some over-the-counter remedies may not be effective enough for huge, irritated zits.
If that’s the case, injecting cortisone into the cyst might be your best bet.
An injection of cortisone, administered with an excellent needle, reduces the enlarged tissue in a pimple, reducing inflammation and facilitating the pimple’s healing.
Your skin will look better in as little as 24 hours after having the procedure done by a dermatologist.