Pimples can appear at any time and for a wide variety of reasons. When you realize you have a pimple, the idea of squeezing it immediately arises in your mind, but if you have managed to resist and have decided to consult the internet to find a better solution, you can stop searching because you have landed on the right page. Read on and find out how to get rid of that pimple.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Treating a Pimple
Step 1. Evaluate if you need to crush it
Pimples should only be squeezed if they have a hard white tip. If you try to squeeze it ahead of time, the skin could be damaged further.
If your pimple feels like it's about to break and you've decided to pop it, take the necessary precautions. Wrap a few tears of toilet paper around your fingers and soak a cotton ball with the disinfectant alcohol. Squeeze the pimple along the edges without touching the white tip. If the pimple doesn't break out easily, don't force it. If it ruptures, remove the pus with the alcohol-soaked cotton ball. The disinfectant alcohol sterilizes the pimple and protects it from the entry of other bacteria that would cause it to inflame further. Once you have removed the pus from the white tip of the pimple, do not squeeze it further
Step 2. Apply pimple cream
There are various types of creams on the market, but the most effective are those that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These two ingredients eliminate acne-causing bacteria from the skin; moreover, they gently exfoliate it, eliminating the skin thickenings that characterize pimples. As a result, the skin will look smoother and more even.
Be careful with clothing when using benzoyl peroxide as it can discolor fabrics
Step 3. Place a warm washcloth on the pimple
Hold it against your skin for a couple of minutes. The cloth should be warm, but not hot, otherwise you risk getting burned. The heat will increase blood flow to the pimple which will then heal faster.
Step 4. Soothe your skin with aloe vera
Aloe vera gel boasts antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Apply it in the evening before going to sleep to speed up the healing of the pimple.
Step 5. Try using toothpaste
Many dermatologists agree that it can speed up the healing of pimples. Select a toothpaste that is free from whitening or coloring substances to avoid the risk of dyeing or discoloring the skin. The baking soda in the toothpaste dries oily skin naturally and will absorb most of the fluids in the pimple if you leave it on overnight.
- If you don't have a suitable toothpaste, you can create a cream by mixing water and baking soda and then apply it on the pimple using a cotton swab.
- It should be noted that the effectiveness of toothpaste on pimples is not supported by scientific data, so many experts advise against its use.
Step 6. Take advantage of the properties of sea salt
The pimple will take a while to heal, but in the meantime you can try to reduce its size by absorbing the excess oils from the skin. Pour a tablespoon of sea salt into a bowl, add a couple of drops of water, mix, apply the mixture on the pimple and leave it on overnight. While you sleep, the salt will perform its purifying action.
Step 7. Use tea tree oil
Thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties it is able to kill the bacteria that cause the appearance of pimples and reduce skin redness.
Step 8. Use an astringent product
There are astringent tonics, cleansers and lotions formulated to reduce pore size, and many of these products also contain antibacterial agents that fight the germs responsible for pimples.
You can choose from a wide range of products based on natural astringents, such as fruit acids (for example oranges and lemons), vinegar, hazelnuts and green tea
Step 9. Consult a dermatologist
The quickest way to treat a pimple is to get a cortisone injection from your dermatologist. Cortisone reduces inflammation in a few hours, but it may leave a noticeable mark on the skin, so consider it an extreme measure.
Follow the dermatologist's instructions. He will most likely prescribe the use of a cream, soap, and antibiotic medication, based on your skin's needs. Follow his instructions to the letter and do not use any other products than those prescribed. Do not stop using the products drastically even if the acne appears to have healed as the skin must have time to get used to the new drug-free routine
Part 2 of 3: Treating Reddened Skin
Step 1. Mask red skin with makeup
Cover the inflamed pimple using a suitable product. Many cosmetic companies have developed products formulated to cover redness and defeat the germs that cause pimples.
Use your makeup wisely. Pay attention to the expiration date of the products and throw them away when they are expired or if you notice that they make the skin impure or inflamed. Also, always remove your makeup before going to sleep
Step 2. Use ice to relieve inflamed skin
Pimples are swollen because they are filled with blood. By using ice, you can reduce blood flow so that the skin is less swollen and red. The cold will also act as a mild anesthetic, so the pimple will be less painful.
Step 3. Take advantage of the properties of the eye drops
One of the functions of the eye drops is to relieve the eyes when they are red from bacteria. By applying the eye drops on the inflamed pimple with a cotton swab you can get the same benefits.
Step 4. Try antihistamines
Consult your doctor and take the recommended dose of a diphenhydramine antihistamine drug to reduce inflammation around the pimple. Over-the-counter antihistamines can help you fight the redness and swelling of the skin like insect bites. In addition to medications, you can use various natural antihistamines, for example quercetin which is contained in many foods, such as apples, onions, red grapes, grapefruit juice and green tea.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Acne Outbreaks
Step 1. Take care of your skin to prevent new pimples from appearing
It is rare for pimples to go away overnight, but if you take care of your skin on a daily basis they will disappear faster and acne will generally improve.
Step 2. Wash your face regularly
As soon as you wake up in the morning and before going to bed at night, rinse your skin with warm water to help open pores. Gently cleanse your skin using an acne soap, then rinse it off with cold water so that the pores close.
- Don't wash your face too frequently. Pimples are not caused by dirt, otherwise you will likely have acne on your feet as well. Excessive use of soap and water can deprive the skin of its natural protective oils and irritate it by prolonging the state of inflammation.
- Make sure you use a soap that doesn't trigger acne breakouts. Not all skin products are suitable for acne-prone skin, especially you should avoid those that contain substances such as: isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate, butyl stearate, isopropyl isostearate, decyl oleate, isostearyl neopentanoate, isocetyl stearate, myristyl myristate, butter cocoa, acetylated lanolin, red-orange pigments for cosmetic use or other oils. These ingredients can clog pores causing more pimples to appear.
Step 3. Make sure you always have clean hands and hair
Hands and hair are carriers of oils and fats. If you touch your face often or if your hair stays in contact with your forehead or cheeks, acne could get worse.
Step 4. Change the pillowcase regularly
It is important to protect your face from hair oils and dead skin cells that build up on your pillow night after night while you sleep.
Step 5. Eat healthier
Foods high in fat or sugar can make acne breakouts more frequent. You should avoid milk, fizzy drinks, chocolate, ice cream and all sweets in general. Try to eat more fruits and vegetables and drink more water. Water helps the body to excrete the substances that cause acne.
Step 6. Provide the body with the vitamins it needs
For example, vitamin B3 makes the skin more hydrated and fights redness, while vitamin E counteracts dryness and protects it from ultraviolet rays.
Step 7. Prevent acne by sweating while exercising
You can clear clogged pores by exercising at a pace that forces you to sweat. Shower as soon as you finish your workout to keep your skin clean.
Step 8. Relax
According to some studies, acne can be caused by stress, so don't worry too much about that pimple if you don't want to risk more.
