How to heal a pimple fast may include treatments containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or other natural remedies.
It's important to avoid popping pimples because it may make them worse, cause inflammation or infection, and leave a scar. You can try to prevent future breakouts by washing your face before bed and using non-clogging cosmetics and skincare products.
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Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
Apply Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide works by reducing acne-causing bacteria on your skin.
It is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter (OTC) products and some prescription medications. Products containing benzoyl peroxide are available in many forms, such as cleansing bars, washes, gels, and creams.
Use Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid dissolves the buildup of dead skin cells and excess oil, which unplugs blocked skin pores and allows pimples to shrink. Salicylic acid also reduces swelling and redness.
Salicylic acid comes in several strengths and forms applied topically (on the skin), such as a cloth (pad or wipe), cream, lotion, liquid, gel, or ointment.
Try Natural Remedies
Across clinical studies, several natural remedies have been proven safe and effective for fighting acne, healing wounds, reducing inflammation, and soothing the skin.
Consider these natural treatments for healing a pimple:
- Aloe vera boasts antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties that can fight inflammatory acne and heal pimples without drying out the skin.
- Tea tree oil contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can protect and heal open wounds. Tea tree oil gel may significantly improve mild to moderate acne with only minimal side effects like dryness.
- Honey has been used since ancient times for wound healing, as it is a powerful agent for soothing inflammation and protecting open wounds from infection.
- Apple cider vinegar (ACV) contains potent antiseptic properties. According to historical records, ACV in combination with honey was used by the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates to protect open skin wounds from infection.
- Calamine is widely used as an antiseptic that protects against infection. It is also regarded for its soothing, cooling effect that relieves inflamed, irritated skin.
These options can each be applied directly to a popped pimple.
Apply Makeup
Makeup such as foundation, face powder, and concealers can help cover up and treat pimples at the same time. But you need to choose your makeup carefully so that makeup doesn't cause pimples. Look for products that specify oil-free or non-comedogenic (contain ingredients that won't clog or block skin pores).
You can also look for cosmetics that contain salicylic acid. Check the ingredient list for salicylic acid or related substances, such as salicylate, sodium salicylate, and willow extract.
Ask About Cortisone or Antibiotics
Talk to your dermatologist about cortisone injections and oral antibiotics if you have deep, red, painful pimples or if you need fast treatment before an important event like a wedding. A dermatologist can inject a small amount of cortisone into the pimple to quickly reduce the pain, redness, and swelling to help it heal quickly.
These injections are a quick-fix treatment that won't prevent new acne breakouts and are not meant to replace a regular acne treatment plan.
Oral and topical antibiotics are also treatment options. Topical antibiotics are applied directly to the skin and used along with another acne medication or wash, such as a retinoid or benzoyl peroxide.
Oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline and erythromycin, can reduce the amount of bacteria on your skin and lessen inflammation. Dermatologists prescribe oral antibiotics for the shortest time possible (usually several months) and include another medication in the treatment plan.
Don't Pick the Pimple
First things first: Don't pop or pick a pimple. When you pop a pimple, the materials contained inside (sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells) may unintentionally be shot into a follicle. If the walls of the follicle rupture, those materials can be sent to a lower layer of skin. This can cause inflammation and infection, make acne worse, and increases your risk of developing acne scars.
Don’t squeeze the pimple to see if anything will come out, even if the blemish develops a pustule. Don’t pick at the scab. Let your skin start the healing process without being interrupted.
If that's hard for you, try hydrocolloid sheets. These small stickers are bandages that trap moisture and keep dirt and excess oil away from your pimple.
Treat a Popped or Open Pimple
If you’ve recently popped a pimple, give it a gentle cleansing right away using your regular facial cleanser.
You can also use a touch of witch hazel on a cotton ball or swab. Carefully dab the popped pimple with this solution a few times a day, until a scab forms. Don't aggressively rub at it or disrupt the forming scab.
Avoid using rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide because they can sting and aren't as effective as witch hazel at reducing inflammation.
If your pimple is swollen, applying ice may soothe it and reduce inflammation. Use an ice cube or cold pack wrapped in a soft cloth or paper towel to avoid direct contact with the skin. Apply it over the swollen area for a few minutes at a time, several times a day.
If your popped pimple isn't swollen and already has formed a scab, icing the area won't do anything, so you can skip this step.
Continue Using Your Acne Treatments
If you're using any over-the-counter (OTC) acne products or prescription acne medications, you should continue to do so. Most acne medications have antibacterial properties that should help pimples heal.
If you treat your popped pimple well, it should heal within a few days. Try to be patient until this happens.
How to Prevent Breakouts
Although completely avoiding acne may not be possible for everyone, there are ways to help prevent or minimize breakouts, such as:
- Don't go to bed with makeup on.
- When purchasing cosmetic and skincare products, look for the terms "non-comedogenic," "oil-free," or "won't clog pores" on the packaging.
- Avoid facial oils and hair products that contain oil.
- Don't pop or pick pimples.
If you have an overwhelming need to pop, pick, or squeeze your blemishes, to the point of causing damage to your skin, talk with your healthcare provider. You may wind up with a specific type of acne called excoriated acne. Your healthcare provider can help you get the treatment you need.
If you've tried at-home remedies and still need help getting breakouts under control, talk to your healthcare provider. There are prescription medications that can help clear up your acne.
Summary
If you need to heal a pimple fast try products containing salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide or use other natural remedies. Do not pop pimples because this may make them worse or cause inflammation, infection, or scarring.
Continue using your acne treatments and talk to a dermatologist if your current acne treatment isn't working adequately.