You've probably seen these emergency pimple treatments at the drugstore — usually an extra-strong solution of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or benzoyl peroxide. And yep, they can actually get rid of pimples overnight.
When using salicylic acid or other acne treatments, it may take 6-8 weeks to start noticing results. Anyone who does not see an improvement in their acne after this time may wish to contact a doctor or dermatologist for advice on alternative treatment options.
When applied to the skin, salicylic acid may work by helping the skin to shed dead cells from the top layer and by decreasing redness and swelling (inflammation). This decreases the number of pimples that form and speeds healing.
Benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is a high-grade defense against acne, and is often found in cleansers and creams for severely acne-prone individuals. (It's a topical cream that will be most effective for an overnight miracle.) Benzoyl kills the bacteria inside pores, in addition to drying out the oil excess.
“The fastest way [to get rid of a pimple] is to go to your dermatologist and get a cortisone shot,” says Dr. Friedier. Most of the time, she says, this steroid injection, which goes straight into the lesion, brings down the inflammation, swelling, and pain from a gnarly pimple within 24 hours.
While there is no way to get rid of a pimple in as fast as five minutes (aside from hiding it under makeup!), Dr. Zeichner recommends immediately treating it with either benzoyl peroxide or over the counter 1% hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation.
If you have an hour to tackle your pimple
Icing the bump can help reduce inflammation and prevent it from getting any bigger. “Use an antibiotic cream or some tea tree oil on top of the acne, use an acne patch (the small round stickers to cover acne) and then conceal it with makeup.
Skin purging occurs because of some ingredients that accelerate your body's natural process of getting rid of dead skin cells. Products that contain certain components—including lactic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and retinoids—are likely the culprits of your acne breakout.
It is advised by some skincare experts that using a salicylic acid product overnight enables the ingredient to work without being disturbed with the exposure to free radicals, such as pollution or UV rays.
Salicylic acid is too potent and will cause a flare-up in unwanted skin reactions. To avoid this, always ensure you check the instructions and use the product correctly and if you have any concerns, consult with your doctor or medical professional.
Signs that treatment is effective
Wart medications, such as salicylic acid, gradually peel away layers of a wart until it reaches the same level as the skin. People may notice the wart becoming flatter over time.
Most pimples go away on their own, but it may take some time. Deep pimples (pimples under your skin with no head that may feel hard to the touch) may take a few weeks to go away, if not longer. It's better to see your healthcare provider at the first sign of pimples and follow their treatment suggestions.
Apply some benzoyl peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is another over-the-counter topical treatment that you can use over pimples. It will help dry out the zit faster and prevent it from growing in size.
If you've only got a few hours…
Grab an ice pack, or a single ice cube if your fingers can bare it, and apply it directly onto your pimple. Hold it this way for as long as you can stand it, then take a break for a few seconds, and repeat at least twice more.
Dr Murad recommends spot treating emerging pimples with salicylic acid. “It is a great anti-inflammatory ingredient, which is able to penetrate the pores, calm redness, reduce swelling, it also kills bacteria and exfoliates the skin's surface to speed up healing,” shares Dr Murad.
Popping your pimples isn't the only way to clear your skin. Here are some other options: OTC remedies that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can be used daily to clear up breakouts and clarify pores. A cold compress or ice can be used to relieve pain and swelling from cysts, nodules, and pustules.
Examples include white bread, corn flakes, puffed rice, potato chips, white potatoes or fries, doughnuts or other pastries, sugary drinks such as milkshakes, and white rice. Findings from small studies suggest that following a low-glycemic diet may reduce the amount of acne you have.
Sudden acne breakouts can be because of numerous reasons, including hormonal changes or hormonal imbalance, an unhealthy diet including lots of deep fried and junk food, release of cortisol hormones because of excessive stress, excessive production of sebum and much more.