Cold water can be especially beneficial for dry or acne-prone skin, says Knapp. “If you have chronically dry skin, hot water can strip your sebum levels (oils) and exacerbate the issue, so cold water is a good alternative.”
While a cold compress can minimize inflammation and make pimples less noticeable or painful, it will not remove the contents inside a pimple.
If this sounds like something that happens to you, a lot, then you ought to try drinking hot water every single day. It helps cleanse your system, including your pores, thereby reducing the chances of acne. This little trick will help clear out your skin in no time.
Icing the site of your cystic breakout will help bring down the swelling, making your acne less sore and noticeable. To safely apply a cold compress, first enclose ice in a clean cloth or ziplock bag. (DO NOT put ice or ice packs directly on your skin!
Ice doesn't stop pimples from forming, but it can reduce the size and improve the appearance of pimples. It may be beneficial to use a warm compress before icing to remove any debris trapped in the pores.
Chill Angry Breakouts
While the underlying cause of blemishes and cystic acne is bacteria, a dose of chill can help relieve pain and decrease inflammation by constricting the blood vessels. For Rouleau, the trick is to alternate ice cube application with a warm compress on the flare-ups for about six cycles.
Use an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream as a spot treatment. It contains the same steroids that dermatologists inject into pimples to get rid of them, says Francesca Fusco, a dermatologist in New York City. The more you pile on and the longer you let it sit, the more effective it'll be.