Wrapping ice cubes in a cloth and applying to the pimple for 5–10 minutes. Taking a break for 10 minutes, and then applying ice again for another 5–10 minutes. Applying a spot treatment that contains at least 2% benzoyl peroxide.
Ibuprofen possesses anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and alleviate pain caused by the pressure from the cysts. Ibuprofen and other pain relievers are not intended for topical use and should not be applied directly to a pimple in any form.
The answer is isn't all that simple. Ice doesn't necessarily help clear up acne or pimples — particularly if you're suffering from cystic and nodular acne — but it can help inflammation. This works because acne is an inflammatory condition meaning that it causes flare-ups that contribute to swelling and redness.
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.
Salt kills bacteria by drying it out, and it can be harsh on your skin's moisture barrier. For this reason, people with combination or dry skin may find salt water does more harm than good, and even those with an oily skin type should use salt water to treat acne only in moderation.
Besides being unlikely to work, toothpaste will probably burn and irritate your skin—especially your face. Some people develop a chemical burn or a rash called contact dermatitis after applying toothpaste on a pimple. This can make your skin feel sore and your pimple look worse.
While ice can help reduce symptoms of an inflamed pimple, heat works well on noninflamed, blind pimples. A blind pimple is a type of closed comedo that develops in the deep layers of the skin. This type of acne occurs when a plug of sebum and dead skin cells trap oil, bacteria, and dirt deep within a hair follicle.
Apply a warm, damp washcloth to try to bring a pimple to a head. Soak a clean washcloth in hot water, then apply the warm, damp washcloth to your pimple for 10-15 minutes, three times daily. This will help the deep pimple move closer to your skin's surface so it can heal.
Use An Over-the-Counter Acne Spot Treatment
Salicylic acid, mentioned above, is one of these. Another important ingredient to look for is benzoyl peroxide. In addition to reducing oil and removing dead skin cells, benzoyl peroxide also helps kill the bacteria that cause the pimples.
Oral medications
Usually the first choice for treating acne is a tetracycline (minocycline, doxycycline) or a macrolide (erythromycin, azithromycin). A macrolide might be an option for people who can't take tetracyclines, including pregnant women and children under 8 years old.
Because inflammation is a key aspect of cystic acne, hydrocortisone cream can help calm the redness and irritation superficially. While hydrocortisone can usually make this type of acne appear less red and swollen, it's a temporary, cosmetic fix, rather than a long-term solution.
A Quick Review. Slugging, or slathering your face with Vaseline, isn't a great way to treat acne. In fact, it can make acne worse for some individuals. You can use Vaseline as a remedy for other skin problems like skin injuries, chafing, or dry skin.
Can I pop a blind pimple? Never try to pop or squeeze a blind pimple. Doing so pushes the oil and bacteria deeper, causing more inflammation and increasing the risk of infection.
Yes, using lemon for pimples works. Facial blemishes and acne marks can be extremely stubborn. The good news is that the citric acid in lemon can fade blemishes and even out your skin tone. It is also an effective way to reduce excess oil and sebum, which in turn prevents acne.
Why you shouldn't put toothpaste on pimples. “Toothpaste will likely do more harm than good for your skin,” Dr. Bullock states, “so, what happens is that you end up with a redder, more irritated pimple than you started with.”
You also want to avoid using astringents, rubbing alcohol, and anything else that can dry out your skin. Scrub your skin clean. To get rid of acne, you may be tempted to scrub your skin clean. Don't.
Don't use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on wounds or to control oily skin or acne breakouts. They're not effective and they can damage your skin, making the problem worse. Just use soap and water to clean a wound, and for acne, use an over-the-counter product with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.