Benzoyl peroxide is a bleaching agent that kills microbes and dries up oil in the follicle. Similar to benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil and sulfur also work by drying up the pimple. "Using these products can make the pimple look smaller in the morning, " explains Dr. Patel.
Drying out your pimples can actually be a safer zit-busting strategy than popping them, as doing so with the help of anti-acne ingredients can help rid the pores of excess sebum and oil, which can trigger new breakouts.
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.
Does putting toothpaste on a pimple make it go away? You may have heard this suggestion, but experts on acne say don't try it. Toothpaste could make that spot on your skin even more red, irritated, and noticeable.
There are a few reasons a pimple might not be going away. It's normal for some types of acne—especially deep, large pimples—to take some time to clear up. You might also have persistent pimples if you're not taking care of your skin, taking certain medications, or have certain health conditions.
Use a hydrocortisone cream as a spot treatment.
In this instance, use it as a spot treatment, and try to leave it on for around 15 minutes before rinsing it off. The longer you let it sit, the more effective it will be when you try to shrink the pimple.
You should absolutely moisturize your skin even if you have active acne. It's an absolute myth that moisturizing your face will worsen your acne. In fact, moisturizers are necessary to keep acne-prone skin as relaxed as possible.
Applying a warm compress can help to treat a blind pimple. The heat can open up pores, which may draw the pimple closer to the skin's surface and create a head. The formation of a head enables the sebum, cells, and bacteria to exit the skin. The heat from the compress can also help to relieve pain.
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.
By reducing the inflammation of your pimples, you're directly reducing the size. In theory, gradually reducing the size of your pimple with ice can eventually make it go away entirely. When used on inflammatory acne, ice also has the potential to decrease redness, thereby making your pimples less noticeable.
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.
Pimples can take as long as six weeks to go away, but smaller, single pimples may take only a few days to disappear. They aren't dangerous, but a doctor can help you treat long-lasting or painful pimples.
Cheek acne may be due to one or more of the following: makeup, your phone spreading bacteria, dirty pillowcases, touching your face, or hormonal changes. The good news is there are several steps you can take to prevent it or reduce the severity of your cheek acne. See a doctor to get your acne treated.
"The most common way to address these issues is to use benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, tree oil, or salicylic acid products before you go to bed," says Dr. Patel. Benzoyl peroxide is a bleaching agent that kills microbes and dries up oil in the follicle.
While petroleum jelly has many benefits, it shouldn't be used for everything. Avoid putting petroleum jelly on your face if you are acne-prone, as this may cause breakouts in some people. If you have questions about your skin or how to take care of it, see a board-certified dermatologist.
The best way to make a zit go away fast is to apply a dab of benzoyl peroxide, which you can buy at a drug store in cream, gel or patch form, says Shilpi Khetarpal, MD. It works by killing bacteria that clogs pores and causes inflammation. You can buy it in concentrations ranging from 2.5% to 10%.
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.