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It can be annoying and unpleasant when pimples appear. Especially when it seems they always show up at the worst possible times. Knowing how to get rid of pimples quickly and effectively can be crucial if you have acne-prone skin and frequently break out. The best way to treat a pimple is to stop it from developing in the first place but since that’s not always possible, let’s take a look at a few ways to heal a stubborn pimple once it’s shown up on your skin.

1. Choose your acne medication wisely

Products for treating acne and pimples come in many different forms, but not all of them are as effective as possible and some can even be dangerous to your skin. Homemade treatments you find online are often called “natural” remedies, but just because something is natural does not mean it’s right for the skin. It could actually harm your skin.

When looking for acne medication, look for products that contain 2% benzoyl peroxide. It can kill the bacteria that leads to acne and get rid of any extra oil that may be clogging your pores. But you’ll want to be careful with this as well. Only apply a thin layer so it doesn’t further irritate your skin.

2. Gently cleanse your skin

No matter what type of treatment you’re using, you’ll want to gently cleanse your skin before using it. Look for mild, fragrance-free cleansers, and don’t scrub too hard when washing your skin. The key is to not irritate the pimple.

And with that in mind, when using the cleanser, only use it twice a day at the most. Over-cleansing can also irritate the skin and cause the pimple to stick around longer than you want.

3. Use ice and a warm compress

Applying ice to a stubborn pimple can reduce pain and swelling. Wrap an ice cube in a paper or cloth towel and apply it to the affected area for 5-10 minutes. Do this three times with 10-minute intervals in between applications.

If you have a whitehead, try applying a warm compress to the area. You can soak a washcloth in warm water and then apply it to the pimple for 10-15 minutes. Do this three to four times a day until the pimple releases its pus and begins to heal.

4. Do not squeeze or pick your pimple

This is one of the most important points on this list but often the hardest to resist. Try not to squeeze, pick, or pop a pimple. It can make your acne more noticeable and increases the risk of infection and scarring. It may be fun to watch people pop pimples on social media, but you shouldn’t do it to your own skin.

5. Avoid toothpaste

This may seem like an odd suggestion, but if your pimple is near your mouth, there is a chance that toothpaste could come in contact with it. Try to avoid this if possible. The toothpaste can further clog your pores and irritate the skin.

Additionally, lots of brands include menthol, alcohol, and baking soda in their toothpaste formulations and while those ingredients may be good for the teeth and your breath, they are not good for your skin.

6. Visit a board-certified dermatologist

Whether you’re looking to treat an already-existing pimple or want to prevent further breakouts, seeing a dermatologist is a great idea. They can prescribe medication like cortisone, retinol, and antibiotics, provide more tips on how to treat breakouts when they occur, and give you specific ways to prevent acne and other skin issues based on your medical history and skin type. Dr. Baird at BairdMD can help you with any breakouts you may be struggling with.

Schedule A Consultation

Whether you have a pimple that won’t go away or are worried about a different issue with your skin,  the experienced staff at BairdMD is more than happy to help. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Baird today, call us at our Farmington, MI office at (248) 671-6450 or request an appointment using our online form.