Six Quick Ways to Get Rid of Pimples
Given that pimples are the most prevalent skin complaint in the United States, it's unsurprising that they appear at the most inopportune times: the day before a critical job interview, shortly before a much-anticipated celebration, or just before the family picture session. Every one of us has been there! While pimples are more complicated than previously believed, we do not have to suffer through the red spots till they go gone on their own. We'll look at ways to get rid of pimples quickly in this section. However, first...
Never attempt to pop a pimple! I understand; it's quite enticing. However, the only effect of tampering with pimples is to make them much more red and uncomfortable. Even worse, vigorously pinching or squeezing a pimple can cause harm to the surrounding skin. This not only aggravates the region, but it may also result in long-lasting pitting or scarring. In a moment, we'll discuss some more effective—and time-tested—methods for fast correcting that unattractive lesion. However, we need first have a better understanding of what pimples are.
To treat any skin disease properly, we must first identify what it is. Thus, let us examine some fundamental facts concerning pimples.
What exactly are pimples? Pimples are blocked pores caused by dead skin cells and oil (called sebum) produced by surrounding glands. When the pores get clogged, tiny red lumps known as pimples appear. Clogged pores can also develop into blackheads (clogged open pores) and whiteheads (clogged closed pores), or, in more severe cases, inflammatory pus-filled lumps called pustules and hard, painful cysts.
What is the cause of pimples? Numerous factors contribute to the formation of pimples, which are frequently prompted by hormonal changes in our bodies. Puberty, particularly for women, pregnancy and menopause, can cause our bodies to create excessive oil and/or lose excessive skin cells. And don't forget about the monthly period! In addition to these changes, once a few pimples form, the usual skin bacteria in the pore go into overdrive. This overabundance of germs irritates the skin and further inflames the pimples.
Now that we understand what pimples are and how they originate, let's look at the top six ways for swiftly eliminating pimples.
1. Ice the Pimple:
Applying ice to an aggressive, painful pimple is the first step toward calming it down. Wrap ice in a towel and apply it to the inflamed area for 3–4 minutes at a time. To prevent the ice from melting too rapidly, place a few cubes in a plastic sandwich bag before wrapping in fabric. Rep many times throughout the day to relieve skin irritation and edema.
2. Apply a Crushed Aspirin Paste on the Pimple
Salicylic acid is found in aspirin and is quite good in removing excess oil and dead skin. Combine one or two crushed aspirin pills with a few drops of water to produce a paste. Then dab a small amount of the paste immediately on the pimple. This should help to minimize swelling and redness, as well as the pain associated with the pimple. Allow the paste to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before thoroughly rinsing with warm water.
3. Utilize An OTC Acne Spot Treatment
When picking an over-the-counter acne medicine, you may reduce your options by checking for two key components. Salicylic acid is one of them. Benzoyl peroxide is another critical component to check for. Along with decreasing oil and eliminating dead skin cells, benzoyl peroxide aids in the eradication of the bacteria that cause acne. While all of these chemicals are safe and effective, the product you pick and the frequency with which you apply it is dependent on your skin's particular characteristics.
Additionally, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide both have a drying effect. Utilizing excessive amounts of these items, or combining them with certain other products, might irritate the skin1. Only salicylic acid formulations containing between 0.5 and 2% salicylic acid are advised. Additionally, sun exposure should be minimized when taking benzoyl peroxide. This includes tanning beds as well. When experimenting with a new product, go cautiously and avoid using more than is necessary.
4. Utilize Salicylic Acid-Based Makeup to Conceal Pimples
We cannot just hide indoors due to acne. Fortunately, there are various cosmetic products that may conceal blemishes while also combating them. As with acne spot treatments, there are a few crucial terms to check for on the label of foundation, face powder, and concealers.
Makeup for Acne-Prone Skin Typically contains the same components as over-the-counter acne remedies; one of the most prevalent of them is salicylic acid. Acne-fighting foundations containing salicylic acid conceal pimples naturally while treating existing acne and preventing future breakouts. These formulas are available from a variety of prominent brands, including Neutrogena, E.L. F., and Clinique. Additionally, seek for sulfur, which, like salicylic acid, decreases oil and unclogs pores, and hyaluronic acid, which counteracts the drying impact of other components by retaining moisture in the skin. As with spot treatments, you must consider your skin type while selecting a product. If your skin is already dry, you may want to focus on treatments that prevent pores from clogging without drying it out.
The Most Important Term to Check for in Acne-Fighting Cosmetics: When selecting makeup to conceal pimples or to keep skin clear once pimples have subsided, one quality to always look for on the label is noncomedogenic. In medical terms, a pimple is referred to as a "comedo (plural, comedones)," which refers to a plugged pore. Comedogenic goods, such as some oils, clog pores; noncomedogenic products, on the other hand, do not clog pores. Fortunately, with so many products available, you should be able to discover one that is suited for your skin. Additional phrases to look for include hypoallergenic, which may benefit those with sensitive skin, and "clinically tested," which refers to goods that have been evaluated by dermatologists prior to commercialization.
5. Utilize an Acne-Reducing Face Mask
There are a plethora of face masks on the market these days, and many of them are designed specifically for pimples. Again, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are included, which immediately cure acne by unclogging pores and lowering irritation. Sulfur is another chemical that operates in a similar manner. While sulfur conjures up images of match heads, hot springs, and the pungent odor of eggs, it is also used to cure pimples, particularly milder outbreaks, and is frequently found in face masks. Sulfur is softer on the skin than salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide and may be preferable if you have sensitive skin.
Other key words to look for when selecting a face mask for acne are "exfoliating" and "anti-inflammatory." Depending on your skin type, you can also choose products that are "calming," "hydrating," "soothing," or that "detox" your skin while also containing "antioxidant" or "antibacterial" properties. Each face mask is uniquely formulated to counteract the drying effects of the acne-fighting substances and to soothe the skin. Numerous formulations use botanicals such as tea tree oil or green tea, which both possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities.
6. Cortisone Injection to Rapidly Eliminate a Pimple
Over-the-counter remedies may be insufficient for large, inflammatory pimples. In that situation, an injection of cortisone straight into the cyst may be your best bet. Cortisone injections, which are performed with a very fine needle, decrease the swollen tissue within the pimple, reducing inflammation and enabling the pimple to heal. A dermatologist can execute the operation swiftly and efficiently, and results will be noticeable within 24 hours.
In summary, we understand how inconvenient pimples may be. Fortunately, the short-term methods presented here can assist us in coping. In the long run, keep in mind that "poor skin" is a very common condition, one that has been lately recognized and de-stigmatized on social media via the acne positivity movement. There is nothing to be embarrassed of in this. Additionally, you are not need to combat acne alone.