How to remove pimples fast? – A Comprehensive pimple guide

You are probably preparing for a big event and then noticed a tiny puss-filled pore on top of your face. Is it possible to remove your pimples overnight? The answer is straight-up NO. Removing pimples in 5 minutes (or even overnight) is impossible. Pimple treatments take time to work and take several days or weeks for the pimples to completely disappear. Even after healing, there will be a high chance that your skin will have blemishes. You may very well treat this as your visual reminder of your upcoming pimple-horror experience.

Fortunately we created a comprehensive guide for you: 

1. What should I do?
2. How do I conceal my pimples?
3. What to do I do the next day after having pimples?
4. What do I do when my pimples won't disappear?
5. Difference of Acne and Pimples
6. Alternative pimple treatments
7. Demystifying common pimple myths
8. How to prevent pimple breakouts?
9. Conclusion

 

I. What should I do? What excuses should I come up?

Nope, do not concoct stories just to skip the event, that is both immoral and unethical (And this guide isn’t created for that purpose). While it is true that you cannot remove pimples overnight,  you can conceal your pimples and make it less noticeable.

II. How do I make pimples less noticeable overnight?

To reduce pimple swelling we advise you to follow these guidelines. We summarized it for you and added some additional tips so you don’t have to scroll their website:

1. Wash your face and make sure you use a mild, unscented facial cleanser.

Do not scrub too aggressively as this can lead to more skin redness and irritation. Washing your face with mild, unscented facial cleanser will prevent a possible pimple irritation or pimple inflammation.

2. Apply ice on your pimples to reduce pimple swelling and irritation.

Applying ice will constrict capillaries around your pimples and will cause blemishes to form, THIS IS NORMAL. What you need to do next is to wrap an ice cube in a towel and apply it to your pimples for 5 minutes. Repeat this step five more times, with ten minute breaks in between.

3. Apply 2% benzoyl peroxide to spot treat your pimples.

If you are wondering where to buy one, 2% Benzoyl Peroxide is available at Watsons. 2% Benzoyl Peroxide treatment will kill the bacteria that causes the pimples. While 2% Benzoyl Peroxide is an effective way to treat your pimples overnight, applying too much of 2% Benzoyl Peroxide can irritate your skin so make sure that you only apply a small amount on your skin.

4. Use Pimple patch to pull out dirt and oil on your pimples

Pimple patches are an effective way to conceal your pimples. Pimple patch works by absorbing excess fluids and pulls dirt and oil in your pimples that is causing your breakout. To add, pimple patches prevent bacteria from penetrating your pimples therefore reducing redness and inflammation.

III. 3 Useful tips for post-pimple treatment

So that’s it, follow the 3 tips stated above and flaunt that ‘less-noticeable’ pimple with a bang. Tomorrow morning after waking up don’t forget to do these Pimple maintenance tips:

1. Get a clean washcloth and soak it in warm water (Please, do not soak your washcloth at boiling temperature).

2. Apply the soaked washcloth to your pimples for 10 to 15 minutes.
   
   
3. Repeat this routine 4 to 5 times daily.

IV. After several days my pimples still persists? What do I do now?

Do not panic. Persistent pimples may be a sign of an acne skin condition and an effective antibiotic can do the trick. Looking for a nearby dermatologist may also be a possible solution. These are the 4 most prescribed topical antibiotics for persistent pimples:

1. Salicylic acid treatment 

2. Benzoyl peroxide treatment

3. Retinoids treatment

4. Sulfur soap

 These 4 topical antibiotics are known to reduce pimple inflammation, unblock pores, and reduce the production of skin oil. Given enough time, these antibiotics can help prevent the growth of bacteria.

In severe acne breakouts, using topical antibiotics often take up to 3 months before you see any visible improvements on your face. American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends to use new acne products for at least 3 months before using another acne product.

V. What?! Acne and Pimples are not the same?

No, they are not! We often use ‘acne’ and ‘pimples’ to label those breakouts that infect our skin. But are these two identical? Is Acne the same as Pimples? Let’s get things straight:

What is an acne?

• Acne is a skin condition where the pores of the skin become clogged by sebum (face oil), dead skin cells, and bacteria. These clogged pores will lead to several types of pimples (Frothingham, 2019).

• Acne is the most common skin condition that infect people. 80% of people ages 11 to 30 will have at least a mild form of acne condition, and most people experience it at some point in their lives (Cleveland Clinic, n.d.).

What are pimples?

• Pimples are symptoms of acne. An infected clogged pore causes a pimple (MediLexicon International, n.d.).

• Pimples appear as white colored pus-filled tip on top of the affected pore. The surrounding area of the infected pore can become sensitive and inflamed (Kahn, 2019).

Acne and pimples are two different things. The main difference between acne and pimples is, pimples are symptoms of a condition while acne is the condition itself causing the pimples. This means that someone who has acne will experience pimples, but not everyone who experience pimples has an acne skin condition.

VI. Are there any alternatives that I can use to treat my pimples?

Do note that most ‘alternative’ pimple treatments are not backed by research and may or may not work for you. However, since you asked for it, here are some of the best alternative pimple remedies we compiled to help you on your pimple journey:

1. Green tea extract 

Fox et al. (2016) research results showed that a 3% topical green tea cream reduced face-oil production on the cheeks of healthy males. Fox et al. (2016)  also found out that green tea, when taking orally, significantly reduced pimple inflammation on the cheeks.

Green tea has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, so it might help against acne. As a home remedy, You may use fresh green tea on your skin, or you may orally drink green tea.

2. Tea tree oil 

Several studies show that tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties and can reduce skin blemishes in people with mild-to-moderate acne. Do remember to always dilute tea tree oil at a safe concentration before applying it to your skin.

3. Copaiba oil

Copaiba oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Some evidence suggests that copaiba oil, when used topically, is effective against mild acne.

In a double-blind study, research participants were asked to use copaiba oil gel for 21 days. The study found that Copaiba oil gel stopped new pimples from forming, and helped heal existing pimples. It was further found that Copaiba oil gel also reduced inflammation caused by pimples.

4. Kaolin Clay

Kaolin is a mineral rich clay, and is usually used as an ingredient in skin care products for acne. Clay minerals (not the ones you see beside the creek) are generally applied on face as a face mask composed of mixture of water and clay. Mineral clays, such as kaolin, suggests that they have antibacterial properties.

VII. Is it true that I can use toothpaste to remove my pimples?

No it is not true. You probably heard that from a known youtube vlogger but NO. Do not use toothpaste to remove your pimples. More so, do not use toothbrush with a toothpaste to scrub your pimples. That’s just awful.

Toothpastes have Triclosan. Triclosan added to toothpaste has shown to help prevent gingivitis (which is good). However, when used on skin, triclosan does not provide any benefit over normal soap and water. 

Here's our list for 3 most common pimple treatment myths 

I advice against the use of toothpaste to treat pimples. In addition to that, Please be mindful of these myths:

1. Scrubbing-off pimples

Harshly scrubbing your pimples can make your pimples worse. Always wash your face gently with a gentle cleanser.

2. Face tanning

It is a common myth that tanning prevents pimple breakouts, but NO. Tanning does not sterilize your face nor does it help in removing pimples. Tanning does damage the skin, increasing your risk of developing several kinds of skin cancers.

3. Pimple popping

Some people make it a past time, but popping your pimples can make your pimples more noticeable. Pimple popping can also lead to skin scarring or possible skin infection.

VIII. I finally got rid of my pimples. How can I prevent having pimple breakouts?

So you finally got rid of your pimples? It’s time to focus on preventing new pimple breakouts. Modern acne treatments can help fix your pimple problems, but keep in mind that it is also equally important to practice the right habit to prevent new pimple breakouts.
 
I recommend to follow these guidelines. We summarized it for you so you don’t have to browse through their long walls of text:

1. Cleanse your skin before and after sleeping 

Using a non-abrasive cleansing product, wash your face at least twice daily with clean warm water. Make sure to gently rub your cleansing product onto your face so as not to irritate your skin. Wearing your make-up while you sleep can cause pimple breakouts, make sure to cleanse your face before going to bed.

2. Be mindful of your skincare product ingredients

Always research the ingredients that your skincare and make-up products use. Be mindful of comedogenic ingredients as these ingredients can clog pores and cause pimple breakouts. Always stick to alcohol-free products and mineral based sunscreens as these can protect and hydrate your skin. 

3. Maintain a good personal hygiene

Bedsheets and dirty pillowcases are common culprits for pimple breakouts. Dead skin cells and bacteria usually accumulates on the surface of unwashed bedsheets. This gruesome accumulation of dirt can clog your pores. Additionally, make it a habit to routinely wash your face masks and make up brushes as these items can pick-up dirt really fast.

XI. CONCLUSION

You cannot remove your pimples in 5 minutes. However, proper pimple treatment can help lessen pimple swelling and help keep your pimples less noticeable. By cleansing the area around your pimples and using ice compresses, you can minimize pimple irritation and swelling.

If your pimple persists for several days, you may want to try acne medication. Having good skincare routine may be enough to reduce or prevent pimple breakouts. If your acne is really severe, do not hesitate and reach out to a dermatologist.

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