10 Effective Treatments for Quick Pimple Relief

You can find benzoyl peroxide in cream, gel, and patch forms at most drug stores. It's widely used to treat acne quickly by killing bacteria that lead to inflammation and clogged pores. While effective, it can also be rough on the skin, leading to dryness or irritation if you use it frequently in the same spot or if you have sensitive skin.

Follow the instructions on the packaging for the product you purchase. Most spot treatments come in gels, which are applied to the pimple directly and contain higher concentrations of benzoyl peroxide than lotions and washes.

Salicylic acid offers a two-pronged approach to treating and preventing acne: it unclogs pores while also exfoliating the skin. These days, salicylic acid is available in numerous forms, including spot treatments, cleansers, serums, patches, and even makeup.

Because it comes in so many forms, how you implement salicylic acid into your skincare routine will depend on the product you purchase. Pimple patches are particularly effective at eliminating stubborn pimples. All you have to do is apply one to a pimple for a few hours and let it work. When you remove the patch, the pimple may look less inflamed.

Tea tree oil can reduce skin inflammation while also fending off bacteria such as P. acnes, which is known to cause pimples. However, tea tree oil can cause redness and irritation if it's used directly on the skin without being diluted by a carrier oil or as part of a gel.

For best results, choose a gel with 5% tea tree oil extract and apply it according to the instructions. It should help to reduce inflammation and severity of acne while avoiding some of the harsh effects some acne medication can have on the skin, such as dryness and irritation.

Aloe vera is good for more than just slathering onto sunburns. It's also effective at soothing inflammation and encouraging the healing of acne. Aloe vera naturally contains numerous compounds known to reduce the presence of acne-causing bacteria, such as salicylic acid. However, it's most effective when applied in tandem with other acne treatments.

To use aloe vera to soothe a persistent pimple, either purchase a bottle of the gel from the store or scrape the gel from a freshly cut leaf yourself. Combine the gel with your acne treatment of choice, then apply it to your skin as usual.

The flavonoids and tannins in green tea can reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that contribute to acne. Antioxidants in green tea can also soothe inflammation, as well as reduce sebum production.

To treat a pesky pimple or prevent them from developing, steep green tea for 4 minutes in boiling water. Once it's cooled, use a cotton swab or spray bottle to apply it to your skin. Leave it for at least 10 minutes, or allow it to sit on your skin overnight, then rinse it off with warm water.

Applying a paste made with crushed aspirin is an effective treatment for acne because aspirin contains salicylic acid. Crush an aspirin tablet and combine it with just enough water to make a paste. Put a small dab of your paste right onto the pimple for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

It might seem strange to slather on a bit of honey when a pimple pops up, but there's actually a compelling reason to try it. The active enzymes and antibacterial properties of this golden liquid help with exfoliation and reducing bacteria. Dab a bit of honey onto a pimple and leave it for 20 minutes before rinsing.

Especially if your pimple is inflamed and red, ice can help reduce the swelling and soothe the irritation away. Don't apply an ice cube against the skin directly, though; put a couple of cubes into a plastic bag or grab an ice pack and wrap it in a cloth. Keep the pack on your skin for 3 to 4 minutes at a time, and repeat this throughout the day for best results.

Blue light therapy can help alleviate acne because blue light kills the bacteria responsible for pimples. The heat generated also encourages oil glands to shrink, making them produce less oil and reducing the spaces where bacteria can get into the skin. As a result, it helps heal the skin and prevent future pimples as well.

This treatment can be provided both in a dermatologist's office and at home with the use of a blue light mask.

The body naturally counters inflammation with a chemical called cortisone. However, in its natural form, as released by the body, it only lasts for a short period of time. Cortisone injections provide a high concentration of cortisone directly to the inflamed area, which creates a longer-lasting result.

These treatments are typically incredibly effective, offering relief rapidly. However, you'll need a dermatologist to inject the cortisone, so you'll need to schedule an appointment for this treatment.