Blemishes, or pimples, can appear on any part of the skin, although these disorders are often found on the face. There are many causes of acne including excess oil, dead skin cells, clogged pores, and bacteria. Pimples can be enlarged, painful and unsightly. If your pimple is very large and you want to reduce its size quickly, you can use different treatments, from popping the pimple to applying topical creams.
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Part 1 of 3: Reducing Acne at Home
Step 1. Wash your hands and face
Before you start any treatment to reduce the size of the pimple, clean your face and hands first. This can help minimize the risk of spreading bacteria that can enlarge the pimple or cause more breakouts.
- You can wash your hands with soap and water, and it's quite effective at getting rid of bacteria.
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser made especially for your skin type. This step can help prevent further irritation of the inflammatory pimple.
Step 2. Absorb excess oil
Use a topical product to absorb excess oil that can inflame the pimple. This preparation can not only help remove oil, but also kill acne-causing bacteria.
- You can treat with over-the-counter salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or sulfur, or ask your doctor to prescribe medication for more severe acne.
- Mud masks can help absorb excess oil and cleanse the skin.
- You can also use blotting paper to absorb excess oil on your face. This step can help reduce acne.
- Make sure you follow your doctor's instructions or the directions for use on the packaging to help make sure you don't overuse the product as this will only irritate the pimple.
- You can buy oil-absorbing products at drug stores and some supermarkets. Online cosmetic stores usually also offer this product.
Step 3. Don't use toothpaste
Some people use toothpaste to absorb excess oil and shrink pimples quickly. Doctors do not recommend this method because there are many types of toothpaste, which can irritate or even damage the skin.
Toothpaste that contains whitening or tartar remover ingredients can make pimples more red, inflamed and conspicuous. Better to be careful if you intend to use toothpaste to treat acne
Step 4. Use eye drops that work to reduce redness
Use eye drops formulated to reduce red eye to help reduce acne inflammation. While this is not a long-lasting treatment, reapplying eye drops can help reduce the size and inflammation of the pimple.
- You can see a change in the size of the pimple after just 30 minutes.
- You can apply eye drops directly to the pimple or use a cotton swab.
- Eye drops to reduce redness are available at most drugstores and supermarkets.
Step 5. Apply a cold compress to reduce inflammation
Inflammation often causes pimples to enlarge and become painful. An ice pack or cold pack can help reduce acne-related inflammation by constricting blood flow and cooling the skin.
- You can apply a cold compress or ice to the pimple periodically for 10-15 minutes if needed.
- Consider applying eye drops after a cold compress to help reduce the size of the pimple further.
Step 6. Don't touch the pimple
You may be tempted to hold or squeeze your pimple, but resist the temptation to treat your pimple this way. Squeezing and touching the skin can spread oil and bacteria and can exacerbate inflammation or trigger other breakouts.
Holding or touching the skin can also cause further irritation
Step 7. Get rid of large and stubborn pimples
In some cases, you may have large or stubborn pimples or closed blackheads that are difficult to remove. You can get rid of pimples like this safely with a blackhead extractor, but only use this tool for large, cracked pimples. However, you should consult a doctor before using a blackhead removal tool so you don't make your acne condition worse.
- You can buy blackhead extractors at drugstores and stores that sell skin care products.
- Make sure you clean your skin before using the appliance so as to minimize the risk of spreading bacteria. Don't forget to sterilize the appliance by rubbing alcohol before and after using it to prevent re-infection.
- Warm the skin with a warm compress for a minute or two before using the blackhead extractor.
- Do not force the contents of the pimple out of the skin. If it doesn't work the first time you try, leave the pimple on for a few days to help minimize irritation and promote healing.
- Follow the instructions on how to use the extractor most effectively.
Part 2 of 3: Seeking Medical Treatment
Step 1. Visit a doctor
If the pimple is very large and painful, or won't go away despite home treatments, see a doctor. He or she can diagnose the underlying cause and may be able to provide more effective treatment to reduce acne.
You can see a GP or dermatologist to treat acne
Step 2. Inject cortisone into the pimple
Your doctor may suggest cortisone injections for large or painful pimples. Cortisone can relieve inflammation quickly and promote healing.
- Cortisone injections may cause pain or discomfort. The doctor may use a local anesthetic to numb the area before he injects the pimple.
- You may notice the size of your pimple decreases drastically and immediately after a cortisone injection.
Step 3. Perform surgical extraction
Large pimples that are closed, or are under the skin are difficult to get rid of without the help of a doctor. Recent research has shown that a simple surgical procedure to remove acne from the root using cautery and medical forceps can effectively shrink or remove large pimples.
This procedure must be performed by a doctor and can be painful and takes time to heal. This procedure is relatively rare and is only applied to severe or difficult acne conditions
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Acne
Step 1. Clean the skin regularly
It is important to wash the skin regularly to remove excess oil and dirt. This can help prevent pimples or pore blockages from forming.
- Use a gentle cleanser with a neutral pH.
- Most supermarkets and drugstores sell facial cleansing products that won't irritate the skin.
- If your skin is very oily, consider using a cleanser that removes oil well. If your skin is dry, try using a glycerin-based cleanser or a cream. Consider using a cleanser containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide if your skin is not very sensitive.
- Do not use bar soap because it contains ingredients that can clog pores.
- Use warm water to wash the skin. Water that is too hot can strip oil from the skin and cause irritation.
Step 2. Talk to your doctor about how to prevent acne
If you have frequent acne or acne conditions that tend to be severe, your doctor can help determine the best strategy for reducing your acne. There are many treatment options available to treat and prevent acne, such as oral and topical medications, medicated cleansers, chemical peels, lasers, and microdermabrasion.
Step 3. Do not over-wash the skin
While washing the skin is important, not overdoing it is also important. Washing the skin too often or too harshly can irritate the skin, strip away the oil from the skin, and cause breakouts.
Washing acne prone skin twice a day is enough to keep it clean and prevent breakouts
Step 4. Remove makeup before going to bed
Going to bed without removing makeup or cosmetic products that stick to the skin can clog pores. Remove all makeup or cosmetics with a gentle cleanser or makeup remover before getting into bed.
- You can use a special makeup remover, especially if you use a waterproof cosmetic product, or a gentle cleanser before bed. Most cleansers are quite effective at removing makeup.
- Clean the applicator or cosmetic sponge regularly with soapy water to remove pore-clogging bacteria, at least once a month.
Step 5. Take a shower after exercising
If you are an active person, take a shower after a strenuous activity. Sweating can cause an excess of bacteria and oil on the skin and lead to breakouts.
Do not wash skin with harsh bar soap. A gentle skin wash with a balanced pH is sufficient to help prevent breakouts
Step 6. Apply moisturizer every day
Use a moisturizer specifically made for your skin type after cleansing your face. Moisturizing the skin properly can help prevent breakouts.
- Even oily skin may need a moisturizer. Choose products that are oil-free and non-comedogenic.
- Seek advice from a dermatologist or skin care professional to help determine what your skin type is. Purchase products specifically formulated for your skin type and needs at drugstores and retailers, including convenience stores.
Step 7. Exfoliate your skin regularly
Dead skin can clog the skin and cause acne. Exfoliating your skin gently on a regular basis can help wash away dead skin and bacteria and can prevent breakouts.
- Be aware that exfoliators will only scrape the surface of your skin and won't penetrate deep enough to get rid of pimples.
- Choose a gentle exfoliator with a synthetic or natural grain that is uniform in shape. Hard scrubbing can cause irritation and increase the chances of more closed blackheads forming. A soft washcloth can also exfoliate the skin.
- Many exfoliators made to treat acne will also contain ingredients such as salicylic acid, lactic acid, or benzoyl peroxide.
- Stop using the exfoliator if your skin becomes irritated afterward. Exfoliating can be irritating to some skin types.
Step 8. Use non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic products
If you use cosmetics and other types of skin care products, such as moisturizer or sunscreen, choose products that are non-comedogenic. This product will not clog the skin and can help prevent further irritation.
- Products bearing the “non-comedogenic” label have been tested for acne-prone skin and will not exacerbate existing acne or cause new ones to appear.
- Every product that bears a “hypoallergenic” label has been tested for sensitive skin and will not irritate the skin.
- A variety of non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic products are available including makeup, sunscreen, moisturizer and astringents. You can buy them at almost any drug store, major department stores, online stores, and even supermarkets.
Step 9. Change your diet
Some evidence suggests that a nutritionally balanced diet can affect the skin. Avoiding unhealthy and nutrient-poor foods can help prevent acne.
- A diet high in fat and sugar can slow down cell turnover, clogging more pores and causing acne. A diet high in fat and sugar can slow down cell turnover, clogging more pores and causing acne. Try not to eat too many sweet and fried foods.
- Foods rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, including fruits and vegetables such as raspberries and carrots, can increase cell turnover resulting in healthier skin. Yellow and orange fruits and vegetables are high in vitamin A and beta-carotene. Consuming these types of fruits and vegetables plus drinking plenty of water can increase cell turnover resulting in healthy skin that is less prone to damage from pore clogging.
- Foods rich in essential fatty acids, such as walnuts or olive oil, can help keep skin cells hydrated.
- Unhealthy foods also replace the ones you might be eating and provide the vitamins and antioxidants needed for healthy skin.
- Adequate water needs properly become part of a balanced diet. Try to drink 8 glasses of water every day to keep your body healthy, so your skin will also stay healthy.
