7 Ways to Get Rid of Pimples Fast

Dealing with a breakout is never fun, and pimples always seem to show up at the worst possible time. Whether you have a job interview, a school presentation, or a date, having a pimple pop up can zap your confidence. To make matters worse, the stress of worrying about pimples can actually trigger more breakouts.

Most pimples last about 3 to 7 days. But the good news is that you don’t have to just wait it out. While there’s no way to make a pimple disappear instantly, there are steps you can take to help it heal more quickly.  

Below, we’ll share some practical tips for how to get rid of pimples fast. First, though, it helps to understand what causes pimples.

What causes pimples?

Pimples develop when there’s inflammation inside your pore. A pore is an opening in your skin that contains a hair follicle and an oil-producing gland. Inflammation can develop inside your pore if:

• Oil builds up in your pore.

• Dead skin cells build up and block your pore.

• Bacteria that normally live on your skin start to overgrow and cause inflammation.

Several different factors can make pimples more likely, including:  

• Hormonal changes, like during adolescence, menstruation, pregnancy, and perimenopause

• Genetics 

• Medications

• Medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Certain skin care and lifestyle habits can also lead to blocked pores, such as:

• Using oil-based skin products that clog pores

• Not having a consistent daily cleansing and moisturizing routine

• Using soaps or astringents on your skin

There may be a link between pimples and:

• A diet high in refined sugars and carbohydrates

• Stress

How to to get rid of pimples

Below are seven ways to get rid of pimples. 

1. Dab on some benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is an effective pimple treatment that has been around for decades. It reduces inflammation, breaks apart pore-clogging oils and dead skin cells, and kills bacteria that clog pores. All these things can help pimples heal fast — and make them much less noticeable in the meantime.

Benzoyl peroxide is available over the counter (OTC) in many different formulations, such as creams, gels, and foams. You can also find it in different concentrations ranging from 2.5% to 10%. Keep in mind that benzoyl peroxide can be irritating and drying, so start with a lower strength, and see how you tolerate it.

2. Apply ice

If your pimple is red, inflamed, and tender, using a little ice can help. Ice can lower inflammation by tightening the blood vessels around a pimple. It can also reduce any pain you may be experiencing. To use ice safely, wrap it in a cloth or paper towel, and then apply it to the pimple for just a few minutes at a time. 

3. Use products with salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid. It exfoliates your skin, which means it removes dead cells that can build up and block your pores. 

Salicylic acid is available in various forms, including lotions, gels, creams, and washes. And you can buy it OTC in strengths of 0.05% to 5%. It’s best to start with a lower concentration, especially if you have sensitive skin. Like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid can irritate and dry out skin. 

4. Apply hydrocortisone cream

If your pimple is very red and inflamed, you can try applying a little hydrocortisone 1% cream. Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid that helps lower inflammation, reduce redness, and soothe tenderness. But you’ll want to use hydrocortisone sparingly, and only for a day or two. Using it for too long can cause skin thinning and other problems.

5. Use a pimple patch

Pimple patches are tiny adhesive bandages you can stick right onto your pimple. Most pimple patches contain gel-forming material (hydrocolloid) that can absorb excess oil and pus from pimples. Some patches also include anti-acne ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. 

Pimple patches provide a moist environment that can lead to faster healing. They also create a protective barrier, which can be especially helpful if you’re a pimple-picker.

6. Try tea tree oil

Some studies have shown that treating pimples with a small amount of diluted tea tree oil can be effective. Tea tree oil may lower inflammation and fight bacteria. But some people are allergic to tree tea oil. So it’s important to test a small amount on another part of your skin (like your inner arm) for 24 hours before applying it to your face.  

7. Visit your dermatologist

For a deep, painful, red pimple such as a nodule or cyst, a visit to your dermatologist can help. They can inject a small amount of corticosteroid into the pimple to quickly reduce redness and swelling. This can also speed up healing.

What not to do if you have a pimple

Certain habits can lead to more irritation. If you have a pimple, try your best to avoid:

• Touching or picking at your face

• Popping your pimple 

• Experimenting with home remedies like toothpaste, hydrogen peroxide, or rubbing alcohol

• Using harsh scrubs or astringents

Tips to prevent pimples

Certain habits in your skin care routine and daily life can help prevent pimples from forming. 

Skin care tips to help prevent pimples include: 

• Using a gentle skin care regimen daily: Your daily skin regimen should include a cleanser, a lightweight moisturizer, and sunscreen. If you have oily skin, use oil-free products (look for the word “noncomedogenic,” which means it won’t clog pores). 

• Exfoliating regularly: Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. You can use either physical or chemical exfoliation (such as with gentle acids or enzymes), or alternate with both. 

• Shampooing regularly: This removes excess oil from your scalp that can lead to breakouts.

Lifestyle habits that can help prevent pimples include:

• Eating a balanced diet: Your diet has an impact on the health of your skin. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends eating low-glycemic foods to help avoid pimples. Emphasize fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.

• Keeping high-touch surfaces clean: Be sure to frequently clean your bedding, washcloths, phone, hats, and any other surfaces that regularly come in contact with your face. They can harbor bacteria that transfers to your face.

• Choosing the right makeup: If you use face makeup, choose formulas that are oil-free or noncomedogenic. And be sure to remove your makeup thoroughly each day. 

• Washing makeup tools: Brushes and sponges can also easily accumulate bacteria, so make sure to clean them regularly.

• Managing stress levels: Learning how to manage stress is important for many reasons, skin health included. Stress causes the skin to increase oil production, which can lead to breakouts. 

• Exercising: Physical exercise helps stabilize your blood sugar, which keeps your insulin levels from spiking. This can help prevent skin breakouts. Exercise also helps reduce stress.

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Written by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

Edited by:

Meredith Hoffa

Meredith Hoffa is a senior health editor at GoodRx, where she leads journalists and clinicians covering various well-being topics, particularly in diet and nutrition.

Reviewed by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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