How to Eliminate Under-Skin Pimples

Pimples occur when hair follicles become blocked with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Some will form whiteheads and blackheads, while others won't. Instead, they develop into hard, red bumps beneath the skin. With the right care, you can prevent under-skin pimples from worsening and help them fade away.

Cleanse Your Skin. Cleansing removes excess oil and dead skin cells that can irritate pimples and promote bacteria growth. Pimples can be painful, so use a soft cloth to gently wipe your skin with warm water.

• Wash your face at least twice daily. Avoid scrubbing too harshly. The pores may already be stretched from infection, so be careful not to cause further damage.
• If using soap, opt for a mild, water-based, oil-free product. Oily soaps can leave a residue that clogs pores.
• If pimples are near your hairline, use hair clips, headbands, or hair ties to keep your hair off your face. Hair can transfer oil to your skin, worsening the condition. If you can't keep hair off your face, wash it regularly to reduce oil buildup.

Do not touch or pop under-skin pimples. Pimples are not exposed, and the skin offers some protection. Touching or squeezing pimples can cause the skin above to break open.

• Touching or popping pimples can lead to open wounds, making it easier for infections to develop, and can leave scars.

Avoid sunlight irritation on pimples. Sun exposure can irritate pimples in some individuals. If you are prone to pimples from sun exposure, protect your skin with oil-free sunscreen or moisturizers with sun protection.

• Sunlight can also cause sunburn, accelerate skin aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer.
• This step is particularly important when the sun is intense, such as near the equator, at the beach where sunlight is reflected off the water, or during summer months. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate through the clouds, so skin protection is necessary.
• If you're concerned that sunscreen may aggravate pimples, consider wearing a hat instead of applying sunscreen, but remember that your neck and parts of your face will still be exposed to the sun.

Do not use makeup or choose non-oily makeup only. Makeup can mix with oil on the skin and clog pores. To be safe, avoid applying makeup directly on pimples. If you must wear makeup, choose products labeled “non-comedogenic.” Additionally, opt for mineral or water-based makeup.

• Foundation in cream or oil form can trap bacteria and dirt in pimples. Bacteria will multiply and add pressure to the pimples, causing them to form whiteheads or blackheads.
• Never go to bed without removing makeup. Wash your face thoroughly before bedtime to allow your skin to breathe and rest, preventing bacterial buildup.

Prevent clothing from rubbing against pimples during exercise. This is crucial because the skin can stretch and swell. Excessive friction can tear the skin, while sweat-soaked clothes can transfer oil to the skin, clogging pores and leading to worse infections.

• Wear loose, natural fabrics to allow your skin to breathe. Natural materials prevent sweat from sticking to your skin. Alternatively, you can wear moisture-wicking fabrics that help sweat evaporate faster. Check clothing labels to see if the fabric is moisture-wicking.
• Shower after exercising to remove excess oil and dead skin cells.

Apply over-the-counter medication. These products help exfoliate the skin, dry out excess oil, and reduce bacterial presence. Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid overuse. Consult a doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or treating a child. The following ingredients are commonly effective:

• Benzoyl peroxide (often considered the most effective over-the-counter treatment)
• Salicylic acid
• Sulfur
• Resorcinol

Consider using alternative medications and supplements. Talk to your doctor before taking any medications, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or treating a child. While these may be available over-the-counter, alternative treatments and supplements can interact with prescribed medications. Additionally, the dosage of these products isn't as tightly controlled as that of prescription drugs, and they may not have been researched as thoroughly.

• Zinc-based lotions
• 2% Green tea extract lotion
• 50% Aloe vera gel
• Brewer's yeast, CBS 5926 strain. This is an oral supplement.

Crush aspirin for a homemade treatment. The active ingredient in aspirin is salicylic acid, which is similar to the acne treatment commonly used for pimples.

• Crush an aspirin tablet and add 1-2 drops of water. Apply the mixture to the pimples and wash off any excess that doesn’t absorb into the skin.

Apply ice cubes to the pimples. Ice will help reduce swelling and minimize the risk of skin tearing. Ice also helps reduce the size and redness of pimples.

• You can use an ice pack or a frozen vegetable bag wrapped in a towel. Apply the ice for about 5 minutes, then wait for your skin to warm up. You'll notice a significant improvement in your pimples.

Use tea tree oil to reduce bacteria on the skin. When the skin is not broken, tea tree oil can help the skin heal faster.

• Make sure to dilute the tea tree oil before applying it. For acne, mix the oil with water to create a 5% tea tree oil and 95% water solution. Use a clean cloth to apply the diluted oil to the skin, avoiding the eyes, nose, and mouth. Rinse off after 15-20 minutes.
• Tea tree oil is not recommended for those with sensitive skin as it may cause contact dermatitis or exacerbate conditions like rosacea.

Try using acidic home remedies. Like tea tree oil, acidic ingredients can kill bacteria when dealing with under-the-skin pimples. Acid also helps dry out the skin and prevent the buildup of natural oils. Many common household items can work, such as lemon juice and apple cider vinegar.

• Mix lemon juice or apple cider vinegar with water in a 1:3 ratio and use it to wash the affected area. Be careful not to get it in your eyes or nose. If the mixture gets in your eyes and causes irritation, rinse thoroughly with water immediately.

Do not exfoliate. Exfoliating or using harsh abrasive products can worsen acne. Avoid the following:

• Exfoliating products
• Astringents
• Alcohol-based products that dry out the skin

Use a cucumber mask to help your skin fight infection. The skin will absorb potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The healthier the skin, the better it can resist infection in the pores.

• Peel and mash half a cucumber. You can leave the seeds in. Apply the mixture to your pimples and leave it on for at least 15 minutes to let it absorb into your skin. Finally, rinse with clean water.
• Cucumber masks may be a bit sticky, so make sure to avoid dust while wearing the mask.

Manage stress levels. Stress causes psychological and hormonal changes in the body, including increased sweating. Controlling stress can help prevent under-the-skin pimples from developing into blackheads and whiteheads.

• Exercise several times a week. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins that naturally relieve pain. Endorphins help reduce stress, improve your mood, and help you relax. The Mayo Clinic recommends at least 75 minutes of exercise per week, which can include activities like walking, cycling, hiking, playing sports, or doing physical tasks like sweeping or gardening.
• Try relaxation techniques. Different methods work better for different people, but the most popular include: meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, imagining calming scenes, progressively relaxing different muscle groups, or listening to relaxing music.
• Get enough sleep. The amount of sleep you need varies from person to person, but most people require 8 hours of sleep per night. Teenagers typically need more.

Avoid consuming foods that trigger acne. Foods that cause acne vary for each person, but common culprits include dairy products, sugar, and foods rich in carbohydrates.

• Contrary to what many believe, research has not found a strong link between high-fat (or greasy) foods and acne.
• To be on the safe side, you should avoid chocolate. The evidence is unclear, but most chocolates contain high amounts of sugar, which is a known acne trigger.

See a doctor if home remedies don't work. Stronger prescription treatments may be more effective. It may take 1-2 months for medications to show results. Your options include:

• Topical retinoids (such as Avita, Retin-A, Differin) that help reduce pore blockages, or antibiotics to prevent skin infections. For severe acne, your doctor may recommend Isotretinoin (Accutane). Always follow the instructions from both your doctor and the manufacturer when using medications.
• Oral antibiotics that kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, and assist the skin's healing process.
• Oral contraceptives (such as Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Estrostep, Yaz) containing estrogen and progestin may be prescribed for women and teens. These are used to treat severe acne that is resistant to other treatments.
• Your doctor may also recommend additional treatments like acne injections, chemical peels, extractions, microdermabrasion, or light/laser therapy for treatment and prevention of acne.

• Always consult a doctor before using any medication, including over-the-counter products, especially for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, or young children.