How to Quickly Eliminate Hidden Pimples

When you think of pimples, you may immediately imagine whiteheads, blackheads, or large, painful pustules. However, there are some pimples that form deep beneath the skin's surface, appearing as large, red, swollen bumps without a visible head. These hidden pimples are small lumps or sacs filled with sebum (oil) and cellular debris. Hidden pimples can be painful and may show up on areas like the nose, forehead, neck, chin, cheeks, and even behind the ears. A good deep cleansing routine, including steaming, can help heal these pimples quickly.

Boil and prepare the water. Pour 1 liter of water into a pot and bring it to a boil for 1 minute. Add 1-2 drops of essential oil to the boiling water (or use ½ teaspoon of dry herbs for each liter of water). Essential oils can help the body quickly absorb hidden pimples or draw them out, promoting faster healing. Some essential oils also help prevent pimples. Continue boiling the water for another minute after adding the essential oil. Here are some essential oils you can choose from:

• Spearmint or Peppermint: These oils contain menthol, which acts as an antiseptic and helps boost the immune system. Some people may experience irritation when using mint oils, so start with 1 drop per liter of water.
• Calendula: This herb promotes wound healing and has antimicrobial properties.
• Lavender: Known for its calming effects, lavender can help with anxiety and depression, and it also has antibacterial properties.

Patch test your skin. Since essential oils are extracted from plants, you should test your skin's sensitivity to the plant before steaming your face. Apply one drop of essential oil to your wrist and wait for 10-15 minutes. If you're sensitive or allergic, your skin may become slightly red, itchy, or not. If there's no sensitivity, you can proceed with facial steaming. If your skin reacts negatively to one oil, try a different one.

Facial steaming. Turn off the heat and remove the pot. Tie your hair back to avoid it getting in the way and drape a large, clean cotton towel over your head. Lean over the pot of steaming water, ensuring the towel covers your face to trap the steam inside. Close your eyes, breathe normally, and relax for 10 minutes. Afterward, rinse your face with warm water and gently pat it dry with a clean towel.

• Make sure your face is at least 30-40 cm away from the water to avoid burns.
• To continue steaming throughout the day, simply reheat the water until it starts to steam again. The steaming process helps open the pores to deeply clean out debris and oil. Steaming can also help draw out hidden pimples.

Apply moisturizer. Lock in moisture after steaming by applying a moisturizer. Choose one that is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores and cause acne. Moisturizer also helps prevent skin damage, keeping your skin soft and supple.

• If your skin is sensitive to the products you're using, look for a moisturizer free of fragrances or perfumes.

Warm compress. Since hidden pimples are deeper under the skin, they take longer to surface and heal. To speed up this process, you can apply a warm compress to help draw the pimple to the surface. Dip a cotton ball or cloth in hot water and apply it to the pimple for a few minutes. Do this up to three times a day until the pimple surfaces.

• You can also soak a cotton ball in hot herbal tea with spearmint, lavender, calendula, or thyme.

Apply a cold compress. If hidden pimples cause redness, inflammation, or pain, you can apply a cold compress for up to 10 minutes. This treatment can reduce swelling and make it easier to apply concealer if you're about to start your day. It also helps relieve the pain caused by hidden pimples.

• Always wrap the ice in a thin cloth. Avoid placing ice directly on your skin, as this can damage the delicate skin tissue.

Use green tea. Use a lotion containing 2% green tea extract to help reduce acne. You can also soak green tea bags in warm water and apply them directly to the hidden pimples for a few minutes. The tea acts as an astringent, drawing the pimples back in or bringing them to the surface for the antimicrobial properties of the herbs to fight the bacteria.

• Studies have shown that green tea is very effective in treating various skin conditions.

Apply tea tree oil to pimples. Dip a cotton ball or cotton swab into undiluted tea tree oil and apply it directly to the hidden pimples. Do not rinse off. Tea tree oil can reduce inflammation, which causes hidden pimples, and also promotes faster healing. Research shows that tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties.

• Further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of tea tree oil in treating bacterial and viral infections on the skin.

Create a herbal face mask. Mix a completely natural blend with antibacterial, astringent, and skin-healing properties. Combine 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of honey, 1 egg white (acts as a binder in the mixture), and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice (which serves as a bleaching agent). If you don’t need or prefer not to use a bleaching agent, you can replace it with witch hazel, which helps reduce inflammation. Add ½ teaspoon of any of the following essential oils and mix well:

• Peppermint
• Spearmint
• Lavender
• Calendula
• Thyme

Apply the mask. Spread the mixture on your face, neck, or anywhere you have hidden pimples. Let the mask dry on your face for 15 minutes, then gently rinse it off with warm water. Avoid rubbing your skin when removing the mask. Pat your skin dry with a clean cloth and apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer.

• If you prefer to target specific pimples rather than apply the mask to your whole face, you can dip a cotton swab into the mixture and dab it directly on the hidden pimples.

Select a gentle cleanser. Look for products that are mild, non-abrasive, and contain plant-based oils labeled 'non-comedogenic,' meaning they won't clog pores, the primary cause of acne. Many dermatologists recommend glycerin, grapeseed oil, and sunflower oil. Avoid cleansers containing alcohol as it dries out and irritates the skin, potentially damaging it by stripping away natural oils.

• Don't hesitate to use oil to cleanse your face. Non-comedogenic oils can help dissolve the excess oil on your skin.
• Wet your face with warm water and gently massage the cleanser using your fingertips, as washcloths or sponges may be too rough. Avoid scrubbing. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel and apply moisturizer. Cleanse your face twice a day, and after sweating.
• Cetaphil is a trustworthy, gentle cleanser you might consider.

Wash your face. Apply the cleanser with your fingertips. Avoid using washcloths or sponges, as they may irritate your skin and worsen acne. Gently massage the cleanser in circular motions, but don’t scrub, as this could cause small scratches or scars on your skin. Cleanse your face twice a day. Pat your skin dry with a clean, soft towel.

• Never pick, squeeze, pop, or touch your pimples. Doing so can cause flare-ups, scarring, and extend the healing process.

Avoid harsh skincare products. While there are many skincare products on the market, not all are gentle. Avoid using products that can irritate, such as astringents (which tighten pores), toners, and exfoliants. Products containing salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acids should also be avoided as they can dry out your skin. Be cautious with over-the-counter products like skin abrasives. Only a dermatologist should carry out skin treatments to prevent damage.

• Makeup can aggravate hidden pimples and acne. A layer of makeup may clog pores or cause irritation due to the chemicals or chemical mixtures in the products.

Shower daily. Establish a daily cleansing routine by taking a bath or shower. Shower more frequently if you sweat a lot. After exercise, you should shower or at least rinse off.

• Excessive sweating can worsen hidden pimples and other acne types, especially if not washed off immediately, as sweat can become trapped under the skin.

• Although the exact cause of acne is unclear, factors such as testosterone levels, reduced fatty acids on the skin, inflammation, bacterial infections, reactions to chemicals, smoking, and diet are all contributing factors.
• Avoid direct sunlight and refrain from using tanning beds. UVB radiation can damage skin cells.

• If you have mild acne that doesn't improve after several days, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist.
• If your acne is moderate to severe, consult a dermatologist before trying any home treatments.
• Skin may become more sensitive to sunlight when using certain medications (especially acne treatments). These can include antibiotics, antihistamines, cancer drugs, cardiovascular medications, NSAIDs, and acne treatments like isotretinoin and acitretin.