How to Quickly Reduce Pimple Size

Pimples can appear on any area of the skin, but they are most commonly found on the face. There are many factors that cause pimples, such as excess oil, dead skin cells, clogged pores, and bacteria. These pimples can be large, painful, and quite unsightly. If you have a particularly large pimple that you want to shrink rapidly, you can try a variety of treatments, ranging from pimple removal to applying acne creams.

Wash your hands and face. Before using any method to reduce pimple size, it's important to wash your hands and face. This helps minimize the risk of spreading bacteria that could cause the pimple to swell or lead to more pimples.

• You can wash your hands with water and any soap to effectively eliminate bacteria.
• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser formulated for your skin type. This can help prevent further pimple swelling.

Absorb Excess Oil. Use topical products to absorb excess oil, which can cause pimples to become inflamed. This preparation step not only helps remove oil but also kills the bacteria that cause pimples.

• You can use over-the-counter acne treatments such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, or visit a doctor for prescription treatment for severe acne.
• Clay masks can help absorb oil and cleanse the skin.
• You can use oil-absorbing sheets to absorb oil from your face, which may help reduce pimples.
• Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions or the product label to avoid overuse, which could cause irritation.
• Most oil-absorbing products are available at pharmacies and some supermarkets. Online cosmetics retailers also offer these products.

Avoid Toothpaste. Some people use toothpaste to dry out and shrink pimples quickly. However, doctors do not recommend this method, as many types of toothpaste can cause irritation or even damage the skin.

• Whitening or tartar-control ingredients in toothpaste can make pimples redder, more swollen, and more noticeable. So, if you decide to use toothpaste for acne treatment, it's better to proceed with caution rather than risk harm.

Use Eye Drop Treatment. You can use eye drops to reduce inflamed pimples. While it's not a long-term solution, applying eye drops to the pimple several times can help reduce swelling.

• You may notice the pimple shrinking within 30 minutes.
• You can apply eye drops directly onto the pimple or use a cotton swab to apply it.
• Eye drops for redness are available at most pharmacies and some supermarkets.

Apply a Cold Compress to Reduce Inflammation. Inflammation can cause pimples to grow large and painful. A cold compress or ice pack can help reduce inflammation related to acne by limiting blood flow and cooling the skin. This method can also quickly shrink pimples.

• You can apply the cold compress or ice pack to the affected area for 10-15 minutes at a time as needed.
• Consider applying eye drops to the pimple after the cold compress to help shrink it even further.

Don’t Touch the Pimple. While it may be tempting to touch or pop your pimple, try to resist the urge. Picking or squeezing pimples can spread oil and bacteria, which may cause further swelling or the development of more acne.

• Your skin may become more irritated if you touch and squeeze pimples.

Remove Large and Stubborn Pimples. Sometimes you may have a large, stubborn pimple or a whitehead that just won't go away. You can safely treat this type of pimple with a comedone extractor tool, but only use it for pimples that are large and protruding from the skin. However, you may need to consult a doctor before using the comedone extractor to avoid making the situation worse.

• You can buy comedone extractors at most pharmacies and skincare product retailers.
• Be sure to clean your skin before treating the pimple to reduce the risk of bacterial spread. Always disinfect the tool with alcohol before and after use to prevent reinfection.
• Warm up your skin with a warm compress for 1-2 minutes before using the extractor.
• Do not force the pimple out. If you can't remove the pimple on the first try, wait a few days to reduce irritation and allow the pimple to heal.
• Follow the instructions carefully to use the tool effectively.

Visit a Doctor. If a pimple is too large and painful, or if it doesn’t improve after trying at-home treatments, you should see a doctor. A doctor can diagnose the underlying causes of your pimples and suggest more effective treatments to reduce them.

• You can see a general practitioner or a dermatologist for acne treatment.

Cortisone Injection for Pimples. A doctor may recommend a cortisone injection to treat large and painful pimples. This method can reduce inflammation and speed up healing.

• The cortisone injection may cause some pain or discomfort. Your doctor may use a local anesthetic before injecting it into the pimple.
• You may notice a significant and rapid reduction in the pimple size after the cortisone injection.

Pimple Removal Surgery. Large, closed, or under-the-skin pimples are often difficult to remove without medical intervention. A recent study showed that a simple pimple removal procedure using a cauterizing knife and forceps can effectively reduce or eliminate pimples.

• You will need to see a doctor for this procedure. It may be painful and require some recovery time. This method is typically reserved for severe or persistent cases.

Regularly Cleanse Your Skin. Maintaining a consistent skincare routine to eliminate dirt and oil is vital for preventing acne and blocked pores.

• Choose a gentle cleanser with a neutral pH.
• Many supermarkets and pharmacies offer skin cleansers that are non-irritating.
• If your skin is oily, opt for oil-free products. For dry skin, consider glycerin-based or cream cleansers. For sensitive skin, you might want to try a cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
• Avoid using bar soap as its ingredients may clog pores.
• Wash your face with warm water. Hot water can strip natural oils from the skin and cause irritation.

Consult a Doctor for Acne Prevention. If acne is frequent or severe, a doctor can guide you in identifying the most effective ways to control acne. Treatment options include oral medications, topical treatments, pharmaceutical cleansers, chemical peels, laser therapy, and microdermabrasion.

Avoid Over-Washing Your Face. Just as important as cleaning your skin is avoiding excessive washing. Washing too frequently or too vigorously can irritate your skin, strip away essential oils, and lead to breakouts.

• Washing acne-prone areas twice a day is enough to keep your skin clean and prevent acne.

Remove Makeup Before Bed. Sleeping with makeup or cosmetics on your skin can clog pores. It’s essential to thoroughly remove makeup with a gentle cleanser before going to bed.

• Use a makeup remover, especially if you use waterproof products, or a mild cleanser. Most cleansers work well for removing makeup.
• Consider washing your makeup brushes or sponges with soap and water monthly to eliminate bacteria that could clog your pores.

Shower After Exercise. If you're active, it's important to shower after intense workouts. Sweating increases the bacteria and oil on your skin, which can lead to breakouts.

• Avoid using harsh soaps. Opt for a mild body wash with a balanced pH to prevent acne.

Moisturize Daily. Apply a moisturizer that suits your skin type after cleansing your face. Proper hydration helps prevent acne.

• Even oily skin needs moisturizing. Look for oil-free or non-comedogenic products that won’t clog pores.
• Consult with a dermatologist or skincare expert to determine your skin type. You can find products tailored to your needs at most pharmacies and retailers, including supermarkets.

Exfoliate Regularly. Dead skin cells can clog pores and cause acne. Regular, gentle exfoliation can help remove these dead cells and bacteria, preventing breakouts.

• Note that exfoliants only remove the surface layer and don’t penetrate deep enough to eliminate acne.
• Choose mild exfoliators with uniform synthetic or natural beads. Strong exfoliants can irritate the skin and make blackheads worse. A soft washcloth can also help you exfoliate gently.
• Many exfoliators formulated for acne contain ingredients like salicylic acid, lactic acid, or benzoyl peroxide.
• If your skin reacts badly after exfoliating, stop using the product as it might be too harsh for your skin.

Use Non-Comedogenic and Hypoallergenic Products. When choosing cosmetics or skincare products like moisturizers and sunscreens, look for options that won't clog pores. These products are formulated to prevent irritation.

• Products labeled “non-comedogenic” have been tested on acne-prone skin and won't worsen existing acne or cause breakouts.
• “Hypoallergenic” products are tested for sensitive skin and are less likely to cause irritation.
• There are many non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic products available, including makeup, sunscreens, and toners. You can find these at most drugstores, large retailers, and even supermarkets.

Consider Your Diet. Evidence suggests that a balanced diet can impact your skin. Avoiding junk food and unhealthy eating habits can help prevent acne.

• A diet high in fats and sugars can slow cell turnover, leading to more clogged pores and acne. Try to limit fried foods and sweets.
• Foods rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, such as berries and carrots, promote healthy skin turnover. Yellow and orange fruits and vegetables are often high in vitamin A and beta-carotene. Pair these with plenty of water to speed up cell turnover and maintain healthy, clear skin.
• Foods rich in essential fatty acids, like walnuts or olive oil, help skin cells retain moisture.
• Unhealthy foods take up space that could be filled with vitamins and antioxidants essential for healthy skin.
• Staying hydrated is also crucial for maintaining healthy skin. Aim to drink eight glasses of water a day to support overall health and keep your skin in good condition.