How to Banish a Zit Overnight, According to Dermatologists

You wake up, still groggy, and shuffle to the bathroom sink to begin your morning routine, only to be greeted by a pimple that absolutely shouldn’t be there. It could be a regular weekday and you just don’t want to deal with it, or maybe you’ve got a big event ahead—like a first date, a crucial office presentation, or (heaven forbid) your wedding day. What’s the best course of action when you need to get rid of that zit fast?

Although completely erasing a pimple overnight is nearly impossible, you can come pretty close. We reached out to a few board-certified dermatologists for their top tips.

1. Use a Warm Compress

Before panicking, try the simplest and most affordable solution: a warm compress. Warm compresses are effective for most pimples as they help open up pores, allowing them to drain while reducing inflammation. The best part? It doesn’t require any physical manipulation (like popping the pimple), which can often make it worse.

“Never underestimate the power of a warm compress—it can solve so many issues,” says Gabriela Soza, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at Wexler Dermatology in New York City. “Warm compresses reduce inflammation, shrink the zit, minimize discomfort, and can bring a whitehead to the surface to relieve both pressure and pain.”

2. Try a Hydrocolloid Patch

If you haven’t tried a hydrocolloid sticker for pimples yet, you’re in for a satisfying experience. “Apply the acne patch during the day on clean skin,” Soza recommends. “This patch serves two purposes: it keeps your hands away from the pimple (my favorite part), and it helps draw out fluid, improving the healing process.”

Additionally, these slim hydrocolloid patches are barely noticeable, so you can wear them throughout the day. (However, if the patch is accumulating pus, we recommend changing it every few hours, as this could become visible.) Dr. Soza's preferred brand is Neutrogena Stubborn Acne Ultra-Thin Blemish Patches.

3. Try a Spot Treatment

Focus directly on your pimple with a potent spot treatment. “One of my top recommendations for faster pimple relief is benzoyl peroxide,” says board-certified dermatologist Andrea Suarez, MD, FAAD. “While this over-the-counter treatment works best when applied to the whole face to treat and prevent breakouts, it can also help a pimple heal more quickly.”

Other spot treatment ingredients to consider include adapalene and sulfur. Products like Differin Gel, Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, and Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief are great options.

4. Utilize Red & Blue Light Therapy

Light therapy may seem a bit unconventional, but it’s another effective way to quickly eliminate your zit. “Red light can help reduce inflammation, while blue light targets the bacteria that causes acne,” explains David Kim, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at IDRISS Dermatology in New York City. He recommends considering this as a helpful addition to your other treatments rather than the only solution.

5. Consult Your Dermatologist for a Kenalog Injection

In urgent cases where you need that pimple gone within 24 hours, a Kenalog injection administered by your dermatologist or doctor can work wonders. Dr. Kim explains, “It’s a steroid (Kenalog) injection that immediately reduces inflammation. It’s highly effective.” The dermatologist will first clean the area and then give the injection. You might feel a mild sting, but relief and results come quickly.

6. Consider Laser Treatments

Dr. Soza suggests that laser treatments might be beneficial. “Lasers can help soothe inflammation and redness,” she explains. She also notes that pairing this with a topical spot treatment like a trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel can be particularly effective.

3 Things to Avoid

While following the above advice is your best strategy for clearing a pimple overnight, make sure to avoid these common mistakes.

• Avoid Popping or Squeezing the Pimple: “Try to resist the urge to pop your pimple. We’ve all done it, but it introduces bacteria, increases inflammation, delays healing, and can result in more scarring,” says Dr. Soza.
• Don’t Keep Touching It: Besides refraining from popping it, avoid touching your pimple repeatedly. Even if you’re tempted to feel it, touching it can transfer bacteria, worsen redness, and cause further irritation.
• Don’t Stress: The truth is, a pimple is just a pimple, and everyone gets them—yes, even on important days! You can easily cover them with makeup or edit them out of photos in just a few seconds.