Blind Pimples: How to Get Rid of Those Stubborn Hard Pimples Under the Skin

Are you tired of those pesky pimples that lurk beneath the surface of your skin, seemingly impossible to get rid of? This under skin acne is bothersome to many people and you’re not alone. I have at least 5 patients a week in my dermatology practice that have these hard bumps under their skin and come in to have them removed. Hard deep pimples are called nodular acne if they are 1cm or larger. Blind pimples can turn into epidermal inclusion cysts( EICs) if not treated properly.. These blind pimples can be the bane of many people’s existence because unlike regular pimples that have a visible white or blackhead, these hard bumps under the skin are deep and do not come to a head. They cannot be popped and get worse when picked.

In this article, we will explore effective strategies to get rid of and prevent these hard lumps under the skin and regain smooth, clear skin. From natural remedies to dermatologist-recommended treatments, we’ve got you covered. Discover the power of skin care ingredients in reducing inflammation and promoting healing of these hard pimples under the skin. Learn about the importance of a consistent skincare routine and how to prevent blind pimples. Say goodbye to the frustration and embarrassment of bumpy skin on the face by getting on the best skin care routine to prevent blind pimples. So, if you’re ready to take control of your skin and bid farewell to blind pimples that won’t go away, let’s dive in and discover the best skin care products to clear these hard bumps and lumps forever.

What Are Hard Pimples Under The Skin?

Hard pimples in the skin are usually divided by dermatologists into two categories:

Inflammatory acne lesions

Non-inflammatory acne lesion

Inflammatory lesions that are less than 1cm in size are called acne papules. If they are larger than 1cm, they are called acne nodules. If they have a head or pus in them they are called inflammatory acne pustules.

Noninflammatory acne lesions are comedones.

Hard pimples under the skin with no head on them (blind pimples) are called inflammatory acne papules by dermatologists.

What else can hard bumps under the skin be?

Blind Pimples

Blind pimples are hard bumps under the skin that do not have a head or visible pus. They are believed not to have an opening to the surface but if you look closely you can open see a tiny pore. Blind pimple is not a scientific name. These are called inflammatory acne papules.

A blind pimple may gradually come to a head over days or weeks as the contents expand, allowing it to eventually drain, or it may remain as a tender lump under the skin, or it may slowly resolve over many months.

Epidermal Inclusion Cyst (EIC)

Hard pimples that do not go away and have a smelly discharge may be epidermal inclusion cysts (EIC). These stay there for month or years and won’t go away on their own.

Sebaceous Cyst

This is the same thing as an epidermal inclusion cyst.

Milia

Milia are small white seed looking bumps. They are different than blind pimples because you can see the hard rice looking “seed” of packed keratin inside them. This is because they are closer to the skin’s surface than an inflammatory acne papule is. Milia are deep comedones. Milia are not cysts but they can turn into EICs if picked or removed improperly.

What causes blind pimples?

Blind pimples, or epidermal inclusion cysts (EICs), occur when excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria clog the pores. Unlike regular pimples, blind pimples do not have a visible white or blackhead, making them harder to treat. The trapped oil and bacteria cause inflammation deep within the skin, resulting in the formation of hard, painful bumps. These blind pimples can be caused by several factors, including hormonal changes, excess oil production, poor skincare routine, and genetic predisposition.

Characteristics of Blind Pimples

Blind pimples are characterized by their deep, painful nature and lack of a visible head. They often develop as small, red bumps under the skin that gradually grow in size. The skin around the blind pimple may feel warm and tender to the touch. Unlike regular pimples, blind pimples don’t come to a head and cannot be popped. Attempting to squeeze or pop them can lead to further inflammation and potential scarring. These characteristics make blind pimples frustrating and challenging to treat.

How to Prevent Blind Pimples

Prevention is key when it comes to blind pimples. By adopting a consistent skincare routine and making a few lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing these stubborn bumps.

To prevent blind pimples, it’s important to avoid touching your face with dirty hands, as this can transfer bacteria and irritants to the skin. Change your pillowcases and makeup sponges regularly, as they can harbor bacteria and oil that can contribute to breakouts. Incorporate a weekly exfoliation treatment such as a mask to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Lastly, be mindful of your diet and try to minimize the consumption of sugary and greasy foods, as they can contribute to excess oil production and inflammation in the skin.

These are tips to prevent blind pimples from occurring:

Cleanse your face twice a day with the right cleanser for your Baumann Skin Type.

Incorporate a toner or serum containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide into your routine to further cleanse and minimize pores.

Avoid moisturizers with comedogenic ingredients

Add a retinoid to your routine

Take the skin type quiz to get on a skin care routine to help prevent breakouts.

Skin Care Products To Treat Blind Pimples

Home remedies for treating blind pimples

Home remedies can be effective in reducing inflammation and promoting healing of blind pimples. One popular remedy is applying a warm compress to the affected area for 10-15 minutes, several times a day. The warmth helps to increase blood circulation and help the skin heal itself.

Another natural remedy is tea tree oil, which has antimicrobial properties that can help kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. Dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, and apply it to the blind pimple using a cotton swab. Leave it on overnight and rinse it off in the morning.

Other natural remedies include applying aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar, or honey to the affected area. These remedies can help soothe the skin and reduce redness and inflammation.

OTC treatments for blind pimples

Over-the-counter treatments for blind pimples

There are several over-the-counter treatments that can help clear blind pimples. Look for products containing ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which are known for their ability to unclog pores and reduce acne-causing bacteria.

These ingredients can be found in cleansers, spot treatments, and acne creams. One of the best products to treat blind pimples is Skinceuticals Blemish and Age Defense Salicylic Acid Serum. I was involved in a study that compared this product to prescription Benzaclin. Both had good results treating inflammatory acne lesions. (9)

Combining salicylic acid with retinol is a good way to get rid of blind pimples, but Sensitive Baumann Skin Types may not be able to tolerate these two strong ingredients together.

Be patient with the results, as it may take a 4-8 weeks of consistent use to see improvements.

Using a strong retinoid can speed up the desquamation cycle of the skin and help clear blind pimples faster.

Listed below are some very strong retinol serums to put directly on the blind pimple. These may be too irritating to use on your entire face so use them for spot treatments only.

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Prescription Treatments for Blind Pimples

There are many prescription acne treatments that contain tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, antibiotics, or benzoyl peroxide, These help prevent acne. Retinoids can cause purging which helps the blind pimple come to the surface.

However, the best and fastest way to get rid of a blind pimple is using a prescription steroid cream like triamcinolone. This works but you can only do it in a pimple emergency because there are many downsides to using a steroid on pimples.

Steroids on the face used for more than a few days can cause:

skin thinning

stretch marks

steroid acne

perioral dermatitis

telangiectasias (spider veins)

These side effects are why dermatologists usually do not prescribe steroids to tret blind pimples.

Professional treatments for blind pimples

There are many professional treatments for blind pimples including chemical peels, laser therapy, and photodynamic therapy, but these are not as effective as a steroid injection.

These treatments target the underlying causes of blind pimples and can provide long-term results, but they do not really make blind pimples shrink faster. (Sometimes the 585nm vascular can help reduce inflammation and speed up resolution of a pimple . However, the best treatment is to prevent blind pimples by using the correct skin care routine for your Baumann Skin Type.

Injections for blind pimples

Dermatologists have access to a range of professional treatments that can effectively eliminate blind pimples under the skin. The best way to get rid of a blind pimple overnight is with an intralesional corticosteroid injection. This must be done by a doctor. This involves injecting a corticosteroid directly into the blind pimple to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

This treatment can provide quick relief and significantly reduce the size and redness of the blind pimple within a few days.

what are pimple extractions

Extractions

Another professional treatment option is extraction, where a dermatologist uses specialized tools to remove the contents of the blind pimple. However, blind pimples cannot be extracted They do not have a central pocket of pus and are not ready to be extracted.

Extractions can turn blind pimples into cysts! This procedure should only be performed by a trained professional who known when to extract and when to inject to minimize the risk of scarring or infection.

Dos and don’ts for dealing with blind pimples

When dealing with blind pimples, it’s important to follow certain dos and don’ts to minimize irritation and promote healing. Resist the urge to pick, squeeze, or pop the blind pimple, as this can worsen inflammation and increase the risk of scarring. Applying excessive pressure can also push the infection deeper into the skin, leading to more extensive breakouts and cysts.

Instead, focus on gentle cleansing and applying appropriate acne treatments mentioned above. Avoid using harsh or abrasive scrubs that can aggravate the skin and increase the amount of blind pimples by disrupting desquamation. Stick to gentle, non-comedogenic products that won’t clog the pores. Lastly, use the right skin care for your Baumann Skin Type and be patient with your skincare routine and give the treatments time to work. Without a steroid injection, blind pimples can take several weeks to resolve completely, so consistent and diligent care is essential.

When to see a dermatologist for blind pimples

While most cases of blind pimples can be effectively treated with home remedies or over-the-counter treatments, there are instances where a dermatologist’s expertise is necessary. If you have severe or persistent blind pimples that do not respond to at-home treatments, it’s important to seek professional help. A dermatologist can assess your skin condition, determine the underlying causes of your blind pimples, and recommend appropriate treatments such as anti-inflammatory steroid injections into the lesion. They may prescribe stronger topical medications like retinoids or oral antibiotics to target the bacteria and inflammation. In some cases, they may suggest more advanced treatments, such as isotretinoin or hormonal therapies, for long-term management of acne. Remember, a dermatologist has the knowledge and experience to provide personalized solutions based on your skin type and specific concerns.

Blind pimples can be a frustrating and stubborn problem to deal with, but you can get rid of them forever with the right skin care routine and habits (don’t pick!). Take the quiz to find out with medical grade skin care brands will work best to prevent blind pimples in your skin type.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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