When pimples appear, it can be difficult in many ways. This is mainly because there are so many different types of skin blemishes. Before we discuss how to get rid of pimples, we first need to understand the types of pimples that exist. This will help you determine the best treatment options over time.
Types of Skin Blemishes:
Whiteheads – Technically also called closed comedones. They form a whitehead at the tip of the pimple and do not hurt the skin.
Blackheads – Known as closed comedones, they break the surface of the skin, causing bacteria to react with oxygen and turn black.
Papules – Infection causes skin pores or hair follicles to appear on the surface of the skin. These papules are usually soft to the touch.
Pustules – Very similar to papules, but usually look redder and contain pus.
Nodules – Caused by an infection in a pore or hair follicle deep below. You will find that they do not break the surface of the skin and can feel hard, enlarged, and painful.
Cysts – If treated with force or pressure, they tend to leave scars. They are deep below the skin and form large amounts of pus in the membrane. You need to make sure you clean them regularly because they can get infected.
If you’re looking at this list and wondering where a pimple belongs, the term papule or pustule generally means either a blackhead or a pustule, depending on the size and sensitivity to touch. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s start exploring how to get rid of pimples in the easiest and most effective way possible.
How can you get rid of pimples overnight?
Like any blemish, it’s almost impossible to get rid of pimples overnight, but you can speed up the healing process and keep your pimples under control. Here are some of the best ways to shrink the size of your pimples so that they’re less noticeable in the morning.
Warm compresses
If you apply a warm compress to a pimple, the area softens and the pus comes to the surface. You should keep the compress on for 15 minutes at a time. If a pimple develops to the point of climaxing, it’s important not to press on it, but rather let the area clear the pus on its own. To apply a warm compress, take a clean washcloth and rinse it in warm water. Do not use water that is too hot as this can damage the skin.
Ice Packs
If you find that your pimples are too deep under the skin and painful to touch, apply an ice pack to reduce inflammation and calm the redness. This is an especially effective method for skin imperfections such as cysts and nodules.
Topical Treatments
There are many products specifically designed to treat pimples, many of which contain active ingredients. The best treatments recommended by dermatologists and skin experts are salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinol, tea tree oil, and popular AHAs such as lactic acid and glycolic acid. Depending on the severity of the rash, you can use products that need to be applied topically to the active area or in serum form.
Keep Your Skin Clean
It is important to keep your skin clean. Therefore, remove all traces of makeup before going to bed to prevent excess product and bacteria from entering the pores. Use a skin-friendly cleanser and consider using a toner with active glycolic or lactic acid to remove dead skin cells.
With the above methods, you will notice a significant improvement in your pimples. It will be smaller, less red, and easier to cover if you want to use makeup.
How to Prevent Pimples?
Using the methods I mentioned earlier, such as ice packs, hot compresses, can make a pimple pop quickly. You can also book professional appointments, such as facials, regularly tailored to your skin concerns and needs. You will also find that if you need to remove a blemish, it is best to seek the help of a trained professional as this will not cause any skin damage compared to self-treatment.
How long does it take for a pimple to go away?
This actually depends on how deep the infection or bacteria is in the layers below the skin. For example, if a pimple has not yet formed, feels hard and painful to the touch, it can be expected to last for nearly 6 weeks. This is because it is too deep in the layers of the skin and takes time to reach the surface before it can be professionally removed or healed with a skin care routine containing effective skin ingredients.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
