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 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.
