How to Get Rid of Acne in a Week

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Learn how to make that pesky pimple go away ASAP

Co-authored by Kate Holcomb, MD and Annabelle Reyes

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 Fact Checked

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Medical & Natural Remedies

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Lifestyle Changes

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What Not to Do

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Expert Q&A

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Tips

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Warnings

We’ve all been there—you’ve got a big presentation, formal event, or a first date coming up, when you suddenly get hit with an unexpected breakout. Have no fear! Although it often takes several weeks to fully cure acne, there are things you can do to reduce the appearance of your acne and jump-start the healing process ASAP. These include over-the-counter treatments, natural remedies, and even last-minute injections from your dermatologist. Keep reading for all the tips you need to get rid of acne quickly, so you can look and feel your best!

Things You Should Know

Over-the-counter topical treatments containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or adapalene can quickly target pimples and reduce their appearance.
Icing the pimple or visiting your dermatologist for a cortisone injection can also help reduce inflammation fast.
If acne persists, consider long-term changes, like eliminating foods that cause acne flare-ups, or working with a dermatologist to come up with a treatment plan.

Section 1 of 3:

Medical & Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Acne Fast

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1
Try over-the-counter treatments. Over-the-counter topical creams or face washes can quickly target acne. When looking for an OTC treatment at the store, make sure to choose a product that has an effective active ingredient, like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Here’s a breakdown of ingredients to look for:
- Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and unclogs pores. ^{[1]
  X
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  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source} It’s a good place to start, since it has a high success rate and works quickly. Look for a benzoyl peroxide topical cream , spot treatment , or face wash at your local pharmacy.
- Salicylic acid can help unclog pores, shrink pimples, and reduce redness. ^{[2]
  X
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  MedlinePlus
  Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine
  Go to source} Salicylic acid topical treatments and face washes are available at most pharmacies and drugstores.
- Adapalene gel ( Differin ) is a topical retinoid that's available OTC at the strength of .1%. It helps unclog pores and prevent future breakouts, but it can cause some irritation and dryness at first, so be sure to use a non-comedogenic moisturizer with it.
- Alpha hydroxy acids remove dead skin cells and reduce inflammation. ^{[3]
  X
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  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source} These ingredients are present in products like The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution .
- Sulfur has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. ^{[4]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source} Products like Mario Badescu Cleansing Lotion C and ProActiv Skin Purifying Mask contain sulfur as an acne-fighting ingredient.
- Pimple patches are also great OTC options if you’re trying to target one pimple in particular. ^{[5]
  X
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  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source} They usually contain one of the above ingredients to zap away the pimple quickly.
2
Use multiple products to combat the varying causes of acne. This may be an especially effective option if you're dealing with an intense breakout. ^{[6]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} For example, many people find it effective to use a salicylic acid face wash, followed by a benzoyl peroxide cream. This powerful combo can help cure existing breakouts, while preemptively stopping future ones. ^{[7]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Be careful not to overdo it. There is a slight chance that using both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can make acne a bit worse before getting better. ^{[8]
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  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
- Start out slow, use low dosages, and reduce your use of the products if you notice any irritation.
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If your pimple is particularly swollen, icing it can temporarily decrease inflammation and soothe pain. ^{[9]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} When the blemish is less red and inflamed, it will likely also be less noticeable and easier to cover up with makeup.
If it’s the day before an important event and you need to get rid of your pimple ASAP, consider a trip to the dermatologist. They may be able to inject the pimple with cortisone or an antibiotic, which can visibly reduce the appearance of your pimple in 24 hours. ^{[10]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
5
Try green tea extract. Many lotions contain green tea extract, a derivative of green tea leaves. It can be effective in combating mild to moderate acne breakouts. ^{[11]
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Research source}
- Look for lotions with 2% green tea extract .
- This method works best in teens and adolescents suffering from mild acne. If you're older or your acne is severe, you might want to try another option. ^{[12]
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  Research source}
6
Use aloe vera. Aloe vera is a plant species that is used in small amounts in many gels and creams. It can be effective when it comes to fighting acne. ^{[13]
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Research source}
- Aim for a 50% aloe vera gel and combine it with a conventional acne drug. Studies show using aloe vera alongside other medications is significantly better than using other methods alone. ^{[14]
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  Research source}
- Use the amount of aloe vera gel recommended on the bottle, and don’t over-apply it, as this might result in skin irritation.
- Aloe vera can work fast, but this is not always the case. It can sometimes take up to 8 weeks to see the full results.
7
Try tea tree oil. Tea tree oil's main benefit is that it has fewer side effects than benzoyl peroxide cream, and it may eliminate acne more effectively in the long run. However, it takes significantly longer to have an effect. While it might be great for a long-term cure, it may not be the best option if you need your treatment to work right away. ^{[15]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
- Tea tree oil can cause contact dermatitis if you have an allergy. If you notice that your symptoms are worsening, cease use. ^{[16]
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  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
- Always dilute tea tree oil with another oil, like olive or almond oil, if you do choose to use it.
- Tea tree oil should never be taken orally, and can be particularly harmful to children if taken by mouth. ^{[17]
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  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
8
Use creams containing bovine cartilage. Bovine cartilage is a substance found in a cow's body that provides structural support to the bones. When extracted, it can be a quick and powerful acne cure.
- Look for creams that contain 5% bovine cartilage. These can usually be found at department and health stores.
- Apply the creams twice daily for optimal results. ^{[18]
  X
  Research source}

Section 2 of 3:

Lifestyle Changes to Get Rid of Acne

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1
Follow a skincare regimen at home. Though it may take several weeks to see the full effects, it’s still a good idea to start a good face care routine right away. You may start to notice improvement quickly, and you’ll be setting yourself up to prevent future breakouts, too! Here are some tips:
- Wash your face twice daily (once in the morning and once at night) with a gentle cleanser. ^{[19]
  X
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  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  Go to source}
- Use the OTC treatment of your choice, such as a benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or adapalene topical cream or gel, and apply the product as directed.
- Moisturize with an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer. You might be afraid to do this if you have oily, acne-prone skin, but moisturizer is essential if you’re experiencing any dryness or irritation from your topical treatments. ^{[20]
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  Trustworthy Source
  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  Go to source}
- Stick to your new routine, and don’t try to switch things up if you don’t see results right away.
- Most treatments take several weeks to fully work, and switching products too much can cause increased irritation and breakouts. ^{[21]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  Go to source}
2
Switch to oil-free, non-comedogenic products. Using make-up or hair products that have high oil contents can lead to breakouts. Go through your cabinets and identify any substances that may be worsening your acne, and consider replacing them with non-comedogenic options. ^{[22]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- If you wear make-up, look for water-based or mineral-based products, rather than oil-based ones.
- Look for oil-free brands of sunscreen that are identified as "non-comedogenic” on their labels.
- Try to look for hair products that are labeled as oil-free or non-comedogenic, or pay extra attention not to get them on your face when applying them to your hair. ^{[23]
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  Research source}
3
Consider eliminating any foods that may be causing acne flare-ups. Dairy in particular may trigger breakouts for some people. If you think dairy products may be a factor in your acne, consider cutting back on them or eliminating them from your diet for a period of time. ^{[24]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- For example, if you notice that you tend to wake up with a new pimple after eating foods like ice cream or cheese, try abstaining from these foods for a few weeks. If you start to break out less, you may have found the culprit!
- Chocolate is often listed as a potential cause of acne, but the link has not been well established, and further study is needed. However, if you're hoping to cure your acne fast, it might be better to err on the side of caution and cut back on chocolate. ^{[25]
  X
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  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
4
If your acne is severe and persistent, see a dermatologist. Sometimes over-the-counter treatments aren’t enough to fully cure acne. If you aren’t noticing improvement after a few weeks, or if your acne is particularly severe, a dermatologist can help. ^{[26]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- A dermatologist will be able to determine the type of acne you have (hormonal, fungal, nodular, cystic, etc) and pick the treatment that will be most effective. ^{[27]
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  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
- They may recommend topical treatments like tretinoin (prescription-strength retinoid) or antibiotic creams.
- They may also prescribe oral medication, like isotretinoin (Accutane), oral antibiotics, or medications that address any hormone imbalances. ^{[28]
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Section 3 of 3:

What Not to Do

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You might be tempted to try to pop your pimple, but squeezing and prodding it can actually make things worse. It may make your pimple more irritated, swollen, and red, and it can even lead to infection and scarring. ^{[29]
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2
Don’t over-wash or scrub your face too harshly. Oftentimes, people assume poor hygiene has caused their acne and respond with heavy washings. This irritates the skin, making existing acne more apparent and increasing the risk of infection. Stick to gentle washings twice a day with a mild soap or an acne cleanser. ^{[30]
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Research source}
- On the same note, avoid harsh astringents like alcohol or witch hazel. These products will likely irritate your skin further, which actually worsens your breakouts. ^{[31]
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  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
Begin with low doses, and be on the lookout for any skin irritation, as side effects like redness and dry skin can occur. ^{[32]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Until you know how your skin will react to a product, it's best to keep dosages low and start out slowly.
4
Try not to stress out about your acne. This is easier said than done, but it’s super important. Stressing about acne can easily make it worse, since stress hormones have been linked to breakouts. ^{[33]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
- So, if you feel your cortisone levels starting to rise, pull yourself away from the mirror and try to calm yourself down with a relaxing activity, like meditating or journaling.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How do you make acne less red and puffy?

Laura Marusinec, MD
Board Certified Pediatrician
Dr. Marusinec is a board certified Pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, where she is on the Clinical Practice Council. She received her M.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1995 and completed her residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Pediatrics in 1998. She is a member of the American Medical Writers Association and the Society for Pediatric Urgent Care.

Laura Marusinec, MD

Board Certified Pediatrician

Expert Answer

You can try applying ice to red and puffy acne bumps three times a day to help soothe them. Just make sure that you wrap the ice pack in a clean paper towel or washcloth before applying it to your skin. Do not leave it on for more than 20 minutes at a time and take breaks to allow your skin to return to normal temperature. Another option is to apply 1% hydrocortisone cream to the red, puffy areas for three to four days. Using a clay masks may also help to reduce inflammation. Also make sure that you avoid using harsh cleansers or facial products if your acne is red and puffy.

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Question

I have had acne for two years now. I used benzoyl peroxide for a while, but my acne came back when I stopped. I am now on isoterain tablets. I also use aloe vera and tea tree oil. The difference is mild and the scars don't seem to go away. What can i use to cure my acne permanently?

Laura Marusinec, MD
Board Certified Pediatrician
Dr. Marusinec is a board certified Pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, where she is on the Clinical Practice Council. She received her M.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1995 and completed her residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Pediatrics in 1998. She is a member of the American Medical Writers Association and the Society for Pediatric Urgent Care.

Laura Marusinec, MD

Board Certified Pediatrician

Expert Answer

If you are taking Isotretinoin, this is one of the best treatments to cure acne. Work with your dermatologist, make sure you follow your dermatologist's directions, and finish the four to six month course as prescribed. You should also avoid using scrubs or other harsh products when you take Isotretinoin. If you continue to have acne or scars after taking Isotretinoin, then your dermatologist may talk to you about trying laser or other light treatments (photodynamic therapy) to reduce the appearance of your scars. However, this is not an option until after you have been off of the Isotretinoin for at least six months. Oral contraceptives can also be a great long-term treatment for teenage girls or adult women with stubborn acne.

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Tips

Do not pick at your skin. This can make acne worse and leave scars.

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Go to a dermatologist if your acne doesn't go away or you can't control it. A dermatologist will help with long-term control of your acne, but they can also help with quick improvements. Options for fast results include using steroid injections into large acne bumps, lasers, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion, along with typical medications. Oral antibiotics can often help improve acne breakouts quickly.

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Don’t use too many products at once. It can make your skin more sensitive, and possibly make your acne worse.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

While eating greasy foods hasn't been directly linked to acne, working in oily environments can cause breakouts. The oil can stick to skin and get trapped inside pores.
Washing your face too frequently can dry out skin, causing it to overproduce oil and worsen acne. Stick to a gentle cleanser twice a day and avoid excessive scrubbing.
Keeping hands clean helps prevent transferring oils and bacteria onto your face when you touch it. Also be mindful of letting hair products get on your skin.
If you wear makeup, switch to oil-free, noncomedogenic products so ingredients don't clog pores. And be gentle when removing makeup at night—don't scrub.
Getting quality sleep fuels skin cell turnover and healing. Aim for 7-9 hours per night, and wash your pillowcases frequently to keep pores clear.

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Warnings

All medications carry the risk of side effects. Familiarize yourself with the side effects listed on creams and lotions and stop use if you're having a reaction.

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How to Get Rid of Acne in a Week

Things You Should Know

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Medical & Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Acne Fast

Lifestyle Changes to Get Rid of Acne

What Not to Do

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Warnings

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