PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

There are several ways to minimize a zit's appearance overnight and prevent future breakouts. In this article, we’re providing an extensive list of treatments to clear your skin quickly. From proven skincare ingredients to effective home remedies, here’s everything you need to know to reduce the redness, swelling, and size of your pimples.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Getting Rid of the Pimple

PDF download Download Article
  1. Some research shows that Dead Sea salt can reduce skin roughness and inflammation. [1] Mix 1 tsp (5.7 g) of Dead Sea salt with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of warm water, then use a Q-tip to apply the salt water directly to your pimple. Do not rinse it off.
  2. Benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria that clogs your pores and causes inflammation. [2] It comes in different concentrations, ranging from 2.5-10%, but it’s best to start with a 2.5% concentration to minimize irritation. [3] To make a pimple go away quickly, apply a dab of benzoyl peroxide cream or gel on your zit, or use a benzoyl peroxide-infused pimple patch. [4]
    Advertisement
  3. Salicylic acid unclogs pores and gently exfoliates the skin, allowing skin cells to shed more rapidly. [6] After washing your face, put a small dab of 2% salicylic acid spot treatment onto your pimple, following the directions of your specific product’s packaging. [7]
  4. Some studies show that a small amount of diluted tea tree oil can kill bacteria on the skin that causes pimples. [9] To dilute tea tree oil, add 12 drops of carrier oil (like argan , coconut , or jojoba oil ) for every 1-2 drops of tea tree oil . [10] Use a Q-Tip to dab the oil directly onto your pimple.
    • Tea tree oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that can make the redness and size of the pimple less noticeable. [11]
  5. Some believe that egg yolk oil is effective in removing zits and preventing scars. [12] The proteins in egg yolk oil may regulate oil production and repair the skin barrier, reducing breakouts. To apply the oil:
    • Wash your hands with soap before applying the egg oil.
    • Gently massage the egg oil onto the affected area with your fingers.
    • Wash the egg oil off after an hour with a mild face wash.
    • Repeat this process twice a day until your scars disappear.
  6. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Reducing the Redness

PDF download Download Article
  1. Icing temporarily soothes the skin and reduces swelling and inflammation in your pimple. [13] Wrap an ice cube in a thin cloth or gauze, then rub it over your pimple using circular motions. [14]
  2. Some believe that redness-reducing eye drops can minimize irritation and redness in pimples. This is because it causes vasoconstriction, which temporarily narrows your blood vessels. [15] Drop a few eye drops onto a cotton swab and apply onto your pimple(s). [16]
    • Pro tip: Since coolness can reduce inflammation, place the soaked cotton swab in the freezer for an hour before applying it.
  3. Antihistamines suppress swelling and redness in the skin tissue. [17] Most can be ingested in pill form, but some are consumed as tea or used as a topical agent. Natural herbal antihistamines include: [18]
    • Stinging nettle. Some doctors recommend taking a freeze-dried preparation of stinging nettle, which may reduce the amount of histamine in your body. [19]
    • Coltsfoot. Europeans have a long history of using this plant to reduce inflammation and cure various skin conditions, and the leaves can be applied directly to your pimples. [20]
    • Holy Basil. Tulsi, or Holy Basil, has been used for centuries to cure skin diseases and infections. Heat a few sprigs under some stem, then gently apply it to the affected areas. [21]
  4. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

General Tips

PDF download Download Article
  1. Wash your face when you wake up and before you go to bed. Be gentle when rubbing your face, and use a clean towel to pat your face dry. Bacteria and germs on a dirty towel can lead to more pimples. [22]
    • Scrubbing can irritate your skin, so avoid using harsh cleansers with microbeads. [23]
    • Pimple treatments can dry out your skin, so apply an oil-free, non comedogenic moisturizer after each wash. [24]
  2. Doing so can transfer bacteria, dirt, and oil from your hands to your face. Only touch your face after you’ve washed your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. [25]
  3. Exercise may help minimize acne by decreasing inflammation, increasing blood flow to your skin, and lowering your stress levels. [26] Just make sure to shower immediately after sweating to remove sweat, dirt, and oil from your skin. [27]
    • Find a healthy way to relieve stress and anxiety through exercise. Join a sports team, go to the gym, or take a walk around your neighborhood.
  4. Minimize the sugar in your diet to keep your skin looking its best. Sugar can increase inflammation in the skin, lead to new pimples, and worsen breakouts. [28] So, cut back on candy, chocolate, and soda.
  5. Studies show that alcohol may worsen acne because it dehydrates the body and contains lots of sugar. [29] To reduce breakouts, cut back on alcohol and see how your body responds.
  6. Don't pop them, pick at them, prod them, itch them, scratch them, or otherwise touch them unless applying a medicine or remedy. When you pop a pimple, you push some of the bacteria and dead skin cells deeper into your skin, which can increase redness and inflammation. [30]
  7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I get rid of dark spots
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
    Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
    Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
    Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
    Expert Answer
    There are lots of things you can try to see what works for you. Apply a salicylic acid toner after cleansing your face with a benzoyl peroxide cleanser. Start using a vitamin C serum, too, which helps to lighten up your skin. Alternatively, you can use retinol cream at night which will help to increase cell turnover and lighten your dark spots. If you find you like retinol, you can get a stronger retinol prescription from your primary care doctor or dermatologist. Remember to apply sunblock daily as sun exposure makes your dark spots and acne scars darker.
Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Video

      Reader Videos

      Tips

      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.
      • Using steam can help! Try turning off any fans and running hot water out of your sink. Put a towel or blanket over the basin for a minute or two, then lean in and lift the towel so that the steam pours over your face.
      • You can also look for a tea tree face wash for general pimple management, rather than using the oil itself and having to dilute it.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Be sure to perform a patch test before trying a new skincare product. Dab a small amount of product to the inside of your wrist or elbow, then rinse it off after 5 minutes if it’s not meant to be left on. Reapply the product twice a day to see if you develop any signs of irritation. If you notice any issues, it’s safe to use.
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about skincare, check out our in-depth interview with Naomi Elza .

      1. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/tea-tree-oil-for-acne/
      2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0924857914003458
      3. https://lifefullandfrugal.com/egg-yolk-facial/
      4. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/a-dermatologists-advice-on-how-to-get-rid-of-a-pimple
      5. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/facial-icing/
      6. https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2021/06/eye-whitening-drops-what-you-need-know
      7. https://www.allure.com/story/two-cool-new-uses-for-visine
      8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8163952/
      9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5103262/
      10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30414245
      11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7561605/
      12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296439/
      13. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/face/diy-treatment-common-beard-problems
      14. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/habits-stop
      15. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/moisturizer
      16. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/oily-skin
      17. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/does-exercise-help-acne
      18. https://www.aad.org/news/2020-01-14-how-to-break-a-sweat-without-causing-acne
      19. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35373155/
      20. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21595660/
      21. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/habits-stop
      22. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0962456203001413
      23. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/a-dermatologists-advice-on-how-to-get-rid-of-a-pimple
      24. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/a-dermatologists-advice-on-how-to-get-rid-of-a-pimple

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 5,242,405 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Ashley Barns

        Jun 19, 2017

        "Nice! I have tried many of these remedies overnight for a few weeks now. The results are amazing, and now my acne ..." more
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement