How to Hide Pimples

Co-authored by Paul Friedman, MD

Last Updated: May 25, 2024 References

Everyone gets acne—or at least, the 90% of us who are ordinary mortals do. Until we can track down the lucky 10% and get them to share their magic powers, we've got to learn how to live with pimples. Don't worry—we've put together some pro tricks you can use to hide pimples so your skin looks clear and radiant even when you're breaking out.

Things You Should Know

Apply tinted moisturizer, concealer, or color-correcting makeup over the pimple. Follow up with your foundation like you normally would.
Then, dust the area with setting powder or apply setting spray so the makeup stays in place all day.
To reduce swelling, wash your face and apply an ice cube to the affected area for 5 minutes.

1

Use tinted moisturizer or sunscreen.

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This is a good middle ground if you don't want to wear makeup, but don't want to leave your pimple uncovered. Tinted moisturizer only has a little color in it, so don't expect this to hide acne completely—it just helps the color stand out less.

2

Try concealer.

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Use concealer instead of foundation over the problem areas. Concealer has a heavier consistency than foundation, so it does a better job hiding blemishes. ^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Luca Buzas
Makeup Artist & Wardrobe Stylist

Expert Interview. 21 June 2019.} Using a pointy concealer brush, place the concealer over your zit, then twist it to rub the concealer into every part of the zit. ^{[2]
X
Research source} Once your zits are completely covered, apply foundation to the rest of your face as usual, blending it into the edge of the concealer. ^{[3]
X
Research source} If the two products don't match perfectly, try mixing a little foundation into the concealer and giving the pimple cover-up another go.
- Alternatively, you can apply the foundation first, leaving the zits uncovered. Then apply concealer gradually in thin layers until the color matches the rest of your face. ^{[4]
 X
 Research source}
- Whichever approach you choose, a little powder will help keep the makeup in place. On hot days, apply a setting spray as well. ^{[5]
 X
 Expert Source
 
 Luca Buzas
 Makeup Artist & Wardrobe Stylist
 
 Expert Interview. 21 June 2019.}

3

Use color-correcting makeup.

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A green or yellow color corrector cancels out red, angry pimples. Dab just a little bit over the pimple with a concealer brush or cotton swab, then smooth it out with your finger. ^{[6]
X
Research source} Next, dab the pimple with a concealer close to your skin tone. ^{[7]
X
Expert Source

Luca Buzas
Makeup Artist & Wardrobe Stylist

Expert Interview. 21 June 2019.} Blend the edges into the surrounding skin gently with your finger. ^{[8]
X
Research source} To set the makeup to last all day, lightly press powder over it with a puff.
- Work in bright light so you can see the acne from every angle and make sure the final result looks good.
- When purchasing a concealer, test it on the back of your hand or the back of your jawbone to make sure the tone matches. An emollient-based concealer will help moisturize your skin while hiding the pimple.

4

Shrink swelling with an ice cube.

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Wash your skin with lukewarm water, then wrap an ice cube in a thin washcloth. Hold the washcloth against your acne for about a minute. If the pimple hasn't become smaller or less red, wait five minutes before applying for another minute. This isn't a permanent fix, but it can work as a quick solution before a video call or short hangout. ^{[9]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}

5

Try over-the-counter treatments.

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Anti-acne products usually take time to work. Gels and face washes are intended to help your acne recover over a few days or weeks. That said, they sometimes make angry pimples a little less swollen and obvious in a shorter time span. Here are a few treatments available at just about any pharmacy:
- Salicylic acid is a common acne treatment, but can cause a skin reaction in some people. ^{[10]
 X
 Research source} If you haven't used it before, try the lowest concentration product you can find, usually 0.5 to 1%. ^{[11]
 X
 Trustworthy Source
 Mayo Clinic
 Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
 Go to source} You can also find cleansers that are made with salicylic acid. ^{[12]
 X
 Expert Source
 
 Paul Friedman, MD
 Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology
 
 Expert Interview. 8 April 2020.}
- Benzoyl peroxide usually takes a few days to work if not longer, but it has much better long-term results than products promising "perfect skin right now." Start with a 2.5% concentration product and keep it on your face for only one or two minutes before washing it off, taking care to avoid hair and clothes. ^{[13]
 X
 Trustworthy Source
 Mayo Clinic
 Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
 Go to source} This treatment can put you at higher risk of sunburn. ^{[14]
 X
 Trustworthy Source
 National Health Service (UK)
 Public healthcare system of the UK
 Go to source}
- Vitamin A cream, also known as Differin, is another great over-the-counter remedy for your acne. ^{[15]
 X
 Expert Source
 
 Paul Friedman, MD
 Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology
 
 Expert Interview. 8 April 2020.}

6

Visit the dermatologist.

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Cortisone and pimple drainage are fast, professional treatments. A dermatologist can safely cut into your pimples and drain them in a way that promotes healing without scarring. Nodules of acne, the hard and sometimes painful bumps that last longer than standard pimples, can be treated with a quick cortisone injection that gets rid of them within a few days. ^{[16]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source} ^{[17]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Needless to say, neither of these are treatments to try at home.
- Cortisone injections are intended for one or two spots, not for large outbreaks. They also have some side effects, such as temporarily lightening the skin at the injection site.

7

Minimize future pimples.

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Acne prevention is more effective than treatment. We all wish we could make pimples go away immediately, but most of the time we aren't that lucky. There are some changes to your routine that can help prevent the next breakout:
- Wash your face only with lukewarm water and mild soap without alcohol or astringents. Hot water, harsh ingredients, and facial scrubs can irritate your skin and make matters worse. ^{[18]
 X
 Trustworthy Source
 Mayo Clinic
 Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
 Go to source} Set aside time to wash your face twice a day. ^{[19]
 X
 Expert Source
 
 Paul Friedman, MD
 Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology
 
 Expert Interview. 8 April 2020.}
- Wash off makeup with soap and water, instead of makeup remover cloths. The cloths can leave your skin raw and vulnerable to infection.
- Wash your sheets and pillowcases regularly.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How do you shrink a pimple in minutes?

Paul Friedman, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology
Paul Friedman, MD, is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, and the Director and Founder of the Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center in Houston, Texas. He has over 25 years of experience and specializes in Mohs micrographic surgery, dermatologic laser surgery, and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Friedman is the current President of the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery and was named by Newsweek Magazine as one of the Best Dermatologists in America for Laser Treatments. His awards include the Husk Prize for his research in dermatologic surgery and the Young Investigator's Writing Competition Award of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Dr. Friedman completed his dermatology residency at the New York University School of Medicine and received his medical degree with the highest honors from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Medicine.

Paul Friedman, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology

Expert Answer

If you have an isolated acne lesion, you have the option of going into a dermatologist's office for an injection of an intralesional steroid. The process must be done by an experienced dermatologist, but that would be the main mechanism in terms of quickness of response

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"Non-comedogenic" or "non-acnegenic" makeup is supposed to avoid causing or worsening breakouts, but unfortunately, no one regulates how these terms are used. ^{[20]
X
Research source} You may have to rely on trial and error to see which products are easy on your skin.

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Overdoing it with the powder can accentuate the texture of the pimple and make it more visible. Use a light touch. ^{[21]
X
Research source}

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Some people cover pimples with a liquid bandage to help the makeup stick to it for longer. These products are designed to prevent infection, so it should be safe to use on a pimple. Just keep it away from your eyes and mouth. ^{[22]
X
Trustworthy Source
MedlinePlus
Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine
Go to source}

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How to Hide Pimples

Things You Should Know

Steps

Use tinted moisturizer or sunscreen.

Try concealer.

Use color-correcting makeup.

Shrink swelling with an ice cube.

Try over-the-counter treatments.

Visit the dermatologist.

Minimize future pimples.

Expert Q&A

Video

Tips

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References

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