Q&A for How to Get Rid of a Pimple

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  • Question
    Can you use alcohol to dry out a pimple?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You can use alcohol to dry out a pimple but it probably won't get to the root of the blemish. Alcohol can also leave skin dehydrated and cause peeling.
  • Question
    How do you quickly get rid of a pimple at home?
    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.
    Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology
    Expert Answer
    Over-the-counter products such as a product called Differin, which is a vitamin A cream, are going to be your best bet if you don't have the benefit of going in to see a dermatologist right away. What works best varies based on the type of acne that you have, but that's a very good go-to over-the-counter medication that works well for certain types of acne.
  • Question
    Is there a permanent cure for pimples?
    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.
    Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology
    Expert Answer
    Cleansers that contain salicylic acid or glycolic acid can be useful for opening up clogged pores and improving acne. What works best will vary based on the type of acne that you have.
  • Question
    What are some mistakes I can avoid when taking care of my skin?
    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.
    Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology
    Expert Answer
    It's important to avoid using exfoliating products that are too aggressive on your skin or products that may contain irritating ingredients. I recommend using gentle cleansers instead. It's also important to wash your face twice a day, especially at the end of the day. This will help remove the debris and oil that accumulates on your skin throughout the day. Many people unfortunately don't wash their face as often as they should.
  • Question
    Can you use a cold water bottle instead of ice?
    Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
    Registered Nurse
    Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.
    Registered Nurse
    Expert Answer
    Sure, as long as your water bottle is super cold or basically almost frozen. Cold water out of the tap for example is not cold enough to decrease inflammation. You can put the water bottle in the freezer to get it to a temperature that will help with the inflammation.
  • Question
    Does toothpaste help or hurt when it comes to pimples?
    Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
    Registered Nurse
    Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.
    Registered Nurse
    Expert Answer
    The toothpaste will likely just irritate the pimple and dry out the surrounding skin. Many people claim that toothpaste works for them; however, a high number of people report dryness and irritation. Also, toothpaste is comedogenic (meaning it may clog your pores).
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