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Dealing with humongous pimples is nothing short of challenging. However, popping your zits will do you no favors and expert dermatologists suggest that doing so will leave unwanted scarring, or can cause your pimple to look even worse.
To successfully heal a pimple overnight, experts suggest taking preventative measures to ensure the process goes along smoothly. Cleansing your face, moisturizing, and using the right spot treatment, for example, are all things to keep in mind if you are looking to shrink those zits.
We spoke to some board-certified dermatologists about all the ways you can speed up the process yourself.
"Finding a great soap-free, non-irritant cleanser is going to be the most important step in healing a pimple overnight," said board-certified dermatologist Dr. Paul Dean from Grossmont Dermatology Medical Clinic . Washing the area and gently exfoliating with a washcloth will remove bacteria and clean out pores.
"You'll want to apply a light oil-free moisturizer onto the skin that will moisturize without clogging pores," Dr. Dean explained. It's important to keep the skin moisturized, he added.
"It's best to find a spot treatment that is non-abrasive and hydrating to the area, but can work fast and clear up redness and irritation," Dr. Dean suggested. Look for ingredients such as soothing green tea and dipotassium glycyrrhizate, which is a calming molecule from licorice that can help with redness.
"It's OK to use a spot treatment with salicylic or Benzoyl peroxide, but keep in mind that it may make your pimple look like a scab in the morning," suggested board-certified dermatologist Erum Ilyas, MD, MBE, FAAD . If you accidentally scrape it off when washing your face, you may find yourself with a bloody mess when you are in a hurry, she said.
"To heal a pimple overnight, your best bet is to go see your dermatologist for a corticosteroid injection," said board-certified dermatologist Susan Bard, MD, of Manhattan Dermatology Specialists
"At-home remedies include icing the area to decrease redness and inflammation, and applying acne medication (OTC or Rx) mixed with hydrocortisone as a spot treatment," suggested Bard. These DIY treatments are unlikely to resolve a pimple overnight but should speed up the resolution.
"I usually goop up polysporin or an antibiotic cream with a little steroid cream like hydrocortisone 1% on angry pimples," Ilyas suggested. It makes them heal faster, and takes the swelling out quickly.
"Buy some over-the-counter numbing cream with active ingredient Lidocaine (Aspercreme is an option), and mix it with a few drops of Visine eye drops," suggested board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anna Guanche, MD FAAD . The numbing effect of lidocaine will keep you from picking the spot or touching it, since you will be less aware of it throbbing or itching. The visine is also a vasoconstrictor that takes the red out, she added.
"If there is a head on the pimple, steam your face or take a long shower," Dr. Guanche told INSIDER. When the skin is warm and hydrated, you can gently unroof the pimple. However, Guanche advised against squeezing your pimple, or else it will look worse tomorrow.
"Remember to keep your hands off your face," Dr. Dean advised. Keeping your hands off your pimples will only help in lessening their appearance, he suggested.
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