Effective Methods for Pimple Removal

A Timeless Dilemma: The Last-Minute Pimple

Imagine this scenario: 24 hours before a pivotal moment—whether it's your wedding, the start of a new job, or a first date—you're perfectly prepared. Your hair is impeccable, your outfit is ready, and your skin is glowing. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, a large, inflamed, and rapidly growing pimple appears. Panic is the last thing you need, as it will only make matters worse.

Instead, consider these in-office treatments and at-home solutions, including spot treatments, masks, and other dermatologist-recommended skincare remedies that can significantly reduce (and even completely eliminate) your pimple within a day.

In-Office Acne Treatments

When you need to get rid of a pimple quickly, consulting your dermatologist is the best first step.

Cortisone Injections

Many dermatologists will initially recommend at-home topical treatments. However, for truly urgent situations, a cortisone injection might be the answer. "For a large, persistent cystic acne lesion that hasn't responded to other treatments, I might consider administering a corticosteroid injection in the office, which can help reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling," says Dr. Michelle Henry, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. "Most patients will notice significant improvement within 24 hours, but it's important to note that this shouldn't be the first course of treatment outside of emergency scenarios, like waking up with a cystic acne lesion the day before a major event."

Notably, cortisone injections are intended solely for treating large acne cysts when standard treatments have failed. Most patients, Dr. Henry explains, will need a regular topical skincare routine to address acne daily and help prevent future breakouts and scarring.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can also be effective in-office treatments for acne—but they often work over the long term and won't necessarily eliminate a stubborn pimple overnight. "Chemical peels can quickly restore a clearer complexion through exfoliation and their antiseptic properties," says Dr. Dennis Gross, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. However, he points out that they are typically more suitable for prevention rather than a quick fix. "Peels work because they contain certain beta-hydroxy acids, such as salicylic acid, that can break down what is clogging the pore to essentially eliminate the root of the problem. Meanwhile, other alpha-hydroxy acids can kill bacteria and remove the dead skin cells on the surface that can trap the bacteria or contribute to clogged pores."

Chemical peels won't necessarily eliminate that bothersome pimple the day before your important event, but since the acne you see today actually originated beneath the skin's surface two weeks ago, regular peels in the weeks or months prior can address the problem before it emerges.

Skincare Tips for Rapid Pimple Treatment at Home

"To reduce acne quickly, you'll want to target it from multiple angles: relieve pore congestion, control oil, eliminate acne-causing bacteria, and reduce inflammation," Dr. Gross states. "So the most effective skincare products will include ingredients that perform each of these actions in a single treatment."

Key Skincare Ingredients and Spot Treatments

When purchasing acne products, Dr. Gross recommends looking for ingredients such as:

Azelaic acid and salicylic acid (to relieve pore congestion)
Monk pepper (to regulate hormones that can stimulate excessive oil production)
Farnesol (to eliminate P. acnes bacteria)
Aloe vera, bisabolol, green tea, and similar soothing components (for anti-inflammatory benefits)

Dr. Henry confirms that salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are particularly effective for treating a blemish quickly and are often the stars of fast-acting acne spot treatments. "Salicylic acid penetrates and clears the pores, while benzoyl peroxide plays a role in treating the bacteria that cause acne," she explains. She suggests Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel with salicylic acid and Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment, which is formulated with benzoyl peroxide.

Tea tree oil is another excellent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ingredient worth including in your spot treatment arsenal. The Eminence Organics Clear Skin Targeted Treatment not only contains tea tree oil but also salicylic acid and cucumber to soothe inflammation.

Use Pimple Patches for Targeted Treatments

Pimple patches, some of which feature the aforementioned acne-fighting ingredients, are also great choices for quick, targeted treatment. Peace Out Skincare Acne Dots use the powers of salicylic acid and vitamin A to clear up a spot in six hours, while Micropoint for Blemishes from Hero Cosmetics utilizes 173 micropoints to penetrate the zit with salicylic acid from the moment it appears.

Incorporate Detoxifying Face Masks into Your Skincare Routine

Next, sulfur and clay are also common ingredients in acne-fighting products, especially masks. "I am fond of these ingredients," says Dr. Gross. "Sulfur works quickly to neutralize acne bacteria and balance sebum production, and it is keratolytic, accelerating pore recovery with efficient exfoliation that helps pores shed the keratin lining that often accumulates with oils."

The dermatology expert is also a fan of bentonite clay, a highly absorbent clay formed by the decomposition of volcanic ash, which powerfully draws oils and toxins from the skin. The Charcoal Rescue Masque from Dermalogica is a fast-acting option that features sulfur along with charcoal to absorb impurities, and Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment quickly clears pimples with the assistance of sulfur and zinc oxide. "But as with any acne treatment, you want to ensure that detoxifying ingredients are formulated with soothing ones like aloe vera," Dr. Gross remarks. "Overdrying the skin can actually lead to even more breakouts."

Essential Skincare Routine for More Severe Acne

While your pimple might be a solitary occurrence, it could be part of a larger breakout or acne problem. "There is only so much you can accomplish with over-the-counter spot treatments, as they're intended to target individual acne episodes," Dr. Henry says. "If you're beginning to observe multiple pimples or cysts and if you're noticing scarring, that's when acne becomes a skincare emergency—and you should consult a dermatologist as soon as possible, because acne scarring can be permanent."

Your dermatologist will likely prescribe or recommend a treatment that's effective not only in treating acne on the surface but also in helping prevent future acne outbreaks, the risk of scarring, and other side effects. Frequently, this is when retinoids and retinol, vitamin A-derived ingredients, come into play. Dr. Henry recommends Epiduo Forte Gel, but other retinol-formulated products that can assist in such circumstances include: