How to Make a Pimple Go Away Fast
Written by: Desiree Stordahl
Updated on: 1/31/2024
You can be doing all the right things to keep your acne under control, when, lo and behold, a zit pops up out of nowhere. And, of course, it happens right when you have a first date, big presentation, wedding, or fill-in-the-blank major event in the next 24 hours. That’s when it’s handy to have a few tricks up your sleeve. Here are a few things you can do at home to make your pimple go away faster and look less red in the meantime.
Ask Yourself: To Pop or Not to Pop?
When making an action plan for how to make a pimple go away, the first thing you have to decide is whether or not to pop it. We provide a step-by-step guide for that here, but the rule of thumb is: If you don’t see a white head, don’t pop it, especially if it’s a big hard pimple lurking under skin’s surface. Popping a pimple before it’s ready will only make matters worse.
On the flipside: If the white head has already reared its ugly head and the blemish is swollen, extracting the contents via careful popping can help make the pimple go away faster and jump-start the recovery process. Refer to our guide above for important tips on how to be gentle on skin while popping a pimple.
Is popping the pimple helpful?
Usually, popping a pimple will not bring any good and could even make things worse. Although popping a pimple may seem like a temporary solution, the process could cause more harm by pushing more dirt and bacteria deeper into the skin.
How should you safely pop a pimple? (Step-by-step guide)
- Only a whitehead
The pimple should have a soft, visible white head. Avoid squeezing red, painful, and deep pimples.
- Cleaning your hands and skin
This will help wash away any bacteria that may be on your hands and the affected area.
- Apply very gentle pressure
Use clean tissue paper or cotton swabs and press them lightly from the sides and never dig in with your nails.
- Stop when fluid is released
As soon as the pus begins to drain, stop the squeezing process.
- Disinfect the affected area. Let it heal
Use a mild antiseptic or a soothing cream, and avoid touching it further.
If this pimple doesn't come out easily, then this pimple is not yet ready and should be left alone.
Risk of popping a pimple
Popping may cause a variety of issues with the skin, which include
- Acne scars that are permanent
- Dark Spots (Post-Inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
- Infection and swelling
- Pus spreading under the skin
- Slower healing and repeated breakouts
Deep, cystic, or painful acne is even more dangerous, and you should never, ever pick at it.
Signs you should stop immediately
If you experience the following, you should stop immediately:
- Pain or strong resistance
- Bleeding instead of pus
- Increased redness or swelling
- Pimple contents are hard to squeeze out
These are clear signs that the pimple is inflamed or not ready.
Unclog Pores and Soothe Redness
Whether or not you pop the pimple, salicylic acid (also known as BHA) is your next go-to fix for making zits disappear quickly. This superhero ingredient not only keeps blemishes at bay, it also works incredibly fast on active breakouts.
Salicylic acid’s acne-fighting power is twofold: First, it penetrates pores to dissolve oil and other breakout-causing substances, and, second, its soothing properties help minimize the redness that accompanies a blemish. It’s a win-win ingredient to help make pimples go away fast.
Use a salicylic acid exfoliant daily for acne-prone skin, and keep a high-strength spot treatment on-hand to help those occasional, extra-stubborn bumps go down overnight.
The Best Salicylic Acid Products in India to Clear Pimples Faster
If you’re wondering which salicylic acid product you should actually use, most people see the quickest results with a 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, as it delivers the ideal strength to unclog pores, reduce redness, and smooth bumps without being harsh on skin. Our 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a great place to start for stubborn clogged pores and recurring breakouts on the face, while our Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA is a dedicated solution for body acne and rough, bumpy skin.
Explore our full range of clinically proven salicylic acid products available in India to find the best fit for your skin concerns—and get back to clearer, calmer skin faster.
What About Removing Pimple Marks?
What do you do once your pimple is gone, but you’re left with an ugly red or brown mark that won’t go away? There’s a trick for that, too: Spot treat with a potent dose of vitamin C. Vitamin C is backed by mounds of research for its ability to help brighten uneven skin tone and minimize red marks. And keep using that salicylic acid exfoliant to further speed fading of pimple marks.
FAQ
What is the best overnight spot treatment for pimples?
For fast overnight relief, Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (2% salicylic acid) is an excellent spot treatment for face breakouts as it helps unclog pores, reduce redness, and calm active pimples by morning. If you’re dealing with body breakouts, the Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA is designed specifically for chest, back, and shoulder acne. For inflamed pimples that tend to leave dark marks, the 10% Azelaic Acid Booster can also be applied as a targeted night spot treatment.
Can I pop a cystic pimple?
No—never pop a cystic pimple. These deep, painful breakouts sit under the skin, and squeezing can cause severe inflammation, scarring, and infection. It’s best to leave it alone and consult a dermatologist if needed.
Does salicylic acid reduce redness?
Yes—salicylic acid helps calm redness by unclogging pores and soothing inflammation; a 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is ideal, and you can apply once or twice daily after cleansing and toning. Lightly soak a cotton pad and apply over the entire face, including the eye area (avoid the lower lash line and eyelids). Do not rinse. For daytime, follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater.
How to fade pimple marks?
For inflamed pimples that tend to leave dark marks, the 10% Azelaic Acid Booster helps brighten discoloration and even skin tone; pair it with daily sunscreen and gentle exfoliation, and most marks begin to fade within 4–8 weeks depending on skin type and severity.
Is vitamin C safe on active acne?
Yes, vitamin C can be used on active acne, but pure L-ascorbic acid may sting irritated skin—gentler derivatives (like sodium ascorbyl phosphate or ascorbyl glucoside) are usually better tolerated; avoid applying on broken or bleeding pimples and always monitor sensitivity.
References for this information:
Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, August 2015, pages 455–461
Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, March/April 2009, pages 74–81
Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, September 2008, pages 170–176
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, January 2005, pages 171–176
