How to Treat a Pimple — Fast
By Roz Samimi
March 12, 2025
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We’ve all been there: You’re looking forward to something big—then suddenly, you notice a pimple starting to form. Breakouts happen, and they always seem to show up when it’s least convenient.
So what can you do when you need that spot gone yesterday? Let’s break down what’s really happening under the surface, and how to treat different types of acne—fast.
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Why Pimples Happen
When you see a breakout, it’s not random. Your skin is a reactive system, and pimples form when things fall out of balance—whether it’s due to stress, hormonal changes, product buildup, or clogged pores.
Technically, pimples happen when excess oil (aka sebum), dead skin cells, sweat, or bacteria (C. acnes) get trapped inside your pores. That buildup leads to inflammation—and voilà: a spot.
Know Your Breakout: Types of Pimples
Most pimples fall under acne vulgaris, which includes everything from whiteheads to cystic acne. Before treating a pimple, figure out what you’re dealing with:
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Whiteheads: Small, closed clogged pores—usually soft and easy to calm.
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Blackheads: Open clogged pores where oil has oxidized, turning dark.
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Cystic acne: Also known as a blind pimple, cystic acne can cause deep, painful breakouts under the skin that are often red, swollen, and slow to heal.
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Nodular acne: Acne nodules are similar to cystic acne with deep, inflamed bumps that form under the skin and can take weeks to heal.
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Hormonal acne: Fluctuations in hormone levels, often during the menstrual cycle, can trigger jawline breakouts.
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Fungal acne: Not actually acne—tiny, itchy bumps caused by yeast in the follicles.
4 Proven Ways to Treat a Pimple—Fast
Let’s get to the good part.
1. Ice It
Icing is one of the fastest ways to shrink a pimple—especially inflamed or severe acne, like cystic breakouts. It works by constricting blood vessels, which reduces swelling and redness.
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Wrap an ice cube (or soft ice pack) in a clean cloth.
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Hold over the pimple for 1-2 minutes.
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Repeat a few times throughout the day.
Icing won’t treat the cause of acne—but it helps calm visible symptoms fast.
2. Apply a Warm Compress
For whiteheads or breakouts that feel close to the surface, a warm compress can cause the pimple to rise closer to the surface of the skin and encourage drainage.
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Use a clean washcloth soaked in warm water (not hot!).
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Press gently onto the affected area for 5-10 minutes.
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Repeat 1-2 times daily.
Bonus: It’s calming and can help relieve stress-related breakouts.
3. Use a Targeted Spot Treatment
Spot treatments are topical treatments that can help when you need to act fast. Look for active ingredients like:
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Sulfur: Gently exfoliates and reduces oil; ideal for whiteheads.
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Benzoyl peroxide: Kills acne-causing bacteria and decreases inflammation.
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Salicylic acid: A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that dives deep into pores to dissolve buildup with an anti-inflammatory effect that calms redness and swelling.
We use 2% salicylic acid in our AHA + BHA serum, which doubles as an all-over topical treatment or a focused spot fix.
4. Try a Pimple Patch
Pimple patches are a smart, skin-safe way to protect and heal a breakout—while keeping your hands off your face. There are two types:
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Hydrocolloid patches: Draw out pus and oil from whiteheads or pus-filled bumps while shielding the skin.
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Salicylic acid patches: Help reduce inflammation in deeper breakouts like cystic acne.
Not only do these topical treatments reduce swelling, but they also prevent you from picking—so your pimple heals faster with less risk of acne scars.
What Not To Do When You Breakout
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Don’t pop or pick. It may feel satisfying, but it almost always makes things worse.
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Don’t use harsh cleansers. Doing so can strip the skin and cause irritation during breakouts. Opt for a gentle cleanser or mild soap recommended for acne skincare.
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Don’t pile on harsh treatments. If you have sensitive skin, doubling up on strong treatments can lead to skin irritation and prolonged healing. Plus, some treatments aren’t intended to be mixed.
Don’t skip moisturizer. Doing so can lead to dry skin, which may worsen irritation and extend healing. Just be sure to choose non-comedogenic options that are suited for your skin type.
The Takeaway: Breakouts Happen—But You’ve Got Options
When a pimple appears, the goal is to calm it fast without stressing your skin. Between spot treatments, pimple patches, ice, and a little patience, you’ve got a toolkit that works.
And beyond treating the occasional pimple, consistency matters. Using acne-safe skincare regularly helps prevent breakouts before they start, so you’re less likely to deal with those "pop-up" moments in the future.