What Is a Blind Pimple?
First of all, it's a terrible idea to try to pop or drain cystic acne on your own. This can lead to skin damage, and it's rarely successful. If you do happen to remove the cyst on your own, you'll have a very high risk for scarring and infection.
The good news is there are many safe and effective ways to treat blind pimples while minimizing discomfort and damage. Give these remedies and products a try if you're currently dealing with cystic acne.
Use a Warm Compress
Blind pimples can be painful. Using a warm compress can help relax and soothe the area. Try using a clean, hot washcloth or a heating pad for 15 minutes at a time to ease the pain.
Try Pimple Patches
Pimple patches are a super easy and super effective method for treating blind pimples. All you have to do is apply the patch to the affected area and let it do all the work. The hydrocolloid dressing in the patch helps soothe and heal your skin while drawing out inflammation and pus.
Ice the Area
To minimize swelling and redness almost instantly, you can use ice or ice packs. Be sure to use a clean cloth to wrap around the ice first, then apply it to your skin for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, no more than once an hour. Never apply ice directly to your face; it can aggravate your skin.
Apply Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a renowned acne-fighting ingredient that helps reduce inflammation and kill harmful bacteria. It can also help treat your blind pimples. Dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as almond oil or olive oil, and apply it to blind pimples twice a day. If you're new to using tea tree oil, start with a small dose and test it on your forearm first.
Exfoliate Your Skin
Exfoliating on a weekly basis will ensure your pores are clear of pimple-causing buildup. Consider a chemical or physical exfoliant for that ultra-fresh glow. For most people, two to three times a week is plenty. Just be sure you don’t overdo it. Too much exfoliating will irritate the skin and can also dehydrate it. Remember to moisturize after every exfoliation treatment too.
See a Dermatologist
If you want to know how to get rid of a blind pimple, a professional can help. Dermatologists can offer practical advice while suggesting the right ingredients and products for your skin. Some of the most popular options for blind pimples include:
- Salicylic Acid: This popular acne-fighting ingredient is also an effective chemical exfoliant. While you can get a prescription-strength product, many over-the-counter acne products contain salicylic acid too.
- Benzoyl Peroxide: This is another renowned acne-fighting ingredient that improves pimples by targeting unwanted bacteria. You can also find this in over-the-counter products.
- Cortisone Injections: This is a common treatment for cysts. Your dermatologist may inject your blind pimple with a diluted corticosteroid.
- Oral Antibiotics: If infectious bacteria are to blame for your blind pimples or other acne, your dermatologist may prescribe you oral antibiotics to address the problem.
Give It Time
Patience is key! Blind pimples typically do not disappear overnight, and stressing over them may do more harm than good. Stick with a healthy skincare routine and use these methods on a routine basis until you start to see some improvement.
How To Prevent Blind Pimples
While there are plenty of ways to treat a blind pimple, prevention is the best method for keeping your skin healthy and beautiful. These tips can significantly reduce your risks of developing blind pimples, so you can enjoy clearer skin.
Practice Good Hygiene
Although this may seem obvious, it's the little things that make a big difference in your complexion. Shower after exercising, change your bedsheets, wash your hats – you know the drill. By keeping your skin clean, along with everything else that touches it, you can keep acne under control.
Wash Your Face Daily
It doesn't matter how busy your day gets; if you don't take the time to wash your face at least once a day, you're much more likely to deal with all kinds of pimples. Use a good cleanser to wash your face every morning and every night, as well as after breaking a sweat.
Moisturize Your Skin
Apply a lightweight moisturizer to your skin every day, especially after you cleanse and exfoliate. While it may seem counterintuitive to apply this type of product to acne-prone skin, keeping it hydrated can actually help reduce breakouts. When your skin is moisturized and balanced, it keeps your oil glands from working overtime and creating more clogged pores in the process.
Do Not Pick at Pimples
This tip is repeated by many, but it's for a very good reason. If you do try to pop, squeeze, or pick at your skin, you will only worsen the problem by escalating inflammation and introducing more bacteria. Keep your hands away from your face altogether. If you absolutely must have a pimple extracted, have it done by a professional instead.
Blind Pimple FAQs
For answers to your burning questions about blind pimples, check out the FAQs below.
1. How Long Does a Blind Pimple Last?
Blind pimples are deep under the skin, so they could last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. You can shorten this time frame by keeping your skin clean and exfoliating often. Remember, patience is the key to getting rid of a blind pimple.
2. What Causes a Blind Pimple?
Blind pimples have a similar underlying cause as other types of pimples: a buildup of sebum and dead skin cells in the pores. There are plenty of reasons you could experience this type of buildup, such as:
- Hormonal changes or fluctuations
- Genetics
- Poor hygiene
- A bad skincare routine
- Too much stress
- An unhealthy diet
Making positive lifestyle changes can help you reduce the chances of developing more blind pimples down the road.
3. Will a Blind Pimple Go Away By Itself?
Yes, blind pimples typically go away on their own! However, this will take some time. Until then, keep your hands off and let your body do what it needs to do to heal your skin. Don't stress!
4. How Do You Get Rid of a Blind Pimple Fast?
For speedier results and much-needed relief, you may want to see a dermatologist or esthetician for professional treatment or extraction. Topical or spot treatments can also help, especially when they contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Use home treatments habitually while maintaining an ideal skincare routine for the best outcome.
Key Takeaways
- Blind pimples, or cystic acne, stay deep below the skin's surface and can be very painful.
- You can get rid of blind pimples by trying a variety of topical treatments, such as tea tree oil, pimple patches, or salicylic acid. Warm and cold compresses, as well as prescription treatments, can also help.
- Preventing blind pimples comes down to good hygiene and skincare. Keep your skin clean, wash, and moisturize your face daily, and avoid touching your face as much as possible
Blind pimples aren't like your other typical clogged pores. They require a bit more patience and persistence to eliminate. Prevention is your best bet, so take steps to keep your skin healthy and balanced so you can reduce the chances of developing this type of acne. Focusing on keeping your pores clear is also critical. Use pore-clearing products on a daily basis to help you experience fewer pimples while improving your skin's texture and appearance.
