We Asked a Dermatologist How to Kill a Pimple Overnight, and Face Masks Aren't the Answer
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Waking up to a giant, angry, red pimple is the absolute worst way to start your day. While your acne might get better over time as you learn more about different skincare routines and things that may cause irritation (like scented fabrics and greasy food), the odds of never waking up to a pimple again are pretty slim. So, what can we do to minimize these little demons overnight?
First, let's break down exactly what a pimple is and how it can affect our face. Dermatologist Caroline Chang, MD, FAAD, said that "the root cause of a pimple is a blackhead." She further explained, "If a blackhead gets overfilled, it breaks from the inside and causes inflammation, which leads to a pink bump," hence, an inflamed papule. Before the pimple regresses, it could turn into a larger, more painful bump. We could be stuck with this monster for up to two weeks.
"Benzoyl peroxide helps by destroying any bacteria on the skin surface, reduces inflammation, and helps to open up pores through exfoliation."
But how do we treat an inflamed papule? Dr. Chang recommends using salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. "Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can get right into pores and help loosen up the clogged pore. Benzoyl peroxide helps by destroying any bacteria on the skin surface, reduces inflammation, and helps to open up pores through exfoliation." A higher level of salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide might seem like a good idea, but Dr. Chang advises you'd be doing yourself a disservice. "Start with a low percentage, especially when spot treating. The last thing you want to do is draw more attention to your pimple by causing a rash on top of it!"
When it comes to natural or botanical ingredients, she recommends to stay far away. "When you apply these ingredients to inflamed or broken skin, you have an increased risk of becoming sensitized to them, which means you'll develop an irritation or a rash when you are exposed to them again."
The same goes for picking at an inflamed papule on your skin. It might seem like an easy escape route, but Dr. Chang explained this is one of the worst things you could be doing to your face. Not only are you putting your skin at risk for an infection, but you could also be damaging the inflamed pore underneath. "When that pore's manipulated, it can tear further and cause an even bigger inflammatory response, which means your pimple can get larger." Picking can also lead to scarring — which is a whole other issue.
If you're battling a pimple that is refusing to back down, she recommends making an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist for an injection of cortisone to help calm down the pimple quickly. In the meantime, keep reading for 10 overnight spot treatment products, including some of Dr. Chang's favorites.
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Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
The Mario Badescu Drying Lotion ($17) has salicylic acid and sulfur. Dr. Chang recommends this product because while the salicylic acid combats the pimple, sulfur will relieve surrounding skin and the calamine will reduce irritation.
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Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment
With two percent of salicylic acid and an oil-free formula, the Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment ($10) is an easy and superaffordable option for those looking to help clear up their skin. This treatment can also be used on blackheads and whiteheads. Pick up one at your nearest drugstore, and get ready to relax; this treatment will take care of the rest!
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La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment
The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment ($30) is a fast-absorbing, nondrying lotion that contains benzoyl peroxide and will visibly reduce your pimple within three days. Although it's one of the more expensive products on this list, a little goes a long way, so this tube should last you for a while.
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Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment
Neutrogena is known for its variety of skincare products, and the Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment ($8) is no exception. With less than three percent of benzoyl peroxide, Dr. Chang said it's a great overnight treatment to reduce the size of a pimple. The benzoyl peroxide will fight any redness or inflammation your skin might be dealing with so you wake up in less discomfort.
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Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief
Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief ($20) is the perfect on-the-go spot treatment and can easily fit into any small overnight bag along with your other skin or makeup products. If you're dealing with a stubborn pimple that won't go away, this product will do the trick. This particular blemish relief does have a dose of five percent benzoyl peroxide, so it might be best to consult with your dermatologist beforehand just in case your skin is more sensitive.
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Eve Lom Dynaspot
Eve Lom Dynaspot ($34) will help accelerate the elimination of a pimple while also soothing redness or inflammation. The great thing about this product is it won't make your skin feel cracked or dry and you can wear it under makeup!
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The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Dr. Chang explained that The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque ($12) is probably the most simple yet effective spot treatment you can use to fight pimples. There are no gimmicks or red flags with this product. Once applied, it'll get right to work. Plus, it has a very low dose of salicylic acid, so you don't have to worry about a rash!
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Paula's Choice Clear Regular Strength Skin Clearing Treatment
Use Paula's Choice Clear Regular Strength Skin Clearing Treatment ($19) to help fight pimples and prevent future ones from popping up. This particular formula includes just under three percent of benzoyl peroxide, making it strong enough to minimize (and kill) pimples but not too strong where you'll wake up with a rash or irritation. This product also works great under makeup!
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Clear Days Ahead Fast-Acting Salicylic Acid Acne Spot Treatment
Clear Days Ahead Fast-Acting Salicylic Acid Acne Spot Treatment ($19) will reduce any discomfort you may be feeling. With a healthy dose of two percent of salicylic acid, you should see your pimple disappearing within a few days. You can apply a thin layer of the treatment one to three times a day, but if dryness starts to occur, keep it at once a day.
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Origins Super Spot Remover Acne Treatment Gel
Dr. Chang's biggest tip when searching for products is to find an overnight gel salicylic acid, which is exactly what this product is. Origins Super Spot Remover Acne Treatment Gel ($19) has a very low percent of salicylic acid (1.5 percent) and is treatable for normal, dry, and oily skin types. This gel will help fight the pimple and reduce redness.
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