Curious to know how to get rid of blind pimples? If you’re here then chances are you have them or you know someone who does.
But before we get in to his to get rid of them (which were will in a sec) what are they?
Well, blind pimples (otherwise known as cystic acne) are types of pimples that don’t have a head and are typically located deep in the skin.
They’re usually not noticeable on the surface of the skin but can form deep beneath the surface due to bacteria, inflammation, or other factors.
How to get rid of blind pimples: the best treatments
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#1
Use anti-inflammatory ingredients
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are two highly effective acne treatments.
Combined with over-the-counter treatments like glycolic acid they help get rid of breakout-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation.
Although benzoyl peroxide might work to reduce inflammation and prevent future scarring.
Regular spot treatments, in general, are not usually effective for blind pimples.
Since blind pimples are deep beneath the skin, spot treatments rarely have any effect other than helping to reduce inflammation.
Salicylic acid, on the other hand, gets deep inside the pores and exfoliates them from within while glycolic acid helps your skin shed dead skin cells which helps keep your skin smooth and soft.
Top picks:
- Paula’s Choice CLEAR Daily Skin Clearing Treatment
- Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
- Paula’s Choice CLEAR Extra Strength Skin Clearing Treatment | 5% Benzoyl Peroxide
- Acne.org 8 oz. Treatment 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide
- Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid
- COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
#2
Retinol
Retinol is a type of vitamin A that is widely used as an anti-aging product.
But it can also be used to treat blind pimples and to promote skin cell turnover.
Retinol is a great treatment for blind pimples because it speeds up the cellular turnover process by way of exfoliation, which removes dead cells from your pores.
It’s also anti-ageing and boosts collagen production which not only helps to get rid of dead skin that leads to clogged pores, but it helps fade dark spots and acne scars over time.
Top picks:
- Differin Acne Treatment Gel
- CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
- Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum
- Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum
#3
Cover it with a pimple patch
A pimple patch is an adhesive bandage-like cover that you can wear on top of a pimple.
These patches usually contain acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and come in different shapes, sizes, and colours so they can match your skin tone.
Pimple patches are great for covering up blind pimples while you wait them out.
They keep you from popping or picking at your pimples and as a bonus, keep bacteria out.
Top picks:
#4
Prescription meds
If you find that you’re constantly dealing with blind pimples then you might have chronic bling pimples.
If you have chronic blind pimples then internal prescription treatments might be your best option.
Internal treatments for blind pimples include antibiotics, birth control pills and Accutane.
If you have a blind pimple, it is most likely caused by bacteria that has built up in a pore and found a way to flourish in the closed environment.
These treatments all reduce the skin’s ability to produce oil or the impact bacteria has on the oil.
Your doctor will prescribe you a medication that is safe for your skin type and body system.
Or a dermatologist can prescribe these medications to be used as a treatment in the area of concern.
#5
Cortisone injections
Cortisone injections are the most effective way of getting rid of blind pimples fast.
Cortisone can help control inflammation and reduce the size of the pimple to make it less noticeable.
It also helps speed healing and reduces the risk of scarring.
These injections are usually given by a dermatologist or other qualified medical professional, but this is a quick and effective option that many people have chosen to use.
#6
Use ice to reduce swelling
If you find yourself with a blind pimple that doesn’t seem like it will go away soon, the first thing you should do is use ice on and off the area for about ten minutes at a time.
This will help reduce pain and swelling in the area to make it look less inflamed.
#7
Use a warm compress
A warm compress can help a blind pimple in a few ways.
First, it can help to relieve the pain. And it can be especially helpful once a whitehead begins to form.
To get the best results use a warm compress for 10 to 15 minutes, three to four times a day.
This will allow the pimple to release pus and heal.
Here are 4 tips on how to use a warm compress to treat a blind pimple
- Clean the area around the blind pimple with antibacterial soap or cleanser.
- Pat the area dry with a clean towel.
- Put the compress on top of the affected area for about 10 minutes
- Apply some benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid treatment after using the compress to help reduce any scarring that might occur
6 tips for preventing blind pimples
As with most things, the best form of treatment is prevention.
There are a few things you can do to prevent blind pimples from forming in the first place, here are 5 things you can do.
- wash your face with a gentle cleanser: especially after a workout and or excessive sweating, CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, La Roche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser and The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser are all good options
- use a chemical exfoliator: scrubs can be harsh, will irritate your skin and disrupt your skin barrier leading to clogged pores and acne
- look for non-comedogenic options: this means that the ingredients won’t clog your pores and break you out
- wash your bedding: skin cells, bacteria and sweat build up on your sheets, blankets, pillowcases when you sleep, to keep your face clear of acne, it’s a good idea to wash your bedding at least once a week.
- sanitize your phone: we all use our phones a lot and take them everywhere. Phones get covered in bacteria when we put them next to our face, wipe your phone to help keep bacteria off of your face.
- see a dermatologist: sometimes it’s best to see a professional. If you’re struggling with acne, see a dermatologist for prevention tips and treatment options.
What causes blind pimples?
Blind pimples are caused by excessive buildup of oil and bacteria in the pores.
Unlike blackheads, they don’t have a head and cannot be extracted with pressure or blackhead removers.
They form deep within the pores and cannot be seen, hence their name “blind” pimple.
There are many reasons why people get blind pimples.
The most common is clogged pores caused by oil or bacteria on the skin. Other reasons include:
- using harsh scrubs and aggressive cleansing products which can strip the skin and lead to dryness and breakouts
- applying heavy makeup which can cause inflammation and irritation on the skin, leading to breakouts
- touching or picking at acne which can lead to infection or scarring
- excessive sun exposure can lead to increased dryness and inflammation on the skin
- some medications can also cause blind pimples by altering the skin cells’ ability to shed dead skin cells
- hormones
- family history
How long does it take for a blind pimple to go away?
The problem is that once they show up, it is difficult to know when they will go away.
This is because there are so many factors that can affect their duration.
Consequently, they can last anywhere from a few days to a few months.
It’s important to note that the longer they last, the more likely they are to scar and leave a lasting mark on your skin.
How do you get rid of a blind pimple fast?
If you are looking for a quick and effective way to get rid of a blind pimple fast, you’re going to be disappointed.
Because blind pimples take time to go away.
You can’t get rid of them overnight.
And even the most effective treatments take a few days before you truly start seeing results.
How do you pop a blind pimple?
You should never pop a pimple because there’s a very high chance of making the inflammation worse.
Second, if your zit doesn’t even have a visible whitehead, which blind pimples don’t then consider it unpoppable.
Blind pimples are so deep within the skin that you won’t be able to fix them on your own and will most likely cause scarring if you try to pop them.
If it is a cyst, there’s a good chance that picking at it will only create more problems.
The best thing to do is wait for it to come out on its own, try one of the treatment options above or see a dermatologist.
