Pimple Treatments that Really Work

There are a number of pimple treatments you can try for problem acne. Some work great, some don’t work at all, and some can actually be harmful. If you’re dealing with pimples and aren’t sure which pimple treatment to try, take the time now to learn a little about the different types of pimple treatments so you can plan your next step.

Popular Pimple Treatments: Soap and Water

One of the most popular pimple treatments is one of the easiest, and it really can be quite effective. Washing with standard soap and hot water can loosen up pores and remove some of the dirt, oil and excess skin cells that contribute to pimples. Make sure to wash sparingly, too much washing can cause the skin to dry out. If you have acne and you’ve been neglecting your hygiene, consider making sure you wash with soap and water a couple of times a day and see if it has an effect on your skin.

Popular Pimple Treatments: Benzoyl Peroxide

Some of the most popular pimple treatments today include some form of benzoyl peroxide, and with good reason: It works. How effective benzoyl peroxide will be for you depends on the particular formulation, your own skin type, and environmental factors. However, people have definitely reported acceleration in the fading of pimples as a result of benzoyl peroxide use. You may choose to use a benzoyl peroxide product as an immediate, topical solution, simply applying it to pimples as they appear, or you may use it as part of a complete acne control system, with a cleanser and several lotions or creams designed to maximize the benefits of benzoyl peroxide while keeping your face hydrated, clean and protected from the elements. However you use benzoyl peroxide, consistency and persistence is the key. It’s important that you realize that your pimples didn’t spring up overnight; they only broke the surface overnight. Just as the pimples took awhile to build up, they take awhile to break down, even with effective applications of benzoyl peroxide.

Popular Pimple Treatments: Antibiotics

Some people choose to go to a dermatologist for a prescription of certain antibiotics designed to get rid of acne. Although these antibiotics can be effective, they should really be used only as a last resort, for very severe acne that shows no signs of abating and may result in scarring or deeper infections. Antibiotics can cause unwanted side effects, not all of which may be known at this time, so if your acne is mild to moderate, you should stick to benzoyl peroxide instead.

Popular Pimple Treatments: Popping Pimples

While this treatment is very popular, it should NOT be used! Squeezing a pimple not only will not fully get rid of the pimple, it can squeeze infected material deeper into the skin and can cause acne scars. If a pimple is fully engorged with a white tip, you can try to burst it with an application of heat or a sterilized needle, but otherwise, leave it alone. If you do use this method, be sure to cleanse the area thoroughly before and after to prevent further infection.