If you see a pimple starting to form, spot treat the blemish as soon as possible to reduce your risk of scarring. We’ll go over seven effective ways.

The inflammatory process releases enzymes that will continue to attack good collagen and connective tissue if left alone, which can result in pitted acne scars (even if you don’t pick at the pimple). Of course, never ever pop the pimple (which will lead to scaring) but that doesn’t mean you should leave it completely untreated either.

By the time you see a pimple form, the inflammatory process has already occurred – so at this stage, your best bet is to eliminate the bacteria trapped inside the pore, which is triggering the inflammatory response, as much as possible. Below are some remedies that have worked for my skin.

Using hydrocolloid patches

Hydrocolloid bandages have been used for decades in the medical community to help with wound healing. Hydrocolloid patches, now sized specifically to cover a pimple, have taken the skincare community by storm. These patches work by absorbing excess oil and pus, while helping the skin recover from the inside out in a sterile and moist environment. They work best on surface-level breakouts, like white heads, but can also help reduce pimples that are deeper under the skin’s surface overnight.

I apply a thin layer of salicylic acid before sticking on the patch, which has made the healing process more effective. I leave the patch on for at least 8 hours overnight and sometimes I’ll put on a fresh patch the following morning for another 8-10 hours. To customize your patch, you can purchase regular hydrocolloid bandages and cut them to size. They will work the same.

Leave on clay overnight (covering the pimple only)

If I put a dab of clay on top of a layer of salicylic acid, the combo becomes more effective than just using a salicylic acid spot treatment alone. I apply salicylic acid and then I layer on the clay, just enough to cover the pimple, allowing it to dry before heading to bed. And yes, I sleep with the clay (just covering the pimple) on throughout the night.

When I wake up the next morning, usually I’ll find that the pimple has reduced in size and severity. I used to apply a layer of benzoyl peroxide beneath the clay – which was effective as well, but then I stopped after I learned that benzoyl peroxide generates free radicals when it fights the harmful bacteria.

Free radicals also accelerate the aging process by breaking down collagen, which then puts you at a greater risk for premature wrinkles. So I would recommend avoiding products with benzoyl peroxide.

Using pure lavender oil

I’ve found that pure lavender oil is effective like pure tea tree oil in fighting bacteria trapped inside the pore, but gentler on the skin. For those with oily, combination or normal skin types, you can apply it undiluted with a q-tip, and dab it gently over the pimple. Pure lavender oil has given me less redness than pure tree oil when applied directly on the skin.

Once you have applied pure lavender oil over the pimple, you can also layer on salicylic acid to increase effectiveness. Your skin may feel drier after the pimple has healed, but this is temporary. Any temporary redness is better than dealing with a stubborn pimple that could leave behind a scar.  

If you have dry or sensitive skin, dilute the lavender oil by dipping the q-tip in water prior to application. I’ve used lavender oil as a spot treatment both morning and night; just make sure you’re putting on sun screen afterwards if you use it in the morning because your skin will be more sensitive.

Using sulfur

Sulfur fights the harmful bacteria trapped inside the pore and helps dry out pimples fast. However, because sulfur can also cause peeling and drying of the skin, I only recommend using sulfur spot treatments at night for individuals with normal, combination, or oily skin.

Some facial masks will contain sulfur as one of its main ingredients (so it’s like a two-for-one buy), geared towards those with oily skin who struggle with acne. It can used as a mask or as a spot treatment.  

You can also apply a layer of sulfur under a dab of clay as part of your overnight spot treatment, as long as your skin can tolerate this. If you have sensitive or dry skin, sulfur could be too irritating, so be sure to read the ingredient list when shopping for acne-treatment products.

Facial steaming with tea tree oil

I purchased this Conair Facial Sauna a decade ago and it still works! I fill the inner cup with water and add one drop of pure tea tree oil. The oil won’t mix in with the water but I like to swirl it around to spread it out.

If you put in more than a drop of essential tea tree oil, it could cause breathing difficulties. This facial sauna has a timer for 15 minutes max per session. It just takes one 15-minute treatment to deep clean and open your pores.

Tea tree oil has natural anti-bacterial properties that can sink deeper into your pores with this little sauna. You can also use pure lavender oil as a gentler alternative. I recommend doing this facial when you start to see breakouts appear, or 1-2 times per week as a preventative treatment.

Using raw pressed garlic

Garlic naturally contains sulfur compounds that exert anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Cooking garlic reduces the power of these compounds so it’s important to use raw garlic. Crushing raw garlic allows the natural enzymes to react in order to produce allicin, which is the strongest acne-clearing compound in garlic. 

I suggest crushing one garlic clove, and then apply the juices from the crushed garlic gently onto the pimple with a q-tip. Mincing the garlic won’t be as effective, because you really want to get the juices out, so the natural enzymes will react. Garlic may be common place, but it is very strong. Garlic has antibacterial properties due to its natural sulfur compounds, and if you find the burning sensation intolerable from the raw garlic juice when applied topically on a pimple, diluted the area with water. Be aware that juices from raw garlic can cause redness and irritation, so try this out with one pimple first before applying it over other blemishes to see how your skin reacts. 

Harnessing the power of micro-current technology

Using micro-current therapy at home is the most high-tech option on this list – but it’s well-worth the investment (equivalent to the cost of 2-3 facials) because it can double up as an effective anti-aging treatment. A micro-current facial can fight bacteria, improve muscle tone, increase cellular activity, and tighten pores. The low voltage energy can literally zap the harmful bacteria away.

Micro-current therapy releases low voltage electrical currents that repair damaged skin and stimulate collagen production on a cellular level. Hence, it’s often called a “natural facelift” or an alternative to Botox.

ZIIP Beauty offers an at home micro-current device that has an acne treatment and prevention setting. The ZIIP comes with anti-aging treatment settings as well, so you have a multi-purpose device that can be used day or night. The ZIIP is very powerful, so it needs to be used with care. All facial settings are available through an app with instructional videos. This device has helped me reduce the severity of cystic breakouts rather quickly.   

The Pimple Aftermath

Spot treating is great for getting pimples to disappear quickly, minimizing your risk for long-term scarring. However, sometimes getting post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation marks can’t be avoided, and scars could be left behind even after our best efforts. So I’ve created this guide to help you diminish and reduce them as soon as possible! 

The best way to prevent scars and long-term hyperpigmentation marks from forming in the first place is to address what is happening from the inside of our bodies, where our primary acne triggers reside. My free course is especially designed to take you through this journey step-by-step.