Toothpaste, spot treatments, ice cubes—with promises of zapping that zit away overnight, but do they actually do the trick?
The truth is, you can’t remove a zit overnight without an injection. In fact, pimples are complicated and the promise of instant results can lead to disappointment and frustration. Patience and realistic expectations are key to managing acne.
But don’t lose hope just yet. While you can’t magically remove the pimple in a few hours, fast-acting solutions can reduce redness and swelling and speed up healing. From spot treatments to hydrocolloid patches, we’ll look at the best ways to get rid of those ugly blemishes and some of the myths!
MYTH
- Toothpaste will clear up a pimple overnight
- LED devices will clear up pimples overnight
FACT “MAY HELP”
- Cool compresses may help
- Green Tea warm compresses may help
- Spot treatment creams may help
- Hydrocolloid patches may really help
FACT “HELPS”
- Kenalog injection can significantly reduce a cyst overnight…some patients may start to experience relief within hours of injecting the cyst!
MYTH: Why Toothpaste Does Not Work as a Pimple Treatment
Most feel this is a brilliant hack: applying toothpaste to the pimple and letting it remain overnight to dry out the acne and lessen visibility. On the contrary, dermatologists strongly oppose toothpaste as a spot treatment for many reasons.
- Toothpaste contains powerful ingredients. These ingredients are great for teeth…, but bad for skin. Toothpaste ingredients like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and menthol can irritate and dry the skin, disrupting the skin barrier and worsening inflammation. The most common side effects are redness, burning, and peeling of the skin. These harsh ingredients in toothpaste can irritate the skin, even more so for sensitive skin..
- Toothpaste, because it’s not designed for the skin. Toothpaste tends to contain pore-clogging ingredients, especially sodium laureth sulfate which may cause more pimples to form..Wash workout clothes after each use. Wash your towels regularly. Don't share personal items (e.g., towels, clothing…this is contagious!).
- Lastly, almost all toothpaste products are designed to be abrasive. Again, it’s great for removing tartar and plaque buildup on teeth…bad for removing pimples on our fragile skin. It’s often likened to using 600-grit sandpaper on the face…yikes!
Instead of trusting toothpaste for acne treatment, it's better to apply products formulated for use on the skin, such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
MYTH: LED Devices are “Everywhere” but do they Really Work?
We see them advertised everywhere. They promise everything from wrinkles reduction to acne treatment. LED (red light, blue light, infrared light, etc.) light therapy was only available at your doctor’s office, but now you can purchase on-the-go purse size wands to at-home masks and even total body treatments. But…do they work? According to the American Academy of Dermatology they may help! They have shown to decrease bacteria responsible for causing acne, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. However, they are not a substitute for traditional topical treatments and will not provide overnight results. If you have some extra money in your budget, they may be worth trying but not if you need an overnight miracle.
MAY HELP: Cool compresses
Applying cool compresses is one of the quickest and easiest ways to minimize that unwanted inflamed pimple. The cold temperature constricts blood vessels and temporarily reduces the pain, redness, and swelling associated with inflammatory acne.
Note: Cool compresses will not help whiteheads, blackheads, or blind pimples.
How to apply a cool compress
- Wrap a piece of ice in a clean cloth or soak a clean cloth in cold water. Note: Do not apply ice directly to the skin. Direct contact can damage the skin.
- Apply to the blemish for 30-60 seconds. Remove and wait 5 minutes.
- Re-apply once more if needed
- Repeat it every few hours as needed.
MAY HELP: Green Tea Warm Compresses
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (ADD), warm compresses can help a deep pimple move closer to your skin’s surface so it can heal. Take it to the next level with green tea which may help soothe the cyst and skin. The polyphenols in green tea have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.⁷
How to apply a warm compress
- Dip a clean cloth into warm water (not scalding), and wring out any excess water.
- Apply the warm compress on the pimple and leave it for 10-15 minutes.
- Repeat this procedure 3-4 times a day for as much time as required
MAY HELP: Spot Treatments are a Good Place to Start
Acne spot treatments are one good way to target individual pimples. Most products contain acne-fighting ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Both fight acne by killing the bacteria causing the acne, decreasing inflammation, and accelerating the rate of skin cell turnover.
Benzoyl peroxide: It’s a good antibacterial agent that kills the P. acnes bacteria responsible for acne development. It also helps decrease inflammation and redness associated with pimples.
Salicylic acid: It’s a beta-hydroxy acid that penetrates deep into the pores, helping to unclog them by breaking up excess oil and dead skin cells. It exfoliates the outer layers and reduces redness and inflammation.
Tea tree oil: This is a natural disinfectant and can dry out the zits.
Spot treatment does have limitations:
Types of pimples: Spot treatments can help most pimples, but not all. Blackheads and “blind” pimples (under-the-surface deep painful pimples) tend not to respond to spot treatment. Pimples that have come to a head with pus respond best to spot treatment and/or hydrocolloid patches. These allow the active ingredients to penetrate the skin and absorb.
Time: Spot treatment needs several days, sometimes a week, of consistent use before you see an improvement in the size and appearance of the pimple. This is because the active ingredients need time to penetrate the skin and address the root cause of the acne.
Dryness: Overuse or misuse of spot treatments can dry out the skin. When too much product is used or used more than necessary, the result is excessive dryness and sometimes flakiness or peeling. This can delay healing time, especially for dry and/or sensitive skin.
Applied properly and consistently, spot treatments can help shrink individual pimples and lessen their severity. Keep in mind, though, that such products are to be used according to their directions and not overused as they can be drying and slow down healing.
MAY HELP: Hydrocolloid Patch for Absorbing Excess Fluid
Hydrocolloid patches also known as pimple patches are small ”stickers” that help extract pus and oil from the pimple. They stick onto the pimple so they can maintain a moist environment for quick healing of the skin and at the same time act as a shield to protect the skin:
How to Properly Use Hydrocolloid Patches
- Clear the skin or area to apply the patch, then pat it dry.
- Place the patch directly over the pimple, ensuring it adheres well to the skin.
- Leave on overnight. This allows the patch to absorb fluid from the cyst.
- Gently clean the area where the patch was.
Hydrocolloid patches are best for pimples that have come to a head because they can really pull out the pus. They also keep you from picking and touching the pimple. The pimple often looks a lot better after just a single application.
HELPS: The Only Way to (possibly) Remove a Pimple Overnight is a Kenalog Injection
Kenalog injections, also known as intralesional injections, can significantly reduce the cyst size, redness, and pain including deep painful cysts aka blind pimples. A cortisone medication (Kenalog) is carefully injected directly into the cyst. It’s a fast-acting treatment often utilized a day or two before big event to reduce/clear the cyst.
This should only be done by an experienced medical provider. All procedures come with potential side effects/complications. It’s important to review them with your medical provider before treatment to determine if you’re a good candidate.
Piction Health, an online dermatology practice, can help you sort through the myths and facts to provide expert medical care from the privacy of your home.
Signs It's Time to Visit a Dermatologist
- Persistent or moderate to severe acne
- Over-the-counter treatments: Not seeing improvement after 3 months
- Acne is causing scarring
- Mental health and quality of life is impacted
Those with more persistent or extensive acne may need a more comprehensive treatment program. Acne that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatment, is extremely inflamed and painful and/or is scarring should be seen by a dermatologist. They can prescribe more powerful topical and oral medications to treat the acne.
The Bottom Line on Overnight Pimple Remove
Pimples are complex skin conditions and tend to develop over time. Acne is caused by a combination of factors, including the overproduction of sebum, clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation. While overnight treatments are not a magic solution to zapping pimples away, spot-targeting treatments can be helpful.
To sum up, spot treatments can be effective in treating individual pimples but will not prevent new ones from forming. In general, they are a part of the skincare plan.
PICTION HEALTH VIRTUAL DERMATOLOGY
For convenient access to professional dermatology care, visit Piction Health's online dermatology platform. Our board-certified dermatologists are ready to provide personalized guidance for your dermatology concerns. We accept most insurance and self-pay. Schedule an online dermatology consultation today to take the first step towards healthier, happier skin.
FAQ
Q: Can toothpaste really help clear up a pimple overnight?
A: No, toothpaste is not an effective treatment for pimples. While many believe it can dry out acne, toothpaste contains harsh ingredients that can irritate the skin, worsen inflammation, and may even lead to more breakouts. It's better to use products formulated specifically for acne, such as those containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Q: Do LED devices work to treat acne?
A: LED devices may help with acne as an add-on treatment by reducing bacteria, inflammation, and promoting healing. However, they are not a substitute for traditional topical treatments and will not provide overnight results. If you're considering investing in an LED device, remember that while they can be beneficial, they are not a miracle solution for acne.
Q: How can I effectively use ice to treat a pimple?
A: Ice can temporarily reduce inflamed pimples’ pain, redness, and swelling.
Q: What are some good spot treatments for acne?
A: Spot treatments containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid effectively target individual pimples. Additionally, hydrocolloid patches can be beneficial for healing. Always look for products that specifically mention acne-fighting properties for the best results.
Q: Where can I get help for my acne treatment options?
A: Piction Health, an online dermatology practice, accepts most insurance and self-pay options. They can assist you in navigating your acne treatment options.
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References
- American Academy of Dermatology. How to treat deep, painful pimples. (2018 September 11).
- Saric, S., et al. Green tea and other tea polyphenols: Effects on sebum production and acne vulgaris. Antioxidants. (March 2017).
- Gallagher, T., et al. Dermatologist Use of Intralesional Triamcinolone in the Treatment of Acne. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. (December 2020).
- https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/lasers-lights
Disclaimer
The information on this medical blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive for accuracy, medical knowledge constantly evolves, and individual health situations vary. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this blog. The authors and publishers of this blog are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from using any suggestions, products, or procedures discussed in this blog.
