How to Get Rid of a Zit Overnight

Getting Rid of the Pimple

Try sea salt. Some research shows that Dead Sea salt can reduce skin roughness and inflammation. Mix 1 tsp (5.7 g) of Dead Sea salt with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of warm water, then use a Q-tip to apply the salt water directly to your pimple. Do not rinse it off.

Apply benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria that clogs your pores and causes inflammation. It comes in different concentrations, ranging from 2.5-10%, but it’s best to start with a 2.5% concentration to minimize irritation. To make a pimple go away quickly, apply a dab of benzoyl peroxide cream or gel on your zit, or use a benzoyl peroxide-infused pimple patch. Benzoyl peroxide can increase skin sensitivity, so avoid strong sunlight, wear sun protective clothing, and apply a sunscreen with SPF 30 or above.

Use salicylic acid. Salicylic acid unclogs pores and gently exfoliates the skin, allowing skin cells to shed more rapidly. After washing your face, put a small dab of 2% salicylic acid spot treatment onto your pimple, following the directions of your specific product’s packaging. Alternatively, apply a salicylic acid-infused pimple patch if you have a large pimple. Or, wash your face with a 2% salicylic acid cleanser daily.

Try tea tree oil. Some studies show that a small amount of diluted tea tree oil can kill bacteria on the skin that causes pimples. To dilute tea tree oil, add 12 drops of carrier oil (like argan, coconut, or jojoba oil) for every 1-2 drops of tea tree oil. Use a Q-Tip to dab the oil directly onto your pimple. Tea tree oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that can make the redness and size of the pimple less noticeable.

Use egg oil. Some believe that egg yolk oil is effective in removing zits and preventing scars. The proteins in egg yolk oil may regulate oil production and repair the skin barrier, reducing breakouts. To apply the oil: Wash your hands with soap before applying the egg oil. Gently massage the egg oil onto the affected area with your fingers. Wash the egg oil off after an hour with a mild face wash. Repeat this process twice a day until your scars disappear.

Reducing the Redness

Put ice on the affected area. Icing temporarily soothes the skin and reduces swelling and inflammation in your pimple. Wrap an ice cube in a thin cloth or gauze, then rub it over your pimple using circular motions.

Use eye drops on the affected area. Some believe that redness-reducing eye drops can minimize irritation and redness in pimples. This is because it causes vasoconstriction, which temporarily narrows your blood vessels. Drop a few eye drops onto a cotton swab and apply onto your pimple(s). Pro tip: Since coolness can reduce inflammation, place the soaked cotton swab in the freezer for an hour before applying it.

Try some natural antihistamines. Antihistamines suppress swelling and redness in the skin tissue. Most can be ingested in pill form, but some are consumed as tea or used as a topical agent. Natural herbal antihistamines include: Stinging nettle. Some doctors recommend taking a freeze-dried preparation of stinging nettle, which may reduce the amount of histamine in your body. Coltsfoot. Europeans have a long history of using this plant to reduce inflammation and cure various skin conditions, and the leaves can be applied directly to your pimples. Holy Basil. Tulsi, or Holy Basil, has been used for centuries to cure skin diseases and infections. Heat a few sprigs under some stem, then gently apply it to the affected areas.

General Tips

Wash your face twice a day. Wash your face when you wake up and before you go to bed. Be gentle when rubbing your face, and use a clean towel to pat your face dry. Bacteria and germs on a dirty towel can lead to more pimples. Scrubbing can irritate your skin, so avoid using harsh cleansers with microbeads. Pimple treatments can dry out your skin, so apply an oil-free, non comedogenic moisturizer after each wash.

Don't touch your face. Doing so can transfer bacteria, dirt, and oil from your hands to your face. Only touch your face after you’ve washed your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Work out. Exercise may help minimize acne by decreasing inflammation, increasing blood flow to your skin, and lowering your stress levels. Just make sure to shower immediately after sweating to remove sweat, dirt, and oil from your skin. Find a healthy way to relieve stress and anxiety through exercise. Join a sports team, go to the gym, or take a walk around your neighborhood.

Cut back on sweets. Minimize the sugar in your diet to keep your skin looking its best. Sugar can increase inflammation in the skin, lead to new pimples, and worsen breakouts. So, cut back on candy, chocolate, and soda.

Don't drink. Studies show that alcohol may worsen acne because it dehydrates the body and contains lots of sugar. To reduce breakouts, cut back on alcohol and see how your body responds.

Don't pick at your pimples. Don't pop them, pick at them, prod them, itch them, scratch them, or otherwise touch them unless applying a medicine or remedy. When you pop a pimple, you push some of the bacteria and dead skin cells deeper into your skin, which can increase redness and inflammation.