We've all been there: you go to bed with clear skin only to wake in the morning with the mother of all pimples on your chin. 

Why does it happen? 

Why is it always when you have a busy day ahead?! 

And how long will it take to disappear?!

First things first - don't squeeze it. That's easier said than done, we know, but squeezing, bursting, or otherwise popping those pimples will leave you with an ugly red mark and could even scar your skin. 

The good news is that you can take care of that pimple once and for all in a flash. From hot compresses and toothpaste to make-up and the latest spot-busting active ingredients, we've got the lowdown on how to banish those breakouts fast. 

1. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is great on pimples. Commonly used to relieve and treat insect bites, lice, athlete's foot and more, tea tree oil can help to reduce the size of pimples. Put a couple of drops onto a cotton ball and dab over the affected area. Leave to dry and let this antibacterial natural wonder get to work. While no topical treatment is going to completely rid you of breakouts overnight, for some people tea tree oil can help you wake up with less irritated skin and a pimple that’s been shown the door.  

2. Crushed Aspirin

Are pimples giving you a headache? Give them their marching orders with a crushed aspirin tablet. Aspirin is anti-inflammatory in nature and can help to soothe skin and reduce the size and appearance of a blemish. Simply take one aspirin tablet, crush in a bowl or with a pestle and mortar if you have one. Add a few drops of water to make a smooth paste. Leave for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing with clean water. 

3. Pimple Patches

Pimple patches are one of the hottest products available right now. These tiny little sticky patches can be applied directly to the blemish to dry it out more quickly and effectively. The great thing about these patches is that they also stop you from touching or picking at your pimple and can be worn overnight. Read reviews online to find pimple patches that contain hydrocolloid. It's super-effective at absorbing oil and drying out pimples. 

4. Use a Blemish Concealer

Spot concealer is best used the day after you’ve used one of the remedies here, but can also work just as well on new smaller pimples. These concealers often contain natural astringents and antibacterial ingredients, such as tea tree oil and witch hazel, to get to work on the spot while reducing redness. The best concealers are those that have a precision applicator, such as a wand or roller. These allow you to apply just the right amount of concealer to the offending area and get good coverage.

5. Salicylic Acid

Many blemish and acne treatments today contain an ingredient called salicylic acid. This active ingredient helps to unclog pores, dissolve dead skin cells, and tackle whiteheads. Used overnight, products containing salicylic acid can be effective at reducing the effects of blemishes by the morning. A good salicylic acid treatment will do more than just shrink a pimple, however. This "miracle" ingredient also reduces the pH of the skin and leaves it hydrated and soothed. Look out for face washes, toners, exfoliators and moisturizers containing salicylic acid. 

6. Toothpaste

Toothpaste has been used for decades to tackle spots. The science is actually quite simple. Most toothpaste today contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). This ingredient appears to be effective at drying out spots and reducing redness and inflammation. However, care should be taken with leaving toothpaste on the skin overnight. It can cause some irritation if your skin is sensitive. Toothpaste is a great emergency pimple buster if you have nothing else at hand.

7. Warm Compress

If you have sensitive skin that is reactive to products, a warm compress can be effective at banishing blemishes. Applying a warm compress can open up pores and draw impurities closer to the skin's surface. The gentle heat from the compress can also help to relieve inflammation and pain. Simply take a clean washcloth and soak it in warm (not hot) water. Apply the cloth to the pimple for 10-15 minutes and repeat several times a day. 

8. Icing the Pimple

We're going for the other end of the temperature scale with this remedy. Icing is exactly as the name suggests. Simply take a handful of ice cubes and wrap them in a cloth. The cloth should be thin enough to allow the chill from the ice cubes to be felt on the skin. Apply the cloth-wrapped ice cubes to your pimple for a few seconds at a time. Repeat for 5-10 minutes. This method is great for relieving pain and inflammation and is one of the cheapest ways to get clearer skin. 

9. Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide takes a two-pronged attack against pimples, killing the bacteria in the pores and drying the pimple out. This active ingredient is present in many acne treatment products, and which you choose will depend on your preference and the severity of your skin condition. For example, many people like to use a face wash, while others prefer to use a topical gel that can be applied directly to the pimple. It's also important to choose the right percentage of benzoyl peroxide. Some people can tolerate a high percentage (up to 10 percent) while others might prefer a lower concentration. 

Conclusion

Pimples are a skin problem most of us suffer from time to time, particularly in our younger years.

While you might not be able to avoid them completely, you can take steps to lessen their impact on your day. Conventional over-the-counter treatments work well for some, while others will experience great results from natural remedies. Not all of the above will work for everyone, and the key to clearer skin lies in finding what works for you. 

One thing’s certain: prevention is better than treatment when it comes to acne. That’s the approach with Nava MD’s custom prescription treatments. They’re formulated by dermatologists, and your serum is selected based on your specific condition, including powerful retinoids and calming anti-inflammatory ingredients. It’s all done online, and your prescription is shipped to your door if prescribed. Start today with a free consultation.