How to Stop a Pimple from Forming

Zits seem to show up at the worst possible time. Although stress may be a factor, sticking to a strict skincare routine is the best way to stop pimples from forming and to prevent large breakouts. If you have recurrent problems with pimples, your doctor may also be able to provide some medical strategies to prevent breakouts.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Stopping a Single Pimple

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If you see a pimple forming, do not squeeze it or try to pop it. Squeezing can actually push the infected material deeper into the skin, worsening the pimple and causing it to become more red and inflamed. It is also more likely to result in permanent scarring if you pick at it.^{[1]XResearch source}
Before washing, applying a warm, damp washcloth to the area will help to clear your pore. This will improve your blood flow and increase the chances of your pimple clearing up naturally as soon as possible.^{[2]XExpert SourceMohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified DermatologistExpert Interview. 26 March 2020.}
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3
Wash your whole face with a mild cleansing agent containing salicylic acid.^{[3]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source} This will help to rid your face of dead skin cells and excess oil, thereby diminishing the severity of the pimple that is forming. Pimples are worsened by clogged pores and oily skin, so washing twice a day will help to keep the zit as short-lived as possible.
- Note that it is important not to rub your skin too harshly, particularly over the sore or affected area. This can worsen the potential breakout.
4
Don't wear makeup on the area until it is absolutely necessary to cover it up. Applying a thick layer of any product will trap bacteria, dead skin cells, and oil inside the pore. Keep your skin clean and follow your preventive skincare regimen as closely as possible, wearing makeup only when needed.
- Note that, for some people with acne problems, even non-comedogenic products clog their skin and cause pimples.
- Test all makeup products and replace them if they start to clog your skin.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Preventing Breakouts

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Note that washing your face more frequently than twice a day may irritate it and strip essential oils from your skin, which can lead to breakouts.^{[4]XTrustworthy SourceJohns Hopkins MedicineOfficial resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins HospitalGo to source} Washing once in the morning and once in the evening with a mild cleanser is a good routine to get into to prevent pimples from forming.
2
Use a face cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.^{[5]XExpert SourceMohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified DermatologistExpert Interview. 26 March 2020.} Choosing a product to wash your face with either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide as the active ingredient will help to prevent the formation of pimples.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source} This is because these ingredients help to dry excess oil from your skin, thereby decreasing the chances that a pimple will form.
- Note that these products are most effective as part of a regular skin care regimen.^{[7]XResearch source}
3
Avoid touching your skin. If you feel like you could be breaking out, keep your hands off you face to prevent spreading more dirt and oil to the area. Wash your hands before you clean your face.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Also avoid touching or picking at areas of irritation. If you suspect a breakout may be forming, it is best to keep your hands off it and to use other preventative strategies to ward it off as best as possible.
4
Shower after exertion.^{[9]XResearch source} After an exercise routine where you have worked up a good sweat, it is a good idea to hop in the shower as soon as possible.^{[10]XExpert SourceMohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified DermatologistExpert Interview. 26 March 2020.} Sweat and moisture on your skin increases the chances of pimple formation, so rinsing off sooner rather than later can help to prevent this problem.
- This is the exception to the washing your face only twice daily rule — it's okay to wash once in the morning, once after working out, and once before bed.
- Also, wear loose-fitting clothing. Areas that are covered by tight-fitting clothing, where moisture and sweat can collect (such as under a sports bra or tight-fitting shirt), are often where breakouts occur.
5
Choose non-comedogenic makeup.^{[11]XResearch source} You will want to use water-based cosmetics (labeled "non-comedogenic") rather than oil-based ones, as these will help to prevent your pores from getting clogged. Also, only use makeup when needed, as any skin products, including those that are labeled as "non-comedogenic," are worse for your pores than wearing no makeup at all.
- When you are done wearing makeup, wash it off your face.
- Always remove your makeup before going to bed at night, as this will give your pores a chance to clear during the night.^{[12]XTrustworthy SourceJohns Hopkins MedicineOfficial resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins HospitalGo to source}
Consuming too many dairy products, such as milk, cheese, yogurt, etc., has been linked to increased breakouts of acne. Choose non-dairy alternatives whenever possible, such as almond milk or soy milk, and see whether reducing dairy in your diet has a positive impact on preventing breakouts.
7
Use medical strategies as a last resort.^{[13]XTrustworthy SourceJohns Hopkins MedicineOfficial resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins HospitalGo to source} If you find that you are unable to control or prevent acne breakouts using skin care strategies alone, speak to your doctor about other options. Common medical treatments for persistent or recurrent acne breakouts include:
- Using topical acne creams. These usually contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide as the active ingredient, and the formulations provided from your doctor can be more potent and effective than those available at your local pharmacy or drugstore.
- Taking oral antibiotics. Because acne is linked to bacteria on your skin, taking an oral antibiotic such as minocycline can help to diminish outbreaks.
- Using the birth control pill. For women with acne, the hormones provided in the birth control pill (namely, the boost of estrogen) can help to prevent acne breakouts. This is because acne is fuelled by androgens such as testosterone, so raising female hormones can help to counterbalance the effect of the testosterone that is present in all of us (both women and men have testosterone — the difference is that men have more of it).
- Taking isotretinoin. Also known as Accutane, isotretinoin is a powerful medication to prevent acne and is used only in more severe cases, as it can have serious side effects. Speak to your doctor if you think this may apply to you. If you are planning to get pregnant, isotretinoin should be avoided, as it is known to cause birth defects.

Expert Q&A

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Question
What can I apply to a pimple to make it shrink?
Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.
Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Answer
Benzoyl peroxide works great for drying out and shrinking blemishes. You can get over-the-counter ointment or a face wash.
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How do I stop from rubbing my nose when it's itchy? I don't want my popped pimples to reform again!
Chris M. Matsko, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.
Chris M. Matsko, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Expert Answer
Try using a clean tissue to itch your nose instead of your hands. You should avoid touching your face or nose as this can lead to pimples. Try to not put make-up or lotion on your nose because this can lead to a break out as well.
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