How to Shrink a Pimple at Home

Step 1

Avoid touching or popping the pimple. Your first instinct may be to pop the pimple, but you should definitely not do that. In fact, don’t even touch the pimple because you could spread the infection and create more pimples. Touching your face also transfers natural skin oils from your fingers to your face, which can cause pimples. Learning to break the habit of touching your face may help you prevent breakouts.

Step 2

Wash the area thoroughly with facial cleanser. Wash your face so that the affected area is clean. You can use a gentle face cleanser, rinse and then pat dry. Clean & Clear Daily Face Cleanser not only helps get rid of pimples but prevents you from getting them as well. However, if you don’t have this on hand, you can use any cleanser you have.

Step 3

Dry out the pimple. To shrink a pimple at home, you will need to dry it. There are several over-the-counter medications that will do this for you. However, if you need a quick fix and the drugstore isn’t open, there are natural cures as well. Place a tiny amount of honey on the pimple to help shrink it and protect your skin—as honey is a natural moisturizer. If you don’t have honey, rub a small amount of lemon juice on the pimple and let it stay on overnight. Toothpaste works as well, by drying up the pimple and removing excess oil. In a pinch, hydrogen peroxide can be used as well. Simply rub it onto the affected area. Place a small Band-Aid over the pimple after you have applied one of these treatments so that the substance stays on your skin. If possible, apply the treatment and allow it to stay on overnight.

Step 4

Apply ice to the pimple to stop the swelling and reduce redness. Cover the ice in a cloth to avoid damaging your skin and apply the ice every half hour until the swelling is down and the redness has been greatly reduced. This in combination with the products you have applied will significantly shrink your pimple.