How to get rid of pimples usually involves a consistent routine that reduces excess oil, keeps pores clear, and limits irritation. Daily cleansing, targeted leave-on products, and regular (but not excessive) exfoliation can help improve breakouts over time.

Habits and exposures can also influence how often pimples appear and how noticeable they become. Oil-based makeup, unprotected sun exposure, stress, and picking at pimples can contribute to inflammation, lingering dark marks, and scarring.

When skin is very oily or breakouts are frequent, deeper cleansing with a trained aesthetics professional may be considered. A dermatologist can also evaluate the skin and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for persistent acne.

woman smiling and applying acne cream to face

Helpful tips

Some ways to reduce and clear pimples include:

1. Washing the face daily

Washing the face every day helps remove excess oil that accumulates on the skin, which can reduce shine and help prevent pimples.

In general, it’s recommended to wash your face twice a day (morning and night) using water and a gentle facial cleanser or an acne-specific face wash. Use gentle circular motions while cleansing.

Avoid washing more than twice daily, because over-cleansing can dry out the skin and trigger increased oil production as compensation, which can worsen breakouts.

2. Applying an astringent facial toner

An astringent facial toner can help remove surface impurities and reduce the buildup that contributes to clogged pores. It may also help control oiliness, which can support pimple prevention and treatment.

Toner is typically used after cleansing to remove residue the cleanser may not fully eliminate. Apply a few drops to a cotton ball or cotton pad and gently sweep over the face in circular motions, without rinsing.

Many astringent toners contain alcohol and ingredients such as salicylic acid, calendula, tea tree oil, or aloe vera, and ideally should be selected with a dermatologist’s guidance based on skin needs.

3. Moisturizing the skin

Moisturizing after cleansing and applying a toner helps support the skin barrier, even when skin is oily. A moisturizer formulated for oily or acne-prone skin can help limit excess sebum production that may contribute to new pimples.

Some moisturizers also include ingredients that provide gentle chemical exfoliation throughout the day, which can help smooth skin texture and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. Options with anti-inflammatory action may also help reduce the visible redness and swelling of pimples.

A targeted spot product may also be used on individual pimples to help dry and conceal them, especially those containing keratolytic, anti-sebum, and antibacterial agents.

4. Applying a pimple-drying gel

A pimple-drying gel can help reduce inflammation, redness, and pimple size, helping breakouts clear faster.

These gels often contain ingredients such as salicylic acid, aloe vera, or bisabolol, and are typically applied directly onto pimples once daily after washing the face.

5. Applying sunscreen daily

Using a non-greasy sunscreen every day can help manage oiliness and reduce the risk of dark marks that can develop after pimples.

A sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is generally recommended, applied at least 15 minutes before going outside, including on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours, and reapply immediately after sweating or after sports activities such as swimming.

A dermatologist can help choose the most appropriate sunscreen for a specific skin type.

6. Exfoliating the skin

Exfoliating 1 to 2 times per week can help unclog pores and keep skin cleaner, which may help pimples improve faster and reduce the likelihood of new breakouts.

This is because exfoliating ingredients can support pore cleansing, help remove dead skin cells, and promote skin cell turnover.

Exfoliants may be physical (with small granules or microbeads such as silica or polyethylene) or chemical (with ingredients such as acetylsalicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, pyruvic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids). They should be used with dermatologist guidance because they may cause skin irritation.

7. Applying a purifying mask

Using a purifying mask at least once per week, such as a clay-based mask, can help remove impurities and excess oil. This may help pimples improve more quickly.

These masks are available at pharmacies and drugstores, and some may include sulfur in the formula, which can strengthen the cleansing effect.

Follow the manufacturer’s directions when using a clay mask, since application time varies by product. A common approach is leaving it on the face for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinsing; applying a non-greasy moisturizer afterward can help prevent dryness.

Soaps, toners, lotions, and masks can be purchased at pharmacies or supermarkets.

8. Getting a deep facial cleansing

A deep facial cleansing can help remove impurities and dead skin cells, support skin renewal, and improve overall skin appearance.

It is often recommended about once per month for combination or oily skin, or every two months for normal to dry skin.

Deep cleansing can be done at home or in aesthetic clinics, but it should not be done when pimples are inflamed. A more intense exfoliation and stronger products may worsen inflammation.

9. Chemical peel

A chemical peel is an aesthetic treatment that can also be used to reduce acne scars. It involves applying acids to promote cell turnover and remove dead skin cells, improving skin appearance.

Before starting this treatment, a dermatologist should evaluate the skin and determine which product and concentration are most appropriate. Chemical peels should be done when there are no signs of active inflammation on the skin.

10. Follow a healthy diet

Diet can affect sebum production and may influence how many pimples appear.

For this reason, it can help to prioritize foods associated with lower inflammation. Foods that help with acne include:

Fish, chia seeds, and walnuts rich in omega-3, which helps control inflammation in sebaceous follicles;
Oysters and sunflower seeds, which contain zinc, important for reducing inflammation, supporting healing, and decreasing oil secretion by the skin;
Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, which support the body and help reduce skin inflammation;
Water, important for skin hydration, with a general recommendation of at least 1.5 liters (50 oz) per day.

It can also be useful to observe whether a specific food seems to worsen pimples, since reducing or avoiding that food may help.

Some people report more pimples after eating chocolate, peanuts, dairy products, or using protein supplements, and for this reason it may be helpful to limit these when they appear to aggravate breakouts.

When to see a dermatologist

Seeing a dermatologist is recommended when pimples do not improve after a few weeks, when breakouts happen frequently, or when pimples leave dark marks or scars.

In these cases, a doctor may recommend:

Gels or lotions containing topical retinoic acid (tretinoin), salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or the combination of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide;
Antibiotics as creams or tablets, such as tetracycline, minocycline, or clindamycin;
Isotretinoin tablets.

Because acne may also be triggered by hormonal changes, using birth control pills or treating conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome or uterine fibroids may also be part of controlling blackheads and pimples.

Other treatments may also be recommended, such as radiofrequency, phototherapy, laser, or microdermabrasion.

How to Get Rid of Pimples: Helpful Tips & When to See a Dermatologist