Overview

The American Academy of Dermatology characterizes pimples as papules or pustules that form on the surface of the skin. They're typically a result of dead skin and excess oil clogging the pores, which can cause inflammation and even infection of the hair follicles. As either inflammation or infection sets in, it results in raised, red bumps that can often fill with pus. Treatment of this skin condition relies heavily on self-care, and it can take anywhere between 4 and 8 weeks to see an improvement in your complexion. To ensure that pimples heal quickly, it's important to be consistent with any given treatment.

Step 1

Wash your face twice daily, urges the Mayo Clinic. Regardless of the treatment, wash the skin twice a day with warm water and a gentle cleanser. Lightly pat the skin dry.

Step 2

Apply a mild acne cream each day. The Mayo Clinic also recommends using a mild acne cream to help dry excess oil, kill bacteria and remove dead skin that may be causing your pimples. Gently rub creams containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or lactic acid onto the blemish as well as surrounding skin.

Step 3

Consider using a prescription acne cream. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests topical retinoids or antibiotics to help treat pimples. Retinoids diminish any obstructions that fill the pores and antibiotics kill bacteria associated with acne. This can reduce inflammation of the hair follicle, and thereby improve the appearance of the skin.

Step 4

Talk to your dermatologist about a combination cream. Combination creams combine antibiotics with either retinoids or benzoyl peroxide. The blend makes both ingredients more effective than when used alone, asserts the American Academy of Dermatology.

Step 5

If you are a woman, try oral contraceptives if other treatments fail to provide results. This type of medication actually dries excess oil that clogs the pores, explains the American Academy of Dermatology.