10 Effective Home Remedies For Pimples Under The Skin (Blind Pimples)

Gentle solutions that calm deep acne and support your complexion’s natural healing.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 18, 2025

Gentle solutions that calm deep acne and support your complexion’s natural healing.

10 Effective Home Remedies For Pimples Under The Skin

Pimples under the skin, commonly called blind pimples, are painful, inflamed bumps lurking beneath the surface. Unlike typical acne, these do not form a visible head. They originate deep within the skin, often as a result of blocked pores, excess oil production, bacteria, or hormonal fluctuations. Blind pimples can be stubborn, but with the right home remedies, you can soothe inflammation, speed up healing, and minimize blemishes.

Warm Compress
Essential Oils
- Tea Tree Oil
- Cinnamon Oil
Raw Honey
Toothpaste
Aloe Vera
Apple Cider Vinegar
Lemon Juice
Epsom Salt
Green Tea Bags
Ice

Blind pimples are a form of cystic acne that remains under the skin’s surface. They feel tender, can be slightly swollen, and may be difficult to treat because the infection is buried deep. Attempting to squeeze or pop them can increase pain, push bacteria deeper, and lead to scarring or secondary infection.

1. Warm Compress

A warm compress is one of the most effective and safest ways to coax a blind pimple toward the surface. Warmth increases blood flow to the area, helps open pores, and encourages drainage of pus, relieving pain and swelling.

What You Need: Clean washcloth, warm water
Steps:
1. Soak a clean washcloth in warm water and wring out excess.
2. Apply the compress gently to the affected area for 10–15 minutes.
3. Remove; repeat 2–3 times daily.

This method softens the skin, promotes healing by bringing the pimple to a head, and can relieve discomfort.

2. Essential Oils

Essential oils harbor potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Two oils stand out in acne management: tea tree oil and cinnamon oil.

Tea Tree Oil

Why It Works: Tea tree oil’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action can suppress the bacteria responsible for acne (Cutibacterium acnes) and reduce redness and swelling.
What You Need: 1–2 drops tea tree oil, 1 teaspoon sweet almond or carrier oil, cotton swab
Steps:
1. Mix 1–2 drops of tea tree oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil.
2. Dip a cotton swab in the mixture and apply to the pimple.
3. Leave overnight, rinse in the morning.
4. Use daily.
Related: How To Get Rid Of Back Acne: 17 Proven Remedies For Clear Skin
Tip: Always dilute tea tree oil; undiluted oil may irritate skin.

Cinnamon Oil

Why It Works: Cinnamon oil contains bactericidal compounds that can combat acne-causing bacteria and may help prevent future breakouts.
What You Need: 1–2 drops cinnamon oil, 1 teaspoon carrier oil
Steps:
1. Combine 1–2 drops cinnamon oil with carrier oil.
2. Apply on pimples, leave overnight.
3. Wash off in the morning; use daily.

3. Raw Honey

Raw honey is naturally antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and soothing, making it effective for calming irritated skin and speeding up healing.

Application Steps:
1. Cleanse your face.
2. Apply a small amount of raw honey directly to the pimple.
3. Leave for 20–30 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
4. Repeat once daily.

Honey’s enzymes help cleanse pores and reduce the risk of scarring.

4. Toothpaste

Toothpaste contains ingredients like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and menthol that may temporarily dry out pimples and ease swelling. However, toothpaste formulations are not optimized for skin use, and some can cause irritation, so patch testing is advised.

Steps:
1. Apply a small dot of white (not gel-based) toothpaste on the pimple.
2. Leave on for 10–15 minutes, rinse thoroughly.
3. Use once per day.

Caution: Discontinue if redness or burning develops.

5. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel boasts anti-inflammatory and hydration properties, making it a gentle, effective remedy for pimples and sensitive skin.

Steps:
1. Scoop fresh aloe vera gel from the leaf or use pure gel.
2. Apply directly to the pimple and surrounding area.
3. Leave for 20–30 minutes, rinse.
4. Repeat 2–3 times daily.

Aloe soothes redness and helps skin heal without clogging pores.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which has antimicrobial and mild exfoliating properties. It helps balance the skin’s pH and dries up excess sebum.

Steps:
1. Mix 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water.
2. Apply with a cotton swab; leave for no more than 10 minutes.
3. Rinse and moisturize. Use daily.

Caution: Always dilute; pure vinegar may cause burns or irritation.

7. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is rich in citric acid and vitamin C, which help kill bacteria and reduce oiliness.

Steps:
1. Dab fresh lemon juice onto the pimple with a cotton swab.
2. Leave for 5–10 minutes, rinse thoroughly.
3. Use once daily.

Tip: Lemon juice can increase sun sensitivity; avoid using before sun exposure.

8. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt contains magnesium, which can reduce inflammation and help clean clogged pores.

Steps:
1. Dissolve ½ teaspoon Epsom salt in 1 cup warm water.
2. Dab on the pimple with a cotton swab.
3. Let dry naturally; repeat 1–2 times daily.

This remedy helps clear sebum and dead skin, promoting faster healing.

9. Green Tea Bags

Green tea is packed with polyphenols that possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory benefits. Using cooled tea bags soothes swelling and may reduce sebum secretion, helping prevent blind pimples.

Steps:
1. Refrigerate used green tea bags until cold.
2. Apply to affected area for 20–30 minutes.
3. Rinse off. Repeat 1–2 times daily.

Green tea’s natural compounds provide gentle relief and protect against future outbreaks.

10. Ice

Ice cubes offer immediate relief for swollen, painful blind pimples by constricting blood vessels, reducing redness and swelling.

Steps:
1. Wrap ice cubes in a clean towel.
2. Hold over the pimple for 5 minutes.
3. Repeat 3–4 times daily.

Ice can also help minimize the size and appearance of pores in the area.

When To Seek Medical Treatment

Most blind pimples respond to home remedies, but persistent or recurrent lumps may require medical care. Dermatologists may recommend:

Prescription retinoids (like adapalene)
Topical antibiotics or anti-inflammatories (e.g. clascoterone, azelaic acid, Aczone)
Oral antibiotics (for severe or resistant cases)
Hormonal blockers (e.g. spironolactone, birth control)
Cortisone injections (for large, painful nodules)
Acne patches or hydrocolloid dressings
LED light therapy (blue/red to target bacteria and inflammation)

Prevention Tips For Blind Pimples

Keeping skin clean, minimizing clogged pores, and reducing triggers can help prevent blind pimples:

Wash face twice daily with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser.
Avoid touching your face and picking at pimples.
Exfoliate regularly with mild scrubs or acids to remove dead skin.
Choose oil-free makeup and sunscreen.
Avoid heavy moisturizers that can block pores.
Manage stress, as hormonal changes can cause outbreaks.
Adopt a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and low in refined sugars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Should I try to pop a blind pimple?

A: No. Attempting to pop blind pimples can push bacteria deeper, increase pain, and cause scarring or infection.

Q: Are natural remedies as effective as prescription treatments?

A: Home remedies may relieve mild blind pimples and speed up healing but cannot replace prescription treatments for severe or cystic acne.

Q: How long do blind pimples take to heal?

A: With gentle care, most blind pimples resolve within 7–14 days. Persistent or painful lumps may require professional treatment.

Q: Is toothpaste safe for treating pimples?

A: Toothpaste can dry pimples but may irritate sensitive skin. Patch test before use and avoid gel-based or colored formulas.

Q: When should I consult a dermatologist?

A: Consult if pimples are large, painful, not responding to home care, or if you notice spreading, scarring, or signs of infection (redness, pus, fever).

Remedy Comparison Table

Remedy	Main Action	Best For	Application Frequency	Safety Tip
Warm Compress	Opens pores, relieves pain	Swelling, deep pimples	2–3 times daily	Test temperature to avoid burns
Tea Tree Oil	Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory	Infected areas	Once daily	Always dilute before use
Cinnamon Oil	Kills bacteria	Recurring pimples	Daily	Dilute; avoid eye area
Raw Honey	Antibacterial, soothing	Red, painful spots	Once daily	Use pure raw honey
Toothpaste	Dries out pimples	Quick relief	Once daily	Patch test first
Aloe Vera	Reduces inflammation	Sensitive skin	2–3 times daily	Use pure gel only
Apple Cider Vinegar	Antibacterial, exfoliating	Oily, congested skin	Daily	Always dilute
Lemon Juice	Kills bacteria	Small pimples	Once daily	Avoid sunlight after use
Epsom Salt	Reduces inflammation, cleans pores	Large or persistent pimples	1–2 times daily	Rinse if irritation occurs
Green Tea Bags	Antioxidant, controls sebum	Inflamed, oily skin	1–2 times daily	Use cooled tea bags
Ice	Reduces swelling, numbs pain	Acute inflammation	3–4 times daily	Never apply ice directly to skin

Dermatologist Tips For Better Results

Never pick, squeeze, or scratch blind pimples—this increases scarring risk.
Clean applicators, towels, and pillowcases frequently.
Use gentle, non-comedogenic skin care products.
See a dermatologist if pimples are large, recurrent, or cause severe discomfort.

Final Thoughts

Treating blind pimples requires patience and gentle care. These remedies focus on soothing inflammation, fighting infection, and encouraging natural healing. While home care can be effective for mild cases, never hesitate to seek medical attention for persistent or severe symptoms. Consistent skin care routines, preventive habits, and healthy lifestyle choices offer the best defense against future outbreaks and ensure a clear complexion.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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