A blind pimple refers to a lump nestled deep under the surface of the skin, and one that is easily identified by its lack of an opening or head. These pimples typically form when the skin’s oil glands are clogged as a result of excessive production of sebum. Sebum is the skin’s natural oil and is meant to ensure that your skin remains hydrated.When there is excess production of this oil, the result is inflammation which results in a painful red bump. The fact that such a pimple cannot be popped as it lacks a head means that pressure buildup increases the pain associated with theses pimples. The formation is often accompanied by scarring of the skin at the affected site.
There are a number of reasons why blind pimples develop. The use of makeup without its removal at night is one of the most common causes of blind pimples. Popping blackheads and whiteheads is also discouraged as it easily leads to the formation of blind pimples. Other causes of blind pimples include hormonal changes, poor skin hygiene and sensitivity to various skin products. While it is very tempting to squeeze a blind pimple, it is recommended that you seek natural remedies instead because it only increases the chances that you will spread an infection. Here are the top natural remedies available for you if you have blind pimples. Make sure you clean the affected skin using soap and warm water before applying your choice home remedy in order to prevent infection.
1. Warm Compress:
Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: A clean piece of cloth and hot water in a bowl. Alternatively, use a warm tea bag in place of the compress.
Difficulty: Easy
The purpose of a warm compress is to promote the flow of blood to the pimple, in effect hastening the process of healing. One of the key advantages of using this remedy is that it enables the pimple to develop a head. Once this head develops, it then becomes easy to drain the pimple. The warmth of the compress also reduces pain in the inflamed part of the pimple.
Directions:
- Soak your piece of cloth in the hot water for a couple of minutes.
- Wring out the excess water and carefully place it against the blind pimple.
- Let the compress remain on the skin for about 5 minutes.
- When the piece of cloth cools, dip it in the hot water once more and repeat steps 2 and 3.
- Use this remedy thrice daily until the pimple clears.
- You may use a warm tea bag in place of the warm compress. The tannins available in the tea bag also go a long way in reducing inflammation and speeding up the healing process.
2. Cold Compress:
Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Ice cubes and a clean towel.
Difficulty: Easy
A cold compress works perfectly when you need to deal with a blind pimple right away, especially the kind that is very painful. This is because the low temperatures help manage the pain while decreasing the swelling. If you need a quick fix for that annoying blind pimple, simply get your ice cubes out and use the directions below for this remedy.
Directions:
- Pour the ice cubes on the clean towel and wrap to create a pack. The reason for doing this is to prevent direct contact between the ice and the skin, a risk factor for frostbites.
- Apply the ice pack on the pimple and let it remain there for about 10 minutes.
- Once the ice starts melting simply replace the ice cubes and apply once more.
- Use this remedy at lest thrice daily to ease the pain at the blind pimple.
3. Aloe Vera:
Time Required: 25 Min
What You Need: Fresh aloe vera leaf, cotton wool and warm water.
Difficulty: Easy
Aloe vera is a great natural remedy for anyone suffering from blind pimples. This plant has wonderful skin healing properties that make it perfect for application when you get blind pimples. The plant’s gel not only speeds up the process of healing thanks to its antibacterial properties, it also restores the skin’s natural look, a much desired effect in people who have scarring from pimples. It is these set of properties that make aloe vera the go-to home remedy for blind pimples.
Directions:
- Break the aloe leaf into two to allow the extraction of the gel-like substance.
- Place some of the aloe vera gel on a piece of cotton wool and dab it at the site of the blind pimple.
- Let the gel remain in the skin for 15 minutes before rinsing off using warm water.
- Use this remedy thrice daily until you notice a significant improvement in the pimple area.
NOTE: In the absence of fresh aloe vera gel, you may use aloe juice that is available commercially.
4. Tea Tree Oil:
Time Required: 25 Min
What You Need: Tea tree oil, warm water (aloe vera gel may be used for dilution if you have sensitive skin), cotton wool and a light skin moisturizer.
Difficulty: Easy
Tea tree oil is, without a doubt, one of the most effective home remedies for treating blind pimples. This is because the oil not only contains antibacterial properties that destroy the bacteria present on the skin, it also goes a long way in averting further breakouts on the skin. Tea tree oil also soothes the pimple and this allows for quicker healing. By working as a skin cleanser, the use of this oil is an effective way to unblock the clogged pores that are one of the causes of blind pimples.
NOTE: Tea tree oil may cause irritation of the skin, so it is advisable to dilute it using warm water prior to application.
Directions:
- Place a teaspoon of the tea tree oil in a shallow bowl and mix with 9 teaspoons of warm water. (The ratio used for this dilution is 1:9 for the oil: water respectively). You may use aloe vera gel in place of water if your skin is extremely sensitive.
- Soak the cotton wool in the oil mixture and squeeze out the excess liquid.
- Apply the dilute Tea tree oil on the pimple and leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse your skin with warm water and follow this with the application of a light skin moisturizer. This is done to prevent the skin from drying out, while avoiding heavier skin creams that may further cause blockage of the skin pores.
- Use this remedy thrice daily until the pimple heals.
5. Honey Mask:
Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: Pure organic honey, warm water to rinse and mashed apple (optional).
Difficulty: Easy
A honey mask is one of the easiest yet most effective ways of dealing with a blind pimple. The efficiency of this remedy is attributed to the honey’s excellent antimicrobial properties. When used on the skin, honey fights off any bacteria present in and around the pimple. Additionally, honey is a superb skin cleanser, and what this does for your skin is that it prevents scarring that is associated with pimple-formation.
Directions:
- Mash a fresh ripe apple to create a pulp and mix this apple pulp with the honey. (If you opt not to use mashed apple, you can skip this step).
- Dip the cotton wool in the honey mixture and scoop just enough honey to apply on the blind pimple.
- Rub the mixture generously on the pimple and let it remain on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse your skin using warm water and apply a gentle skin moisturizer.
- Use this remedy twice daily in order to eliminate the blind pimple with ease.
6. Lemon Juice:
Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: 2 Fresh medium-sized lemons, cotton wool and warm water.
Difficulty: Easy
Lemon juice is a popular remedy used for blind pimples because the high concentration of citric acid tones down the skin as well as works to dry out the pimple. Lemon juice is also a gentle skin cleanser that allows dirt and debris to lift from the skin, an action which helps speed up the process of healing.
Directions:
- Wash the lemons well before chopping in half.
- Squeeze the juice from the lemons and collect in a bowl.
- Dip the cotton wool in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and dab it on the pimple.
- Let the juice remain on the skin for some 20 minutes.
- Rinse the skin using warm water. Repeat the use of this remedy thrice daily for about four days in order to notice positive changes.
7. White Toothpaste:
Time Required: 5 Min
What You Need: White toothpaste and warm water for rinsing.
Difficulty: Easy
White toothpaste has long been used as a reliable method for the elimination of annoying blind pimples. This is because the toothpaste contains clove oil, an excellent anti-inflammatory that provides pain relief. In addition to this, toothpaste helps dry out the pimple, and is for the most part, easy to use.
NOTE: Only white toothpaste is recommended for this home remedy as it does not contain additives which may cause skin irritation.
Directions:
- Clean your hands prior to the application of this home remedy (preferably at bedtime).
- Take a pea-sized amount of the white toothpaste and apply it on the blind pimple.
- Gently massage the toothpaste on the pimple, taking care not to apply excessive pressure that may lead to popping of the pimple.
- Let the toothpaste stay on the skin overnight.
- Wash off the dried toothpaste the next morning. Use this remedy for about a week or so until the blind pimple(s) clear.
8. Fresh Milk:
Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Fresh milk, cotton ball and warm water
Difficulty: Easy
Fresh milk has always been recommended for healthy glowing skin. The milk does not just clear pimples by diminishing the swelling, it also contains acids which help unblock the clogged skin pores. This is done with the effective removal of the skin’s top layer that consists of dead cells. Additionally, milk also gets rid of the dirt and grime on the skin’s surface. The next time you notice a blind pimple developing, get rid of it with fresh milk.
Directions:
- Dip a piece of the cotton wool in the milk and squeeze the excess milk.
- Use the soaked cotton wool to apply the milk on the blind pimple.
- Allow the milk to remain on the skin for 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
- Rinse your skin with the warm water and apply a gentle moisturizing agent. Use this remedy thrice daily until the blind pimple vanishes.
9. Witch Hazel:
Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Witch hazel
Difficulty: Easy
Witch hazel is an ideal home remedy, perfect for you the moment you spot blind pimples. This is because it is a naturally occurring astringent that causes the contraction of the skin’s pores. By tightening the skin, Witch hazel protects the skin from bacterial infections that would otherwise compound the blind pimples. As a natural astringent, Witch hazel also protects the skin from the production of excessive oil which triggers pimple development. Below are the steps to follow to use witch hazel.
Directions:
- Simply apply Witch hazel to the location of the blind pimple and let it remain on.
- Use this remedy thrice daily until the pimple clears.
In addition to incorporating the use of these home remedies in the management of blind pimples, it is also important to observe proper skin hygiene and a healthy diet. The latter ensures that your skin gets adequate nourishment thus boosting your immunity and helping the body fight off infections. For a number of people, avoiding stress factors also goes a long way in managing the health of their skin. Top this up with adequate exercise for healthy pimple-free skin.