Not only do blind pimples have the nerve to appear at the most inopportune times, but they are often painful and deep-rooted, as if attached to the darkest parts of your soul.
Thankfully, there are solutions to combating these weed-like annoyances, both in the short and long term. And to help break them down, we consulted Dr. Michele Squire, a PhD-qualified skincare scientist and founder of personalised skincare consultancy QR8.
Scroll on for everything you need to know about geting rid of blind pimples.
What Is A Blind Pimple?
Before we can work towards getting rid of these unwanted inhabitants, it's important to understand exactly what a 'blind pimple' is and why they appear.
"Known technically as a ‘papule’, a blind pimple is a superficial raised red lump that occurs when a pore (and its associated sebaceous gland) becomes inflamed," Dr. Squire told marie claire.
"These are distinguished from a ‘pustule’ which is exactly as it sounds (it contains pus and can be squeezed). In more severe inflammatory acne, blind pimples are often much larger in diameter, and are called ‘nodules’ or ‘cysts’."
What Causes Blind Pimples?
Blind pimples are usually triggered by a surge in hormones, which is why they commonly pop up around your menstrual cycle.
During this period (pun intended), the skin's oil glands become ultra-sensitive to this hormone surge, consequently reacting by over producing sebum, which gets trapped under the skin along with bacteria and other impurities and cause cystic acne.
Can You Pop A Pimple With No Head?
As oddly satisfying as popping a whitehead-style pimple can be for some, popping pimples is generally a no-no, and the same goes for prodding at a blind ones.
"Unfortunately, picking and squeezing papules or nodules to ‘bring them to a head’ usually results in a much larger lesion that takes longer to heal and increases the chance of a secondary infection and scarring," Dr. Squire explained.
"You can also force the mixture of sebum, bacteria and dead cells that is blocking the pore deeper into the skin, leading to increased inflammation."
How Do You Get Rid Of A Blind Pimple Fast?
Unfortunately, there is no overnight fix to making a blind pimple disappear (sorry!). However, the earlier you get to it (think: base camp level), the faster you'll be able to send the miniature mountain off on its merry way (less chance of seeing the summit).
"The best treatment is always prevention," Dr. Squire advised.
"Topical benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid (about 15-20%), and salicylic acid can penetrate into the blocked pore and unglue sticky skin cells and bacteria, so they are great options for keeping pores unblocked, reducing inflammation and inhibiting acne-causing bacteria.
"You need to use these ingredients consistently, cover the entire area that is prone to papules (i.e. not just ‘spot’ treat acute breakouts), and be patient, because they take time to work."
If you do get a blind pimple, here’s Dr. Squire's plan for twice daily treatment:
1. Wash the skin with a gentle cleanser and warm water and apply a warm (not hot!) compress — "This can help to liquefy the blockage and bring the pimple to a head."
2. Use gentle skincare (no scrubs, hectic acids, toothpaste or crushed up aspirin!) — "This includes your chosen acne active, as I mentioned above. My preferred option is azelaic acid."
3. Apply a pimple patch to flatten the raised bump and prevent picking — "Some patches contain dissolving micro-darts that deliver treatment actives directly into the papule. They also do double duty as 'pick-preventers'. Because each patch is designed to treat a single lesion, you can target the pimple directly, without irritating the surrounding skin. It’s an expensive and labour-intensive way of treating multiple pimples if you have acne though."
4. Be patient — "I know that is easier said than done!"
According to Dr. Squire, it's also important to note that these ingredients also come with a potential for irritation, so it takes time to phase them into your regular routine (although azelaic acid is less irritation than benzoyl peroxide, and can also help with post-inflammatory pigmentation).
"Chopping and changing between multiple treatments without giving them time to work will likely lead to frustration and the possibility of even more skin irritation," said Dr. Squire.
If You Leave A Blind Pimple Alone, Will It Get Worse?
While it might seem like leaving it alone is just giving it more time to get worse, blind pimples that are left untouched often go away on their own.
"If left alone, a blind pimple will usually resolve by itself, but it takes a very strong will not to pick at it!" Dr. Squire said.
How Long Does It Take For A Blind Pimple To Go Away After Treatment?
"This will depend on whether it comes to a head or not, and how long the body’s normal physiological processes take to clear inflammation. It will also depend on whether it is a superficial papule, or a deeper nodule," Dr. Squire emphasised.
"Just remember, there is no miracle or overnight cure. Acne scarring lasts a lifetime, so if you don’t see any improvement after a month of consistent treatment, or if you are getting multiple pimples, it’s time for a visit to a professional who specialises in acne."
How Do You Prevent Blind Pimples Long Term?
Topical treatments aside, if you're looking to keep blind pimples from popping back up regularly, it's worth paying attention to your stress levels.
"There’s no magic bullet to prevent pimples sadly, except following a balanced lifestyle," Dr. Squire explained.
"There is very little scientific evidence linking food groups (especially dairy) to breakouts, and what does exist is conflicting. Stress can cause acne flares, so lifestyle habits that help to manage that are a good idea."
What About Blind Pimples Caused By Hormone Imbalances?
If you're getting recurring blind pimples in the form of hormonal acne, it's worth speaking to your GP or dermatologist about treatment.
"Although teenage acne is common due to the natural increase in androgen hormones during adolescence, acne can also flare during menstruation (it’s thought that this is because less oestrogen is available to suppress androgen-stimulated sebum production), and pregnancy," Dr. Squire told marie claire.
"Because of its hormonal basis, dermatological treatments for acne can include reducing sebum using hormonal methods. This includes oral contraceptives (to suppress ovarian androgen production) and androgen receptor blocking medication such as spironolactone and cyproterone acetate. Vitamin A derivatives (either topically or orally) can also reduce sebaceous gland activity."
