As a general principle, no one is a fan of things that “lurk beneath the surface”. When it comes to blind pimples, these painful and unpleasant bumps can be an unwanted confidence killer and sometimes, leave a lasting scar. However, with the right skincare regime, you can not only banish these blemishes but also reduce their chance of forming in the first place. To aid you in the quest to achieve clear skin, we’ve enlisted the help of SkinCeuticals professional, Dr Elena Voskresenkaya, to advise you on everything you need to know about blind pimples.
What is a Blind Pimple?
Unlike other types of acne, blind pimples form beneath the surface of our skin. Consequently, while they may not be as noticeable as other forms of pimples that feature a protruding ‘head’, blind pimples can be incredibly sensitive and will not appreciate any prodding or poking. These nasty pimples, often caused by a cyst or a nodule, will, therefore, feel like a small, painful lump beneath the skin.
What Causes Blind Pimples?
According to Dr Voskresenkaya, the typical acne culprits are also the cause of blind pimples. Our skin naturally produces an oily substance known as sebum. However, when this is produced to excess, or when it comes into contact with bacteria and dirt trapped inside pores, blind pimples may form as a result. Consequently, Dr Voskresenskaya advises that thick, oily, very congested skin with large pores that have not been properly cleansed is more likely to develop blind pimples. If you’re a fan of sweating it out in the gym or like to indulge in some deep-fried food every now and again, don’t despair. Committing to a regular skincare routine can help to balance out oil levels and cleanse the pores, thus preventing these hidden breakouts.
How Long do Blind Pimples Last?
Unfortunately for anyone who develops a blind pimple, if these nasty lumps remain buried beneath the skin’s surface, it can take months for them to disappear. However, as Dr Voskresenkaya explains, it is the condition of the individual’s skin that often determines this. Therefore, if a blind pimple gets inflamed, it may make its way to the surface of the skin and resolve faster. When it comes to your skin, however, there is no reason to have to leave these things to chance. Establishing a proper treatment plan, therefore, is key to speeding up the natural healing process.
How to Get Rid of Blind Pimples
When it comes to blind pimples, prevention is the best method of attack. Incorporating a high-quality exfoliating cleanser into your skincare routine can work wonders by preventing any build up of excess dirt and oil. This will diminish the chance of dirt or bacteria becoming trapped within your pores and developing into a blind pimple. The second step in the preventative approach, it is so simple, you can do it while you sleep. Each night, Dr. Voskresenkaya recommends using products such as SkinCeuticals Blemish and SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 to further exfoliate and increase the cell turnover. This, nightly rejuvenation of the skin’s cells, she deems “is one of the keys to success in preventing blind pimples.”
If, however, despite routine cleaning and exfoliating, a nasty blind pimple forms, there are a range of treatment options to cut its time short. The first commandment when it comes to acne is simple. Thou shalt not pick, pop or poke. In other words, do not squeeze your blind pimple. While it may be tempting, this will cause further inflammation making the pimple more noticeable on the surface. Additionally, this could lead to a further spread of bacteria or to scarring.
To treat a blind pimple, warm compresses may aid in opening the pores and bringing the pimple to a head. This aids the skin to rapidly and effectively expel the bacteria. Another option is to apply a topical antibiotic, to target the bacteria that is the source of the inflammation. Finally, if home treatments fail and the pimple persists, Dr. Voskresenkaya recommends seeking professional treatment options. These may include remedies such as a salicylic acid peel treatment or a prescription of antibiotics.
Best Products for Blind Pimples
Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser
Vegan? Check. Non-irritating? Check. Free from essential oils, fragrance, SLS, and even gluten? Check. This pioneering jelly cleanser from Drunk Elephant ticks every single box when it comes to selecting a cleanser for any skin type. Created from all-natural ingredients, this cleanser washes away makeup and dirt while re-balancing the skin’s natural oils. As a result, it will leave you, and your skin, feeling clean, fresh, and ready for the day.
SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Mask
Unlock the secret to decongested pores with a weekly pampering session featuring SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque. Created from the earth’s natural clays, this deep pore cleansing masque will eliminate impurities. As a result, it is a must-have for reducing the oiliness of the skin and preventing blind pimples and acne.
Paula’s Choice Clear Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution
For women on the go, we recommend Paula’s Choice Clear Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution, to tackle all of your skincare woes with ease. Unclog pores while decreasing the appearance of redness, blackheads, and wrinkles with this exfoliant that is expertly formulated to suit all skin types. While you get on with your 9 to 5, active ingredients will ensure your skin remains clear and clean.
SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defence Serum
Eliminate congestion in the pores and stop acne in its tracks while you sleep with this formidable Blemish and Age Defence Serum. Don’t let its size fool you, this small miracle potion works wonders both above and below the skin’s surface. Diminishing the signs of aging while evening the skin tone, the serum will also reduce any excess sebum production and smooth the skin’s surface. Consequently, this targeted oil-free treatment is ideal for all skin types, including aging skin.
OBAGI ClenziDerm M.D. Pore Therapy Salicylic 2% Acne Treatment
Leave the skin feeling refreshed and ready for action with Obagi’s ClenziDerm M.D. Pore Therapy Salicylic 2% Acne Treatment. Rejuvenating the skin, this treatment strips away dead skin cells to encourage healthy cell regeneration and unclog pores.
FAQs
Can you pop a blind pimple?
You should never squeeze a blind pimple, as doing so will not only make it more painful but could also lead to infection and scars.
Do blind pimples have pus in them?
Unlike whiteheads and blackheads, a blind pimple has a red appearance without a head and is located underneath the skin's surface. They can often be more painful than regular pimples, are much harder to get rid of and form when a pore becomes inflamed.
How long do blind pimples last?
Blind pimples are among the most painful pimples and can last for days or months. They are located beneath the skin's surface and can be particularly challenging to remove. How long they last can depend on your skin condition and how you choose to treat it, speeding up the healing time. It is always helpful to establish a proper skin routine to prevent blind pimples from forming.
Can blind pimples leave scars?
Blind pimples can absolutely leave scars if you poke and prod at them. If you attempt to pop them, this can cause infection and lead to scarring and a further spread of bacteria. If you leave them alone or treat them with a warm compress or topical ointment, you should not have any lasting marks.
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