7 Ways to Hide Pimples - wikiHow (2024)

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Co-authored byPaul Friedman, MD

Last Updated: May 25, 2024References

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Use tinted moisturizer or sunscreen.

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1. Tinted products are a subtle way to make acne less obvious. This is a good middle ground if you don't want to wear makeup, but don't want to leave your pimple uncovered. Tinted moisturizer only has a little color in it, so don't expect this to hide acne completely—it just helps the color stand out less.

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Try concealer.

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1. See Also

   Can Toothpaste Get Rid of Pimples Overnight? 6 Acne TreatmentsDo Pimple Patches Work?How to Prevent and Treat Pimples and Acne - NIVEAShould You Use Vaseline on Your Face? Yes and No

   Use concealer instead of foundation over the problem areas. Concealer has a heavier consistency than foundation, so it does a better job hiding blemishes.^[1] Using a pointy concealer brush, place the concealer over your zit, then twist it to rub the concealer into every part of the zit.^[2] Once your zits are completely covered, apply foundation to the rest of your face as usual, blending it into the edge of the concealer.^[3] If the two products don't match perfectly, try mixing a little foundation into the concealer and giving the pimple cover-up another go.

   • Alternatively, you can apply the foundation first, leaving the zits uncovered. Then apply concealer gradually in thin layers until the color matches the rest of your face.^[4]
   • Whichever approach you choose, a little powder will help keep the makeup in place. On hot days, apply a setting spray as well.^[5]

Use color-correcting makeup.

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1. A green or yellow color corrector cancels out red, angry pimples. Dab just a little bit over the pimple with a concealer brush or cotton swab, then smooth it out with your finger.^[6] Next, dab the pimple with a concealer close to your skin tone.^[7] Blend the edges into the surrounding skin gently with your finger.^[8] To set the makeup to last all day, lightly press powder over it with a puff.

   • Work in bright light so you can see the acne from every angle and make sure the final result looks good.
   • When purchasing a concealer, test it on the back of your hand or the back of your jawbone to make sure the tone matches. An emollient-based concealer will help moisturize your skin while hiding the pimple.

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Shrink swelling with an ice cube.

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1. Cool down red, inflamed spots to shrink them for a while. Wash your skin with lukewarm water, then wrap an ice cube in a thin washcloth. Hold the washcloth against your acne for about a minute. If the pimple hasn't become smaller or less red, wait five minutes before applying for another minute. This isn't a permanent fix, but it can work as a quick solution before a video call or short hangout.^[9]

Try over-the-counter treatments.

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1. Anti-acne products usually take time to work. Gels and face washes are intended to help your acne recover over a few days or weeks. That said, they sometimes make angry pimples a little less swollen and obvious in a shorter time span. Here are a few treatments available at just about any pharmacy:

   • Salicylic acid is a common acne treatment, but can cause a skin reaction in some people.^[10] If you haven't used it before, try the lowest concentration product you can find, usually 0.5 to 1%.^[11] You can also find cleansers that are made with salicylic acid.^[12]
   • Benzoyl peroxide usually takes a few days to work if not longer, but it has much better long-term results than products promising "perfect skin right now." Start with a 2.5% concentration product and keep it on your face for only one or two minutes before washing it off, taking care to avoid hair and clothes.^[13] This treatment can put you at higher risk of sunburn.^[14]
   • Vitamin A cream, also known as Differin, is another great over-the-counter remedy for your acne.^[15]

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Visit the dermatologist.

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1. Cortisone and pimple drainage are fast, professional treatments. A dermatologist can safely cut into your pimples and drain them in a way that promotes healing without scarring. Nodules of acne, the hard and sometimes painful bumps that last longer than standard pimples, can be treated with a quick cortisone injection that gets rid of them within a few days.^[16][17] Needless to say, neither of these are treatments to try at home.

   • Cortisone injections are intended for one or two spots, not for large outbreaks. They also have some side effects, such as temporarily lightening the skin at the injection site.

Minimize future pimples.

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1. Acne prevention is more effective than treatment. We all wish we could make pimples go away immediately, but most of the time we aren't that lucky. There are some changes to your routine that can help prevent the next breakout:

   • Wash your face only with lukewarm water and mild soap without alcohol or astringents. Hot water, harsh ingredients, and facial scrubs can irritate your skin and make matters worse.^[18] Set aside time to wash your face twice a day.^[19]
   • Wash off makeup with soap and water, instead of makeup remover cloths. The cloths can leave your skin raw and vulnerable to infection.
   • Wash your sheets and pillowcases regularly.

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