How to Get Rid of Little Pimples All Over the Face

by CHRIS SHERWOOD  

A young woman is trying to squeeze a pimple in her bathroom. Photo Credit Alliance/iStock/Getty Images

Pimples are a common skin problem that erupt on the face when sebum oil mixes with the dead skin cells in your pores to create a soft clog called a comedone. In areas that have high levels of sebaceous glands, such as the areas around your forehead, mouth and nose, there is a possibility of forming multiple pimples at the same time. When this occurs, there are several ways to help treat the entire affected area.

Step 1

Apply an over-the-counter treatment medication containing salicylic acid to the pimples on the face. Salicylic acid helps treat the pimples by breaking down the acne comedone as well as slowing down the shedding of skin cells in the affected follicles, states the New Zealand Dermatological Society.

Step 2

Apply an over-the-counter lotion or gel containing benzoyl peroxide to the pimples. Benzyol peroxide kills the acne-related bacteria Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes, as well as helps to remove dead skin cells to prevent future pimples from forming on the face.

Step 3

Take the full course of oral antibiotics to kill off the P. acnes bacteria and reduce the associated inflammation in the pimples, if prescribed by your physician. Common antibiotics for use on acne include erythromycin, tetracycline and minocycline. Combine oral antibiotics with the topical application of benzoyl peroxide to help reduce the chances of bacterial resistance to the antibiotic.

Step 4

Use a topical retinoid, such as adapalene, tretinoin or tazarotene, or take an oral retinoid medication, such as isotretinoin; these are only available with a prescription. Retinoids provide a wide range of treatment effects on facial pimples ranging from unclogging pores and reducing inflammation to preventing future pimples from forming on the face.

Step 5

Talk to your doctor about other potential treatments for more serious pimples on the face. Other options include laser treatments to reduce sebaceous glands, corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation or the physical extraction of blackheads and whiteheads by your doctor.

Things You'll Need

• Salicylic acid product
• Benzoyl peroxide product

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