Raise your hand if you've ever had a pesky pimple show up uninvited right before a big event! But what about those sneaky blind pimples? The ones that sit just under the surface and then creep up on you. What even are they? And more importantly, how can we say "bye-bye" in the nick of time without making them even angrier? Let’s discuss!
What is a blind pimple?
First things first, let's look at what a blind pimple really is. They can also sometimes go by their more formal name, ‘closed comedones' but we like to keep things relaxed around here, so we’ll just keep it casual. A ‘blind pimple’ forms when dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria clog the pores and cause inflammation. Unlike regular pimples, which form on the surface of the skin and have a visible head, blind pimples are deeper and more difficult to see. They often feel like a painful bump or lump under the skin and can be red, swollen, and tender to touch.
Are blind pimples hormonal?
Now, you might be wondering why blind pimples seem to pop (pun most definitely intended) up out of nowhere and why some people are more prone to them than others. One common culprit is hormones. Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during that lovely time of the month, and pregnancy, can cause an increase in sebum (oil) production, which in turn leads to clogged pores and acne, including our beloved blind pimples.
So, if you notice that your blind pimples tend to appear around certain times of the month, now you know why.
How long until a blind pimple goes away?
Ahh, the age-old question. Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this, as it can depend on a variety of factors, including the size and location of the breakout, your skin type, and how well you take care of your skin. On average, a blind pimple can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks (sigh). The good news is that there are definitely some hacks you can try out to help speed up the healing process.
Why are blind pimples so painful?
If you've ever dealt with a blind pimple, you know that they can be pretty uncomfortable. When the pore becomes clogged and the immune system kicks in to fight off the bacteria, it can cause swelling, redness, and pain. Additionally, the pressure from the buildup of pus and oil can put even more strain on the skin and nerve endings, making the pimple even more tender.
If you've ever had one, you know that they can be super uncomfortable. But the real question is why do they hurt so damn much? It all comes down to inflammation, bestie.
When a pore becomes clogged, whether by dead skin cells, oil, or bacteria, it can trigger an immune response. Your body's defence mechanisms kick into high gear to fight off the intruders, and that's when the inflammation starts. The area around the clogged pore becomes swollen, red, and tender to the touch. The inflammation can also irritate nearby nerve endings, making the pimple even more painful.
But wait, there's more! These pesky pimples can be especially tough to treat because they live deep beneath the surface of the skin. All the pressure from the buildup of pus and oil can put even more strain on the skin and nerve endings, increasing the pain.
So, to put it simply, blind pimples are painful because of inflammation and pressure. But there are ways to treat them and ease the discomfort, so there’s no need for a menty-b bestie.
How do you get a blind pimple out?
As we mentioned earlier, blind pimples are notoriously difficult to pop, and we’d highly, HIGHLY suggest that you try and avoid doing this – we know, it’s hard to resist. That's because they're not at the surface of the skin, meaning that squeezing them can actually make things worse both now and further down the track. So, what can you do instead? One hack is to apply a warm compress to the area. This can help soften the skin and bring the pimple closer to the surface, making it easier to extract. Another option is to grab your spot treatment, aka our cult favourite acne hack spot treatment, which dives in below your skin's surface and attacks the bacteria living in your skin's biofilm, which can help to unclog the pore and reduce inflammation.
What happens if you pop a blind pimple?
We get it – sometimes the temptation to pop that pimple can be too strong to resist. But trust us when we say that it's not worth it. Popping a blind pimple can just lead to more inflammation and scarring. Here's what happens if you pop a blind pimple:
Increased inflammation:
Popping a blind pimple can cause the surrounding skin to become even more inflamed, red, and painful.
Risk of infection:
When you pop a pimple, you introduce bacteria and dirt from your hands and nails into the open wound, increasing the risk of infection.
Scarring:
When you pop a pimple, you are essentially damaging the skin cells around it. This can lead to scarring and dark spots, which can take a long time to heal.
So, as tempting as it may be to pop that blind pimple, it's best to resist the urge and let it heal on its own.
How do you get rid of a blind pimple quickly?
Dealing with a blind pimple can be a real pain, especially when it pops up right before the first date you had planned and now you're wanting to get rid of it quickly. Here are some quick tips that can help. First up, there are two things that may actually seem counterintuitive, but, when used together, they’re a game changer for a blind pimple.
Apply ice
Wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth and hold it against the pimple for a few minutes at a time. This can help reduce swelling and pain.
Use a warm compress
Dip a clean cloth in warm water and hold it against the pimple for a few minutes at a time. This can help bring the pimple to a head and make it easier to extract.
Cleanse
Start off by cleansing your skin as you usually would with the anti-bacterial cleanser.
For more info on how to properly cleanse your skin, read here.
Apply your spot treatment
After cleansing, take the acne hack spot treatment and apply it to the breakout. Let the product sit on the skin for 5 minutes, allowing it to soak in properly, before applying any other products.
Apply a pimple patch
Bestie, if you’re not applying pimple patches to your blind pimples, honestly, what are you doing? They help prevent you from picking at said pimples because we all know how tempting that can be, and they have acne fighting ingredients in them; it's really a win-win situation.
Don't pick or squeeze
As we just said, we know how tempting it can be to try and extract a blind pimple, but this just makes the problem worse. Picking or squeezing causes more inflammation and increases the likelihood of scarring.
Blind pimple treatments
There are a number of treatment options available for blind pimples. Here are some of the most effective:
The acne hack spot treatment
We can't help but rave about our beloved acne hack spot treatment and its incredible power in fighting blind pimples. With its patented technology, this little gem clears blemishes, removes congestion, and prevents future breakouts. But wait, there's more! It also targets acne-causing bacteria, making it a true game changer in your skincare routine. But in all honesty, bestie, we wouldn't recommend it if we didn't believe in its magic.
Salicylic acid
Guess what? Our pimple patches contain this superstar ingredient – salicylic acid! It's a beta hydroxy acid that does wonders in unclogging pores.
Tea tree oil
In case they weren’t already good enough, you can also find this gem of an ingredient in our famous pimple patches. Tea tree oil reduces redness and swelling, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.
Blind pimples can be a frustrating and painful type of breakout to deal with, but there are ways to treat and prevent them. By understanding what causes them and following some of the treatment options we've discussed, you can help reduce inflammation, prevent future breakouts, and get back to feeling confident in your own skin. Remember, it's important to be patient when dealing with blind pimples. It may take a few days or even a week for the pimple to go away completely. In the meantime, be gentle with your skin and avoid picking or squeezing the pimple. With the right treatment and a little patience, you can get rid of that blind pimple and get back to feeling confident in your skin.
We know they can be a real pain in the face, but there are ways to fight back, so don't let blind pimples get you down! By knowing what's causing them and using some of the treatments we've talked about, you can reduce inflammation, prevent future breakouts, and feel good about your skin again. Just remember, it takes time to heal, so don't get too frustrated if you don't see immediate results. Be gentle with your skin and resist the urge to pick or squeeze that blind pimple. With a little patience and the right tools, you can kick that blind pimple to the kerb!
