What Not to Do If You Have a Deep Pimple (With Helpful Tips That Actually Work)
Let’s talk about those really annoying, painful pimples that seem to come from nowhere and just sit there under the skin.
You know the ones I mean — big, sore, and impossible to ignore.
These are often called deep pimples, cystic pimples, or sometimes underground pimples, and they’re very different from the usual whiteheads or little breakouts most of us deal with from time to time.
Deep pimples live under the surface of your skin, which is why they hurt more and take longer to go away. They can feel like a hard lump that never quite comes to a head.
And when you’ve got one, it’s completely normal to want to do something right now to get rid of it… Squeeze it, cover it, treat it with everything you’ve got. I’ve been there too when I was a little younger.
But rushing in or doing the wrong thing can make things a lot worse. You could end up with more redness, more swelling, or even a scar that sticks around long after the pimple has gone.
The good news is that you can care for your skin in a gentle, smart way that really helps (no damage).
That’s what this guide is all about: the things not to do (even if you’re tempted) and some genuinely helpful tips to calm your skin and help it heal properly.
Let’s go through it step by step.
What Not to Do If You Have a Deep Pimple
When a big, painful pimple shows up, it’s easy to panic and try everything all at once. But trust me, there are a few things you definitely want to avoid — even if they seem like a good idea in the moment.
Here’s what to steer clear of:
1. Don’t touch, squeeze or pick at it
I know. It’s right there, it hurts, and you want it gone.
But squeezing a deep pimple can push the infection deeper, damage your skin, and leave a scar that takes months to fade.
These types of pimples don’t come to a head like others do — so there’s nothing to pop.
Hands off, even if it’s frustrating.
2. Don’t scrub your face or use gritty exfoliators
Scrubbing feels like you’re doing something, right? Like you’re cleaning out the problem.
But deep pimples aren’t caused by dirt — they’re under the skin — and rough exfoliating just makes things worse.
It irritates your skin, makes the area redder, and slows down healing.
3. Don’t layer on lots of acne treatments
Using everything at once (salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree, astringent toners…) is way too much.
Instead of helping, this kind of overload can dry out and irritate your skin.
And irritated skin doesn’t heal well.
Stick with one gentle product and give it time to work.
4. Don’t cover it with heavy makeup
It’s tempting to hide a deep pimple with layers of concealer or foundation, but doing that can clog the area even more.
If you really want to use makeup, choose something light and labelled as “non-comedogenic” (that means it won’t block pores), and always take it off gently at the end of the day.
5. Don’t ice it for too long
A little ice wrapped in a clean cloth can help reduce swelling, but more isn’t better here.
Holding ice on your skin for too long can damage it or even cause a cold burn.
Keep it short, just a minute or two at a time, with breaks in between.
6. Don’t use toothpaste, lemon juice or kitchen remedies
There’s a lot of dodgy advice online (things like putting toothpaste or lemon juice on your spot). Please don’t.
These can seriously irritate or burn your skin, especially if it’s already inflamed.
Just because it’s natural or “old school” doesn’t mean it’s safe!!
7. Don’t steam your face or apply heat directly
Heat opens pores, which can help with blackheads, but deep pimples aren’t sitting in your pores the same way.
Heat can actually make things worse by increasing swelling and pressure.
Not helpful.
8. Don’t stare at it in the mirror all day
This one’s sneaky. The more you look, the more you’re likely to poke at it, touch it, or just stress yourself out.
Try to leave it alone and go do something that makes you feel better — your skin doesn’t need the extra focus right now.
9. Don’t expect overnight results
I wish I could say there’s a quick fix, but deep pimples take time.
A few days, even a week or two, isn’t unusual.
The goal is to let it heal without turning it into a bigger problem.
Be kind to your skin and try not to rush the process.
10. Don’t ignore signs it might be infected
If your pimple gets super painful, starts leaking pus, or the redness spreads beyond the spot, it could be infected. In that case, don’t wait! It’s best to speak to a doctor or dermatologist.
There’s no shame in getting help if you need it.
Helpful tips and hacks that actually help deep pimples heal
Now that we’ve gone through all the things to avoid, let’s look at what does help.
These aren’t magic fixes (I wish!), but they’re gentle, effective ways to calm your skin and give that deep pimple the best chance of healing, without damage.
1. Use a warm compress once a day
This one’s simple but genuinely helpful.
A warm (not hot!) compress can soften the skin, improve blood flow, and sometimes help the pimple come to a head — gently.
Here’s how to do it:
- Soak a clean flannel or cloth in warm water.
- Wring it out and hold it against the pimple for about 5–10 minutes.
- Do this once a day, and make sure the cloth is freshly washed.
Don’t expect it to pop, that’s not the goal. The warmth can ease the pressure and support your skin’s natural healing process.
2. Pick one gentle spot treatment and stick with it
More is not better when it comes to acne products. Pick one, and give it a chance to work.
Good ingredients to look for:
- Salicylic acid – helps unclog pores
- Benzoyl peroxide (low strength) – fights bacteria
- Niacinamide – calms redness and inflammation
Choose just one of these, use a small amount once or twice a day, and don’t layer it with other harsh products.
If your skin gets dry or irritated, scale it back.
3. Try a pimple patch
Honestly? I love these.
Pimple patches are small, thin stickers that you place over the spot.
They protect it from your fingers, dirt, and bacteria — and some even contain ingredients that help draw out fluid.
They’re great if you tend to pick or touch your skin without realising.
Just make sure the area is clean before applying one, and leave it on overnight or during the day if you’re staying home.
4. Keep your skin clean, but DON’T overdo it
Twice a day is enough. Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser — nothing with strong alcohol or scrubbing beads.
If your face feels tight afterwards, your cleanser might be too harsh.
And don’t forget moisturiser! Yes, even if you have oily skin. A light, fragrance-free moisturiser helps balance your skin and supports healing.
5. Change your pillowcase regularly
This might not sound like a big deal, but pillowcases collect oil, sweat, and bacteria while you sleep.
Lying on that night after night can undo all your good skincare work.
Aim to change your pillowcase every 2–3 days when you’re breaking out.
It’s a small habit that makes a big difference.
6. Keep your hands off your face
This one’s tough, we all do it without noticing. But your hands carry germs, and touching your face can make breakouts worse or even cause new ones.
What helps:
- Tie your hair back if it falls onto your face.
- Keep your hands busy (a stress ball, fidget toy — whatever works).
- Notice when you’re most likely to touch your skin and gently stop yourself.
7. Rest and hydrate, it really matters
Your skin does a lot of healing while you sleep, so don’t skimp on rest.
And drinking plenty of water helps your body flush out waste, which supports clearer skin from the inside.
None of this is about being perfect — it’s about giving your skin what it needs to do its job.
FAQs: Deep pimple questions you might be asking!
Can you get rid of a deep pimple fast?
Not really — and trying to rush it usually makes it worse. Deep pimples take time because they form under the skin. You can reduce swelling and pain quickly with a warm compress and a good spot treatment, but healing properly takes patience. And that’s OK.
How should you treat a deep pimple at home?
Keep it simple and gentle:
- Warm compress once a day
- One spot treatment (salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or niacinamide)
- No touching, picking, or scrubbing
- Use a clean pillowcase, and keep your skin moisturised
That’s really all you need — no complicated routines.
Can you pop a deep pimple easily?
No — and please don’t try. Deep pimples don’t have a visible head, and squeezing them can push bacteria deeper into the skin, cause even more swelling, and leave a scar. It’s tempting, I know, but hands off.
How long does it take for a deep pimple to heal?
Anywhere from 5 days to 2 weeks is normal. Some go away faster, some take longer — especially if they’re large or hormonal. If it’s not infected and you leave it alone, it will usually settle down on its own.
Final tip from me to you
Deep pimples can feel like the end of the world when they show up, especially if you’ve got something coming up, or you’re already feeling self-conscious.
But the truth is, everyone gets them. What matters most is how you care for your skin and yourself during the breakout.
You don’t need to punish your skin or fix it fast. Gentle care, a bit of patience, and staying kind to yourself will always take you further than any harsh “quick fix.”
Patri xx
Resources
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