How to Get Rid of a Pimple Fast

There’s nothing like a big angry zit to light a fire under your skin care regimen. A breakout always feels like a call to do something, whether it’s chronic picking, trolling Instagram for a cure-all spot treatment, or frantically googling "how to get rid of a pimple fast." (And of course, the breakout always happens the day before a party where you know you’ll run into two exes and five frenemies.)

If you're looking for a strategy to make an acne flare-up calm down this second, we've got you. We talked to top dermatologists to find out exactly what to do when acne strikes and you're in a major hurry to get rid of it. Read on for the dos and don'ts of calming the inflammation and healing the irritated skin on the double.

1. Do ice the zit.

If you've got a swollen pimple on your face that's causing pain, reach for an ice cube. Wrap it in a thin cloth and set it on the offending spot for three to four minutes. Repeat throughout the day to relieve pain and temporarily reduce swelling.