Fill a clean container with hot water.
Use a bowl, sink, or some other temperature-safe container. Run your faucet until the water heats up or put on a kettle to boil. Once the water is piping hot, add about 2 cups (470 mL) directly into your container and let it sit until it cools down to 100 °F (38 °C). Use a thermometer for the most accurate reading, or wait until you can comfortably touch the water.
Add tea tree or lavender essential oils (optional).
Essential oils can soothe your skin and have antibacterial properties. They also smell nice and can help you relax while you use the compress. Just add a few drops of either tea tree or lavender (or both) into your container of warm water. You can also use the water to brew black tea and use that for your compress.
Soak a clean cotton washcloth in the hot water.
Carefully soak the towel to not burn your hands. If the water is still really hot, wait a few minutes to let it cool down. Think hot shower temperature—warm but not boiling. Take a clean washcloth and fully submerge it into the warm water so it’s completely saturated. If you don’t have a cotton washcloth, use a small towel or a microfiber cloth. Don’t use paper towels, which may fall apart and stick to your skin.
Wring out the excess water.
Squeeze out water until the compress is damp and not dripping wet. Remove the cloth from the hot water once it’s fully soaked. Then, squeeze and twist it well. Get as much water out of it as you can so you’re left with a warm, damp compress.
Apply the warm compress to your skin.
Leave the compress on your pimples for 10-15 minutes. Warm compresses are especially effective on deep, painful pimples that have developed into whiteheads, plus they can bring blind pimples to the surface. Don’t move the compress once you put it in place so it delivers consistent heat and moisture.
Use a warm compress 3-4 times a day for acne.
Repeat the process to clear out pimples and help them heal. The warmth from the compress helps draw out oil and bacteria trapped in your pimples and dissolves pus. Use a clean cloth and fresh water each time you make a warm compress so you don’t get any dirt or additional bacteria in your pimples.
Apply acne medications to help treat and prevent breakouts.
Use a pea-sized amount of acne medication on your pimples. Wash your face with a daily acne cleanser and use a small amount of topical acne medications that contain ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, azelaic acid, or retinoids to knock out stubborn pimples. Keeping your skin clean can get rid of any pimples you have and prevent new ones from developing. Using too much acne medication can irritate your skin and cause your problems to worsen. If you have severe acne, make an appointment to see your doctor or a dermatologist. They can prescribe stronger medication to help treat your acne.
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