Got an unwelcome guest just in time for a date or an important job interview? If you're dealing with a pesky pimple that you want to get rid of fast, you're not alone. Over 85% of all people struggle with acne and breakouts, and getting rid of a pimple quickly is often a top priority.

The underlying cause of acne (genetics and hormones) takes more than a quick fix, but there are actually some ways to get rid of a pimple overnight.

1. Keep the affected area clean

The first step in getting rid of a pimple is to keep the affected area clean. Use a gentle, non-drying cleanser to wash your face. Avoid foaming cleanser with sulphates (SLS or SLES) as these can irritate the skin.

2. Use Cloud Water BHA Toner

Now, it’s time to gently exfoliate the skin surface and unclog pores from dead skincells and sebum that acne bacteria thrive on. However, too strong exfoliating acids can irritate skin.

BHA stands for Beta-Hydroxy Acid, which is a type of chemical exfoliant. The most common BHA used in skincare is salicylic acid – and that’s also our secret weapon in Cloud Water. Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deep into the pores and help to unclog them. This makes salicylic acid a popular choice for those with blemish-prone skin, as it can help to reduce the occurrence of acne.

BHA works by exfoliating the skin, which means it removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Dead skin cells can accumulate in the pores and contribute to the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. By removing these dead skin cells, BHA helps to prevent clogged pores and can prevent future breakouts.

BHA also has anti-inflammatory properties, which is great news if you have an angry pimple. Acne is an inflammatory condition, so by reducing inflammation, BHA can make a big difference on acne-prone skin.

Apply Cloud Water BHA Toner to clean, dry skin after cleansing. With a cotton round, apply it all over your face or on the specific area.

3. Don’t pop your pimple

As tempting as it may be, it's important to resist the urge to pick or pop a pimple. Popping or picking a pimple can worsen the inflammation and cause red or dark marks (called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) or permanent scarring.

– A rule of thumb can be to always have at least an arm's length distance to your mirror and not use magnifying mirrors or very bright light when looking at your skin, advises our dermatologist Dr Anahita Ghorbani.

It's also important to avoid touching your face, as this can transfer bacteria from your hands to your skin and make worsen the inflammation.

Instead, move on to step 4!

4. Apply your pimple patch

Now it’s time for your pimple patch. Cloud Patch is the ideal pimple patch for individual pimples, and Moon Patch XL Pimple Patch is ideal for cluster breakouts.

– A pimple patch creates a physical barrier against popping and picking at the skin, but a hydrocolloid sticker – which is less drying than other types – also allows your blemish to recover faster, and heal uninterrupted, says dermatologist Dr Anahita Ghorbani.

Common Clouds pimple patches are made from hydrocolloid – a superstar, science-backed material that creates the optimal conditions for your skin to heal in, and has been used in wound-care since the 1980s. Hydrocolloid helps to absorb fluid and gunk from the pimple in as little as 6 hours. We infused our pimple patches with three types of centella asiatica to calm redness and sort out any anger issues your skin might have.

5. Wait at least 6 hours or overnight

Catch your zzzz’s while your pimple patch is doing the work from you. Gently remove in the morning, and repeat if needed.

In conclusion, getting rid of a pimple overnight is possible, but it takes some effort and patience. By keeping the affected area clean, using a pimple patch, and avoiding the urge to pick or pop the pimple, you can help reduce its size and redness.