How to Create a Hot Compress for Acne Treatment and Skin Health
Tried everything to treat your acne? A hot compress may be able to help! The warmth and moisture can soothe your skin and help clear out and heal stubborn pimples. The best part is how easy and simple they are to make. Follow the steps below to learn how.
1. **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 so it starts to cool down.
You don’t want to use boiling hot water or you could burn your skin.
2. **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.
3. **Be careful not to 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 washcloth and fully submerge it into the warm water so it’s completely saturated.
If you don’t have a cotton washcloth, you can use a small towel or a microfiber cloth. Don’t use paper towels, which may fall apart and stick to your skin.
4. **You want the compress damp but not dripping wet.** Remove the cloth from the hot water once it’s fully soaked. Then, squeeze and twist it well. Try to get as much water out of it as you can so you’re left with a warm, damp compress.
5. **Leave the compress on your pimples for 10-15 minutes.** A warm compress is especially effective on deep, painful pimples that have developed into a whitehead. Don’t move the compress once you put it in place so it delivers consistent heat and moisture.
6. **This will clear out pimples and help them heal.** The warmth from the compress helps draw out and get rid of oil and bacteria trapped in your pimples. 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.
7. **There are a variety of products that can help.** Wash your face with a daily acne cleanser to keep oil from building up and causing more pimples. Use topical acne medications that contain ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, azelaic acid, or retinoids to knock out stubborn pimples. Keep your skin clean and you can get rid of any pimples you have and keep new ones from developing.
If you have severe acne, make an appointment to see your doctor or a dermatologist. They may prescribe stronger medication to help treat your acne.
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