There's nothing like a zit on your face to dampen your sunny day. Ladies, am I right? It's even worse if it is a big fat cystic pimple. Most days all you can do is try and hide it with a concealer and wait for it to disappear. However, there are a few ways that you can bring down the swelling and redness faster. Here are a few tips to try that you can do at home.

Trying to get rid of a cystic pimple with general acne medication won't do the trick as it lives under the surface of your skin. What you need to do is use a salicylic cleanser, like Philosophy Clear Days Ahead, to gently exfoliate the skin. It will help get rid of excess oil and prepare your skin for the next few steps.

Wrap a few ice cubes in a cloth and put it against the cystic pimple to bring down the swelling and reduce the redness. This method works because very cold temperatures help constrict blood vessels. Do this process three times per hour and take ten-minute intervals. Make sure to carry out this process after you wash your face, otherwise washing your skin after icing it will make it warm.

Inflammation is caused when acne-causing bacteria is trapped within the follicle. Benzoyl peroxide helps kill the bacteria. You'll want to use a light moisturizer before you proceed as it can cause irritation. Use the lowest percentage of benzoyl peroxide to avoid feeling the sting or burn.Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Vanishing Treatment Cream is one of the creams you can try.

Once the benzoyl peroxide dries up, use a hydrocortisone cream like the one from Aveeno. It contains a mild dose steroid which helps to shrink the cystic pimple. The longer you keep it on the more effective it will be in getting rid of the blemish.